The one thing that is common to the whole of India is that the beauty culture is based on age-old secrets and the ancient wisdom of past experience. These secrets are a legacy passed down the generations from mother to daughter.
整个印度共有的一个现象就是，美容业建立在古老的秘诀和以往经验的远古真言之上。这些秘诀是祖先传下来的，并由母亲传给女儿，一代一代往下传承。
Yet the beauty secrets of India are for women everywhere. They respond to a universal concept of pure, natural beauty and are easy to follow. The secrets rely on the expertise of Ayurveda and ancient India herbal beauty lore to restore, maintain and improve on what nature has given us.
印度这些美容秘诀在今天依然为女性所广用。她们崇尚纯净、天然并容易效法实施的美容理念。这些美容秘诀依靠印度草医学和古印度草本美容知识得以恢复、保留和改良大自然给予我们的一切。
1.Do yogic exercises to intensify the gaze
1.练习瑜伽，强化凝视
Try this simple exercise. Look at the tip of your nose for a minute, then focus on an object far away for another minute. Choose a different object each time. Do this for five minutes every day until the eyes develop an unwavering gaze.
试试这个简单的练习。眼睛看着你的鼻尖，保持一分钟，然后将目光集中于远处的一个物体，也保持一分钟。每次选择一个不同的物体，每天练习5分钟，直到眼睛变得凝视时不再动摇不定为止。
2. Get rid of blemishes
2.去除面部瑕疵
Blemishes are usually temporary and can be caused by anything from strong sun and wind to an excess of alcohol. A light dab of either sandalwood or turmeric powder mixed in a little water should clear the problem. Both of these have unique antiseptic properties. Carrots, known for their high vitamin A content, also make a wonderful treatment. Simply grate a carrot, squeeze out a teaspoonful of fresh saffron-coloured juice and then wipe over the blemished areas. Rinse off after half an hour.
(Always prepare only small quantities of any recipe, so that you can use it up quickly. Home recipes do not contain any preservatives [unlike commercial products] and can be breeding grounds for bacteria if stored for too long or in the wrong conditions.)
面部瑕疵通常都是临时性的，可由任何因素引起，强烈的阳光、强风以及过量的酒精都可能引起面部瑕疵。将檀香或姜黄根粉与少量水混合轻拍面部即可解决这个问题。二者都有奇特的杀菌功效。以高含量维他命A而闻名的胡萝卜，也有极好的治疗作用。仅取一根胡萝卜，榨出一茶匙容量的桔黄色的果汁，再将其涂抹于瑕疵部位。一小时后洗净。
（随时备存小分量的食材，这样你就可以快速地把它用完。家庭食材不含任何防腐剂[不同于商业产品]，所以如果存储时间过长或存储不当的话就会变成细菌的繁殖基地。
3. Improve the appearance of enlarged pores
3.改善毛孔粗大现象
Enlarged pores are caused mainly by the over-stretching of pores that then fill with excess oil. Any part of the body that stretches beyond its capacity may refuse to return perfectly to its original shape and size and pores are no exception. The problems can be resolved by temporarilyby closing the pores with astringents,so that the skin looks toned. Buttermilk or watered-down yoghurt, a popular drink all over India known as chaas or lassi, works wonders, closing the pores to create the illusion of finely textured, perfect skin. Use it as a daily face wash and splash with cold water afterwards.
毛孔变粗主要由于毛孔过度拉伸进而填塞了过多的油份而引起。身体任何部分一旦拉伸超出其承受能力就可能无法完整地回复到原样和原来的大小，毛孔亦不例外。这些问题可通过使用收敛剂闭合毛孔来临时解决，因此皮肤会看上去肤质有提升。酪乳或加水冲淡的酸乳酪——遍及全印度的与茶和奶昔一样有名的一种流行饮品，能取得惊人的闭合毛孔的效果，而打造出纹理细腻、完美肌肤的质感。把它用于每日洁面，之后再用冷水泼溅洗净。
4. Get perfect foundation
4.打造完美妆底
If you want your make-up to last, there are two things you can do. First splash ice-cold water on your face and neck after you have applied foundation to set the base. Gently pat dry and continue your routine. Second, seal your look with a fine dusting of loose face powder. Use a soft, fat brush and blow away any excess before you start on your face. Blend well to eliminate any powdery patches.
如果要想妆容保持得更为持久，你要做好两件事。第一，用粉底霜打过底后在面部和颈部喷洒些冰水。第二，用适量的扑面粉覆盖你的面容。在着手化妆前用一个软而肥大的刷子把多余的粉扫掉。调制好化妆品，剔除任何粉状的碎屑残余。
5. Moisturise
5.滋润
Moisturising forms an even more important part of your beauty routine during the winter months. Always remember to treat your neck to all the goodies you use on your face - otherwise you will end up with a lovely face on a crepey neck.
