Inspirations
TAJ MAHAL - THE BEAUTY OF SYMMETRY
I resisted visiting the Taj Mahal for a long time. I don't like visiting monuments, I prefer to observe ordinary people and the things they do, walk through bazaars and sit in parks. Since my friends from India were very keen to visit the Taj Mahal, one day we got on a train to Agra and set off on our way to this spectacular monument. Considered the seventh wonder of the world, the beautiful white building is actually a tomb, and not a Hindu one, but a Muslim one at that. It was built as a tomb for the wife of the Mongol emperor Shah Jahan. His beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died after giving birth to her fourteenth child, and before her death she asked her husband to build a building in her honor. The emperor wanted to erect a monument in which undisturbed symmetry would reign. The building stands on the banks of the Yamuna River, in a square garden, which in Muslim architecture symbolizes divine perfection. The main building is a mausoleum with a large dome, on the sides there are two mosques made of red stone, and in the four corners there are minarets - towers from which muezzins call Muslims to prayer. In the very center of the mausoleum, his wife's tomb was to stand. However, the beauty of symmetry was disturbed, but more on that later. The Taj Mahal took 22 years to build. It was built by about 25 thousand workers. Legend has it that after the work was done, the emperor ordered their thumbs to be cut off so that they could not replicate such a structure anywhere else. The building is very interesting - built of white marble, and the entrance gate is covered with symbols made of precious stones resembling inscriptions from the Koran. Each wall is beautifully carved both outside and inside. I do not recall seeing such elaborate carvings in marble anywhere else in the world. Inside, the walls are decorated with precious stones, which, when illuminated, shine beautifully. Hindus say that the Taj Mahal is as changeable as a woman. The color of the building changes depending on the intensity of light. Illuminated by the sun and the moon from different angles, it has multi-colored visualizations. Pearl pink at dawn, opalescent yellow in the evening, bright white during the day. The Taj Mahal shows how we pollute the environment. The white facade has to be renovated quite often, because it turns gray due to pollution. The Indian authorities, wanting to protect the monument, have banned the construction of factories in the area. The beauty of symmetry was completely destroyed. By whom? Well... The emperor wanted to build a black copy of the Taj Mahal for himself on the other bank of the Yamuna. Of course, to have even more fun with symmetry. Nothing came of these plans. After his wife's death, his health deteriorated, one of his sons took advantage of this, killed the other successors to the throne, and threw his father in prison. After his father's death, he ordered him to be buried in the Taj Mahal next to his mother's grave, thus disturbing the wonderful symmetry. It really doesn't look good - a small grave in the center and a large grave next to it. But fortunately, the disturbance in proportions is visible only when we enter the mausoleum, until then we can admire the beauty of symmetry.
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Weird beauty treatments in Thailand
Beauty treatments in Thailand are heaven on earth. Thailand is known for its numerous spas and massage parlors and it is worth visiting one at least once. Thailand is a very popular tourist destination. However, if you want to relax in a slow style, I recommend choosing regions that are not completely overrun by tourists. Definitely do not go to Phuket. In almost every place in this country you will find a spa salon, where you can experience the entire beauty ritual, starting from washing your feet, to a calming health tea at the end. In general, massage in Thailand is very common, it takes place everywhere and everyone massages themselves ? On the beaches you will find shady booths where masseuses who know the secrets of massage, not only Thai, are waiting ready to work. In every hotel, shopping center or other public place in a large city you will find secluded places for massage, with dedicated chairs for foot massage, which is very common and important here. On the streets, by the shops, there are special chairs where you sit facing the backrest, and the masseur will massage your neck. Another interesting ritual that I came across in Thailand is a fish spa, i.e. a pedicure or manicure done with fish. We put our feet or hands in an aquarium full of fish, which nibble on them and remove dead skin. The treatment gives an effect similar to a good peeling, and during it we feel tickles. Such small nibbling fish can be found in many lakes in Asia. However, what intrigued me the most and convinced me to use it was eyebrow threading. It is a very quick method of hair removal using threads. The procedure supposedly comes from India and is widespread throughout Asia. It is a method of hair removal using a suitably braided 100% cotton thread that catches even very thin and short hairs, removing them along with the bulbs, thanks to which the effect lasts for a long time. It is safe and effective, perfect for sensitive skin, prone to irritation. It is also an extremely ecological and hygienic method. No other products are used in it apart from a clean thread, which is immediately thrown away after use. For me, it is also a less painful method than traditional tweezers, and certainly better for the skin around the eyes than waxing. Salons offering this service are already appearing in Poland.
