Ethical & Organic Skincare | ISHQ Skincare

Moringa Benefits for Skin & Hair

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 02:35:16 GMT

Nature's Magic Oil

The first time I saw the Taj Mahal, I was 15 years old. Ammi, Abba, Salmaan & I, and our cousins were on a North India road trip which included Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal. We arrived at night, and under the full moon the marble glowed as though it held its own light. There was a hush in the air, a serenity that made the world feel still. That sense of wonder—of luminous calm—is the memory I carry each time I create a nighttime ritual for my skin.

That is the spirit behind Ishq Organic Face & Eye Night Serum, Mumtaaz . In a world of excess, beauty can be minimalist: a few intentional drops, rich with tradition and supported by science. She is named after Shah Jahan’s beloved Queen, Mumtaaz Mahal for whom the glorious Taj Mahal was build as a mausoleum. Mumtaaz in Urdu means “Precious” “Pure”.

At the heart of Ishq Organic Face & Eye Night Serum is Moringa oil, an ethnobotanical ingredient treasured across South Asia for centuries. Moringa feeds the skin with antioxidants and fatty acids, working deeply to strengthen barrier repair, nurture a healthy microbiome, and soften signs of fatigue. It is moonlight for the skin—restorative, grounding, and luminous.

But Mumtaaz is more than Moringa alone.

Castor oil locks in moisture, wrapping skin in long-lasting softness.
Black Seed oil brings time-honored healing—known for calming inflammation and supporting clear, resilient skin.
Frankincense essential oil adds a sacred touch, long used for its soothing, rejuvenating qualities, helping skin look firm, peaceful, and renewed.

Together with modern niacinamide, squalane, and peptides, this waterless formula becomes both ancient and future-facing—a blend of ritual and innovation.

Every drop of Mumtaaz comes in a sustainable glass bottle, travel friendly and designed to last. It is a night serum that belongs to the new era of conscious skincare: powerful yet simple, deeply nourishing yet minimalist.

This Ishq Organic Product has become popular in a very short time. Our clients have found a reduction in under eye pigmentation, lightening of stubborn pigmentation, a gentle softening & firming of skin.

Moringa’s story continues in other Ishq creations:

Ishq Organic CBD Face Day Oil, Noor —to brighten and protect skin through the day.
Ishq Organic Beard Oil, Conditioning Blend, Shaahi —to soften, strengthen, and restore balance to beard and skin alike.

Mumtaaz is not just a night serum—it is a moonlit ritual, a quiet return to self, and a reminder that the most timeless beauty is born from harmony: between the earth and science, between ritual and innovation, between memory and the present moment.

Best Skincare for Men

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 20:27:35 GMT

Best Natural Skincare for Men Who Like to Feel Good in Their Skin

One of my earliest memories is my grandmother asking my parents to bring back a very specific olive oil from Saudi Arabia—for my Uncle’s scalp massages. Not for luxury. Not for show. Simply because it worked.

I grew up surrounded by men who took care of their skin and hair as an act of respect—for themselves. When my girl cousins and I made face masks from kitchen ingredients, my brother and male cousins were right there, waiting their turn. Even now, when I visit Bangalore, one of the first things that happens is my brother sitting down for a scalp massage. It’s instinctive. Familiar. Grounding.

So I’ve always found it curious that in the West, men nourishing their skin is still treated like a secret or a guilty pleasure. At Ishq, we see it differently.

Self-care isn’t vanity. It’s about connection—to your body, your confidence, and your presence.

Clean, Natural Skincare for Men (Without the Overwhelm)

Men today are looking for:

Natural skincare for men
Clean grooming products
Beard oil that actually works
Moisturizer for sensitive skin
Pro-aging skincare without chemicals
Scalp oil for hair growth

That’s exactly where Ishq lives.

All Ishq products are crafted with organic, plant-based ingredients and are free from parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals. Just simple, effective formulas that support your skin and hair—without stripping them or overcomplicating your routine. And honestly? They feel incredible.

While Ishq is for all genders, these are the 4 Ishq Organic products men keep coming back for:

1. Ishq Organic Beard Oils

(Because a good beard deserves good treatment)

If you’ve ever dealt with beard itch, dry patches, or a beard that refuses to behave—this one’s for you. Our Organic Beard Oils are crafted with deeply nourishing oils like Moringa and Jojoba, chosen to hydrate both the beard and the skin underneath.

