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All the tips and tricks you need from Celebrity Makeup Artist Khush Singh

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Benefit Cosmetics LLC
2/20/11

Bridal Hair Styles – it’s complicated

Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

It’s very complicated .You may choose a hair style looking at elaborative bridal hairstyle magazines but kindly accept my apologies as the news has it that you cannot have that dream hairstyle. Do you know what will decide your hairstyle? Wish to smack that object out? Go ahead, smack your face.

Our face is divided into three zones- from forehead to eyebrows, from eyebrows to nose and from nose to the bottom of chin. So one must choose a hair style that compliments one’s facial features. The misconception here is that everyone mistakes their face to be perfect i.e. Oval. It is because of this that huge hairstyle blunders are created that too on the wedding day!

If you want to prevent yourself from the agony of looking at your wedding photos and cry out even when you have gained 50-60 years more to your age then read on.

What to do?

Visit your hair-stylist at least fifteen days before your wedding. Give them details about your attire and about all the ceremonies. The bridal hairstyle must compliment the costume or else the sensuous backless choli is going to be such a waste if you are planning to leave your long hair open.

Get the complete hairstyle done at least once with full hair accessories so that both you and your hair-stylist understand before hand if there is any room for alterations. It will save your time during the ceremonies as your stylist will already know what is to be done when you arrive to get ready. This will save you from frustration and you can enjoy your wedding without anxiety just as your family and friends would be enjoying

Comfort

Because Indian weddings are all-day events, choose a hairstyle that will be easy to maintain throughout the day. Avoid tight styles that can pull your hair and cause a headache after more than a few hours.

Tradition

The traditional way for Indian brides to wear their hair is usually swept off the neck either in a bun or other updo. This is a common choice because it keeps the neck free as the groom ties the mangalsutra, or a necklace with a significance similar to the Western wedding ring, around the bride's neck.

Classic with a Twist

Don't think that this limits you to a simple bun hairdo, however. There are plenty of modern versions of this classic look. Although the traditional low bun with hair split down the middle is elegant and perfectly appropriate, you can also mix things up by placing the style high on your head with curled hair pinned around it to create the circular shape.

A low side bun is another contemporary twist on the traditional. French knots or braided hairdos are also great options. Don't be afraid of a little volume to add interest.

Since Indian brides start the ceremony with a veil that matches the sari, hairstyles and decorations options may have limitations based on the veil.



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2/16/11

Indian Wedding Dresses

Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

http://www.bridalnbridal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Indian-Wedding-Dresses.jpgThe size and culture of India
seem to co-exist in terms of magnitude. India is amongst the three largest
countries in the world and its expanse makes it the most culturally diverse
nation too.
The marriage season in India brings with it a certain whiff in the
air about festivity and color.

The collection of
dresses should be a mixture of simple ones like chikan churidars, full
dupattas of phulkari work or again prints that resemble the south cotton
trends. The elegant formal collections can be salwar kameezs with elaborate
work, embellishments or cuts-patterns.



The way of dressing, the food habits, language, etc., differs from region to
region. There is also diversity in the way Indian marriages are celebrated.
The Indian sari is the national garment of India, which is worn by women.
But this is not necessarily what she wears on her wedding day. Amongst the
common wedding dresses worn in India is the Ghagra Choli.


The Indian drape or the
Indian sari is re-inventing itself. There are bold
trends in the blouse with spaghetti, tie backs and also the tank top. Cowled

ready zip on saris are comfortable and fit snugly. The chiffons or silks is
perfect to give a regal touch to add to the confidence of the new-age bride
with newer trends in the art of sari draping that  enhances the style
element.



The colors are not usual or monotone. The threadwork is intricate,
designer embroidered and real gold or silver threads are used in the
kanjivarams or banarasi saris. A trousseau collection has to be carefully
done to allow lot of colors, trends and giving the bride each time a
different look. The style can be alternated with a pliable hair cut and top
knots or braids can be employed. Styles also dependent on the venue or
location.



Indian weddings are incomplete without the perfect footwear and
jewelry. Pearls, rhinestones, diamonds and white gold are the rules for the
season. Matching semi precious jewelry can be used to assort the
collections. Go for jewelry that speaks about your style. Many times
minimalism speaks eloquently about style. Music and dance are must-haves for
the Indian wedding and hence one could do with a few dress rehearsals.


But for someone who is looking for
exclusive yet inexpensive wedding dresses there is a sea of shops
and boutiques that cater to your taste. So do not be despondent if
you do not get what you want in your budget at the very first go.
Before you go shopping dig into what you actually need.

There are basically 3 sections you
should divide your shopping into formal traditional, western formal
and semi-casual. As there will be occasions in the beginning days
just after the wedding that will require you to wear only

traditional as you will be out for formal dinners and family
get-togethers.


Then there will be times where just the two of
you would love to go out, may be for dinner or some formal party nights.
Here you can make most of your western formals. And then of course there are
friends or colleagues you will be meeting. Get the best of the semi-formals
out here. Hence think of the occasions on a whole and you can slot the
purchases into them. Mixing too is a great idea so every time you get
dressed it will seem you have something new.
Get reds and mauves in the traditional segment. But silver is said to be the
colour of the season set against white. So it could be a beautiful white
salwar khameez or sari with silver work strewn around it. Complemented by
silver accessories.


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2/13/11

Seven Steps (Saptapadi) around the Sacred Fire

Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist


The_sacred_fire_in_the_hindu_wedding_ceremony

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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2/12/11

The Essential 90 Minute Beauty Routine

Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

Pep yourself up in the time it takes to watch a football match!