Learn moreTRAINING IN BALI
This summer, while in Bali, I participated in an amazing training in creating traditional natural cosmetics based on old Balinese recipes. I am constantly looking for inspiration to create even more interesting natural novelties. Bali is another place that inspires a lot. The workshop included a theoretical part, where we learned about the plants that grow wild or are cultivated in Bali and their effects on the skin and the health of the body. The indigenous people of Bali value very natural ingredients, they do not use antibiotics, and basically treat all infections with decoctions from plant extracts. Doctors do not prescribe antibiotics here, but they can be obtained in pharmacies without a prescription. As I learned, none of the locals buy them. They are only available because of tourists. Mass-market cosmetics have already arrived in Bali, but just like antibiotics, they are mainly bought by tourists. On the other hand, Balinese women very often use plants and oils obtained from them for facial, body and hair care. In Bali, we can also find small shops offering natural cosmetics made from typical Balinese plants, and it is their formulas that we wanted to explore. That is why we chose a training that was to help us understand the effects of these plants and the principles of creating cosmetic formulas based on them. The training was led by the lovely Dewi, a graduate of Udayana University in Denpasar, who specializes in Indonesian botany and agriculture. She was accompanied by several people, all of whom came from local farming families and had extensive experience in the cultivation and use of plants from this region. We also visited nearby fields and gardens, where we could see how traditional plants from Bali actually grow. During the training we made four cosmetics ourselves: Hibiscus shampoo Natural sunscreen Body scrub Boreh (pain balm) All the plants we used to create our cosmetics came from the garden right next door. Below is the recipe for Hibiscus Shampoo. Ingredients: 7 fresh hibiscus leaves 3 fresh frangipani, magnolia or ylang-ylang flowers 1 thick, fleshy aloe leaf (about 5 cm long) 150 ml filtered water 3 drops of essential oil (sandalwood oil calms, lemongrass stimulates) EXECUTION Finely chop the hibiscus leaves and chosen flowers and place them in a large bowl. Cut the aloe leaf into thin pieces and add to the chopped leaves and flowers. Pour in water and essential oil. Stir vigorously and squeeze the leaves with your hands until the liquid becomes thick and soapy. Pour the entire mixture through a sieve into a dark bottle. The shampoo is also suitable for washing the body. Since it contains fresh ingredients, it should be stored in a cool place and used within one month of making. We learned a lot during this training. New ideas have already formed in my head. I hope that they will soon turn into wonderful new natural cosmetics! Check out www.orientana.pl
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BEAUTIFUL HAIR - hair care
Hair care in Asia is a completely different dimension. When I traveled around India, my attention was always drawn to the beautiful hair of Indian women. Black, shiny, wonderfully smooth. Their secret is hair oiling and hair henna . In an Indian home, knowledge about natural hair care is passed down from generation to generation. Hair oiling is also done to children, and so are men. Women treat hair oiling as a ritual. Usually on Saturday evening, they prepare a special mixture of oils, strengthen it with amla juice or extracts from herbs such as brahmi or shikakai, and give each other a head massage, rubbing the remains of the oil mixture into the length of the hair. This is a time for them to be together, talk, and get advice. In every Indian home, mother and daughters spend time together oiling. This is time just for them and their hair. Because oils protect hair from the harmful effects of sunlight and pollution, Indian women usually smooth their hair with coconut oil before going out and they obligatorily rub oil into their children's hair. It was from India that I brought the idea for hair oil? Intrigued by the beautiful deep blackness of hair, also in men, I discovered that another ritual is hennaing. Hair care in India is deeply rooted in tradition and culture. Indian women have been famous for their long, strong and shiny hair for centuries, which is the result of systematic care based on natural ingredients and rituals passed down from generation to generation. Hair oiling Oiling is one of the most important steps in hair care in India. Regular application of oils to the scalp and hair helps in moisturizing, nourishing and regenerating them. Oiling hair is one of the most