Translation: no flakes, no irritation, no tight feeling.

What men love most:

Softens coarse facial hair
Helps prevent ingrown hairs
Keeps the skin underneath calm and balanced
Makes beards easier to style—whether polished or rugged

Infused with Holy Basil and Lavender, the scent is subtle, grounded, and quietly magnetic. Not overpowering. Just… inviting.

This isn’t about having a beard.
It’s about having a good one.

2. Ishq Organic Frankincense Moisturizing Cream

(Low effort. High impact)

This is the moisturizer men didn’t know they were missing—and then refuse to live without. Formulated with cocoa butter, almond oil, aloe vera gel, and a premium organic Frankincense essential oil, this cream is deeply hydrating without feeling heavy or greasy.

Why it works so well for men:

Calms post-shave redness and irritation
Helps with dryness, rough texture, and uneven tone
Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Absorbs fast (no shine, no residue)

Frankincense is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-restoring properties, making this an ideal daily moisturizer—morning and night. Think smoother skin, better texture, and that healthy glow people notice but can’t quite place.

Yes, men can glow.
And no, it’s not too much.

3. Ishq Organic “Botox” Mask

(The glow-up you didn’t know you needed)

Men are searching for pro-aging skincare that actually works—without needles, chemicals, or complicated routines. Enter our Organic “Botox” Mask.

This mask is all about:

Softening fine lines
Firming tired, stressed skin
Boosting circulation and radiance
Making you look well-rested (even when you’re not)

It’s plant-powered, deeply rejuvenating, and incredibly grounding. Use it once a week—or before a big meeting, date, or moment where you want to look like you’ve been sleeping 8 hours and drinking green juice.

No freezing. No fillers.
Just skin that looks alive again.

4. Ishq Organic Scalp Oil

(Ancestral care, modern results)

This is my family’s ancient recipe—passed down through generations and trusted long before hair loss became a billion-dollar industry. Made with Brahmi, Indian Gooseberry (Amla), Black Seed, Neem, and Coconut Oil, this scalp oil deeply nourishes the scalp, supports healthy hair growth, and helps reduce dandruff, dryness, and hair fall.

What men notice:

A calmer, healthier scalp
Stronger hair over time
Less shedding

This is a ritual that feels grounding, not like a chore. Massage it in. Let it sit. Rinse. Repeat weekly.

Your scalp will thank you.

A Final Thought

Taking care of your skin and hair doesn’t make you high-maintenance. It makes you attuned .

At Ishq, we believe self-care is a quiet form of confidence. One that shows up in how you carry yourself, how you’re seen, and how you feel in your own body. And honestly? That’s attractive.

Ishq Models:

Alshiref of Amity Artisan Goods & Alshiref Design & Print
Nedim Korkmaz of Nomadic Vintage Rugs & Constantinople Restaurant
Sam Khaute of Jubilee Hall PDX
Sean "kp" Khuon-Paige of Nice & Easy Films

SUMMER SKIN PERSONALIZED IN 3 EASY STEPS

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 19:30:43 GMT

Summer is here. If you’re in the PNW, do I hear a “finally!”?

With the change in season, it’s time to alter your skincare routine a little bit. Here are 3 easy steps to keep your skin cool:

1) Eat Light

Hot temperatures:

Lower your digestive fire, which decreases your tummy’s ability to digest food
Sucks out the moisture from your skin & hair

You can balance both your digestion, and skin & hair by eating foods that are light & rich in water content. In India, Summer means drinking lots of Pachdi/Lassi - a drink made from beating yogurt with water, salt & sugar. Yummy and super cooling!

When using your Ishq Organic Mask , add in a bit of yogurt. Rich in vitamin B & lactic acid, the creaminess of the yogurt locks in the moisture, and heals/protects your skin from sun damage.

