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Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist
This summer you might want to add a little pop to your pucker as you’re walking down the isle. Shake things up a little! After all it is summer and color is everywhere…Hot colors include shades of red, orange reds, and fuchsia. Check out Max Factor Long Wear Lip Color, Cover Girl Long Wear Lip Color, Avon’s Perfect Wear Extralasting Lipstick. These lip colors will stay on long after “You may kiss the bride…”
With a veil like this you can focus all of the attention on your lips and keep your eyes looking soft and subtle. Use Beth Bender’sGet in Line Eye Liner Stencil Kit to help you to achieve this simple eye look in minutes! It’s so easy to use you won’t need to hire a make-up artist. (With the extra money you can splurge on a bigger wedding bouquet.)
Remember girls, keep a journal close by. This way you can document all of your wedding tasks and check them off as you go. I find brides who glue photos of make-up looks they want to recreate for their wedding day into their journal as a reference really handy when they come to me. It made it easier to match colors when we chose lip colours to match the dress, jewelry and look.
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Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist
During a Hindu wedding ceremony the bride and groom take seven important steps together around the sacred fire. An important aspect of the Hindu ceremony is to light a fire. This fire has a special significance in the traditional Indian wedding ensuring that the human spirit is tied with the divine.
The fire invokes one of the most important of the vedic gods, Agni, the God of fire to witness the seven wedding vows between the bride and groom.
As a result the fire is called the holy Agni. Agni is Sanskrit (a classical language of India) for fire. Agni is considered sacred and vows taken in front of Agni are considered to be unbreakable.
During the Hindu wedding ceremony the bride and groom come to the altar as God and Goddess in human form. In many parts of India the bride is considered Lakshmi, Goddess of Fortune, and the groom is her consort Vishnu, the Great Preserver.
The Hindu ceremony is usually filled with the chantings and blessings in Sanskrit by a Hindu priest. These ancient sanskrit blessings and rituals are thousands of years old.
The Hindu marriage ceremony is the thirteenth among the sixteen samskaras (or rites of passage) that a Hindu observes in his or her lifetime as prescribed in the ancient scriptures, the Vedas.
The highlight of course is the Saat Pheere or 7 circles around the holy fire.
This is also referred to as the Saptapadi, also called “The Seven Steps”, which is considered as the most important aspect of the wedding ceremony and only when the bride and groom walk the seven steps together is the Hindu marriage complete legally.
The Seven Steps are outlined below:
The First Step The bride and groom take this first step along with the first vow to earn and provide for the household and maintain a purity in the diet nourishing the body whilst avoiding anything harmful.
The Second Step The bride and groom take this second step along with the second vow to develop physical, spiritual and mental strength to ultimately live a healthy life.
The Third Step The bride and groom take this third step along with the third vow to increase wealth and live a prosperous life through righteous and proper means.
The Fourth Step The bride and groom take this fourth step along with the fourth vow to live together with mutual love and trust in order to gain harmony and happiness.
The Fifth Step The bride and groom take this fifth step along with the fifth vow to be blessed with strong, healthy and virtuous children.
The Sixth Step The bride and groom take this sixth step along with the sixth vow to live a long and happy life together by maintaining self control.
The Seventh Step The bride and groom take this seventh step vowing that they will remain as true companions and life-long partners adding a spiritual dimension to the union.
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Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist
Pep yourself up in the time it takes to watch a football match!
Running out of things to do while yet another World Cup match is on?
Make the most of 90 minutes to yourself, with a bride-to-be beauty routine that takes the same amount of time as the latest helping of footie.
Once a week throughout the month before your wedding is enough to put a sparkle in your eye and bring a glow to your skin that cannot be matched.
Thanks to beauty therapist Louise Thomas-Minns for this preen routine.
Start by running yourself a bath infused with a few drops of your favourite essential oils... lavender in particular will induce relaxation.
While your bath is running, a mini facial is in order. Massage either apricot kernel or even a good quality olive oil over the skin. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water and hold over the face for a few moments to steam and deeply cleanse. Then gently remove the oil and repeat.
The action of using the washcloth will have gently exfoliated your skin. Now you can apply a homemade facial mask which can be left on for the duration of your bath. For a drier mature skin, simply mash half an avocado and stir in some honey to form a paste; smooth over the face and neck. Alternatively, mix oatmeal with natural yoghurt and add either a squeeze of lemon juice for oilier skins or a teaspooon of honey for drier skin. The yoghurt will work wonders on munching away at surface dead skin.
