Beauty Basics

BY KANIKA GAUTAM   Bharti Taneja’s ALPS beauty and wellness brand has been the market leader in the beauty segment for the last three decades. The legendary brand’s products have been close to our heart since the early years of Bharti Taneja’s ALPS, however, with the new challenges posed by the Corona Pandemic the brand has introduced few novel innovations in healthcare niche including Dr. Bharti Taneja’s Intense alcohol hand rub, super sanitizing hand rub, disinfecting personal cleaner, kid herbal sanitizing cleaner, herbal Veg & fruit wash, disinfectant for fog machine, gadget cleaner, currency disinfectant that meet the need of the hour.   Cosmetologist Dr. Bharti Taneja’s first love and passion has always been beauty. She launched her beauty business in the 80s, and since then she has been passionate about making the world beautiful.   Bharti Taneja’s Alps beauty clinic is an amalgamation of skin science, technology and beauty. It offers both dermatological advanced treatments and all-natural skin therapies. From skin, hair, nail treatments to anti-aging procedures – one can find everything under one roof at the Alps Beauty Clinic. Today, there are over 50 Bharti Taneja’s ALPS Clinics across India.   Dr. Taneja also played a huge role in bringing skilled talent to the beauty industry, by launching her institute ‘ Bharti Taneja’s ALPS Academy,’ where she started offering advanced, science-based beauty knowledge to students.   Further talking about ‘Made in India’ initiative by Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi, she adds, “We have always believed in vocal for local. We source indigenous ingredients since the beginning and now working towards to establish our beauty brand as a leader in the global market. The prices are competitive and at a fraction of the foreign brands with similar quality.”   Bharti Taneja’s beauty essentials, hair essentials and makeup essentials have been in the news for creating the best beauty solutions that mesmerize the Indian clientele. The long lasting and good quality color cosmetics are well suited for Indian skin. The anti-wrinkle product that Bharti Taneja’s ALPS has in its repertoire has helped many women gain youthful skin and glowing complexions even at mature ages. The anti-acne formulations clear the skin in no time and one can rest assured of getting clear and youthful skin. All one has to do is open a jar of Dr. Taneja’s skin, beauty and hair care products to enjoy the smooth and flawless skin and glossy hair of your dreams.   Bharti Taneja’s ALPS also has a deep research and development team that not only develops new trends and revolutionises the beauty industry but also understands the international market. Color cosmetics, skin and hair are the main attributes that make a woman stunning and Bharti Taneja’s ALPS is the go-to brand for all issues that one may face in nurturing the beauty. The brand has a reputation to uphold as one of the premier brands of India, and continues to innovate while being a strong flag bearer of the vocal for local campaign. BNB

We are realizing the importance of natural and chemical-free skincare products, more and more with every passing day. Not only do the chemicals from various products damage the skin in long-run, but they also bring various health issues with them. The use of Aromatherapy in skincare dates back to about 6,000 years. Many of our ancestors have used aromatherapy to make cosmetics and perfumes and in therapeutic and spiritual healing.   A prominent Indian company, leading the revolution of using aromatherapy in skincare, is Chase Aromatherapy Cosmetics. Its founder, Dr. Naresh Arora, the renowned Aromatherapist and Naturopath, has led it to become a popular beauty brand and is the secret behind its growing success.   Here are the excerpts from an interview with Dr. Naresh Arora…   How aromatherapy cosmetics going to rule the world in the years to come in the post Covid era? Nature itself is a healer and you don’t require anything except air, mud, water and diet, of course, to heal any disease. Beauty industry has always been into semi-nursing, alternate remedies, and care. However, this industry lacks proper knowledge and understanding of the products derived from natural resources and their proper usage. Amalgamation of two different sides of care and cure in beauty industry can always bring better results throughout the world. One can create better results by using natural ingredients for eradicating diseases from the roots and thus, bringing out actual beauty that one can possess.   How can we promote aromatherapy products? Education is the best way to promote aromatherapy products across the world. Being a person who has been in the counseling to the beauty professionals, especially in the field of aromatherapy and body aesthetics, it is important to educate people to make use of plant resources (Aroma Essential Oils) for enhancing the beauty. Transforming someone who has always been using international beauty products to use the natural oils (producing slow, but lasting results), it will be a slow, long and gradual process.   What prompted you to launch your own line of aromatherapy products? When I started my professional teachings in the beauty industry, I always faced problems since good quality beauty products based on natural aroma oils were not available. All the beauty products were being manufactured with either synthetic perfumes or essences.  To create the niche about the natural aromatherapy based product line, I had to start my own manufacturing unit in New Delhi, which has since grown to cater the ever increasing demand for natural and organic product line.   What sets your range of products apart from other beauty products? Natural plant sources, including aroma essential oils and vitamins, instead of hard chemical-based skin peeling raw materials, make up the natural active ingredient of Chase Brand Cosmetic Range and even the base chemical ingredients are of highest quality so that an effective, ameliorating, and non-allergenic range of products could be offered in the market. BNB