Our favorite Summer masks are Ishq Organic Sandalwood , and Ishq Organic Hibiscus . Both rich in minerals & vitamins that are perfect for rehydrating & brightening your Summer skin

Shopping at your local farmer’s market is your best guide to eating seasonally. Keep an eye out for berries, cucumber, beets, carrots, bell peppers, and the very generous water melon. In Portland, two of our favorites are Orenco Station Farmers Market and Come Thru PDX

2) Use Light

Allow your skin to breathe. With the heat settling in, it’s time to lighten up your daily skincare routine. Switch your heavy moisturizer for one that is rich in cooling ingredients like Aloe vera & rose water. Both have been used for centuries to reduce puffiness & redness. Our favorite summer skin product is Ishq’s Seasonal offering - Ishq Organic Lavender Moisturizing Cream . Luthf feels soft and lovely on your skin, and cooling!

Your scalp is skin. Nourishing it and protecting it is just as important. Massaging your scalp with oils that are rich in coolants, like Brahmi, Bhringraj, Amla, Fenugreek. Ishq Organic Scalp Oil is our family’s ancient hair oil recipe. Mothers massaging this oil into our scalps is a weekly summer ritual. Plus, Hayaath helps prevent hair loss and heals scalp conditions like dandruff, itchiness & Psoriasis

Our favorite summer hair care routine is massaging Ishq Organic Scalp Oil an hour or two before we shower, washing & conditioning as usual, and then further protecting our hair with Ishq Organic Leave In Hair Oil . Muraad is rich in natural ingredients that hydrate and soften hair, while protecting it from sun damage. Plus, Muraad smells sooo good!

3) Wear Light

Focus on clothes that are breathable - organic cotton is our favorite go-to. There’s nothing like the breathability of cotton on hot, sweaty skin. In the Indian subcontinent Summer means wearing clothes that fit loose, and cover more of the body. The opposite of what happens here.

Whichever way you celebrate Summer, we hope it is a one where your light shines bright. May Ishq envelop you with all the Love and Goodness that’s put in it.

3 REASONS TO USE ROSE OIL IN SPRING

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 01:40:00 GMT

It’s Spring! The gentle sun, sprinkles of rain, flowers waking up. It is our favorite season.

Speaking of seasons, it is time for a rotation in your skincare practice. At Ishq Skincare, April 1st brings in the season of the Rose – a flower used since ancient times for her healing. Cleopatra, the ancient Egyptian Queen knew of the flower’s immense benefits for the skin. Her daily baths were infused with petals from dozens of roses. Cleopatra also used to fill her chamber with Rose petals, so that every time Marc Anthony would smell a Rose anywhere – it would remind him of her!

ORIGIN OF THE RED ROSE:

Ancient Greek & Roman history are rich with stories on how the first red Rose was formed. Our favorite at Ishq, is the legend from the Arab world –

Once upon a time, Nightingales were not known for their melodious songs. That is until one day when a Nightingale met the most beautiful white Rose. The love was so true that he was inspired to sing for the very first time! In this ecstasy of Love, all he wanted to do was to get close to the white Rose. But, when he did, one of the thorns pierced the Nightingale’s heart – coloring the Rose red forever. Maybe this legend is one of the reasons red Roses are a symbol of deep love.

Moving on from the ancient world to our present, there are many reasons to use Rose oil infused skincare in spring, like:

Diminishes fine lines
Makes your skin radiant
Evens skin tone
Balances hormone production
Improves blood circulation

All wonderful reasons. This post, however, is going to focus on

3 REASONS TO USE ROSE SKINCARE IN SPRING:

REASON 1- SOFT, LIGHT HYDRATION

Rose oil balances out the oils in your skin so beautifully that it remains hydrated & healthy

In Winter the dryness of the season asks for a moisturizing cream that’s heavier in moisturizing properties. Not so as we transition into Spring. After the heaviness of Winter, your skin craves a moisturizer that is light & hydrating. A large part of Ishq Organic Rose Moisturizing Cream is water – organic rose hydrosol & aloe vera gel. Both are important in restoring the moisture levels in your skin, while making your skin feel refreshed.

One of our favorite things about the Ishq Organic Rose Moisturizing Cream is that she’s easily absorbed by your skin without leaving a greasy feel!

