Congratulations! You are officially engaged. Now is the perfect time to focus on your skin. Start by making an appointment for a consultation with our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Radhika Trivedi, for an evaluation and treatment plan.

Cosmetic Injectables and Dermal Fillers: 6 ­Months Before the BIG DAY!

Dermal fillers and neuromodulators like Botox offer noticeable improvements – restoring volume and fullness, softening wrinkles, and helping to reverse signs of aging. With Dr. Trivedi’s experience and knowledge of the face, patients experience minimal discomfort with these injections. Starting treatments around six months before the event allows for the results to settle and appear natural by the big day.

Aerolase Laser: 5 Months Before the BIG DAY!

“Aerolase laser is a powerful yet gentle option for improving skin tone and clarity, making it an ideal choice for addressing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven texture before a wedding.” Its advanced technology targets pigment deep within the skin resulting in a brighter, more even complexion with minimal discomfort and no downtime. Starting treatments several months ahead of the big day allows the skin to gradually clear and renew, so you can enjoy a smooth, radiant glow that looks flawless in person and in photos!

Chemical Peel (Series): 4­ Months Before the BIG DAY!

Chemical peels exfoliate the skin and help reduce fine lines, improve the appearance of scars, diminish dark marks, and enhance your skin’s texture. Be warned that they can cause your face to physically peel, for weeks after, depending on the strength of the peel and how your individual skin reacts. There are many different peels, so it is best to meet with Dr. Trivedi to get a customized plan.

Emsculpt: 3 ­Months Out Before the BIG DAY!

Emsculpt is an excellent option for wedding prep because it helps tone and strengthen muscles while also reducing stubborn fat – perfect for achieving a more sculpted, confident look in your wedding attire. It’s a non-invasive treatment with no downtime, making it easy to fit into a busy pre-wedding schedule. Starting Emsculpt about five months before the big day allows for a full series of treatments and gives your body time to respond and show optimal results, so you look and feel your best for photos and when all eyes are on you!

Custom Blend Facial and Dermaplane: 2 Months Out Before the BIG DAY!

Making time for yourself prior to the big day is important. A facial treatment can target specific needs, increase skin health, and enhance appearance leaving your skin feeling clear, bright, and revitalized. Dermaplaning is a facial exfoliation treatment that carries the added bonus of removing fine vellus hairs, often referred to as “peach fuzz.” A straight edged blade is used to gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing the brighter, smoother skin underneath.

 Diamond Glow™: 1 Months Out Before the BIG DAY!

Diamond Glow™ is a completely customizable, non invasive, 3­in­1 next­level skin resurfacing treatment. As diamond encrusted exfoliating tips reveal brighter, more radiant skin, professional grade serums are simultaneously infused into the skin at the peak of receptivity. High power suction then deep cleanses the skin’s surface and pores. Just one Diamond Glow™ session can enhance clarity and luminosity while continued treatment will reap more exceptional, long term results such as reduction in fine lines, discoloration, and pore congestion.

About the Author

Radhika Trivedi, MD at Dermatology Specialists of GA & Aqua Medical Spa

Dr.Trivedi earned her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and completed her transitional residency at Kettering Medical Center in Ohio, followed by a dermatology residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Pennsylvania. She also holds a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Cincinnati.

Her dermatology experience includes cosmetic and general practice in Newport Beach, California, and Brookhaven, Georgia. At Dermatology Specialists of Georgia, she specializes in pigmentation correction, acne and acne scarring, surgical excisions, and comprehensive skin disease management. Dr. Trivedi is dedicated to patient education and tailoring treatments to each individual.

Throughout her career, she has earned several honors, including the Gold Humanism Award for compassionate care, the Golden Scalpel Award for surgical skill, and recognition as a Georgia Top Doctor in 2024. She has authored over 30 professional presentations and publications.

Dr. Trivedi is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Outside of work, she enjoys family time, playing tennis, and exploring new cuisines.

By Chahna Gupta

This December, I spent a magical month in India, surrounded by family, traditions, and of course, food. One snack seemed to appear in every household I visited: makhana, or fox nuts. Gently roasted with a touch of salt and black pepper, this humble snack was presented with a detailed list of its benefits. “It’s great for weight loss,” one relative said. “It’s full of calcium for strong bones,” another added. For someone preparing for a wedding, I wondered—could this simple food be the secret weapon for brides and grooms?

