Beautician bats for kitchen cosmetics

September 18, 2011 09:42 am | Updated 09:42 am IST

Blossom Kochchar

Blossom Kochchar

Turmeric, honey and almond - you may consider including these ingredients to jazz up a meal but one woman managed to transfer them from the dining table to the dressing tables of homes and salons across India through a successful product line that solicits Nature as miracle worker. From bottling wellness, to training would-be professionals and meeting beauticians across India,Blossom Kochchar , synonymous with aromatherapy, tellsOlympia Shilpa Geraldthat looking good is essentially about feeling good.

Blossom Kochchar has become an household name for the essence of her solutions for ageing skin, dark circles and damaged hair are all borrowed from gardens – a refreshing break from the cosmetic industry that rides high on chemicals. “If we can eat it, then we can use it,” is the rationale behind her interesting choice of ingredients explains Kochchar who used chocolate for a hair spa during an educational seminar in the city. “I believe in kitchen cosmetics- cosmetics are not merely store products but things you can find easily in your kitchen.”

The USP of her ‘Aromamagic' product line is the affordability and absence of synthetic materials. “Aromatherapy is holistic treatment for body, mind and soul. All products are made from natural extracts and essential oils. No synthetic substances are used and this eliminates fear of allergies.”

Ms. Kochchar moving beyond metros into tier two and three towns speaks of the exponential growth in the beauty industry. The focus has also moved beyond skin care to include hair care. Besides it is no longer a women's realm as men too are conscious of looking good. “Our glow pack which tightens and lightens skin is very popular among South Indian men,” she confides.

Though welcoming India's prospects as a lucrative market for cosmetics she hopes that this is not exploited. “There are products coming from all over the world; my only wish is they bring in good cosmetics. But Indians love their herbals and it would take us a long time to switch completely to chemicals.”

But with all players in the market trying to capitalise on the fascination for aloe vera, seaweed and the like, the authenticity of herbal products are under the scanner. “There are many excellent chemical products but including a single ingredient cannot make a chemical product herbal. When you use a cosmetic it has to talk at once,”

Someone who bats for enhancing natural looks, Kochchar is all admiration for South Indian women. “I love the eyes, hair and smile of women in Tamil Nadu. They have such natural, beautiful hair. Of course there's nothing wrong with colouring and styling but if you don't know how to care for treated hair, you are in trouble,” she cautions.

Kochchar also loves playing teacher and is gladdened that youth, especially men are finding the profession lucrative. Her institutes, Blosssom Kochchar College of Creative Arts & Design (BKCCAD), offers aspirants a chance to turn postgraduates. With daughter Samantha at the helm of affairs, her focus is gradually shifting from retail and spa to starting franchisee salons and meeting beauticians across the country. “I take time to travel and meet beauticians in all corners of India. Working with hair and skin is my passion and meeting beauticians is a creative exercise.”

She apprises them of recent trends, prompting them to think out of the box. She believes that innovation will slowly seep into small town but for starters, they need someone to show them how things are done. “I don't suggest elaborate things. I keep it simple, easy and natural- after all isn't it what beauty is all about.”

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.