REASON 2- ANTI INFLAMMATORY & ANTI BACTERIAL

When the weather improves, you can’t help but enjoy the warmth & the blooms

Raise your hand if you’ve been out gardening & hiking. In the PNW, we totally have been enjoying the sunshine! Your skin is another story. The sudden exposure to elements can cause irritations – redness, acne breakouts, puffiness. The good thing about Rose Oil is that it has vitamins & minerals that are anti inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Soothe & protect is the mantra for Spring Skin!

Ishq Organic Rose Moisturizing Cream has the power to soothe skin irritations and protect your skin from further damage.

REASON 3 – HEART OPENER

Since Ancient times Rose has been associated with romance and love

Our Ancestors have been using Rose oil for skincare, and to improve mental health. Rose activates our olfactory glands to turn smells into chemical responses. That means less stress & anxiety, and more joy & happiness.

The gentle fragrance of the Rose vibrates with universal love, the kind that accepts you just as you are. It’s the perfect oil for Spring. As you step out of the winter darkness, Rose helps open your heart to receive all the light and love.

In short, using Rose Oil infused skincare in Spring helps hydrate your skin, reduce inflammations and helps you better receive the Blessings around you.

At Ishq, we are honored to offer you our Seasonal Rose Collection:

Ishq Organic Rose Moisturizing Cream – A light organic moisturizing cream that nourishes & hydrates your skin without the heavy, greasy feel
Ishq Organic Rose Detox Mask – A powerful mask that removes toxins and readies your skin to better absorb moisture

YOUR SKIN CHANGES WITH THE SEASONS

Rotating your skincare routine with the seasons is a sustainable way of living. We all agree that eating seasonal fruits & vegetables is better for your body & the environment. The same concept applies to your skin. Your skin needs different nourishment throughout the year in order to heal & glow.

This season of lightness should be mirrored in your skincare routine:

A gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells & the harshness of winter while infusing your skin with the softness of Rose. Best used at least 3 times a week
A moisturizing cream that is light & hydrating. Use daily for glory, dewy skin
A mask that detoxes with love and intention. Use once a week for best results

No more using the same skincare routine in every season

No more going with the latest skincare fad while ignoring the true needs of your skin

Slowing down, paying attention to what’s growing around you, intentionally listening to your body & skin is a healthy way of being.

At Ishq we make it easy for you to take care of your skin in every season – with the Ishq Seasonal Subscription. Sign up just once, and every 3 months organic products your skin needs that season are delivered to your door. Allow us to take care of you this Spring, and in every season. Sign up for your Ishq Seasonal Subscription here to experience the magic of Ancestral Healing.

SEASONAL SUBSCRIPTION

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:06:00 GMT

Do you agree that eating fruits & veggies that are in season is better for your body, and the environment? Why not apply the same philosophy to your skincare?

Your skin changes with the seasons . Like in Winter, have you noticed your skin is drier than usual? When it makes sense to eat seasonally, doesn’t it make more sense to change your skincare routine with the seasons?

We get it. You’re busy, and rotating your skincare is another thing to worry about. How would you feel if we tell you, that you don’t have to think about it? At Ishq, we love taking care of you, and we make it easy for you to take care of yourself.

Ishq Seasonal Subscription Service provides the nourishment your skin needs that season, even when you don’t realize it!

Our Founder & CEO, Sarah Zareen started this service in April of 2021. She was inspired to go back to her familial roots, to a time when healing your skin was simple & sustainable. Her Ancestors paid attention to what Mother Nature was growing and incorporated that into their food, and skincare routine.

At Ishq the PNW farm season is reflected in our offerings. At any time of the year, you will have easy access to 3 Ishq Organic Moisturizing Creams:

Winter: Season of Citrus & Turmeric, the fruit & root available in abundance

The brightness of Ishq Organic Sweet Orange makes the long darkness brighter, and Ishq Organic Turmeric envelops you with her deep, hydrating healing

Spring: When the flower that gave Portland recognition raises herself up to the sun

The shift of cold to gentle warmth calls for the softness of the rose. A known heart opener that connects you with your inner source of Love, Ishq Organic Rose Moisturizing Cream , and Ishq Organic Rose-Seasalt Scrub gently ease you into abundance

Summer: When the PNW wind sings the song of Lavender

When the sun shines bright, Lavender soothes with her plant based powers. Ishq Organic Lavender Moisturizing Cream , and Ishq Organic Lavender-Poppy Seed Scrub will be all that you need to hydrate your sun kissed souls

Fall: A season of transition that calls for the power of Tulsi-Holy Basil

This is the prettiest and the craziest weather time in PNW – hot one day, blustery the next. How do you nourish your skin through this period of flux? With Ishq Organic Tulsi Moisturizing Cream . An adaptogen used in Ayurveda to deal with stress, Tulsi helps modulate your skin’s response to change. A perfect all body skincare, handcrafted for you in Fall.