90-minute facial
 

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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    2/11/11

    Fit for a Prince -The Sherwani

    Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

    Jute_sherwani_highlighted_with_resham_work_and_worn_with_a_shawl 
    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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    Bridal Hair Styles – it’s complicated

    Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

    It’s very complicated .You may choose a hair style looking at elaborative bridal hairstyle magazines but kindly accept my apologies as the news has it that you cannot have that dream hairstyle. Do you know what will decide your hairstyle? Wish to smack that object out? Go ahead, smack your face.

    Our face is divided into three zones- from forehead to eyebrows, from eyebrows to nose and from nose to the bottom of chin. So one must choose a hair style that compliments one’s facial features. The misconception here is that everyone mistakes their face to be perfect i.e. Oval. It is because of this that huge hairstyle blunders are created that too on the wedding day!

    If you want to prevent yourself from the agony of looking at your wedding photos and cry out even when you have gained 50-60 years more to your age then read on.

    What to do?

    Visit your hair-stylist at least fifteen days before your wedding. Give them details about your attire and about all the ceremonies. The bridal hairstyle must compliment the costume or else the sensuous backless choli is going to be such a waste if you are planning to leave your long hair open.

    Get the complete hairstyle done at least once with full hair accessories so that both you and your hair-stylist understand before hand if there is any room for alterations. It will save your time during the ceremonies as your stylist will already know what is to be done when you arrive to get ready. This will save you from frustration and you can enjoy your wedding without anxiety just as your family and friends would be enjoying

    Comfort

    Because Indian weddings are all-day events, choose a hairstyle that will be easy to maintain throughout the day. Avoid tight styles that can pull your hair and cause a headache after more than a few hours.

    Tradition

    The traditional way for Indian brides to wear their hair is usually swept off the neck either in a bun or other updo. This is a common choice because it keeps the neck free as the groom ties the mangalsutra, or a necklace with a significance similar to the Western wedding ring, around the bride's neck.

    Classic with a Twist

    Don't think that this limits you to a simple bun hairdo, however. There are plenty of modern versions of this classic look. Although the traditional low bun with hair split down the middle is elegant and perfectly appropriate, you can also mix things up by placing the style high on your head with curled hair pinned around it to create the circular shape.

    A low side bun is another contemporary twist on the traditional. French knots or braided hairdos are also great options. Don't be afraid of a little volume to add interest.

    Since Indian brides start the ceremony with a veil that matches the sari, hairstyles and decorations options may have limitations based on the veil.



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    Airbrush makeup for your wedding

    Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

    Airbrush makeup for your wedding

    Every little girl dreams of her wedding day, the day where she is going to be the most beautiful woman in the room. Besides her dress there is one thing a woman can do to make her feel beautiful and airbrush make up can help you achieve this goal.  There are several different reasons to choose airbrush make up, the custom blend foundation colors, it last all day and night, it is alcohol and oil free, it creates a flawless complexion, and it doesn’t leave a “foundation mask” it blends perfectly into the neck.   An airbrush makeup artist must know about which colors to use on a brides skin to evenly match it to their person so they don’t look fake and only airbrush make up is 99.99 percent foundation color match.

    Airbrush make up is specially formulated hypo-allergenic, water based make up that is sprayed through an airbrush gun using a small compressor.  It is one of the most sanitary forms of makeup use because you are only using it once.  Airbrush make up is water proof, sweat proof and of course tear proof, so there is no need for touch ups.  Airbrush make up is extremely efficient, lasts a very long time and will look incredible in photos.

    Airbrush make up is not full coverage it’s actually extremely sheer or light coverage at best.  Airbrush is great for faces that are virtually flawless or with slight discoloration. If you are looking for full coverage, flawless finish, concealer must be applied to any blemish (i.e.  Acne, scars, etc) before the airbrush foundation can be applied.

    So looking as beautiful at the end of your wedding night as you were at the beginning of your wedding day airbrush makeup, when done correctly, is a bride's only option for its wear ability and beauty.

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    Tip and Tricks

    Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

    Pandaeyes

    Have you ever woken up in the morning, only to be faced with two rather tell-tale black rings around your eyes? (It’s not a great look is it?) And you think this is very strange, as you cleansed and toned the night before, so how did these black mascara flakes come to be resting around your eyes?

    It’s simple. Proper make-up removal comes with a few tips and tricks that will help to ensure that all traces of the black stuff are thoroughly removed, and you wake up to gorgeous, unmarked, bright eyes in the morning!

    Here they are:

    - Always begin with a cleansing wipe or cotton pad doused in cleanser (we like: NIVEA Visage Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes for its purifying and toning abilities), and sweep all over your face to remove the first layer of make-up.
    - Next, soak a cotton pad in a gentle eye-makeup remover (try: NIVEA Visage Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover Lotion), and press it over your peepers for 10 seconds to help remove excess stubborn mascara.
    - Finally, go back over your face and eyes with a wash cleanser to remove all remaining traces of product, tone your skin, and leave it feeling refreshed in one fell swoop. Try: NIVEA Visage Gentle Cleansing Créme Wash.

    Following these steps will ensure that your eyes are always sans the just-fell-into-bed-without-washing-my-face look in the morning, and your skin can benefit from a night of make-up-free rejuvenation.



