Shahnaz Hussain’s beauty tips for brides

Summer time is an auspicious time for Indian weddings due to the auspicious alignment of planets. The days being longer and the sunny weather provide a perfect backdrop for any outdoor ceremony, but the summer heat can prove to be awkward for brides, and it is in such situations that pioneering beauty experts like Shahnaz Husain emerge as saviours with their popular natural and herbal-based ingredients.

Sharing her expertise, Husain said that for instance, when a bride or bridegroom's make-up is adversely affected by summer sweat, and face a problem of oil secretions from the skin, water-based and powder make-up items are an advantage, rather than creamy-based ones. In summer, sweat and oil secretions also increase. These are deposited on the skin, making it look greasy and also attract dirt and pollutants. The skin loses its glow and looks dull," she says.

On the appropriate shade for a summer wedding, she said, daytime make-up has to be light, subtle and carefully done, because daylight is harsh and shows up make-up flaws. "Mix astringent lotion with rose water in equal quantities and keep in the fridge. After cleansing, use the chilled lotion to tone the skin, using cotton wool pads.

This is not only refreshing, but helps to close the pores. Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and wipe the face with it, just for a few seconds. This helps to close the pores. When you apply powder, press the powder all over the face and neck, with a slightly damp sponge. This helps it to set and last longer," she added.

She further stated, "Applying foundation on the lips before, helps lipstick last longer and water proof mascaras and eye liners will prevent eye make-up from running during the hot and humid season." She also says that creamy foundation and eye shadow should not be used. Powder shadows and blushers are much better.

The cosmetics should have mild fragrances. On natural ingredients that can be used during the summer, she suggested rose water and rose based skin tonics, because rose is a natural coolant. Products containing cucumber, papaya, lemon juice, vetiver (khus) can also be used in products, to protect yourselves from the summer heat.

Hussain also that good make-up is the outcome of trial and error, and one should always play up plus points. She also said that brides should have wet tissues to cool, and refresh the skin. All brides wanting make-up, must choose the right shades of colour cosmetics.