All that is good information to know. Here’s the thing though – you don’t need to remember any of it! When you sign up for the Ishq Organic Seasonal Subscription , organic products your skin needs that season are delivered to your door. Every 3 months you will have a jar of freshly made, seasonal skincare in your hands.

There are 2 payment options:

$33/3 months
$122 for an entire YEAR of Ishq Organic Seasonal Moisturizing Cream

Whichever one you choose, your skin will thank you for the non toxic, healing goodness

Why You Should Subscribe:

Simple, easy way to nourish & heal your skin
Sustainable way of living – buying seasonal & local
Guaranteed timely shipment. We sell out constantly. As a subscriber, you will receive your organic healing goodness, regardless of circumstances

Are you ready, beautiful energy, to transform the way you think skincare? We are honored to be a part of your skincare journey. Sign up here for your Ishq Organic Seasonal Subscription Service .

Gift one to yourself, and to the one you love.

TURMERIC - CULTURAL APPROPRIATION

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 23:41:00 GMT

Tabassum is my stand against the cultural appropriation of Turmeric

When Starbucks came out with their “Golden Latte”, I felt like my entire childhood was being taken away from me. That overpriced drink is our “Haldi Doodh”, Turmeric Milk. A drink that our Mother’s used to give us when we were sick

I don’t claim India has exclusive rights over Turmeric. There are a lot of cultures that have valued Haldi for centuries. What pisses me off is how a dominant culture wakes up one morning and says,

“Today I’m going to use Turmeric to create something”

And then proceeds to make money off of someone else’s heritage

Turmeric is more than a capitalistic drink

Haldi (hal-dee) is woven into Indian culture with love & respect

She’s a part of our daily food

Turmeric is the hope & excitement brides and grooms are anointed with to coax out a special glow

Haldi is used as an antiseptic on cuts. She burns, but she does her healing work

Turmeric is Mother’s love gently stirred into warm milk with love & prayers for good health

Maybe I’ve become more sensitive to the appropriation of Indigenous cultures, but I’ve been seeing this theft happen more & more lately

Golden Honey

Golden Ghee

Golden Mask

These are majority wyt owned businesses, with maybe a smattering of experience with Indian culture – a limited trip to India, Indian friend – you get the picture. They may thank Indian culture & Ayurveda for the knowledge

That is not enough

If you are making money off of our ancient knowledge, give us some of that. Share your proceeds, not profit, with an Ayurveda center in India, sponsor a student studying Ayurveda. Do something to monetarily support the culture you took from. Giving us a website byte doesn’t cut it

Stop with the performative crap

If you want to be true allies, then stop being blissfully ignorant. Stop justifying your appropriation/theft with statements that start with “But I…”

I was very upset with Starbucks and with the excitement folx showed towards that consumption. I wanted to my actions to speak for me

Ishq Organic Turmeric Mask, Tabassum is my attempt to reclaim the healing of Haldi. This DIY mask is more than an ethical stand. She is a homemade facial in a 2oz reusable glass jar. You can read more about how this Organic Turmeric-Gram Flour Mask nourishes your dry winter skin here

Turmeric is more than a money making fad for wyt folx

She is voices from childhood asking me to mix them a glowing skin mask with honey, Besan & rose water

Haldi is my family’s abundant love being passed along generations, healing as she goe s

ISHQ MASK GIFT BOX

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 11:06:00 GMT

The Ishq Mask Gift Box is a labor of Love. It is a fair trade coming together of 6 collaborations , to tell stories of communities that usually aren’t told.

