Not Quantico, it’s Priyanka Chopra’s underarm that got social media yakking this week. Her cover picture for Maxim was criticised for excessive Photoshopping on her underarms. PeeCee broke her silence a couple of days later with a picture (above) on Twitter and Instagram, captioned: “Here is another pit-stopping picture to add to the debate. #WillTheRealArmpitPleaseStandUp #nofilter #armpitdiaries”
t2 traces the journey of the underarm under the spotlight...
Diary of an armpit
Seriously, it’s no fun being a grown-up girl’s armpit. First of all, they subject me to unspeakable torture when they yank the hair — all au naturel, by the way — off me. Those who feel me will insist that the beautician uses only cold wax; the evil ones will clench their teeth and slather some hot (sometimes piping hot) wax. The horror of horrors is when there’s a razor ploughing my field, leaving a cut here or a red blotch there. And top it off with astringent. Ouch!
Though I hate that they hate hair on me, truth be told, I am not a big fan of hair either. Come summer and I feel like I am living in a mangrove forest, what with the sweat and all. Those few months, I am okay with things getting a little rough because I love it when I can finally breathe easy and my owner slips into those sleeveless/strapless outfits to flaunt me.
What they often forget is that I do love some pampering, at least once a week. Rub me with a good scrub and put a soothing pack, it feels so good. Spray some nice-smelling mist if you will, but don’t bring that deo near me. Oh, and don’t you dare think of getting me pierced! Ever. (Like Kendall Jenner did to her nipple, who does that?!)
A note for Aunties: Dabbing half a bottle of talcum powder on me does not make me look prettier; I only get some fat white lines.
Beauty pro Priscilla Corner’s grooming tips
Dark underarms can be due to dead skin, or it could be genetic. Here are some ways to take care of your pit stop:
♦ Cleansing. There is no shortcut. Shower regularly and clean your armpits properly. At home you can cleanse it with a cleanser or milk because it has fatty acids that deep-cleans the skin.
♦ Cleansing should be followed by moisturising for normal skin type. But people with very dry skin should cleanse and exfoliate their armpit with a sugar scrub that can be made at home with sugar and olive oil. Apply and keep it for five minutes before showering and washing it off. Follow this by moisturising your armpit.
♦ If your armpit is already dark, then apply lime juice as it bleaches the skin. Natural products like potato, yogurt and cucumber have acidic elements which help bleach and make the skin tone lighter in colour.
♦ The best way to remove underarm hair is by waxing since it removes the hair from its roots. Use a razor only if you have to or in a hurry. You must not use the razor on the skin too harshly since it leads to darkening of the skin. Threading small hair is also another option. If you intend to remove armpit fuzz through laser treatment, you must go for a patch test first.
♦ Avoid scented products like deodorants as the chemicals tend to make your skin darker. Natural or organic products are good substitutes.
♦ If you have a fair skin tone, then bleaching the underarms can lighten skin colour.
♦ If you have a medical condition, you must consult a doctor.
It’s not the first time that Priyanka Chopra has let her underarm bask in the limelight. The Desi Girl has consistently flaunted flawless armpits — from film posters to her music video Exotic (in picture). Back in B-town, Anushka Sharma gave herself a clean chit in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Alia Bhatt in Student of the Year and Sunny Leone in Mastizaade in recent times. Not to forget Sridevi going Ta thaiya ta thaiya ho, showing a neat underarm, and Mandakini frolicking under the waterfall in a wet sari in Ram Teri Ganga Maili, displaying an armpit that’s as even-toned as PeeCee’s.
