Verve's Bridal Beauty Handbook

A bride is expected to look her glowing best. Add to that seasonal and environmental woes and you have a recipe for potential stress. Here are the experts to give you the latest lowdown on different looks for winter, summer and monsoon. Be eternally gorgeous!

Brrr Beauty

“Winter light is softer and more diffused, which allows you to use deep jewel tones,” suggests Asif Rajan of Asif - The Salon. If you’re getting married during the cold season, think of a sensual palette that includes browns, gold, burgundies, deep greens and plums. “If you’re a day bride, stay away from shimmer and glitter. Instead, keep it subtle and soft. Leave the bling for after sunset,” advises Stafford Braganza, head make-up artist, Lancôme. Colors like topaz, quartz and jade enhance the beauty of the eyes, while shades like metallic browns and pinks look very bridal and festive on the lips. Complete the look with a bronze or sun-kissed blusher, says Sushma Khan, national trainer, skin, Lakmé Salon. “Use a bit of sheen on the lips to make them look voluptuous. Smokey eyes look beautiful. And you can use coffee and cinnamon shades to get a sultry effect. A winter bride can use black or dark brown mascara after using eyeliner,” Tashnu Khariwala, brand manager, Shiseido, says.

“You can tie up hair for the day while soft curls look great for the evening,” recommends Placid Braganza of Placid Salon. Dr Snehal Sriram, head medical services, Kaya Skin Clinic, advises you to drink 12 glasses of water every day even if you don’t feel thirsty. “In winter, cellular growth slows down so there is accumulation of dead skin cells. To recharge skin, take a gentle exfoliation like microdermabrasion or light peels. Follow it up with hydrating treatments – moisturising masks, deep moisturisers and see your skin looking soft, supple and fresh,” she adds.

Rainy Days

“Keeping in mind the rain, sea blue tones look lively. Colors close to nature like earthy hues and rose also work depending on your skin tone,” says Asif. Monsoon light is very dull. So use a waterproof foundation with a light dusting of strong vibrant powder to add a healthy burst of colour. The humidity will create a natural sheen to your skin, so stick with a matte application of foundation. “Soft matte lipsticks are preferable but you can also use a soft brown or pink shade with sheer gloss. Be careful as glosses can be washed off in this weather,” says Stafford. For eyes, go with lighter, more natural shades like aqua and green. Light colors like light brown, beige and pink are equally nice for the monsoon bride. Apply one or two coats of waterproof mascara. Instead of the regular eyebrow pencil, go for creamy waterproof filler. Keep up with your tweezing/threading.

“Hair will get fizzy and will be harder to maintain for more detailed styles. Use a good leave-in conditioner and hair serum through your length. Get your stylists to blow dry post a good spritzing of an anti-frizz setting lotion to help prolong the look and smooth finish of your hair,” says Asif.

During monsoon, skin gets wet more often than usual and can either become very dry and prone to acne or it can become oily and attract dirt and pollutants. “To reduce skin-related problems, clean your face twice a day with a suitable cleanser, preferably one with salicylic or lactic acid. Apply a suitable moisturiser twice a day and an alcohol-free tonic only on oily areas. Ensure you use a water resistant sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out even on dull days,” advises Snehal.

Summer Stunner

“The summer bride is a delightful contrast to the winter bride; she’s marked by delicacy and sensuality,” observes Khan. Soft bronzes, pastels and tans are all excellent choices in creating a fresh summer look. Set your foundation with a translucent powder and apply an iridescent powder over cheekbones and temple to give a luminous glow to the face. With a large rounded brush, contour jawline and hollow of cheeks with a powder, then apply a rosy blush on the apples of the cheek, creating a natural glow. Experiment by trying colours like orange-red, orange-gold, copper and warm beiges, creams and caramels or cool fuchsias, magentas, blue-reds, shades of lilac and pinks that make lips look plush and full, suggests Stafford. Eye make-up during the day should also be light. In fact, you can leave out eyeliner and pencil and line your eyes with brown eye-shadow. Then apply mascara. This helps darken eyes without heavy eye make-up. “For night, make-up can be heavier, lining the lids with eyeliner or pencil. If using eyeliner, smudge the line with a sponge applicator. This gives a smokey effect and is better than that harsh black line. Use a frosted highlight (white or very pale colour) on the brow bone and shine on the eyelids,” Tashnu says.

For hair, try not to experiment with too much colour or excessive chemical treatments. Instead condition your hair generously. Stafford suggests trying the following styles - Bun On The Side style, a variation of the traditional Indian wedding hairstyle. Here, rather than placing the bun high on the head, it’s moved it to the side. Alternatively, try the Spanish Up Do that works best if you have long, thick hair. Hair is blow-dried to give more volume, then parted horizontally. The upper part of the hair is done up with elaborate curls while the other is left to flow down the back. This up do can be adorned with flowers, crystals, or even bows depending on your outfit.

Finally, drink lots of water to help you flush out toxins from your system. This will help avoid breakouts as well. Get a body scrub for your body because your body sheds skin cells at a phenomenal rate. “The excess build up of dead cells creates a dull film on your skin. Scrub off and glow,” urges Asif.

Perennial Prompts

• Undertake a skin, hair and nail care program at least six weeks before the wedding. Start going for regular facials and manicures.
  
  
• Ask your sister, friend or some other female relative to carry a powder compact, tissues, lipstick and a small bottle of water for you. This will help you do touch-ups and keep you hydrated, especially if your wedding is going to be a long affair.
  
  
• Avoid junk and processed foods. Put a limit on your caffeine consumption and stay away from foods that contain too much sugar or are high in calories.
  
  
• In the months preceding your wedding, it’s advisable to undertake light exercise on a regular basis. Apart from helping you keep in shape, it will improve blood circulation and bring a glow to your skin.
  
  
• Keep make-up as simple as possible as the focus is mostly on your outfit which for most brides is an elaborate affair.