At Ishq , I want every single aspect to heal your skin and support social causes , locally and globally. I wanted to do a Gift Box since the beginning of 2020. But nothing I explored felt right. I was super frustrated and almost gave up on the idea. But there was something in me that said

“Wait.”

You know the feeling in your gut, the slight fluttering stillness where you know something’s about to happen, something good, but don’t know what or when? That’s what I had. To make a long story short:

– Asked a friend for organizations in India that work with the Trans community

– Emergency trip to Bangalore to help take care of Abba

– Thought process: “Hey, I’m here. Let’s explore the Ishq Mask Gift Box”

It was that simple but wasn’t that simple. It took me months of searching online, poking in old Bangalore neighborhoods, countless conversations with family, giving up on the idea twice because things weren’t happening, tears, prayers and a long conversation with Mindset Coach & Master Connector Aria Leighty for the Ishq Mask Gift Box to happen.

This beautifully soulful project has 6 collaborations. Each is unique , but come together like they were always meant to be. When you purchase your Ishq Mask Gift Box , your monies directly support these small businesses.

There is a town in rural Southern India, close to Bangalore, called Channapatna (chuh-ah-naa-pat-naa) that’s super famous for brightly painted wooden toys. So famous that The White House has some of them.

COLLABORATION 1:

Wood Workers at the Channapatna factory that makes Ishq Mask Gift Boxes

If you grew up in Southern India, you’ve played with Channapatna toys. Local art that’s beautifully handcrafted, nontoxic , sustainable and fun.

Sometime in the 90’s, cheap knock offs from China came into the toy market. Channapatna toy makers started losing work. The industry dwindled down to almost nothing. As a child in the 90’s, this made me very sad. There was a deep desire in me to do something for this ancient artwork.

When I found out that Channapatna toy makers have transitioned to making merchandise, I knew I had to have them handcraft Ishq Mask Gift Boxes. Up front these boxes cost more than the ones you get at big box stores, but the joy they bring me is priceless. I know Ishq monies have gone to support an ancient industry that uses sustainable practices . And, it’s a fulfillment of a childhood wish, one that I hadn’t spoken out loud.

It humbles me to tell you,

Your Ishq Mask Gift Box is handcrafted by Channapatna toy makers using sustainably harvested pinewood.

COLLABORATION 2:

Growing up in India, there was a community we were taught to fear – the Trans genders, Trans women to be specific. I would see these manly women in sarees asking for money at traffic lights and markets. They were different from the other panhandlers though. They wouldn’t accept cheap change. It had to be a certain amount of money. They had this aura of brute strength laced with femininity that I found fascinating.

The treatment of Trans women in Indian society is beyond messed up. Shunned by families and treated as untouchables, vilified as child abductors but at the same time, considered lucky. The only time Trans women are welcomed by society is at weddings and birth of children. The hypocrisy behind their blessings being wanted but them being shut out from a basic standard of living is blinding. I grew up with this deep desire to work for and with these women, especially when I came to know that the only means of survival for them was sex work and/or begging.

Back in August, 2020 when asked by my mindset coach Selena Maestas and my business strategy coach Sheila Gray to write down things out of the box for Ishq, the first thing I wrote down was my childhood desire to help improve Trans women lives in India. It was manifestation in the most beautiful way!

Trans Women Artists Painting Ishq Mask Gift Boxes

I had to make an emergency trip to India in October of 2020 to help take care of my Dad. It is very hard to see him in pain, but also super grateful for the opportunity to serve my family.

My friend, Shilpa Kannan recommended the Aravani Art Project , a wonderful organization in Bangalore, India empowering the Transgender community using art to bridge the inequity gap in society . These artists are a joy to be with! Their artwork is in demand – painting murals on walls all around Bangalore city, in the Australian Consulate in Chennai, schools and libraries in slums. One of the highlights of my emergency trip to Bangalore, was to see them enjoy painting The Ishq Mask Gift Boxes . They came up with their own original designs and painted the boxes with such vibrancy that feel like windows into their souls.

My Visit to The Aravani Art Project Studio

To have Ishq play a small part in Trans women empowerment fills my soul with immense warmth .