“It is mandatory to follow the guidelines issued by B&WSCC” –Arpita Das   During this distressful time in account of Covid-19 all our demands were met locally. It is time we recognize the importance of local manufacturing, local markets and local supply chains. Our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasized in his speech about the huge market India has and how we can help support and grow together. He made a new slogan “Vocal for local” which means to buy local products and to speak about it and promote it.   The current leading brands of the world were once local and they received all the love and support by their people which made them a global brand.   So if we do the same for our people, I believe we have the potential to take our local products global. When it comes to Beauty and wellness Industry, India has come a long way. There are many Local brands that have amazing products and these products works wonder on your skin and are also much affordable.   People now-a-days take good care of their skin and with knowledge just one click away people are getting aware of the healthy choices available.   Arpita Das is a highly qualified beauty professional with a passion for training and education. She possesses rich international experience of working with many reputed salons and spas in the USA and India, while advancing her expertise in skincare. Being the director of premier beauty & wellness consulting company in India, named “Beauness By Arpita”, her aim is to guide the professionals to run the show with the correct intent and the right skills.   Further talking about the impact of Covid-19 in beauty & wellness sector she clearly mentions to follow the guidelines issued by the B&WSCC. Here’s the excerpt from an interview-     What is the mandatory new normal for beauty & wellness industry? The mandatory new normal for beauty & wellness industry is to strictly follow the guidelines given by the B&WSSC (Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council) on health, safety and hygiene. This includes every little detail from wearing a mask to getting the services done in a PPE (personal protective equipment) suit.   Awareness about social distancing and maintaining hygiene among the salon staff should be the priority. It is best to keep at least 1m distance between arrangements and among salon staff. Appointments and consultations should be given virtual. Appointments should be given at certain time intervals to avoid excess crowd at once. When it comes to hygiene standard procedures are being followed from a bottle of hand sanitizer kept at the entrance to regular cleansing of salon floors and use of disinfectants etc.     Being an educator in aesthetics, how safe is to get any professional facial treatment at salon? It is as safe as getting any services before the Covid-19 pandemic, given the condition that the salon professional are following all the guidelines given by the government. Speaking specifically about facial treatment it may come to a lot of people’s mind that the therapist will be in very close contact with your face and it’s a risk of getting infected, so let’s avoid it and let’s not opt for it but mark my words that it is very important that you get your facial done on regular basis and let me assure you that there are many ways a therapist can do a safe facial treatment by maintaining a reasonable distance, following all precautionary measures, sanitizing each and every little products  that will be used upon and will be around the client and lastly but not the least one can always opt for no touch facials in which the therapist does the facial with the help of a machine and touches the client to the minimum and also wears vinyl  gloves.   I have done so many facial till now on my clients and they feel very safe and with great results on their skin. There are multiple salon essentials disposable kits available in the market. So as long as safety is priority there is no reason not to get professional treatments at salon.     Is education and academy sector in beauty is going towards digital. How online course will be integrated? The Covid-19 pandemic has affected academic institutions across the world and we are no exception. This outbreak has led many institutions to adopt several of the following available digital technologies. The live sessions, online meets, recorded video lectures for the students to view all contribute to digital learning. So a lot can be done when it comes to digital learning. Notes and content related to the courses can be provided through email, WhatsApp, etc.   The only problem I feel is with practical experience as one on one learning environment makes a huge difference when it comes to practical learning and also not every student has the sources to do and actually perform practical at their place. BNB