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    2/10/11

    Bridal Makeup for Indian Weddings

    Khush Singh from 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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    Wedding Day Makeup Advice and Tips

    Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

    • Wedding Day Makeup Tips And Advice

    Your wedding day is going to be one of the most memorable days of your life. You want to look and feel the beautiful, radiant bride with your makeup enhancing your natural beauty. Your every blush, smile and kiss will be recorded on film so your bridal makeup needs to be picture perfect and look flawless all through your big day. This guide to wedding makeup will take the stress out planning your wedding makeup.

    Wedding makeup advice:

    Prepare your skin for your wedding day Unfortunately many women wait until they are only a few months away from their wedding day before they even begin to give any thought to skin care. Start early and take care of your skin now. You will need to work out your skin type to help you establish a proper skin care regime. This, combined with good eating habits, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and regular exercise will ensure that your skin will be radiant on your big day.

    For help understanding your skin type and how to develop a quick and easy skin care routine please read Khush’s article; Great looking skin – A simple 4 step skin care guide.

    Wedding makeup tip: Beware facials !

    Unless you have facials on a regular basis DO NOT get one the week before your wedding day. Facials can pull impurities to the surface, and you do not want to break out the week of your wedding. To also help avoid blotches and blemishes do not make any major changes in your skin care routine during the few weeks before your wedding. The weeks before your wedding is not the time to experiment with your skin care. If you regularly get facials have your last regular facial a good week before the wedding.

    Wedding makeup tip: Pimples and acne.

    If you do have a breakout, do not pick. Do not do anything that can irritate or redden or enlarge the problem. Use pure Aloe Vera to treat any bumps or breakouts. It is a wonderful healer.

    Wedding makeup tip: Keep away from too much sun.

    Don’t get too much sun before your wedding. Sunburns, peeling skin and tan lines can sabotage your special day.

    Wedding makeup advice: Use a professional makeup artist or do it yourself ?

    If you are confident in applying your own makeup there is no reason you can’t do your own wedding makeup. If you are not so confident with your makeup abilities your wedding makeup is not the time to experiment – you want to look your absolute best on the day and your wedding photos will be your lifetime mementos of your special day. If you are unsure of your makeup abilities, or just want the peace of mind of not having to worry about your makeup, use a professional.

    Either way read on – I’m sure you will find the following tips and advice useful.

    Wedding makeup advice: Things to consider when planning your wedding makeup.

    You will want your makeup to be appropriate for the time of day, the venue (indoors or outdoors) and complement the style of your wedding dress so once you have confirmed the arrangements for your wedding day, and you have decided the style of your wedding dress, you can start to think about the style of makeup you prefer. Things to consider include;

    Night time or day time wedding ?

    Night time weddings are typically more formal than day time weddings. For a night time wedding consider a more sophisticated makeup look. For a day time wedding makeup tends to be more natural.

    Indoors or outdoors wedding ?

    Outside lighting is stronger so your makeup should to be softer and more natural than makeup for an indoor wedding.

    The lighting.

    Different lighting requires different makeup styles. Night time lighting tends to dull makeup so a stronger makeup look is preferable. Natural and day time lighting is more generous to makeup so, again, consider a more natural makeup look.

    The color of your dress.

    Ivory and off white tend to make the skin look softer and can therefore support a more glamorous makeup style. White tends to look strong and washes out most faces so consider using softer colours to enhance the face.

    The style of your dress.

    The stronger the neckline of your dress the more sophisticated the hair and makeup style will need to be match the dress’s style. A neckline that cuts deep and is off the shoulders will look great with a hair up hair style so that the line of the neck and shoulders is shown off. Consider also the length of the dress, the shorter the dress the more simple the hair and makeup should be. Remember you are creating an entire picture, do not wear a beautiful dress and stylish heels and then wear your hair and makeup like you do when you wear your jeans. Don't sell yourself short on such a memorable day.

    Wedding makeup tip: Give yourself plenty of time to organise your makeup.

    Before you meet with a makeup artist, or purchase any makeup, take some time to go through bridal magazines and pull out makeup styles that you really like and some you don’t like. Armed with your bridal magazine cut outs and a picture of your wedding dress book an appointment with your makeup artist for a trial run or a consultation at your cosmetics counter. Don’t do this at the last minute. Make sure you have a good couple of weeks up your sleeve so you have time for a couple of sessions if you don’t settle on a preferred style and colours first time up. Once you have your makeup look sorted make sure the makeup artist or beauty consultant writes everything out, and notes any makeup items you may not have that you need to purchase. If you are doing your own makeup have a couple of dry runs well before your big day so you have the makeup style and look perfected well ahead of time.

    Wedding makeup tip: Be yourself

    You want to look sensational but remember you want to look like yourself and feel comfortable with your appearance. You can look great and stay within your comfort zone. You want your husband to be to recognise you when you walk down the aisle. Plan ahead and give yourself time to find the makeup look that you love and feels comfortable.

    Wedding makeup advice: Purchasing or selecting your makeup.

    Now you have settled on your makeup style here are some tips and advice on your specific makeup requirements:

    Foundation: Sort out your foundation well ahead of time. The key to successful wedding makeup is perfect looking skin. Make sure that your foundation matches your skin tone exactly and doesn’t look mask like. Give yourself plenty of time to experiment and find the perfect foundation for you.

    For help selecting your foundation please Donna’s article; Choosing and applying foundation – A simple step by step guide.

