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Get, set, glow on your D-day
This is good advice for all brides and grooms (yes, grooms, you too): the day you finally set the date for your wedding should be the day you begin to think about how you want to look at your wedding. Here's your quick guide to gorgeousness on your wedding day.
This is good advice for all brides and grooms (yes, grooms, you too): the day you finally set the date for your wedding should be the day you begin to think about how you want to look at your wedding.
"Stress over your big day can affect your hormonal balance, which may lead to pesky breakouts, rashes and even overly oily or dry skin," says Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, a Delhi-based dermatologist. "To avoid such trouble, set a proper routine that encompasses everything from your skin to your diet to your body."
Here’s a five-week countdown to your big day.
Week 1 - Diet
If you want beautifully youthful skin, you need to switch to a healthy and clean diet. "The diet I put brides- and grooms-to-be on is strict but really effective: no caffeine, alcohol, sugar, dairy, and processed foods," says Dr Bhardwaj.
"But you can have plenty of vegetables as they are high in fibre, help blood circulation, support the skin’s elasticity and give you the antioxidants to kill free radicals in the body for that feel-good factor."
Don’t forget hydration: Four to five litres of water a day, especially if you’re doing killer workouts.
Week 2- Exercise
A variety of cardio workouts are an absolute must. Exercise tightens the skin, creates muscle tone and stimulates hormonal mood enhancers which make us feel good, says fitness expert Neeraj Mehta. And when we feel good, we look good too.
Great ways to lose body fat and bring out muscle mass include running, boxing, skipping, swimming (preferably in saltwater pools) and biking.
"To gauge whether you are in the fat-burning zone, do the 'talk test'. Talking should be difficult as you need to breathe heavily. Do 45-60 minutes of cardio and strength training at least 5-6 days a week," says Dr Bhardwaj.
Week 3 and 4- Body brushing
"A really important part of this skin-beautiful plan is body brushing as it stimulates the lymphatic system, exfoliates the surface of the skin and prevents ingrown hairs," says Dr Bhardwaj.
Week 5- Deep cleansing facial
Don't rush around in the last few days before the wedding. Relax. Let the stress seep away.
Hair's the way to do it!
TONI&GUY's global hair ambassador Mark Hampton firmly believes in the Hair Meet Wardrobe philosophy and shares tips on tackling three wedding occasions.
Create Waves at the Cocktail Party
One look in particular that I think works for this glamorous night is opulent and outward waves. With thick, dark hair, Indian women pull off this gorgeous look with maximum aplomb!
Tying the knot at the Sangeet
Messy up-do braids really work for any outfit or any look you want to carry off - it's an evergreen trend and works even better when the braid has some added texture for impact.
Classic yet contemporary at the reception
At the reception, you dress in your most beautiful traditional outfits and jewellery. Depending on the length of your hair, a classic low bun or smooth pony are elegant, sophisticated and match the solemnity of this occasion.
Makeup this season
"Gloss finishes are trending internationally and will define the bridal look this year," says Purnima Lamba, head of innovation, Lakme. "Our Gloss Collection has lip colours in festive shades of plum and wine and eyeliners in shades of teal blue and metallic bronze, complementing the Indian skin tone with some high-gloss."
Makeup must-haves
"It is crucial to choose products that lasting long without looking patchy or oily. So if a heavy base with prominent colours is not your thing, use a thick, well-defined gel eyeliner along with a glossy lip colour in red or plum (Lakme Absolute Gloss Addict)," recommends Cory Walia, Lakme Makeup Expert.
According to fashion designer Manish Malhotra, part of lakme's bridal team, this season is all about being young, fun and open to experimenting with tradition. "I would like to see more blues - powder or electric - and perhaps even lime greens. The quintessential red will be revised as more vintage red. Not to forget metallic silver, copper and thread work."
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From HT Brunch, November 16
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