characteristic hair care rituals in Indian homes. This practice is deeply rooted in Indian culture and passed down from generation to generation as a way to keep hair healthy, strong and shiny. Popular oils: Coconut oil – moisturizes, strengthens hair follicles and supports hair growth. Castor oil – supports hair growth and prevents hair loss. Amla oil – rich in vitamin C, strengthens hair and gives it shine. Sesame oil – often used in Ayurveda for scalp massage. Neem oil – has antibacterial properties and helps fight dandruff. Herbs and natural ingredients Indian hair care is rich in the use of herbs and natural ingredients that have nourishing, cleansing and strengthening properties. Henna – acts as a natural dye and conditioner, strengthens the hair and gives it shine. Amla (Indian gooseberry) – strengthens hair follicles, prevents graying and supports growth. Shikakai – a natural cleansing agent that gently cleanses the hair and scalp. Brahmi – improves hair structure, prevents split ends. Reetha – a natural foaming agent used to wash hair. Hair Care as a Ritual Oiling hair in India is a ritual that is often done in a family atmosphere, especially on weekends or before special occasions. It is a multi-step routine. First, the oil is warmed up, which allows it to better penetrate the scalp and hair. The oil is applied to the scalp and hair using the fingers. A gentle massage for 10-15 minutes improves blood circulation and helps the oil absorb. The oil is left on the hair for several hours, often overnight, to provide maximum hydration and nourishment. After oiling, the hair is thoroughly washed with a gentle shampoo to remove excess oil while maintaining its softness and shine. In Indian homes, oiling is done 1-2 times a week. Ayurveda in hair care Ayurveda, an ancient medical science, offers many tips for hair care: Scalp massage improves circulation and stimulates hair growth. Consuming Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha and brahmi supports hair health from the inside out. Using herbal masks based on turmeric, neem or henna. Diet and health In India, diet is very important as it affects the health of hair. People eat foods rich in: Protein (e.g. lentils, nuts), Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. linseed oil, chia seeds), Vitamins A, C, E, Iron and zinc (e.g. leafy greens and almonds). Avoiding chemical products Indian women often avoid excessive chemical styling and hair dye products, preferring natural hair care methods. Often, smoothing the hair gently with a small amount of coconut oil is enough. Regular washing and protection In hair care, it is important to wash regularly with natural ingredients , avoiding ingredients such as SLS, SLES. Very often, ingredients such as reetha nuts or shikakai are used. It is important to protect hair from the sun and pollution by using scarves or light oils that create a natural protective barrier. The Indian approach to hair care is a harmonious blend of natural ingredients, holistic practices, and a healthy lifestyle. The key is consistency and patience in using these methods.
Learn morePRESS CONFERENCE AT BURDA INTERNATIONAL POLAND
On Friday, September 22, there was an Orientana press conference at Burda International Poland, where I presented the new Bio Mask Esencje products. In a beautiful office building on Marynarska Street, we organized a meeting with Asian treats and testing of new products, but not only that. ? It was an opportunity to personally talk about how the Orientana brand was created and what its position is on the cosmetics market today. There was also a discussion about cosmetic trends, which Orientana is very much a part of – interest in Asian cosmetics and Asia itself, and the evolution of customers towards natural cosmetics. I also talked about the fact that more and more customers can tell the difference between natural and chemical cosmetics. ? Our cosmetics always arouse a lot of positive emotions and this time it was the same. The ladies present at the meeting from women's magazines Gala, Elle, Glamour, Claudia, In Style, ladies from advice magazines Samo Zdrowie, Dobre Rady, and what made us very happy, Slowly Veggie, as well as ladies from internet portals managed by Burda International Poland received our new products very positively. Beautiful scents worked like aromatherapy and enchanted the journalists, who asked a lot of expert questions about cosmetics, production methods, and selection of plant ingredients. I was pleasantly surprised by their knowledge of cosmetics, as well as their knowledge of the Orientana brand. Yes, yes, we are cosmetics that the journalists not only test but also use. ?
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