Creating tradition: How The Heritage Collection came to life

At Pestle & Mortar, we are guided by the philosophy of less-is-more, a principle that echoes through everything we create. Rooted in the ancient traditions of Indian natural healing, our approach is about distilling skincare down to its simplest and most effective elements.

When creating The Heritage Collection, we wanted to embody the philosophies that guide our brand by blending timeless traditions with modern design to offer a truly special gifting experience.

Behind the scenes

The process of creating The Heritage Collection was a careful exploration of contrasts. During a hands-on and immersive design process, detailed mood boards were created, featuring rich Indian textiles, bold geometric patterns, and intricate motifs. These elements laid the groundwork for the collection’s visual narrative.

Working with a cork board filled with fabric swatches, sketches, and colour palettes, the design team meticulously curated and refined these inspirations. Pins held up fragments of ideas—everything from traditional motifs to modern interpretations of ancient patterns. We spent time considering and rearranging these elements, looking to create the perfect balance between honouring our heritage and aligning with our brand’s contemporary aesthetic. Eventually, sketches evolved into refined designs, and digital renderings provided a glimpse into how these inspirations would translate into the final packaging.

Inspired by traditional Indian art

Traditional Indian art inspires the Heritage Collection, in particular the intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and detailed motifs found in Indian textiles and cultural designs. This type of art often includes rich, geometric patterns and floral motifs that are deeply symbolic and have been passed down through generations. We began with these timeless elements and reinterpreted them in a modern, minimalist way, to reflect both the heritage of Indian artistry and the contemporary aesthetic of our brand.

We are always thoughtful about how we use colour. Our signature look is minimalist, monochrome, and refined. For The Heritage Collection, we embraced colour as a hallmark of artistic expression. The carefully chosen tones evoke a sense of celebration and joy, to enhance the tradition and experience of gifting.

A key element in The Heritage Collection is the integration of our logo’s ampersand, a symbol that embodies connection at its core. In the context of this collection, the ampersand bridges the gap between old and new, weaving together traditional craftsmanship with modern design.

This symbol anchors each piece in the collection with a sense of continuity and purpose. It serves as a visual representation of our philosophy: honouring the past while embracing the future. The ampersand connects the individual elements of the collection, and ties together the rich heritage of Indian artistry with a minimalist aesthetic to create a meaningful, unified experience.

Create a beautiful gifting tradition

Rooted in the Indian natural healing traditions that inspire our products, The Heritage Collection draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Indian art and motifs. Intentional design and impactful photography are integral to the Pestle & Mortar brand, and this collection gave us the opportunity to creatively interpret the enduring beauty and wisdom of heritage.

Each piece in this collection tells a story, connects the past with the present, and offers a gifting experience that is as meaningful as it is beautiful.

The under-eye area doesn’t respond well to excess. Too many products, too much pressure and too many actives easily overwhelm the sensitive skin on this area of the face. What works is a simple, consistent routine that respects how delicate this skin is. The approach we recommend time and time again prioritises drainage first, then hydration, and lastly repair.

How hydrogel eye patches actually work

If eye creams and serums are already part of your routine, it’s fair to wonder what eye patches actually add. They’re often seen as an extra step, without much explanation of why they exist or what makes them different. The answer isn’t about stronger formulas or instant results. It’s about how hydration is delivered to the under-eye area, and why that matters.

The missing step in most Vitamin C routines

Vitamin C is one of the most effective ingredients for brightening skin and improving uneven tone. Yet many people struggle with irritation, inconsistent results, or the feeling that their serum just isn’t doing very much at all. More often than not, the issue isn’t Vitamin C. It’s dehydration. When skin lacks hydration, the barrier becomes fragile. Actives that should be working with your skin instead trigger stress, sensitivity, or inflammation — all of which work against glow and even tone. This is where hyaluronic acid comes in. On its own, hyaluronic acid hydrates, plumps, and strengthens the skin barrier. On its own, Vitamin C brightens, protects, and supports even tone. But together, they create the conditions skin needs to respond properly. Here’s why this pairing works — and why it deserves a permanent place in your morning routine.

What to expect in your first 4 weeks with Vitamin C

Pigmentation doesn’t fade overnight. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling you something that won’t work. But that doesn’t mean nothing happens — far from it. When you use a well-formulated Vitamin C consistently, your skin begins responding almost immediately. The full transformation takes time, but the early signs show up much sooner than most people expect. Here’s what actually happens when you commit to Vitamin C every morning for four weeks.

Your 5-step pigmentation-fading routine

Dark marks that won’t fade. Patches that deepen no matter what you try. A dullness that no amount of exfoliating seems to fix. If your pigmentation feels stuck, you’ve likely tried everything from brightening serums to chemical peels, with little to show for it. You’re not imagining it, and you’re certainly not alone. The good news is this: fading dark marks doesn’t require a ten-step routine or a bathroom cabinet full of serums. What it needs is the right steps, in the right order, done consistently. Here’s how to build a pigmentation-fighting routine that works with your skin — not against it.

3 tips for daily care for baby skin

Caring for your baby’s skin should be simple and should work. By using the right skincare products and following these 3 tips, you can look forward to smooth, soft, baby skin and happier bathtimes.

How to get glowing skin

The phrase ‘glowing skin’ is definitely overused in the skincare world. Even though it’s the word that most women use to describe their ideal skin, few actually understand what it means when it comes down to the nitty-gritty of getting it.

Dry or dehydrated? What’s the difference?

Dehydrated skin is not the same as dry skin. It’s important to know whether you are suffering with dry skin or dehydrated skin or both so that you know how to optimise your skincare routine so that it’s treating the right problem.

How do I fade acne scars & hyperpigmentation?

“How to treat hyperpigmentation” is one of the most frequently asked questions in relation to skincare concerns, so if you suffer with it, you’re certainly not alone.