Understanding Makhana’s Nutritional Appeal

Makhana has a reputation as a superfood, and its nutrient profile backs that up. These popped lotus seeds are low in calories, high in protein, and a rich source of fiber. This combination makes them ideal for managing hunger and maintaining energy levels—something every soon-to-be-married couple needs. Whether you’re squeezing in last-minute wedding errands or managing the stress of planning, makhana can help you stay fueled without reaching for unhealthy snacks.

It’s also a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth—critical for standing tall through those long ceremonies and smiling endlessly for photos. Makhana is also packed with antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and promote glowing skin. Its low glycemic index makes it a stable energy source, helping you avoid the sugar highs and lows that can derail your day.

Are the Benefits Real?

While traditional wisdom sings makhana’s praises, research supports many of these claims. Studies highlight its role in weight management, its antioxidant content, and its ability to provide sustained energy. However, experts also suggest moderation, as no single food can replace a balanced diet.

A Perfect Pre-Wedding Snack?

For brides and grooms, makhana is a light, guilt-free option that can fit into any diet. It’s portable, versatile, and nutrient-dense—perfect for those busy days leading up to your big moment. Whether it’s for a quick energy boost or a mindful snack, makhana is worth adding to your pre-wedding routine.

Happy New Year! May 2025 bring you blessings!

About the Author
Chahna Tailor Gupta, an Ayurvedic Practitioner and certified yoga teacher, has a background in occupational therapy and health science with a focus in public health. Chahna was yoga trained in Rishikesh, India and had ayurvedic clinicals in Kannur, Kerala. Chahna provides yoga, pranayama, meditation, 200-hr yoga teacher training, and ayurvedic health counseling services through her company Namaskar To You. Chahna is a volunteer for Ekal Vidyalaya, American Association of Ayurvedic Professionals (AAAP), and Ayurveda Association of Florida (AAF). She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Ayurvedic Medicine while continuing her self-studies in yoga.

Understanding Makhana’s Nutritional Appeal

Are the Benefits Real?

A Perfect Pre-Wedding Snack?

Happy New Year! May 2025 bring you blessings!

The love affair between a woman and her saris is unmatched. What the Western world perceives as a long piece of fabric, is in reality, a six-yard garment whose every fold, drape, and tuck can transform a woman into any facet of her being. Poised at the top of this hierarchy is the handloom-woven sari. These luxury pieces are one-of-a-kind designs of wearable art whose weaving is unique to an Indian state, emblematic of its history and culture. Simply put, a machine has never touched the fabric.

Each sari is carefully crafted by an artisan whose family has been in this profession for eras; their hands are quite literally keeping this art alive and by purchasing handlooms, consumers are doing the same. One of the world’s oldest nations, India, is renowned for its vibrant heritage and handloom weavers are a rich component in India’s cultural fabric.

Now, Devam is bringing this cultural glory to the US. South Florida-based design house and retailer Devam is known for its offerings of handloom silks, handcrafted fine jewelry, and customization experience. From traditional bridal jewelry to an array of handloom silks to modern engagement rings, Devam’s vast selection of luxury products has attracted Indian-Americans from all over the United States.

While there are numerous Indian jewelry and apparel retailers across America, Devam’s focus on craftsmanship distinguishes them from others. Strictly using handloom materials and only the high-end quality gems, Devam’s  pieces are inspired by royals of the past, ingeniously incorporating different eras into one.  “Our materials are straight from the source. Each and every style of silk we curate, we find from its origin state,” said Devam’s vice president Punita Jhaveri. “We visit different regions and find the top weavers in each area, working with them to develop our unique designs.”

“Devam’s handloom silks are then transformed into lehngas, saris, and scarves. Devam specializes in creating custom Indian bridal apparel, catering to Indian-American families across the States for their special occasions.”

From the bride who envisions herself as a fairytale princess to one who prefers a simpler elegant visage, Devam’s customizable collection caters to all audiences.

“Each bride’s style is completely unique from the next, which makes our job all the more special,” said Devam Vice President Punita Jhaveri. “It makes our creative process more complex but even more rewarding.”

In lieu of providing for South Asian-American brides, Devam is expanding its business to a new storefront, set to open in 2023. Their vision? A South Asian bridal gallery, the first of its kind.

“We want to be able to give brides the complete experience,” says Devam’s President Mehul Jhaveri. “Not only do we want to help them look and feel their best on the happiest day in their lives, but make the process efficient and joyful.”