    Wedding makeup tip: Highlight one facial feature

    You know your best facial feature; your plump rosy lips, your beautiful eyes or your lovely check bones. Your makeup should highlight your chosen feature. Don’t try and highlight more than one feature, it will look “too much”. If you use a bold red lipstick to highlight your beautiful lips go low key with your eye makeup. Conversely if you choose a stunning smoky eye look choose a more subtle lipstick or lip gloss.

    Wedding makeup tip: Watch out for “seemed a good idea at the time”.

    Watch out for fads; in 20 years time hot pink lipstick will date your wedding photos. You want to look as classic as possible so that your photo memories are timeless.

    Blush: Become a truly blushing bride by choosing a warm flattering cheek colour in a pinky peach or rose or, if you tend to get flushed, a brownish tone. Experiment and find the blush colour that suits your skin tone. Use a powder based blush, they will usually last longer than cream blushers. To apply blush, start at the hairline by the middle of your ear, blend forward to the front of the cheek, and then back to the hairline and upwards. For a perfect application find a blush brush that is the size of the apple of your cheek. After the initial application dust the blush with some loose powder and then apply a touch more blush to the front of the cheek.

    Lipstick or Lip Gloss:

    You will be doing a lot of kissing on your wedding day so you will need a lip colour that will last. Use a matte or longwearing lipstick or lip gloss because you don't want to be constantly touching up your makeup during the day. Be sure to use a colour that complements your hair and eye colour and use a lip liner in the same colour family as your lipstick or lip gloss. Don’t use a lip liner much darker than your lipstick or lip gloss. This technique looks harsh and very unnatural in pictures. Purchase the lipstick or lip gloss and lip liner to keep in your purse for the whole day. Wedding makeup tip: Smallish lips If your lips are naturally small the lighter the lip colour the fuller the lips will seem.

    Wedding makeup tip: Makeup remover.

    Be sure to have makeup remover ready for any accidents. As you know makeup doesn't just wipe off, especially not off a beautiful white wedding gown. Makeup wipes are a convenient way to keep makeup remover handy.

    Eye shadow: For help selecting and applying your eye shadow please read Khush’s article; Beautiful eyes made easy. If you are considering smokey eyes please Khush’s article; A step by step guide to sexy smokey eye makeup.

    Wedding makeup tip: Eyebrows.

    Properly groomed and shaped eyebrows help enhance and add expression to the face. Have your eyebrows groomed but do this a week before the wedding in case you get a few red bumps after plucking or waxing. Fill in your eyebrows, if needed, with an eyebrow pencil shade that's slightly lighter than your eyebrows. Brush through with an eyebrow brush or a clean toothbrush for a more natural look.

    Mascara: For extra lush looking eyelashes use an eyelash curler before applying your mascara. Prepare for those tears of happiness by using a good waterproof mascara. Apply two coats, let the first coat dry before applying the second coat. When you purchase your waterproof mascara make sure that you have an eye makeup remover that also takes off waterproof mascara.

    Finishing Touches: When you have finished applying your makeup you may want to apply a little more blush, and then finish with a final brush of loose powder.

     

    Have an amazing day !!



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    2/9/11

    Solah Shringar - 16 vital components for Indian Brides

    Khush Singh from 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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    2/8/11

    The Essential Bridal Beauty Countdown

    Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist


    Your step-by-step guide to bridal pampering
    bridal beauty countdown
    Click here to find out more!
    A smooth, radiant complexion that's glowing with health and vitality and flawless make-up are both achievable if you embark on a beauty regime now. Whether you've got months, weeks, or merely days to go until you tie the knot, there's plenty of time to make yourself gorgeous for the big day...

    One year until the wedding
    The easiest and most effective way to improve your complexion is to drink lots of water. You need to have at least eight glasses a day to hydrate your skin and flush out toxins from your system. Add a slice of lemon if you find plain water too bland, but avoid sparkling water. It contains carbon dioxide, which is a toxin that stops the absorption of calcium and can eventually cause osteoporosis.
    Good skincare is a must. Your make-up only looks as good as your skin, so get into the habit of cleansing, toning and moisturizing every morning and evening. Use a gentle exfoliator once a week to slough off complexion-dulling dead skin cells and follow with a moisturizing face mask.

    Six months to go
    Treat yourself to a facial. Skin cells renew themselves every 28 eight days, so this is a great once-a-month treat. Don't worry if you get a few spots - they're a good sign! This is your skin's way of getting rid of impurities, and better now than on the day. Get skin in peak honeymoon condition by dry brushing all over with a natural bristle brush once a week. Start at your feet and work upwards in long, firm strokes towards your heart. Follow with a moisturising body lotion. Your skin will feel smoother and will tan better too.

    Three months to go
    Have another facial or use a deep-cleansing face mask to rid your skin of toxins. Don't neglect your feet, especially if you're having a beach wedding or getting married in the summer and wearing strappy sandals or open-toed shoes. Smooth your feet with a scrub or foot file every few days to stop rough skin building up and get into the habit of moisturising them every night.

    11 weeks to go
    Your hands and nails will be on show on the wedding day. Get them ready for that ring-on-the-finger moment by rubbing sweet almond oil or cuticle cream into your cuticles every night to keep them moisturised and healthy. If your nails are brittle and prone to breaking apply a nail strengthener every couple of weeks. Get into the habit of using hand cream whenever you wash your hands and always wear rubber gloves when you do the dishes.

