The Ayruvedic approach to beauty is true to its core as are my mother and grandmother.
Vogue asked Beauty Experts on the Lessons They’ve Learned From Their Mothers. Our CEO & Founder, Juhi Singh shares the following beauty and wellness rituals passed down from her mother and grandmother:
What was your moms relationship to beauty while you were growing up? How did your mom shape your relationship to beauty and wellness as it stands today?
An Indian home is generational, so on Mother's Day, I must speak on the two women who shaped my life and conception of beauty: My mother and my grandmother. As a child, I was shown simplicity when it comes to beauty. Growing up, I remember my grandmother would not be without her pure vitamin E oil. For decades, I watched her massage that oil in a fifteen-minute, upward-stroke facial routine followed by a glass of plain room-temperature water on an empty stomach! My mother was not without her Manuka honey. They were both great moisturizers that complemented their individual Ayurvedic doshas. My mother always advised that the skin around one's eyes is like plastic wrap, once pulled it doesn’t snap back! [Doing] less in youth provides a more virgin slate for anything you choose to have done in age. All that being said, my mom taught me that there is no such thing as outward beauty alone. Beauty shines through health, a clear mind, resilience, and kindness. As an Ayurvedic specialist, I am certain that beauty’s true origin lies beneath the skin. As a modern woman, I like my pretty pots of potions. Of course, we don’t always have the time to mortar and pestle our own DIY facial masks. But nothing says that modern developments and ancient wisdom cannot be combined. So next to my grandmothers vitamin E and my moms Manuka honey sit a few of-the-moment gems. Pure Essentials Ultra Skin, Hair and Nail Repair to start. Pure Essentials is an unparalleled line of supplements that make your cells smile. My entire life’s work emerged from the philosophy of my mother, grandmother and heritage. The Ayurvedic philosophy that puts purity above all else. Purity of mind, body, and spirit.
What is your earliest beauty memory of your mom?
Her hugs. Her smile, her encouragement. All three remain to this day. If each of us could see ourselves through our mother’s eyes we would have no doubt of our beauty and value. Although born into a holistically minded home in India, I was raised in the Western World. So of course in my teens I wanted liner, shadow, and mascara along with turmeric tea. I can’t tell you that first motherly guided application resulted in a Vogue-worthy cover but I’m pretty good at it now. The memory of it never fails to bring me a smile. A smile looks beautiful on everyone.
What are the most valuable beauty and/or wellness lessons and why?
I remember my mom and grandmother cooking. Meals, in an Indian home are a show of love. Love for the health and well-being of the family. In Ayurveda, food is medicine. Kitchari is our signature home dish. Kitchari is a mix of basmati rice, lentils and spices. There are as many recipes for it as families. The type and quantity of added spices depends upon the unique constitution of each family member. I think treating your mom to a visit with an Ayurvedic Practitioner is the perfect Mother’s Day gift of health. Her Dosha is as unique as she is.