在冬季，滋润可是你美容例行程序里一个更为重要的一部分。永远要记得把你面部使用的所有好产品也要用来护理你的颈部——否则你会因一张漂亮的脸却搭配皱纹横生的颈部而完蛋。
Night cream晚霜
The cocoa in this moisturiser will not stain the face. Instead the alkaloids it contains - mainly theobromine and caffeine - act as stimulants and rejuvenate the skin. Lanolin is available from health and specialist beauty shops.
2 tbsp almond oil
2 tbsp lanolin
1 tsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp rosewater
Put the almond oil, lanolin and cocoa in a heatproof glass bowl. Place the bowl over a pan of water and heat gently over a low heat till the mixture melts into a smooth cream. Use only a wooden spoon to stir as a metal one will react with the ingredients. Take off the heat and add the rosewater, stirring all the while. Allow the cream to cool and store in a glass bottle.
这种润肤霜里里的可可成分不会污染面部。相反，其所含的生物碱——主要是可可碱和咖啡因——担当着兴奋剂的作用，唤醒肌肤活力。羊毛脂可向保健美容院购买。
2汤匙杏仁油，2汤匙羊毛脂，一茶匙可可粉，2汤匙玫瑰水
把杏仁油，羊毛脂和可可粉倒入一个耐热玻璃碗内。将碗置于一锅水上，以低温徐徐加热，直至混合物融化成光滑流畅的面霜。只可用木匙来搅拌，因为金属的会跟这些成分起反应。把水拿开，加入玫瑰水，一直搅拌。让面霜慢慢变凉，然后存放于一个玻璃瓶中。
6. Treat dark circles with Malti's under-eye remedy
6.用马耳他的眼部疗法治疗黑眼圈
My aunt Malti swears by the juice of mint although she can't explain exactly how it helps. The almond oil has gentle lubricating properties, which help to dispel fine lines and dark patches due to dry skin. Honey is an ideal energising food and according to Ayurveda has a tremendous healing effect on the body.
5 fresh mint leaves
1 tsp almond oil
1/2 tsp honey
Crush the mint with a little water in a mortar. Strain the juice and add to the almond oil and honey. Stir till completely mixed and apply a tiny amount under the eyes before going to bed.
我阿姨马耳他信奉薄荷汁，虽然她不能确切说明它有哪些好处。杏仁油有温和润滑的特性，可帮助祛除由于肌肤干燥而引起的细纹和黑点。蜂蜜是理想的使人精力充沛的食品，按照印度草医学的说法，它还有惊人的弥复效应。
5片新鲜薄荷叶，1茶匙杏仁油，1/2茶匙蜂蜜
在研钵中加入少量水，将薄荷碾碎。榨汁，加入杏仁油和蜂蜜。搅拌，直到完全融合，临睡前取小量涂于眼下部位。
7. Use a traditional skin polisher
7.使用传统皮肤光亮剂
This is used by women all over India. The turmeric acts as a natural cleanser and disinfectant and will not turn your skin yellow. The chickpea flour sloughs off dead skin to give unimagined silkiness and the milk will firm up the entire body. Even the tiniest of babies are massaged with this body polisher, but do be careful if you have a history of allergy to wheat or lentil flour - use rice flour instead.
1 tablespoon chickpea flour
Pinch of turmeric
About 2 tsp of milk
Mix all the ingredients together and rub on to wet skin instead of soap.
印度各处的妇女都使用这个。 姜黄起着自然清洁剂和消毒剂的作用，却不会使你的皮肤变黄。鹰嘴豆粉可蜕去死皮，给你丝般光滑的肤质。牛奶则会强健你整个身体。即便最小的婴儿也能用这种体肤柔光剂来进行按摩，不过如果你曾经对小麦和扁豆过敏的话，就要小心了——可用米粉来代替。
1汤匙鹰嘴豆粉，姜黄少许，约2茶匙牛奶
将所有材料混合在一起，擦于湿润的皮肤上，而不是用肥皂。
8. Treat skin with masks
8.面膜护理
The most luxurious beauty treatment for the face is the application of a face pack. It deep-cleans, tones and moisturises all at once, smells delicious and makes you feel relaxed and pampered. Face masks are simple to make and can easily save you money spent on commercial products.
面部最奢侈的美容方法就是用面膜了。它可以深层清洁皮肤，立即提亮肤色，滋润皮肤，气味宜人，让你倍感放松和呵护。面膜简单易制，且能为你省下商业产品的花费。
For oily skin- Sandalwood is a natural astringent. Tumeric is antiseptic, and keeps spots in check, while the fruit acid in orange juice clears blemishes. Ther turmeric may stain the skin slightly, but this is temporary and will clear after a few washes. If you have a sensitive skin and are worried about staining, substitute the turmeric with geranium leaf juice (crush one leaf with a little water, strain and use 1/2 tsp of the liquid), reducing the quantity of orange juice by the same amount.
