The Booming Market of Handmade Cosmetics in India
As the Indian cosmetics industry makes impressive strides, it is also becoming specialised into different sectionals. From a couple of brands at the local kirana store, to specialist beauty solution providers, we have come a long way. But one the most interesting developments has been the marriage of new and old like we see in handmade cosmetics India. Although canny marketers have tried to sell it as the new best thing, it is hardly that. In fact, in a land that has long had a tradition of handcrafted materials, cosmetics also have a long history. Ayurveda actually has detailed formulations for various cosmetics and personal care products. These are part of our tradition, so it is not surprising that handmade cosmetics have always been around. History of handmade cosmetics Ayurveda is known as one of the world’s most ancient medicinal systems. Its wellbeing and cosmetic formulations are less well known. Yet it is a rich storehouse of such information. The classics Meghdootam and Abhigyanam Shakuntalam mention the ornamentation of women. Even the epic Mahabharata has many such passages where women are described as putting on cosmetics. In fact, the history of cosmetics is as old as humankind. Men and women have tried to improve their appearance in many ways, using soot for kajal, natural colours on their cheeks and lips and painting their face. The story of cosmetics, or the art of ornamenting the body, obviously starts with handmade products as using any machines would have been impossible.