COLLABORATION 3:

I’ve grown up with my Parents being super engaged in civic and social improvement, especially for communities that are short changed by greater society. Abba is the President of Maymar Charitable Trust in Bangalore. One of their many projects is to uplift people living in slums . They open health clinics, offer micro loans especially to women, provide mentorship and teach trade skills. Teaching women to sew is one of them. Your Ishq Mask Gift Box comes with a reusable bag handcrafted by these tenacious women.

In India, and I’m sure in other parts of the developing world, when a woman is financially empowered it allows her the freedom to leave an abusive situation, to provide her children with better education and nutrition.

Women empowerment is a social cause close to my heart. It makes me so, so happy to know that Ishq monies are directly involved in improving women’s lives around the World.

COLLABORATION 4:

My mission is to make organic skincare simple, sustainable and accessible for everyone. Ishq Masks are nourishing blends of non-toxic dry ingredients. To activate the healing vitamins and minerals, you need to mix in a liquid that suits your skin the best. To make it easy for you to have a sensual, healing experience, your Ishq Mask Gift Box comes with a carved wooden bowl and spoon handcrafted by Toy makers of Channapatna . Handcrafted with locally sourced Ivory wood and hand painted with vegetable dye, these bowls are a work non toxic, beautiful work of art

Supporting Indigenous art, locally and globally, is something that I love to do and I’m grateful to carry this into my small business.

COLLABORATION 5:

Where would we be without our farmers? One of my favorite things to do is to buy directly from our local growers . These folks are out in all weather gently coaxing our Earth to nourish us.

From day 1, I’ve used ingredients sourced from Oregon farms and companies. In 2020, I decided to make it super local, by having organic ingredients grown in the greater Portland area.

Your Ishq Mask Gift Box comes with a mini organic dried flower bouquet grown on Sauvie Island by Cartwheel Community Farm It makes me so happy to say that!

COLLABORATION 6:

The Ishq Mask Gift Box wouldn’t be possible without Ishq, organic masks to be specific. To round up the sustainable healing, this piece of art comes with your choice of an organic Ishq Mask.

I love using masks on my face! Just the thought of using one makes my pores dance in healing anticipation. Vitamin and mineral rich, Ishq Masks nourish your skin helping reduce inflammations while brightening and tightening. Ishq Masks are my number one recommendation when people ask me for advice on how to keep acne/inflammations/sensitivity under control.

All Ishq Masks are in a powder for that allows you the freedom to mix in a liquid that suits your skin the best, and they don’t expire.

A part of my mission is to make organic skincare simple and sustainable. The Ishq Mask was designed around your Ishq Mask. To make it easy for you to use, I’ve included a wooden bowl and spoon for mixing your skincare magic.

You know, the most wonderful things happen in the most unexpected way. The Bangalore trip is super hard, but it also gave me the opportunity to take Ishq to another level, where my small business can be part of a greater movement of healing. I am excited to share The Ishq Mask Gift Box with you and hope it brings you sustainable joy and immense healing.

TURMERIC

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 05:52:00 GMT

Did you know you can find the powerful anti-inflammatory and healing benefits of Turmeric with Ishq Skincare?

Tabassum (thuh-buh-soom) in Urdu means Happy Smile. Handcrafted with Organic Besan (gram flour) & Turmeric, this is a blend used by women in India daily for centuries.

Tabassum is a dry powder mask. I have made it such with two intentions:

Encourages you to slow down – Ishq Organic Masks increase in their healing when you mix in ingredients that suit your skin the best. This means, slowing down & intentionally choosing ingredients to mix in
Unlimited shelf life – My hope is that you use Tabassum at least weekly for best results. But, I get it. Using an Ishq Organic Mask is a ritual that you may not do every week. Tabassum being a dry powder mask means that it doesn’t know how to expire. Shelf life is unlimited as long as you store her in a cool & dry place, like your dresser drawer.

I grew up with this ancient healing root. Turmeric powder mixed in hot milk, what you’d call Golden Latte, is one of the first home remedies given for curing a cold and coughs.

Haldi, Turmeric, has been used for centuries in India as a powerful healer. Put it on cuts to stop the blood flow and speed up the healing process. Add haldi in your curries to balance the heat from chillies and also add the tinge of yellow.

