I’m half Pakistani, half Kashmiri. Dreamily enchanted by both of these realms and disposed to the desi allure, beauty has always been in focus—but in ways that haven't always felt superficial. With sacred, centuries-old wisdom, my parents taught me about the value of taking care of this mysteriously god-given body in ways that feel more spiritual than anything else. The way I learned about beauty, it felt like lessons in transcending the mundane and reaching otherworldly bliss. Here’s my guide to divine beauty.
First thing you do when you wake up?
Pulling away my silk sleeping eye mask, I take a deep breath and say thank you to the day. Dehydrated and disoriented from melatonin-induced dreams, I guzzle the water I keep next to my bed. I might jot a few statements of gratitude in my journal. I’ll check my horoscope on an amalgamation of apps and websites, gather a whirlwind of conflicting information, and head to the kitchen, feeling both confused and roused. I make a cup of chai or matcha—with stevia and almond miIk, then wash my face. I use the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter cleansing oil with a turmeric konjac sponge.
Any ritual health/beauty/wellness routine or products?
After cleansing, don’t dry your face. While it’s still wet, I glide the Bioderma Hydrabio Serum (followed by a hyaluronic acid and Retin-A infused moisturizer) all over in upward motions, using pressure, then gliding down my neck. This helps to drain fluid retention—I’m a big fan of lymphatic drainage. This combined with daily dry brushing on my body and a self-imposed lymphatic drainage massage helps me feel lighter and more awake during the day, and more calm and free at night.
Favorite feature(s) on yourself and why?
My hands and forearms remind me of my mother’s; they feel very elegant yet strong, especially when adorned in gold.
How does your background affect your routine?
Growing up desi, the emphasis was always on beauty and physical and spiritual pampering. It was about cultivating energy that both wards off the evil eye, and yet somehow, attracts it. I think that means that you look so beautiful that people might become envious, yet you’re so enlightened, you could never be affected. My mom always taught me to take extra good care of my hair (like its strands of gold) and skin (like it’s a delicate petal). My routine makes sure that I spend most of my time taking care of these two.
What do you do to stay healthy?
I’m not someone who practices wellness in the usual sense of the word—like, running, or eating fruit salads. But these things keep me feeling healthy in my own way: matcha (for calm energy), fish oil (for inflammation), collagen (for vitality), cold showers (for immunity), journalling (for peace), and prayer (for alignment).
Any cultural tips/tricks you've learned from family and/or friends?
* 1. Honey. Brush it on your cleansed face and leave it on for 10 minutes, then wash off with cool water. This makes you glow like nothing else, and its antibacterial properties help clear breakouts.
* 2. Almond oil. Soak your hair in it, overnight if you can. Wash out as usual. Insane hair.
* 3. Eye cream. Use it.
How do you choose beauty products?
It’s important to look at the ingredients and their purpose. Anything with hyaluronic acid is divine for skin seeking hydration. I like to buy eye creams with caffeine in them, because it shrinks blood vessels and reduces puffiness. I avoid products with alcohol—you don’t need to put alcohol on your face.
How does your culture/ethnicity and identity intersect and affect your beauty preferences (or grievances)?
I’m not sure. I think because my value system regarding beauty is based largely on self-care and spiritual energy, ironically, the physical might feel peripheral. I think anyone who takes care of themselves and carries themselves with grace and genuineness radiates and emanates an alluring beauty.
If you were to create the perfect beauty/wellness product for yourself, what would it be?
Probably something combining matcha, collagen, and SSRIs.
Amna Khurshid is a visual artist and writer located in Montreal, Canada. Khurshid currently works in fashion marketing at SSENSE. Her book, "Versus: Portraits of Pain, Power, & Beauty", is available at www.amnakhurshid.com and at SSENSE Montreal.