“Recently, Devam has been utilizing its silks to create Western-style blouses, pants, and gowns. An eclectic East meets West collection, Devam’s Western apparel is satisfying a demographic whose values and opinions are comprised of  influence of both India and the US. “

The inspiration behind this new vision is that the Indian-American women wearing these clothes will be able to fully express themselves, unabashedly capturing both sides of their identity by merging two cultures that are often not the easiest to mix. Celebrating the Indian heritage and promoting cross-cultural designs, Devam is imprinting its decadent mark throughout the Southeast and soon, across the United States.

Some famous Indian designers who have made great impressions and have created a fan following include Gaurav Gupta, Tina Tandon, and Falguni Shane Peacock among others. Recently, these talented designers made a big splash at events like the Oscars and the Grammys.

Gupta’s couture gowns have become a great fashion statement in Hollywood. The gowns feature elements of sculpture that make them distinctly different. Gupta began his academic career in the Delhi-based National Institute of Fashion Technology and graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London.

This year, rapper Megan Thee Stallion wore a Gupta couture gown for her debut at the 2022 Oscars. The icy-blue, ruffled gown looked glamorous and elegant with a thigh-high slit on the left side. The designer created this “Biomorphic Fantasy Gown” with a mystical sea creature in mind.

The Indian American designer Tina Tandon successfully blends both cultures in her creations. Born in the US, spending her early childhood in India, and returning to the US where she graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City made Tina’s exposure truly global and foundations versatile. Today, she heads two famous brands – T.Tandon for the American styles and Posh Pari which makes beautiful Indo-Fusion centers of designer clothes.

Singer Falguni Shah, better known as Falu, received the Grammy Award in the Best Children’s Album category this year. She was beautifully decked out in a Tina Tandon dress on the red carpet. Her bright red, flowy Brocade dress with a Georgette jacket in gold embroidery was a stunning Indo-Fusion dress that looked elegant from every corner.

The husband and wife duo of Shane and Falguni Peacock created internationally acclaimed dresses for women, highlighting their beauty, charm, and elegance. They launched their flagship store Peacock Pret in 2003. The couple worked together and expanded their empire in London, Manchester, Miami, and Dubai in addition to India.

While shooting scenes for her series And Just Like That in NYC, actress and fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker donned a Falguni and Shane Peacock lehenga. The Sex and the City star is famous for her fashion sense and great style. The lehenga she wore was a combination of maroon and blue with detailed embroidery work. The blouse was full-sleeve with traditional Rajasthani work on it.

They all are artists who have successfully blended western and Indian cultures, designs, and specialties through their creations. Their eye for details and aesthetic sense has made the Indian designers globally famous which is a pride and honor for India.

Indian attires

Indian saree

Indian wedding lehenga

ethnic wear salwar kameez

super-talented Indian fashion designers

international showbiz arena of Hollywood

ace designers in Hollywood

famous Indian designer Gaurav Gupta

famous Indian designer Tina Tandon

famous Indian designer Falguni Shane

Peacock, Oscars and the Grammys

great fashion statement in Hollywood

Gupta’s couture gowns

Delhi-based National Institute of Fashion Technology

Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London

rapper Megan Thee Stallion wore a Gupta couture gown for her debut at the 2022 Oscars

looked glamorous and elegant

Biomorphic Fantasy Gown

Indian American designer Tina Tandon

Fashion Institute of Technology

T.Tandon for the American styles

beautiful Indo-Fusion centers of designer clothes

Singer Falguni Shah

Grammy Award, stunning Indo-Fusion dress

Shane and Falguni Peacock created internationally acclaimed dresses for women

empire in London

Manchester

Miami

Dubai in addition to India

fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker

full-sleeve with traditional Rajasthani work on it

By Anjali Kochhar

Weddings are more than just a ceremony that makes a union official. For some brides, the wedding is a chance for a dream imagined as a young girl to come to life. While every bride’s dream features different settings and themes for the special day, there is a common thread that binds them all – the perfect wedding dress! When we think of an Indian wedding ceremony whether big or small, one of the first images that come to mind is a radiant bride draped in the most stunning wedding attire as she walks down the aisle. Bridal trends tend to change every year, and while most are still steeped in tradition, some trends allow brides to show off their creativity and personality.
This year has brought some interesting trends to the forefront in terms of colors, silhouettes, and even the entire idea of wedding shopping. To understand the latest trends, we spoke with industry expert Nishit Gupta and designers Shyamal and Bhumika Shodhan who feel that this is an interesting year in terms of bridal collections that explode with bold new colors, different design styles, and online options.

