Alvina Bokhari

In my early 20’s I experienced cystic hormonal acne. I often fought the temptation of going on accutane . I even collected 2 months of prescriptions but was too afraid of the side effects, so I never took them. I made shifts in my diet and routines. I used Differin Gel – which made me purge for 2 months but after I saw the biggest difference. I still have breakouts so I go back to Differin gel or other topical creams. Some products that are a MUST for me is; Living Libations Seabuckthorn Oil Cleanser. I use this in the morning to massage my face and it lifts and moisturizes my skin. You can also double it as a cleanser and a serum. Another oil cleanser I enjoy is the Ogee Liquid Gold Cleansing Oil. It does an amazing job stripping the makeup off my face and smells amazing. For a double cleanse I use Innisfree green tea foam cleanser. I switch between the Seabuckthorn oil and Kosmea Rosehip oil as serums and I use Avene Cicalfate cream as a moisturizer. I love the EltaMD UV SPF Sunscreen – it is the only one that doesn’t cause break outs for me.

I am a beginner at wearing makeup. I think Saie beauty products are a great intro to wearing makeup. I wear the Glowy super gel in Sunglow, concealer in color 12, and the blush in “cutie”.  My go-to evening look would be a messy bottom eyeliner, inspired by Kareena Kapoor in Asoka. Pair it with a bare face and a subtle lip tint!

My current obsession is lip tints. That’s all I buy. I shop at Reiwatakiya – a Korean Beauty store in St Marks. My top favorite is 3CE lip tint in Baked Beige. I also like Saltair lip oil in Toasted. A make-up hack I learned recently was to only apply mascara on the ends of your lashes. It creates a more neat look when wearing mascara.

I advise braiding and oiling your hair. For oiling use organic almond oil or Amla oil. These two routines are typical south asian traditions- and I believe it does wonders. I also find both to be therapeutic. For my hair I use Ceremonia shampoo and conditioner. I also use Ouai detox shampoo.

Vitamins that were game changers for me –  slippery elm bark, cranberry,Magnesium.

Exercise or massage and anything in between.

I start my day with hot water or fennel tea. This little ritual helps me ease into my day and does wonders for my gut health.

I love buying scent related items while I’m traveling. Whether it be incense, oud, candles or perfume oils. I have collected some amazing oils from my travels and it always brings me back to that moment of time. But I don’t necessarily wear them, it’s just for remembrance.

Aesop Hand Cream-Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, 3CE lip tint in Baked Beige, Byredo lipstick in Damson Jam and Rosewater.