Before getting into your bath, you could add a cup of powdered milk. Just as Cleopatra bathed in asses' milk, powdered milk is great for exfoliating while you soak.
At the end of your bath it's time to remove any excess unwanted hair to reveal a smooth skin. Try new Nair Pretty Naturals hair removal cream. I particularly like the one containing exfoliating beads to leave your legs super silky. It's quick, efficient and easy to use, and gives you extra skin-smoothing properties of papaya extract.
Finish by removing your face mask with a warm washcloth, and then spend a few moments massaging the oil you sued to cleanse in an upward, circular motion to detoxify and reduce any areas of puffiness from the face.
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Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist
Grooms preparing for an Indian style wedding have the luxury of choice when it comes to choosing their wedding attire.
The sherwani is a traditional Indian-style groom wear originating from the royal families in the North of India. The sherwani consists of a streamlined jacket that extends knee length and is sometimes longer. The jacket is uniquely designed with a Nehru-style collar and buttoned down the front. The Sherwani is usually teamed up with a tight fitting churidar, Jodhpurs, and a shawl draped over one or both shoulders. To complete the regal look the groom should wear jooties or traditional Indian footwear which are usually available in matching colours.
The sherwani usually features unique embroidery work like zardozi. Ari or zardozi is an ancient form of embroidery introduced during the Mughal era and has become a well-known, fashionable hand embroidery. The modern day groom can also select from a myriad of colours to blend in with the brides outfit as well as the decorated mandap.
Modern day males now have the luxury of choice when it comes to dressing up in stylish and traditional outfits.
Not only is there variety in the cut of the fabric as well as the nature of the fabric but also the wide range of colours and the amount of work that has gone into each piece distinguishing one sherwani from the next. A maroon coloured silk sherwani in maharaja style, which is embroidered with a golden thread is very distinct from the royal blue colored sherwani with zardozi work and white churidars.
The beige colored royal sherwani in rich silk, with extra special handwork could be worn at one formal occasion, while the heavily embroidered sherwani in gold and copper shades would be more suitable at another formal event.
Ideal for a formal wedding and reception, the Sherwani is undoubtedly glamorous and sophisticated and provides the ultimate Mughal look on your special day. Courtesy of Benzer World
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Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist
A traditional Hindu wedding procession takes place following various rituals and ceremonies. The marriage is a reflection of the rich Indian culture where every ritual has its own importance. Out of many rituals ‘Solah Shringar’ of the bride is one of the most important one.
What is ‘Solah Shringar’? A traditional Indian bride has to dress up using sixteen vital components of her beauty known as ‘Solah Shringar’ which includes make-up items, jewels and other accessories. From head to toe she is adorned with accessories that add spark to her beauty. These objects of beauty are believed to be associated with the well being of her to-be husband. Having knowledge about accessories that comprises ‘Solah Shringar’ helps you understand their worth. We offer you a brief description of the sixteen accessories worn by the bride.
Face Accessories and make up include the following components:
Bindi: It is considered to be a mark of identity for a married woman. Traditionally, it used to be round in shape and red in color. But nowadays, a large variety of Bindis in various shapes, sizes and shades are available in the market. Generally, a girl chooses her bindi that is matching to her wedding dress.
Sindoor: Sindoor (vermillion) is a red colored powder that is applied on the centre parting of a bride. It has various religious and mythological connotations.
Mangteeka: It is a hair accessory that is generally worn in the centre parting of the hair and it comes till fore head. It is generally made of gold/silver.
Anjana: Anjana (kajal) is used to highlight the eyes of a bride. It is black in color and is applied on the edges of the upper and lower eyelids. It makes a bride’s face look beautiful and attractive.
Nath: Nath (Nose Ring) is another important symbol of holiness associated with marriage. It is a big, round ring that can be worn in a pierced nose. It is also generally made up of gold/silver.
Karn Phool: Karn phool (ear rings) is worn by a bride in both the ears. They are generally heavy and it further beautifies the bride’s face.
Hand Accessories include the following components:
Mehandi: Mehandi (henna) is prepared from the dried leaves of a tree. It is applied in the hands and foot of a bride. It stands as a symbol for the love between a wife and her husband. Mehandi applying ceremony forms an important part of an Indian wedding.
Choodiyan: Choodiyan (bangles) are worn in both the hands of the bride in large number. They are made up of glass or metal. They are believed to fill colors in the life of the bride.
Baajuband: Baajuband (armlet) is worn in the upper arms of a bride.
Aarsi: Aarsi (finger rings) is worn in the fingers of a bride.
