Indian women have always been encouraged to make the most of their looks with cosmetics and herbs. Even in the vedic times, Sanskrit texts laid down the concept of Sola singaar or the sixteen traditional accoutrements with which every women could adorn herself. These were designed for every part of body, and irrespective of class, many of them can be fashioned out of wood, glass, fresh flowers or precious jewels.

Indian women follow the concept of Sola singaar even today. While it is possible to use some of these decorations every day, modern life and work make others, such as armlets on the upper arm or toe rings, impractical for daily use. Many Indian women, however, even the more westernized ones, dress up in all the sixteen accoutrements for weddings, festivals and other special occasions. The sixteen accoutrements are: bindi, necklaces, earrings, flowers in the hair, bangles, rings, armlets on the upper arm, waistbands, and anklets for the feet, kohl, toe rings, henna, perfume, sandalwood paste, the upper garment and the lower garment.