    10 weeks to go
    Treat yourself to a professional feel-good spa treatment, such as a seaweed wrap, to detox, distress and relax - you deserve it! Improve the appearance and texture of lips by brushing them with a dry toothbrush and then rubbing in lip balm. Relieve tired eyes by covering them with cooling slices of cucumber or teaspoons that have been chilled in the fridge and lie down for five minutes with your feet higher than your head.

    Nine weeks to go
    Once a week, smooth feet with a clay face mask, wash off and slather with a rich foot cream. Spritz your face with floral water throughout the day to soothe, refresh and revive tired skin. This is especially important if you work in an air-conditioned office, is very drying for your skin. As a special treat, run a luxurious bubble bath, lock the bathroom door, light a scented candle and enjoy some well-deserved "me" time away from the wedding preparations.

    Eight weeks to go
    Gloss nails and cuticles with a hot wax conditioner to stimulate blood flow to the nail bed. Get your body silky smooth by exfoliating with a scrub once a week. Massage over damp skin in small, circular motions, shower off and apply body lotion.

    Seven weeks to go
    After weeks - or possibly months - of traipsing around the shops looking for your wedding dress and checking out suppliers, ease tired feet with a simple massage. Use a mild oil, such as sweet almond oil, and gently squeeze and pull your toes then massage your feet with your fingers underneath while your thumbs move up and down in a gentle rotating motion. If you're really tired, get your fiancé to do it for you.

    Six weeks to go
    Have your eyebrows professionally shaped at a beauty salon. You'll be amazed what a difference it makes to your appearance and it's easy to keep them tidy afterwards. Soothe and tone your skin by smoothing nutrient-rich honey over your face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

    Five weeks to go
    Get rid of rough, dry skin from elbows, knees, heels and ankles with a body exfoliator or make your own by mixing a handful of oatmeal with olive oil. Rub onto wet skin and shower off.

    Four weeks to go
    Have a wedding make-up practice run, whether you're doing your own make-up or having a professional do it for you. Have a relaxing night in, cover your feet with a rich foot cream, slip on a pair of cotton socks to help the cream penetrate and enjoy a romantic video. Treat yourself to a nerve-calming aromatherapy facial at a beauty salon.

    Three weeks to go
    Turn up the heating, steam up your bathroom and cover your body with a mineral-rich refining mud mask. Warm up the mud first by dunking the tub in hot water. This will increase the mud's ability to draw out toxins from your skin. Have your eyelashes dyed so that all you'll need on honeymoon is clear mascara.

    Two weeks to go
    Slap on a treatment mask penetrate your skin. Ease tension and cleanse your skin all over by having a sauna.

    One week to go
    Relax by lighting a destressing aromatherapy candle and place an aromatherapy diffuser in the house. Get your fiancé to massage a calming potion into your shoulders and neck where you are most likely to feel tense. Get your legs and bikini line waxed for the honeymoon. Book yourself in for a manicure and pedicure.

    One day to go
    Tidy your eyebrows and make sure you've got everything you need for the big day. Get together a wedding day make-up bag in case you need to freshen up on the day and give it to your mum or chief bridesmaid to look after. If you can't sleep because you're too excited burn some calming lavender essential oil in your bedroom to help you relax.

    On the day
    Relax in a luxuriously fragrant bath. Thoroughly cleanse, tone and moisturize your face. Stick to the make-up routine you've rehearsed. Spur-of-the-moment changes don't work and you won't have time to rectify any mistakes. Wear a front-opening shirt when your make-up is being done so you don't have to pull anything over your head, which could smudge it.

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    2/7/11

    Darling, Will You Marry Me

    Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

    Umrao_jaan
    ”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’

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    Makeup: Airbrush vs. Mineral vs. Traditional

    Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

    Makeup today has evolved so far from even 20 years ago, where a slick and oily foundation dominated the main market and therefore, by lack of option, determined what women wore. Today, we have a wide range of products at our disposal, from oil-free, non-transferable, medicated, and even makeup that touts claims to make skin look younger. When it comes to a big event, be it photo, wedding, or just plain fun, the claims makeup lines can make to prove their product worthy of your hard earned dollar can be somewhat contradicting. Here’s the real scoop on the three main stream and most requested types of makeup.

    Airbrush:
    What it is: A light-weight makeup applied through an air gun machine that produces a thin, even layer of makeup and creates a very matte finish.

    How it’s used: A small amount of a very thin makeup designed for air brush use is put into a chamber of a gun. When the machine is turned on and the gun trigger pulled, a light spray of makeup comes out of the gun in a fine mist.

    Airbrush makeup has become extremely popular in the past few years. This is largely due to perfect complexion models that are “airbrushed” to give every part of their body a flawless finish. Most women confuse “airbrush” with makeup, when it is actually a technique used in PhotoShop, a picture alteration program, to make the models look flawless. Airbrush makeup is non-transferable, meaning that slight rubbing or brushing against something or someone will not cause the makeup to come off of the face.  Black clothes will remain black after hugging someone wearing airbrush makeup.

    Airbrush makeup, like any other makeup, has it’s ups and downs. On the upside, once it’s on, dry rubbing won’t make it transfer, and unless it gets wet, it won’t go anywhere until you wash it off. On the other hand, if it does become wet thru crying or sweating, you run the risk of it streaking. Imagine a dusty table, if you ran your finger across it, you could clearly see a line from the surface underneath, even if the colors are the same. And like a dusty table, once that line is there, you can do nothing to blend it back. The table must be wiped entirely clean. Same thing with airbrush makeup, if the makeup for any reason gets wet and leaves a streak, there is nothing than can be done to blend it. Even airbrushing over the area will not blend the streak. The solution to this problem is to constantly be aware of any wetness and to maintain it throughout the day by dabbing your tear ducts and remaining cool so you don’t sweat heavily. If your attending an event where you’re positive you will stay and remain dry, airbrush makeup can offer that red-carpet finish you have always wanted.  Plus colour matiching can always be a problem for darker skin tones (South Asian Brides...try a trial with and without).