Other Accessories include the following components:
Haar: Haar (necklace) is worn around the neck of a bride.
Keshapasharachana: Keshapasharachana (hairstyle) is also as important as the face. Different types of flowers and other ornaments are used to adorn the hair of a bride.
Kamarband: Kamarband (waist band) is worn around the waist of a bride.
Payal: Payal (anklet) is worn around the ankle of a bride. It produces sound when the bride moves.
Itar: Itar (fragrance) is applied to a bride to create a soothing aroma around her.
Wedding Dress: Normally a ‘Saree’ or ‘Lehenga’ is worn as a wedding dress. They are usually of bright colors like red, maroon etc.
These sixteen signs of beauty ensure complete adornment of the Indian bride. Though many modifications have been done in beautification of a bride, still these sixteen signs of beauty continue to hold their importance.
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Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist
Indian weddings are generally royal and elaborated events in which bride and groom remains the centre of attraction and they both must look their very best, especially the bride. When it comes to bridal make-up for the big day, sometimes brides over do it and unfortunately their most memorable moment turns into something very devastating. It is advisable to choose the experienced make-up artist, because bridal make up is an intricate art, which can not be learned easily. There are certain things to keep in mind, so that you look fresh, vibrant and gorgeous at the time when you are starting a new chapter of your life.
Preparation For achieving fresh, beautiful, glowing and vibrant skin on your big day, start making advance preparations way before the marriage day. First of all ensure that the style and make-up you want is matching your bridal outfit or not, because that matters a lot. The second thing is to take a full test run of your wedding day make up with your dress at least four to six days before the marriage to assure that you get your desired mesmerizing look. Waxing, threading, facial, exfoliation etc. will help the bride in looking her best on that special day. All these activities should take place a week before the marriage in case of avoiding any irritation or side effect.
Choosing Makeup Elaborate, deep and heavy make up has become common for Indian brides, however the trend is changing at fast pace. Try and be a master in the art of complimenting your dress and jewelry with your make up. If your wedding dress and jewelry are heavy, intricate and rich in color then its better to choose light make up so that your entire attire will be in harmony. Embellished eyes looks good with natural shade lipstick and the vice versa for balancing your face. Select make up as per the time of your wedding, for example, if your wedding is in the morning go for neutral and lighter shades and if your wedding is in the evening you can try out deeper and more dramatic make-up. Make sure that your make-up colors compliment your dress and make you look elegant
Make Up Tips on the Wedding Day
Start with a concealer on blotchy spots or dark circles under the eyes. Foundation matching your skin tone should be applied evenly on face, neck, behind the ears and other visible parts of your skin.
Eye shadow matching the dress of your color with complimenting eye liner, which is not so heavy, suits the best. Use water proof mascara for avoiding running make up.
Use lip liner matching your long-lasting lipstick in double coats and finish it with gloss so that it stays for a longer period.
Prefer bronzer instead of blush and dust your face with a translucent powder for settling the make up.
Keep powder and gloss handy for any necessary touch-ups all through the celebration.
Thus, using these tips not only define your natural beauty but also make you look perfect on the very special occasion of your life time.
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Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist
”Will you marry me?” “Yes!” So you have been just been proposed to. These days young brides have so much running through their minds when they are proposed to and in some cases when they propose to their partners.
While you are still drifting on cloud nine, here are a few points to consider when you are organising your wedding.
Depending on the religious and/ or cultural background couples may choose to celebrate their wedding day with more than one type or style of wedding.
1. What type of wedding do you want? Religious, Cultural or Civil
It is very important to determine the style of wedding you want as this helps to set the framework for the entire wedding ceremony and reception.
While prospective brides and grooms may practise the same religious beliefs they may originate from the same or different regions or country. A bride originating from Southern India may marry a groom originating from Western India in a traditional hindu style wedding and may choose to incorporate unique cultural practices from the South and West in the ceremony which can be the the distinguishing feature.
An example of this is the recent marriage of Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai to Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachhan in April 2007. Aishwarya was born in Mangalore, in the state of Karnataka, South India whilst Abhishek Bachhan was born in Mumbai, in the state of Maharashtra, Western India. Although they are both Hindu and come from India the different States have different cultural practises. They celebrated with a traditional hindu wedding in Mumbai.
Couples may also not wish to have a wedding based on their religious beliefs and instead opt for the civil ceremony.
On the other hand prospective brides and grooms who practise different religious beliefs may originate from the same or different regions or country. A christian bride may marry a groom practising in the Hindu faith and and may decide to celebrate their wedding by having two distinct ceremonies.
