Seems like Indian women have a far more holistic view of beauty than we ever credit them for, are more self-confident and consider cosmetic makeovers a tertiary boost to their image. According to a study by Philips, over 90 per cent Indian women feel a positive mindset, physical fitness and emotional balance are a part of their beauty. About 76 per cent said they felt most complete at the workplace.
Over 1,000 women were surveyed in India, across metros to analyse the beauty industry’s pace and its sync with women’s changing roles and the demand for personalised products and constant innovation. This study determines trends and views on beauty dilemmas faced by today’s consumers, different ways that women distinguish their beauty routine and style from others, what it means to have a healthy state of mind, and diverse roles that beauty plays in different aspects of women’s lives. Indian women have come forward to express a unified sentiment which establishes that beauty to them is about expressing style while caring for their well-being and a healthier tomorrow.
The survey indicates that Indian women are conscious and appreciative of their mental and physical health — and believe it to be a part of their beauty regime and are more comfortable in their skin than ever. The survey says 67 per cent of women in India feel that self-respect is essential to making them feel confident. Next in line is happiness and 63 per cent listed it as their second confidence-booster. Eighty seven per cent of the survey respondents said that they are most likely to incorporate drinking water and 58 per cent agreed to exercising often as part of their beauty regime
Many Indian women are also looking to tradition and 57 per cent practice yoga and 47 per cent meditate regularly far more so than any other nationality.
What’s interesting is the 42 per cent of Indian women feel that the beauty industry is more focussed on overall well-being than it was in the past. Over 52 per cent women are aspirational and look up to celebrities for their choices of beauty products.
Women in India are most likely to have incorporated well-being components in to their beauty routine, with 64 per cent citing this compared to the global average of 42 per cent.
The most important aspects for women in India in terms of defining their beauty is having a positive mindset, which got a thumbs up from 96 per cent of women. Being physically fit was important for 95 per cent of the respondents. Feeling emotionally balanced was considered important by 89 per cent of women.
Another interesting deduction from the study was that Indian women are ethically conscious when it comes to the products they buy. So 77 per cent Indian women consider it important to make ethical choices around products and brands and 91 per cent respondents agreed that they were concerned whether the products are eco-friendly and organic. They consider high-tech and scientific ingredients important.
Indian women prioritise beauty when getting married but they feel that they realise their true potential at work. Thirty nine per cent of the Indian women are likely to feel most beautiful as a bride on their wedding day. The next most chosen option was lower as less than one in five women said they feel most beautiful when out on a date with their partner, that is about 17 per cent of them.