Monthly Archives: April 2025

It is not your fault. Capricorn, sometimes we inherit the burdens of our lineage just like our physical characteristics, but remember that we also inherit the blessings. So while you stay persistent in trying to change what you are working on, remember to keep your heart open and mindset tender towards yourself and others. You are trying to stop a train that is running a million miles an hour, and yes you can do it, not by force but through alignment. Pause, breathe, and allow the divine wisdom flowing through you to help you supersede your current challenges. It will all be worth it.

Cosmic tip: What you are waiting for will arrive.

“The way our hands and fingers move, a makeup brush or another makeup tool could never move unless a person has a lot of practice,” says Vahbiz Irani, Training Manager for skincare, makeup, and fragrance, during a spring flush demo for Armani Beauty. “Our hands and fingers give us more control because they are directly connected to our brain via a complex network of nerves and muscles, allowing for precise and adaptable movements. Tools, while useful, require a degree of physical engagement and translation of action, whereas fingers are exquisitely fine-tuned for direct manipulation.”

The dos and don’ts

Zoya Ali, national learning and development head at Amorepacific India, home to brands like Etude and Sulwhasoo, believes using fingers is about tactility and connection, while lending an intuitive sense of control. Freshly washed hands and hydrated, primed, and balanced skin are non-negotiable. “The biggest mistake? Using too much product and dragging it across the skin. Fingers work best when you apply product in small amounts, build slowly, and use tapping or pressing motions. Another common error is blending too aggressively, which can lift base products and create patchiness. Gentle, controlled movements are essential,” says Ali.

Cream-based and liquid textures, such as skin tints, cream blushes, lightweight concealers, and even sheer-to-medium foundation, can be blended beautifully with fingertips for a dewy, diffused effect, especially around the nose and undereye, where precision is key. It’s all about technique, pressing the product into the skin, rather than letting it sit atop your skin.

Getting all tactile about it

Is skin-on-skin the non-fussy beauty grail we’ve all been looking for? K-beauty brands have always leaned towards intentional, tactile beauty rituals that mindfully prioritise skin health, says Ali. “This return to fingers isn’t a regression. It’s a refinement. It’s about tuning into your skin and building a ritual that’s personal and precise. It invites play and experimentation.”

Irani delves deeper and likens it to self-love. “I like to caress my face now and then,” she says. Applying makeup with your fingers brushes away the idea that beauty needs to be technical or tool-heavy; instead, it is empowering, accessible, and fun. “I find that large brush sets are more useful to professional makeup artists.”

For me, eliminating tools has connected me to the art of makeup in a real, human, and non-intimidating way, minus archaic rules and residual patchiness. Applying makeup with your fingers has turned into a beautiful rebellion, a practice rooted in skin wellness and self-expression. As beauty evolves, fingers are reclaiming their rightful place in the artistry of makeup. As Ali puts it, it’s not a crime, it’s a craft.

Also read:

How the pros clean their makeup brushes

Everything you need to know about getting a lash lift

The not-so-glamorous truth about using minoxidil for hair growth

This advice is echoed by Dr Tatiana Mandavia, a GP and aesthetic doctor. “While it can help calm the nervous system and support better sleep in the short term, your body can start to become overly dependent on ashwagandha if used continuously,” she says. “Over time, this might reduce its effectiveness, or it could even interfere with your body’s natural hormone balance.”

Not to mention, the long-term safety of using ashwagandha is not well known.

Is ashwagandha safe?

Most research indicates that ashwagandha is safe to use with minimal side effects when taken short-term.

“Ashwagandha is generally safe and well-tolerated when used correctly — but like any herb, it’s important to use it mindfully,” says Dr Misra. “With its growing popularity, people are often unknowingly taking it in multiple forms—capsules, teas, protein powders, or wellness blends—which can lead to accidental overuse. That’s why I always recommend consulting a doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner before adding ashwagandha to your daily routine.”

According to the Sleep Foundation, this is even more important given there are no universal guidelines when it comes to ashwagandha dosing. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dosage – the amount that works for one person might be too much or too little for someone else,” notes Dr Mandavia.

She says that a qualified expert in medicine and supplementation “can help you understand if it’s safe for you based on your health history, current medications, or any underlying conditions you might have. They can also guide you on the appropriate dosage so you don’t end up taking too much, which can lead to unwanted side effects.”

Possible side effects of ashwagandha:

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Liver problems
• Thyroid problems
• Drug interactions (especially with thyroid, diabetes and blood pressure medications)

It’s worth noting, too, that ashwagandha is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Another concern to be aware of is heavy metals in ashwagandha products. “Like many herbal supplements, ashwagandha can sometimes be contaminated with heavy metals if it’s grown or processed in polluted environments,” warns Dr Misra. “Unfortunately, many products on the market don’t follow quality control. When in doubt, my advice is to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner who can recommend a safe, high-quality product suited to your body composition.”

This is what happened when I took ashwagandha

My first experience with ashwagandha was actually to improve focus and ensure that I was energised, but also calm throughout the day. To that end, I would mix Athletic Greens AG1 powder into a glass of water in the morning or drink Dirtea Coffee Mushroom Super Blend, which also contains lion’s mane, maca and ashwagandha mushrooms for sustained energy without crashes.