    Mineral:
    What it is: Several minerals are treated through various oxidizing processes to create different shades, and then crushed together to form fine powders that can be applied to the face and used as makeup.
    How it’s used: Mineral makeup is usually applied with a brush, although it can be used with a sponge for thicker and more precise applications. Some lines offer different steps to wearing their mineral makeup, including primers that are applied to the face before the foundation to provide holding power, create an even porosity on the skins surface, and a smoother, more matte finish all around.

    Mineral makeup is another makeup that has taken the nation by storm over the past few years. With science and research looking into the effect we have had on our planet over the past hundreds of thousands of years, we are starting to become more aware of our environment, and therefore, more aware of our own health and well being. The organic industry has soared to new heights, as we search to become a healthier nation filled with natural living options as opposed to chemically enhanced lifestyles. Makeup is no exception. When the chemicals that were used to manufacture makeup were exploited in a whirlwind of propaganda, mineral makeup became popular and the chemicals in our every day makeup caught some flack for why our skin is too dry, too oily, too acne, too wrinkled, so on and so forth. Using mineral makeup creates a feeling of good health, both on the inside and out.

    As wonderful as mineral makeup is, it’s not suitable for everyone in every situation. Women suffering from acne, or getting at any time facial treatments that compromise the integrity of their skin, will greatly benefit from the use of mineral makeup as their daily main stay. Its minimal ingredients assure that no unnecessary chemicals are being added to their already sensitive skin, and creates a minimal reaction to any treatments they may be under going. It is not appropriate, though, to use mineral makeup in any situation where photographs are an important part of the event. Its natural composition includes minerals with reflective properties, creating an almost pearly finish. When worn while taking a picture, the light from the camera and any surrounding light will reflect off those minerals, creating a bright and distinctly lighter face than any other body part. This makeup, while a great choice for daily wear, is simply not camera ready.

    Traditional:
    What it is: Pancake, liquid, cream, or pressed powder that is usually applied with a sponge or finger tips. Traditional makeup comes in the widest variety of any other makeup, with every shade available. It’s also the most versatile of all the makeup; it can be as basic as a sheer tint of coverage, or combined with other properties to create a makeup that targets specific problems.

    How it’s used: This particular makeup is the only makeup that, given the appropriate formula is chosen, can be used in any situation at any given time. It can be applied many different ways, from brush methods used with thicker foundations, to finger tips used for light and well blended applications.

    Ah, the days as kids when we would sneak into our mother’s vanity to smear that thick, gooey substance across our faces and prance around as if we were going to a party. This is probably the makeup that is sitting in your case right now. It can be liquid, it can be pressed, and it may even come in a stick form that you have to twist up. Whatever form it takes, the right formula can do wonders for your look. Women with dry or mature skin benefit from the thicker of the traditional foundations. As their skin typically needs large amounts of hydration, the oils that compose of a cream based foundation lend kindly to their skin, creating a smoother finish. Young adult women tend to prefer a more liquid, oil free foundation or a pressed powder with good coverage. The formula that suites you best would be based on your skin type, and with many more options to be listed than could possible fit into this article. Nothing but good research and trial error can lead you to the formula that’s right for you. Then the teenagers have their makeup too. Usually a cheap, watery substance to make them “look” and “feel” like they are wearing makeup and to cover the occasional pimple, investing large amounts of money is not usually needed. However, if the teen as severe acne or other skin problems, you will want to talk to a dermatologist and find the best solution for their skin, as their makeup may be part of the problem. If you or your teen is fair and the skin in good condition, the best bet is a tinted moisturizer with a high SPF or sunscreen underneath.

    Traditional makeup, put simply, can be amazing or disastrous depending on what the formula is and how it’s applied. This is the one makeup that it totally dependent on the person applying it- even a good, high quality product can look awful if applied in a sloppy fashion. And a low quality, inappropriate formula can some times be adjusted with an experienced hand to create the right look. And although, like its main competitor airbrush, it typically does rub off slightly or fade a little over the course of the day, it is highly bendable therefore anything can be fixed within seconds. It’s my personal belief, off the record, that this is the most versatile, therefore the best option, for wedding makeup.

    Every makeup has its own virtues, and its own sins. Ultimately, your personal preferences will be the biggest factor in choosing what you wear on what occasions. However, if you take nothing else from this, understand: The best kind of makeup you can wear is the makeup that is customized to fit YOU. Don’t buy into the propaganda about how this versus that is oh so much better. In reality, that foundation may be great for their skin, but your skin has different properties, different assets, and different problems of its own. A great makeup artist won’t have a set way of doing makeup; she’ll have a variety of styles to choose from so she can create the best look for you and your event. So what if your beautiful sister-in-law had her makeup done with the fancy airbrush machine? So what if your organic-yet-so-cool co-worker ONLY wears mineral makeup? And if your rich Grandma swears by that $400 bottle of liquid foundation? Who cares? Trust me when I say this, no one is going to look at your makeup and know if it’s one of those three, or how much you spent on it. They are only going to see how beautiful you are.