Cosmetic Engineer and Founder & Director at Cosmic Nutracos Solutions Pvt. Ltd., The Parent Company of Skinella Skinella is a skincare brand from the parent company of Cosmic Nutracos Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Cosmic Nutracos was founded in the year 2007 as an entrepreneurial venture in the wellness and beauty space aiming to provide innovative solutions in the areas related to – Research and Development, Innovative Technology, Formulation Development, Packaging solutions and Global Sourcing. Apart from Skinella, Cosmic Nutracos is also the parent company of health and wellness brand Gaia.   Skinella offers skincare products made with the power of super foods and contain no harsh chemicals.  Its products are certified by PETA for cruelty-free and vegan and is targeted at young audience between the ages of 15 to 25. The brainchild of cosmetic engineer and entrepreneur Mrs. Dolly Kumar, Skinella was launched after 3 years of extensive research & development, market surveys and conceptualization. She realised that the market was flooded with an endless number of skin care products and brands, but none of which were catered to the skin care needs of the young TG. Skinella, thus, came to address the gap by providing skin care products for this unaddressed TG, which is free of harsh chemicals and toxins. The brand offers a unique formulation of super foods such as dragon fruit, seaweed, kiwi, pink guava, cranberry, etc. It product portfolio consists of body washes, face masks, body butters, body scrubs, sunscreen and lip balms. Skinella’s products undergo stability and compatibility tests for six months before they reach the end consumer. Manufactured at the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and in-house research and development, Skinella, as a part of Cosmic Nutracos, has established a distinct position in skincare space in the country. Skinella has launched an exclusive property – Skinderella which is clutter-breaking pageant. Skinderella is a beauty pageant like never before. It’s a pageant that celebrates the real beauty in every girl.   A contest that bashes and breaks all myths and pressures that young girls take upon themselves to acceptable look. In the third year running, Skinderella is all set in its quest to find the most #SuperNaturally girl of 2020. Skinderella is running in its third season and has garnered 15,000 registrations in the past two seasons. Today, Skinella is a Pan India brand and is also present at e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart and NyKaa. The brand has also established an international presence in countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore, Nepal, Bhutan, Dubai, Uganda, etc. Skinella has recently launched new products like African Melon and Tea Tree Facial Foam, Carambola and Shea Butter Hand Cream, Pomegranate and Tomato Cleanser Toner and handmade soaps with essential oils in 3 variants – Orange Zest, Mixed Fruit and Apricot Seed Scrub. BNB

Kriti Dhir is a Delhi based creative Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist having professional training in all kinds of make-up and hair requirements. She is proficient in producing creative and technically correct visual representations. She runs a salon named KritiDS in Delhi. During this pandemic Covid-19, Kriti is on a philanthropy mission. As she says, “I love cooking but I never got time to cook because of my heavy work schedule. So, this two months time gave me a chance to cook at home. I use to put my recipes on my Instagram and people loved it. Seeing so many people follow my recipes, I thought why not put this to some greater use and take an initiative to help the needy by distributing healthy home-cooked meals to them. I wanted them to taste some delicious food I was making for my family. So I decided to cook ‘chole chawal’ for them. My mom and my fiancée helped me in executing this philanthropy thought. I also asked my Instagram followers to take part in this initiative and many of my followers joined in. They made the same dish and distributed food parcels near their houses. I was really happy that my small initiative could fill a lot of stomachs. ”   As she further adds, “I would like people to do this often. This way, we can help a lot of people in need. Along with me other popular MUAs of Delhi Ekta Bakshi & Parul Garg helped me to complete this mission. All I can say that a small effort goes long way.”

The corona virus (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic affecting the lives of individuals around the world. Whilst key workers serve on the front line, there are also unsung fighters of covid-19 that require recognition. Making a considerable difference to individuals globally within these unprecedented circumstances and tested positive to COVID-19 is Parin Somani an independent academic scholar and motivational speaker, author to eleven books, a qualified ACCA chartered accountant and a multi-international award winner.   Returning from a conference, presenting her research paper in early March held in Valencia Parin suffered with COVID-19 symptoms and tested positive for the virus. Her motivation to good health was her purpose in life: helping humanity until her last breath. Therefore, instantaneously subsequent to returning to better health she involve herself with new initiatives to help people within these unprecedented circumstances by providing hope in the future, inspiration to face adversity, the motivation to acquire knowledge, understand and value ourselves and others during these unprecedented circumstances.   Through virtual platforms Parin delivered sessions on loneliness, mindfulness, mental health, wellbeing and understanding a variety of human attributes. In addition to this Parin has authored articles for various newspapers within England and India. Moreover, she is involved in supporting local communities within the UK via the corona virus support team helpline and aids senior members of the community particularly those residing in residential and care homes.   The immense work undertaken by Parin during the global pandemic has inspired mankind during this global crisis. She believes that by working together we can make a positive global change. She has ignited light within a period of darkness globally and will be ever present in history. Parin is one of the unsung fighters of the COVID-19 war.