Non toxic and free from phthalates, preservatives and other nasties makes Tabassum safe for kids & sensitive skin.

Rich in zinc & magnesium, Ishq Organic Turmeric Mask is an excellent relief for winter dry skin. She is also:-

Anti Inflammatory:

Turmeric blocks your skin’s inflammatory response. Super calming for the skin, especially if you have eczema & psoriasis.

Mix in 1/4 tsp of Tabassum + 1/4 tsp honey + 1/2 tsp rose water. Apply onto dry skin. Wash off with water when partially dry. Moisturize with your favorite Ishq Organic Moisturizing Cream. I recommend the Organic Sandalwood

Rich in Anti Oxidants:

Your skin is constantly exposed to environmental toxins that slowly erode it, removing your freshness & elasticity. Tabassum cleanses your skin of impurities. Use her regularly for dewy, glowy skin

Mix in 1/4 tsp of Tabassum + 1/4 tsp honey + 1/4 tsp milk/ yogurt in Summer + 1/4 tsp rose water. Apply onto dry skin. Wash off with water when dry. Moisturize with your favorite Ishq Organic Seasonal Moisturizing Cream

Controls Acne:

Want to reduce your acne breakouts? Include Turmeric in your daily skin routine. Turmeric is one ingredient that goes into skin’s deeper layer and reduces oil secretion, leading to acne free skin.

Humectant:

Is your skin dry, especially during Winter? Gram flour & Turmeric are humectants, they help your skin retain moisture, while removing dead skin cells. Result: Skin that stays moisturized for longer.

In short beautiful energy, regular use of Ishq Organic Turmeric Mask leads to skin that is softer, brighter & firmer.

Watch how Tova of Blue Sky Wellness Studio in Portland uses her Tabassum.

POTATO

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 14:28:00 GMT

Of all the vegetables, the humble Potato is a favorite in my house. Did you know you could incorporate potatoes into your skincare? So rich in vitamins, minerals & enzymes that they help:

Firm & brighten
Help remove pigmentation
Fade acne scars

When cooking with potatoes, try this out. Let the potato juice relax on your skin for about 15 minutes before washing off.

YOGURT

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 21:39:00 GMT

Aah, cooling and calming yogurt. So beneficial for the gut with it’s active cultures. Did you know you could use yogurt on your face?

In my family, yogurt takes on many roles:

We use it in cooking – anytime you want to take your curry or stir fry to the next level, add a dollop of plain yogurt
We eat it plain, sometimes with sugar. A bowlful of yogurt is the traditional way us South Indians round off lunch

We also incorporate it into skincare. Slathering a layer of plain yogurt on your face after you’ve spent some time in the sun soothes any irritation or burns.

Yogurt is one of favorite mixing agents for Ishq Masks. I love how it feels on my skin!

TOMATO

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 21:39:00 GMT

We love to complicate things. It has been ingrained in us that if something’s easy, then it cannot be good. What if I tell you that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated? It can be simple, sustainable and healing.

For the days that are crazy busy, when everything around us is spinning, when taking care of our skin feels like a burden – the kitchen is the best place you can go for quick easy skincare tips.

Take tomato for example. Rubbing a slice of tomato on your skin for a couple of minutes is all you need to do to revitalize your skin!

Tomatoes:

Are rich in Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, which protects the skin from free radicals
Contain salicylic acid that unclogs pores, keeping your acne breakouts in check
Have enzymes that help exfoliate dead skin cells

In short, rubbing a slice of tomato on your skin has the power to tighten and brighten your skin.

EGG WHITES

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 17:58:00 GMT

I use this tip all the time. When I have a super busy day and I know my skin needs a little loving but I don’t have the time, I use egg whites on my face.

We’re big egg eaters in my house. Breakfast always some sort of eggs. For this refreshing skin tip you don’t need to crack up a fresh egg just for the whites. Just take what’s sticking to the shell when you crack one open. That’s all you need! While eggs are cooking, your face is getting some firming and brightening! Eggs, nutritious for your bod and excellent for your skin.

Regular use of an egg white mask may help:

Tighten
Brighten
Cleanse
Shrink pore size

Next time you make eggs, don’t waste the whites sticking to the shells. Swipe it on your skin, and wash off when dry.