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    2/6/11

    The mark of ultimate sensuality: A Bride’s Nose (Nath) Ring

    Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist


    Well, I married a Rajput and he loves the look...so I thought - let me think about this.  For me it was a harbinger of great pain. I Imagined piercing the soft lobes and membranes of your nose and how painful it could be. But I remember when Kate Perry flaunted a big huge gold nose ring at the Heathrow in London while boarding her flight to India.


    No doubt nose rings are a rage this wedding season but they have always been around in form of nose piercings and nose studs for quite some time. But here we are talking about the nose ring that a bride wears on her wedding day. It is also known as ‘Nath’ in India and is called by different names in different regions.
    This piece of jewel is traditionally worn in the right nose and is connected with a golden chain that links it to the earrings or ends up being linked in the side hair, clipped with the help of a hook. Diamond studded nose rings look gorgeous and irradiate a brilliant and heavenly shine. The myth says that the nose is representative of a bride’s sexual prowess. In olden times, it was also considered a mark of virginity and that is why it was customary for a groom to remove a bride’s ring on the wedding night. Sounds amusing, eh?

     In diverse states of India this jewel is made differently. The mukhuttis of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have ornate, traditional lotus and swan designs and are mostly studded with diamonds, or the poor man’s diamond, the topaz. Rajasthani women wear the nathuri and the bhauriya. While the first is a small gold or silver ring with precious stones, the bhauriya has a slightly different design. The conventional clove-shaped nose stud is called the laung, while the small pendant suspended between the nostrils is the latkan, because of its pendulous character.

    In UP the nath is adorned with two pearls and a pendulous bead to augur prosperity. The Punjabi damsel has a gold ring strung with as many as 20 to 25 motifs. It is the shikarpuri nath. In Bihar the nose stud is the chhuchhi or the laung. In Maharashtra it is the guchhedar nath, which is known for its radiant beauty with pearl decorations. Pullakku nose ring in South India (bulaag in the North) is the pendant suspended from the partition of the nostrils.

    Sometimes the septum rings in rural areas and tribal society are so large that they cover a portion of the mouth and often come in the way while eating.

    The Ayurveda (ancient Indian system of medicine) has it that piercing the nose makes it easy for a woman to bear the pain during child birth as the veins in the nose are directly connected with a female’s reproductive system. There is virtually no end to these theories and the bottom line remains the same: it is customary for an Indian bride to wear a nose ring.

    Though the élan with which today’s celebrities sport a nose ring is contagious. The media went gaga over how Perry got a piercing in her right nose before leaving London itself, something that shows how excited she is about her nuptial with Russell in the typical Hindu style. The nose ring looked a little flashy over her jacket and pants but then, she is the bride and it’s her wedding 
    Just a tip:   
    Nose Piercing Aftercare
    Never wear sterling silver in your freshly pierced nose, as the metal will leave a permanent stain on your skin. A black mark develops around the piercing that will never be erased. Always opt for stainless steel, niobium, titanium or 14k gold. The nose piercing takes around three months to heal fully. Therefore, avoid fidgeting with your nose and changing your jewelry. When jewelry is changed too soon, it causes a re-tear, lengthening the healing process and causing a new nose piercing infection.

    Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on your tissue will increase the irritation and burning sensation. It may even slow down the healing process and cause a scar. You can apply powdered aspirin to provide relief from the nose piercing infection. Do not use swimming pools, hot tubs or go swimming in the ocean, as there are chances of bacterial infection and pollutant contaminant infection. Always maintain proper hygiene to reduce chances of bacterial infection. 

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    2/5/11

    How to Pick a Photographer

    Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist


    Camera 
    Photography
    Wedding photos provide memories for a lifetime. Choosing a photographer that suits your requirements and budget is very important. In my personal experience, the one thing that couples do not think about is the “time” factor required in achieving those precious photos. Again, this depends on your style.  Some tips that I have gathered over time are:
    1. What is your budget? Don’t think you need to spend a fortune for your photographs. Do your research and be surprised at what’s out there.
    2. What is the duration of your event? Most photographers have packages starting from 5 to 7 hours or charge by the hourly rate.
    3. Do you prefer digital or film photography?
    4. How many events do you want photographed?  Such as Sangeet night, wedding and reception.
    5. Traditional vs Contemporary settings.
    6. Style of photography, journalistic or formal.
    7. Interview and view the photographers work.
    8. Do you want the photographer to be there while you are getting dressed?
    9. Do you want an album or digital photos on a disk?
    10. Colour vs Black/White photos?
    11. and many more….
    Interviewing the photographer is very important. e.

    Do you have any similar experiences to share?

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    2/4/11

    Selecting Indian Wedding Garlands

    Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

    Indian_wedding_garlands
    One of the most significant moments during a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony lies in the exchange of Indian Wedding Garlands.

    During this exchange the wedding garlands become the centrepiece.
    Australian Indian Weddings provides a quick guide to selecting your type of wedding garland.

    Selection of Flower 1. Select the flowers of your choice. It could include one colour (red roses) or a combination of colours (eg. red and white roses)

    Availability 2. Enquire if the flowers will be available based on the season when your wedding ceremony takes place.


    Suitability 3. Be creative and explain to the person who will prepare your Indian Wedding garlands, the theme and colour of your wedding so that the colour of the flowers stands out against your bridal and groom wear.

    Quantity of Flowers 4. The costs of the wedding garlands are based on the flowers selected and the quantity of flowers used.

    Delivery 5. When ordering wedding garlands try ordering them so that they are ready for you on the day or atleast the day before the actual wedding ceremony.