Demonic deadly pandemic COVID-19 was bringing death and destruction to world. In an order to stop the flow of infection the government of many countries announced lockdown. We in Delhi too were facing the brunt of lockdown. On 2nd April, 2020, team PC Media received a message saying, “Due to complete lockdown imposed by British Government, the large number of Indian students are in self -isolation, crammed into packed hostels with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. We have not protective masks, gloves and sanitizers. We are worried about contracting the deadly corona virus. Many of us lost our part-time jobs, facing financial difficulties. We have no money to pay rent or buy food. Apart from the High Commission of India in London, Rashimi Mishra, founder and director of Inspiring Indian Women ( IIW), UK is providing us all necessary help. She is real friend in need. Please write to P.M. of India to save us. We are dying to return India.” As we were working on the special issue of Beauty & The Best magazine to depict the deeds of’ UNSUNG HEROS OF CORONAVIRUS WAR’ we instructed our representative at London to file a report on Rashimi Mishra. In last week of April 2020 he sent mail, which reads, “With each passing day situation in London is going gloom and doom. Strangled Indians are living in misery and pain. Rashmi Mishra is an amazing, inspiring, selfless, dedicated and committed to her mission. Her team is helping Indian community through these COVID 19 times.” In third of week of May 2020, in an exclusive telephonic interview with “Beauty & The Best”, Rashimi Mishra said, “About 9000 Indians are strangled here. Our team of 40 volunteers has been available on phone 24 hours. We are providing them groceries, medicines, masks, sanitizers at their doorsteps. Elders and vulnerable people are on priority list. For quarantine we have provided accommodations to a good number of them with counseling. We are sharing with them various webinar links, meditation and chanting links. Elaborating her welfare activities during COVID 19, she further said, ” We are in regular touch with the Indian High Commission in London. We are thankful to Government of India for arranging rescue flights. Strangled Indians are safely returning to India. We are determined to serve Indians in Britain till the end of COVID-19.” Highly educated British citizen Rashimi Mishra hails from Varanasi, India. She is in teaching profession since last 25 years. She is privileged to be one of the most popular and respected personalities in Indian community. With her costumes, speech, lifestyle, mannerism she is an ideal representative of a cultured and empowered Indian woman. It is needless to say that she loves India and Indians with the bottom of her heart. She is a public ambassador of Indians in Britain.

It was a pleasant, nice, inspiring, motivating and fruitful meeting with Umesh Dutt team of PC Media is still on global mission to find out such deserving personalities who have done their best and emerged as examples by serving the sufferers of lockdown in their respective fields. Our team is meeting with the cross section of society in general and industrialists, business persons and workers in particular because they have been hit hard in COVID-19. If the kind of steps initiated by Umesh Dutt were taken by other capable industrialists, business persons, the situation in country would have been certainly different. The country might have got relief from the plight that the migrant workers faced during the lockdown period. Delhi based successful, respected social entrepreneur Umesh Dutt is a highly learned and to the core a gentleman. He is articulate and motivator. He is smart in look and noble in deed. He and her spouse Meenakshi Dutt (globally renowned make up expert and vice President, Delhi Salon owner Welfare Association) run a chain of parlors and academies providing beauty education. Lockdown was a thunder on the beauty business. Talking to Beauty & The Best, Umesh Dutt revealed, ” Salons and parlors operating in Delhi provide employment to around 3 lakh people. Most of employees are from middle or lower middle class families. A good number of them belong to other states. Complete shutdown of parlors and salons for about two months due to lockdown resulted the most serious and challenging situation for owners and workers both. There is a statement of Director General, CII, Chandrajit Banerjee,” While the lockdown was necessary to mitigate the impact of corona virus on the population, it had dire implementation for economic activity.” But the plight of migrant workers has pushed other corona virus – related issues in the background. Heart-rending visuals of migrant labourers caught the national attention. Business activities were stopped. Employers themselves were in financial trouble. This situation compelled the workers to begin their long-march to home . Umesh Dutt says, “We were facing a lot of problems. We had to pay a hefty sum of amount to meet rent, electric bill and other expenses. Inspite of that we extended helping hands to our employees. We paid them 50 percent of their salaries and other essential welfare measures.” As a result no employee migrated to their home states. ” We donated in PM Care fund and gave our ‘ Sewa’ to Gurudwaras to help Sikh community, who were feeding innumerable people daily. We served needy, too, living around our vicinity”, he added. Our fact finding team confirms that majority of entrepreneurs of beauty sector throughout the country, had adopted the same humanitarian approach to their employees. Umesh Dutt assured, “The entire parlors and salons will operate with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). We know our responsibility. In the interest of humankind the spread of corona virus has to be checked at any cost.”Beauty world showed its beauty during lockdown.