An example of this is English actress Elizabeth Hurley who recently wed half-Indian half-German businessman Arun Nayar in March 2007. Elizabeth Hurley married Arun Nayar in a civil ceremony at Suedely Castle and on the following day said their vows at a religious service at the English castle. This was followed by a lavish traditional Hindu wedding ceremony at Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur North India.
In addition couples of a non South Asian background may also have chosen to celebrate their wedding in Hindu or Bhuddhist style ceremonies. A famous example of this is the marriage of English rocker and lead singer of the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, to American supermodel Jerry Hall. They had a spectaculor Hindu wedding in Bali in 1990 which was later anulled as the marriage was not legally recognized under English law.
2. In what location is the wedding?
Are you organising a wedding and reception locally? If you are then it will make it easier for your family and friends who live locally to attend both the wedding and the reception. You may consider a wedding and reception interstate if your partners family is interstate.
However, more and more young prospective brides and grooms are contemplating getting married in their country of origin ie. Fiji, India, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka and then having a reception back home in Australia. For example a couple may travel to India to get married at the ancient Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple (Hindu temple) in Trissur, Kerala which is popular for South Indian weddings and then head back home to Australia for the reception.
In some cases couples may also consider a wedding and reception in the country of origin as well as having a reception back home. This may be time consuming and expensive but it really depends on where all the family and friends are and where the couple want to mark their special day.
Increasingly more and more couples are having weddings abroad and its not necessarily in their country of origin. Popular wedding and honeymoon destinations include Bali,Indonesia as well as Fiji, and Thailand.
3. Where is the wedding held?
If you are having a religious wedding you may decide to have the ceremony conducted at a Church (Christian), Temple (Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Parsee) Mosque (Muslim), or Synanogue (Jewish) etc. If you decide to have your wedding at a temple, then unless you can arrange the reception within the temple grounds, you will need to hold the reception in an alternate venue.
If you decide to to hold a religious or civil ceremony in a hall then this will be alot easier if you combine the wedding ceremony and reception under one roof.
4. How formal is the wedding and reception?
The question on how formal your wedding is will most probably be determined by your budget. Indian Weddings in general are always described as rich and colourful and in most weddings parents of the bride and groom usually spare no expense.
However as more and more brides and grooms opt to pay for the wedding they may be limited as to how formal their wedding can be.
Most Indian weddings are formal to very formal with ladies wearing colourful saris and ghagra cholis and men dressed in suit and tie as well as traditional Indian wear such as the sherwani. The wedding venue and reception can be held in places of worship, private homes to ballrooms of high-end hotels and rented reception halls.
Most Indian weddings include a large number of family and friends and are usually over 150 depending on the size of the wedding. Smaller weddings may exist but will more often than not retain an air of elegance and formality. The famous wedding of Lakshi Mittal’s (the Indian born, London based steel tycoon) daughter, Vanisha Mittal to Amit Bhatia, a Delhi born investment banker in the grand 17th century Chateau Vaux Le Vicomte in France in June 2004 included 1000 guests.
During the reception guests can be catered to in a buffet style or can be served with a multi-course meal. How much can you spend per head on your wedding and reception? At an average cost of $75-$100 per head you may only have the capacity to invite 150 guests to the wedding & reception. So you will need to calculate how many guests you can cater to with your budget.
5. Is there a theme for the wedding?
Some couples indulge in a theme for their wedding day.
Whether it is having an outdoor beach theme as depicted in the Bollywood movie ‘Salaam Namaste’ featuring actors Saif Khan and Preitty Zeinta or a castle wedding in Italy like the wedding of American actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes who had their wedding in Odescalchi Castle by Lake Bracciano, Italy in November 2006.
A Royal Palace wedding theme in India is becoming more popular with not only with foreigners but also with South Asians looking for a unique setting to celebrate their wedding day. The theme for your wedding can also include colours as there really is nothing stopping you from choosing your own theme.
6. When would you like to get married?
You may wish to set your wedding day based on the season. Autumn weddings are beautiful when set in outdoor locations and set in sprawling parks with the backdrop of leaves on trees changing colour. Spring and Summer weddings are always popular year after year.
7. How far away is this from now?
Once you have determined which season and which year you would like to have your wedding determine how much longer you have from now to organise the wedding ceremony and reception.
On average young prospective brides and grooms can take about a year to organise everything from the venue right down to design of the wedding cake.
Photo: Indian Actress Aishwarya Rai in ‘Umrao Jaan’