    Storage 6. Store the wedding garlands in a cooler or cold storage as the summer heat can ruin the flowers They usually last 2-3 days in a cool room

    Contact the Temple 7. Contact the local Hindu temple in your state. They should be able to provide you with a local contact that prepares fresh wedding garlands throughout the year.

    Contact a local business provider 8. Contact a local business provider specialising in Indian wedding garlands in your state.

    Contact a local Indian Wedding Planner 9. Alternatively contact a local wedding planner who can arrange the wedding garlands.

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    Picking the Ultimatre Wedding Day Makeup Artist

    Khush Singh from Khush Singh-Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist

    artistWell you can always pick me ;)...

    With all there is to do for your wedding day, your makeup might be the last thing on your mind. Well, not the last thing, but pretty close.

    In my many years of experience doing bridal makeup, I've noticed that makeup for the wedding day might seem almost inconsequential — that is, until a few weeks before the big event, when you remember how much you're paying for those photos.

    Fortunately, whether you're a queen bee who's planned this out months in advance, or a procrastinator nearing the last two weeks before the big event, your method for finding a good makeup artist is the same.

    You have to know where to look. If you're today's typical bride with fingers afire, using the Internet to coordinate the ins and outs of your event, once again make the Web your first stop. Visit wedding websites (like this one!), and browse the beauty or makeup artist categories or for on-topic beauty articles. Most pros who work with brides will be listed on these types of sites. Often, you can easily and quickly compare pricing, service offerings, and ideally even view some snapshots of their recent work.

    Now you have to ask yourself some questions. For example: do you want to go to a salon, or have them to come to you? If they do, is there a travel fee involved?

    Other great questions to ask yourself — and your pro:

    • Will they do a trial run of the makeup before the wedding, and is that included in the fee?
    • Do they require a deposit to hold my date?
    • Will I be the only one getting my makeup done, or will other members of my party be made up too?
    • Do I want someone who can do both my hair and makeup?
    • Can I express how I want my makeup to look (natural, glamorous, exotic)?
    • Do I have any special needs I should let my pro know about, such as allergies to certain products, plants or foods, tattoos that will need covering or severe acne?
    • Are they licensed? (We'll talk about this later.)

    You'll also probably come up with a few hundred more questions on your own.

    Picking up the Phone

    So, you've narrowed down your list of makeup artists to call and you're armed with your questions. Now, opinions may differ, but I personally think that the most important considerations when choosing your makeup artist are whether they listen to you, answer all your questions to your satisfaction, and above all, whether you feel comfortable with them.

    Sure, they'll need to have talent, too, but if you're going to flinch at their touch or get uptight about them "invading your space" at possibly the most important moment of your life, they're not the artist for you. It's crucial that you feel at home with them.

    And another thing: there are makeup artists, and there are Makeup Artists. What I mean is, there are some artists out there that have no cosmetic experience other than selling makeup. "Working with makeup" and being a makeup artist are a world apart.

    The latter type — a state-licensed makeup artist — is typically the one you'll want. This is the kind of pro with schooling behind them. Plus, they'll have worked hand-in-hand with other licensed beauty professionals, and should have acquired a sophisticated set of skills. Many states require continuing education to keep a license, so these types of artists are always learning new skills.

    They may also practice sanitation more rigorously, and maybe even have OSHA certifications. (If you've ever gone to a makeup party where a non-professional smeared the same swab over everyone's eyelids and come home dreading a raging case of pinkeye, you know why this is important.)

    Giving Out the Signals

    You've had the conversation. You've met the makeup artist; you feel comfortable (glamorous, even!). You think you've found "the one." Now, how do you tell him or her how you hope to look? As always, a picture speaks volumes. Snip some personally appealing photos from bridal magazines and hand them to your makeup artist.

    A good artist will give you what you want. But a great makeup artist will give you what you want, considering your assets. What I mean is, if you want to look your best, then be ready to let your artist design a look that meshes perfectly with your coloring, features, bone structure and overall appearance — while keeping your desired vision as the cornerstone. With a professional, this is hardly a one-size-fits-all process, and a pro might steer clear of giving you the precise workup that J.Lo sported on last month's Cosmo. But that's to your advantage. And the results speak for themselves.

    Also, don't forget to mention to your makeup artist what types of photography will be involved. Are all the photos going to be in color, or will some be black and white? This little detail can dramatically change the makeup design — and not all makeup artists are comfortable working with the black-and-white medium.

    Finally, wedding makeup is an art. As the bride, you need to look natural in person, yet defined enough so that you give off that bridal glow in photos and don't look washed out. This is challenging to achieve, and it's truly a learned skill. This is not the task to delegate to helpful Aunt Sarah. Your wedding-day face isn't the canvas to do test runs on.

    Assessing the Results

    Ideally, try to find your artist 2-3 months before the wedding. Schedule your trial about 3-5 weeks before the event. Be extra-smart and snap a photo of your trial run makeup.

    Also, go outside and take a good look at yourself. What might look red-carpet worthy under the soft lights of the salon might look garish elsewhere. See how long your makeup lasts, and note whether you need some touch-ups during the day.

    And by all means, voice your reactions. Don't be afraid to say you don't like something. Remember, this makeup will live on for years and years in photographs and video. You want to love your look.

    Most of all, relax and enjoy the experience. It probably isn't every day that you'll get to enjoy this kind of pampering from a highly-skilled, professional makeup artist.



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