I believe, the new government should give due attention to fashion and beauty programs and projects as it is also an artistic field that is growing at a lightning speed. Celebrated makeup artist Nasreen Shagufta dictates the trends and brings her ‘A’ game to the beauty and fashion landscape. Nasreen is a unique talent in field of makeup artistry. She creates high fashion, bridal and beauty makeup looks with a constantly evolving artistic flair. Today, Beauty & The Best Magazine places this ace artist in the spotlight and this what we found out:   As a professional what kind of services do you provide to your clients? As a professional we provide the best in class Hair, Beauty and Nail Services to our esteemed clients and customers.   Who has been your biggest inspiration in life? I have always found inspiration from women like me who despite being occupied with their responsibilities and restricted by the social image of an ideal woman still manage to avoid negativity and keep progressing.   Tell us three things that you would do better than your current career path I think I would have been be a Great Influencer, Gym Instructor, or a Model as I am told by the people around me.   Which toon is your spiritual animal? Aladdin   What is the biggest high and low point of your life? Biggest high point was when I started a salon chain on my own. As for the low points in life, I don’t really feel low expect when I give my undivided attention and invest a lot of time in someone and they don’t reciprocate in the same manner.   Any wish in life? The only wish I have is to keep on progressing and soar higher than yesterday. I intend to keep making the world happy and beautiful in the coming years of my career.   You are loved – Tell us about your style? I’m often appreciated for my fashion sense especially when it comes to clothes, jewelry, accessories and makeup. I guess I have a knack for picking out elegant stuff.   What are the bridal trends of the season? The bridal trends of the season include stunning jewelry paired with designer ethnic attire and the cherry on the cake would be the chic and stylish smoky eyes with nude lips.   How is your salon different than others? I don’t really compete with anyone as everyone has their own USP and talent, but yes, I do try to understand the need and requirements of my clients and offer them a personalized beauty experience. I believe my makeup, hairdo and styling skills are my USP.   Make-up tips for the soon-to-be brides? Make some healthy add-ons in your daily routine – Drink loads of water but not after having meals. Use quality products on your skin, and follow a proper balanced diet which must include veggies in adequate quantities.

Kamini Pandey is a professional hair and make-up artist. She is also known for her specialization in skin care. She has received training from renowned names of the industry like Shahnaz Husain, Bharat Dorris and Jawed Habib. She has also done special training’s in hair and make-up from various international institutes and actively participates in workshops all over the world. She has also been rewarded by various actresses like Dia Mirza,Lara Dutta etc. Currently she has four ventures running in India and also into franchise business. Also she is soon going to open up an academy for training new comers. ‘Kamini Beauty Care’ is a luxury makeup, hair Salon & spa, which promises to redefine your look styling and beauty experience, and become your favorite style destination for all your beauty care, skincare and beauty needs today. Kamini Beauty care successfully offer best makeup, flawless skin and hair care solutions that enhance the look and feel of your charm beautifully. It is their concrete formulations that add to the efficiency of the products in order to meet customers customized beauty needs. A synergistic combination of these products and services will provide you with a complete skin care solution. What makes Kamini beauty care the first choice is the specialized skin expertise that it offers to the customers. New Bata Building, Khajanchi Road, Wellesley Ganj, Mirzapur-cum-Vindhyachal Uttar Pradesh 231001 M : +91 70840 41237 Email: kpandey1277@gmail.com