1 1/2 tbsp sandalwood powder
Tiny pinch (few grains) of ground turmeric
3 tbsp orange juice
Mix all the ingredients together and apply over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Allow to dry, then rinse off with cool water, without pulling the skin.
油性皮肤——檀香是一种天然的收敛剂。姜黄粉可杀菌，让污垢慢慢排出，橙汁的果酸则可以清洁面部瑕疵。姜黄粉可能会对皮肤有轻微的染色效果，但这只是暂时的，洗几次脸后就会消失了。如果你属于敏感肤质，担心皮肤被染色，可用天竺葵叶（加少量水压碎一片天竺葵叶，挤汁，取1/2茶匙汁液）来代替姜黄粉。橙汁也减为同样用量。
1/2汤匙檀香粉，小量姜黄粉，3汤匙橙汁
将所有材料一起混合，涂于面部和颈部，避开眼睛。让其慢慢变干，然后用凉水清洗，勿拉伸皮肤。
For dry skin- This mask conditions dry skin and leaves it supple and radiant.
1 egg white
1 tsp honey
1 tsp full-fat cream
Mix together all the ingredients and pat on to the face and neck. Rinse off after 20 minutes.
干性皮肤——这种面膜使干性皮肤趋于正常状态，并使皮肤更为柔软、明亮。
1份蛋白，1茶匙蜂蜜，1茶匙全脂奶油
混合所有材料，轻拍于面部和颈部。20分钟后洗去。
For normal skin- The protein in milk powder leaves skin petal-soft and the rosewater tones and refreshes.
2tbsp milk powder
Rosewater to mix
Combine the ingredients into a thick paste and apply to the face and neck.
中性皮肤——奶粉蛋白质带给皮肤花瓣般的柔嫩，玫瑰水提亮肤色，使人容光焕发。
9. Condition hair
9.头发护理
Conditioners put the life back into dull hair and are simple to make at home.
My own super conditioner
When I was growing up in Mumbai, my parents owned a farmhouse in the verdant, waterfall-dotted slopes of the Sahyadri mountains. All kinds of wonderful herbs grew there and each weekend visit would find me bringing a basketful of freshly plucked herbs home to Mumbai to grind up into conditioning hair masks. I have never been able to achieve the same gloss and texture from any bottled conditioner.
Handful each hibiscus, marigold, balsam, basil and mint leaves
Handful of rose petals
Grind all of these (or as many as you can find) in a blender with a little water til you get an emerald-green, coarse, sticky mixture. Apply this directly to the scalp and hair and leave on for at least an hour. Wash off thoroughly. Your hair is sure to gleam like gold.
护发素使头发回复光泽，且容易在家中炮制。
我自己的超级护发素
我还在孟买生活的时候，在亚德里山脉那青翠、散布着瀑布的斜坡上，我父母经营着一个农庄。那里生长着各种各样奇妙的草本植物，每个周末去那里游玩我都会采摘一满篮子气味清新的草本植物带回孟买的家，并把它们磨制成护发膜。我的头发可从来没有从瓶装的护发素那得到过这同样的光泽和质地。
10. Oil your hair
10.润滑你的头发
Oiling the hair has been a highly regarded ritual in India for at least five thousand years. Even today wise old women are convinced that regular oiling maintains the natural colour of the hair and prevents greying. Oil cools the head and promotes luxurious hair growth, whereas internal body heat does the opposite. Many of my own aunts still have jet-black hair even at the age of seventy!
Oil for falling hair
The eucalyptus and clove oils in this preparation boost blood circulation that nourishes the root of the hair and prevents hair loss.
5 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp eucalyptus oil
1 tsp clove oil
Mix the three oils together and gently rub into the scalp at night.
在印度，给头发涂油作为一种备受尊敬的仪式已经沿袭了至少5千年。即使在今天，智慧的老妇人依然相信，定期润滑能使头发保持自然色泽，防止变白。乳化油使头部凉爽，促进秀发生长，反之，内在的体热却起着相反的作用。我许多的婶婶阿姨头发依然乌黑发亮，即使70岁的都是如此！
令头发垂顺的润滑油
这种制剂里的桉树油和丁香油可促进血液循环，滋养发根，防止脱发。
5汤匙可可果油，1茶匙桉树油，1茶匙丁香油
将三种油一起调和，晚上轻轻涂抹于头皮上。
11. Banish dandruff
11.去头屑
A nourishing hair pack that clears up dandruff can be made of four tablespoons rosemary infusion, an egg yolk and a pinch of borax: simple massage into the scalp before shampooing. Occasional bouts of scurfiness can be cleared up with a relaxing massage with warm olive oil.
去头屑的滋养发膜可用4汤匙的迷迭香汁液、一个蛋黄和少量的硼砂来调制：洗发前用它简单地按摩头皮就可以了。用温热的橄榄油做做松弛按摩可以消除偶尔出现的头屑。
注：原文选自网上，译文系本人翻译原创。