Tangerine and mustard are the new red

Nishit Gupta, Director of Kalki Fashion, believes the concept of bridal wear going forward has the potential to move away from traditional colors and allow brides to express themselves more. He said, “I feel 2021 is going to be a really interesting year. Once we are out of the current situation that is happening in India and all over the world, there will be a lot of weddings. There might be certain restrictions, so weddings might be of different proportions giving brides the option of exploring so many different ways they can style themselves.”

One way to express style and personality is through color. Gupta feels that tangerine and mustard are two emerging colors brides should consider this year. Bold colors help a bride stand out on her wedding day. 

However, brides who lean towards the classic, traditional look should fear not. The popular bridal wear designer duo Bhumika and Shyamal Shodhan of fashion house Shyamal & Bhumika believe that pastels and traditional colors are not going anywhere this year. They believe, “The magical Indian silhouettes in muted pastels or striking traditional colours, fun blouses with romantic details in the sleeves, ancient embroidery techniques, accentuated lehengas, trailing fairy tale veils and gorgeous dupattas are absolutely on the wishlist of every 2021 bride.” 

Comfort and style over highly-embroidered styles

Brides often choose heavily embroidered designs, which can be cumbersome and weighty, especially when worn for extended time. These days, brides want substance and style, so they choose comfort over the overdone look.

Gupta said, “Brides are also opting for very light lehengas as well. They don’t want that heavily embroidered lehenga. They want something that is stylish and makes them stand out as a bride. But to look like a bride you don’t have to wear a red lehenga with golden work. There are different ways you can still be in the limelight. Brides will opt for different silhouettes, not just different colors. It’s just not going to be a lehenga anymore, brides might opt for sarees and indo-western lehengas.”

Shyamal and Bhumika agree that brides want some leeway in the style they choose for their wedding outfits. “In terms of fashion choices, while the celebrations become more intimate, the brides and grooms want beautifully handcrafted outfits, where they can show off their roots with pride and yet sport a modern aesthetic.”

Online shopping with a stylist

With many brides using the internet and social media sites as a means to plan their weddings, it is only natural that they consider online shopping an option for their bridal wear as well as family outfits. Bridal fashions houses can now be found not just in India, but also all over the United States. With travel to India not always possible, online shopping offers brides with many options and does not limit them to geographic location.

Recognizing their far reach, many fashion boutiques have begun offering customized and shipping options. Online shopping experiences with a wedding stylist in real-time are another way to choose wedding attire without being physically present at the store. This can save brides not only with time, but also helps narrow your possibilities with the help of an expert from the comfort of your living room! 

Gupta believes the online shopping experience can make a bride’s decision-making task much easier. He said, “You might think how can I buy a lehenga without trying it, but if you have the right person to guide you, it becomes easier.” He adds that “… an excellent team that is able to understand what a customer requires from a fit to a cut and to a certain change in embroidery.” We do a family shopping experience as well where the women of the house come to shop together and if they want to be in sync in terms of a color theme or certain style they are looking for. Then our stylists are able to create those different outfits,” he adds.

Shyamal and Bhumika understand the importance of providing brides with first-class service, especially during the pandemic when in-person interaction was not possible. With regards to online shopping and virtual style experience, Shyamal and Bhumika believe that “in 2021, brides are very sensitive to what they are wearing, how it is made, by whom, and whether the designers’ teams are digitally capable of delivering their dream look to their doorstep whatever the circumstances.”

Online shopping has been a blessing in disguise for brides who normally would have done their shopping in India. With the Covid-19 pandemic, in-person shopping just was not possible. By the year-end, online shopping with a stylist could emerge as a breakthrough in the wedding fashion industry. “If I would have known about online bridal shopping before, life would have been so much easier,” says Bindiya Ahuja, a soon-to-be bride who shopped for her bridal outfit all the way from India and had it shipped directly to her in the United States. She adds, “I basically spent double the amount of the actual price of the lehenga and it was a lot of hassle for my family in India to go through while selecting the perfect outfit for me.”

About Designers

Shyamal & Bhumika

Shyamal & Bhumika today is one of India’s leading fashion houses. It seeks inspiration from the rich Indian heritage and culture that is over five thousand years old. The Designer duo work towards reviving India’s precious crafts and artisan’s techniques to create couture collections relevant to modern-day sensibilities. The brand remains faithful to their vision of taking “India to The World” using Fashion as a medium to connect their global audience to intricately crafted Indian Couture. Their unmistakable style results from a perfect balance between tradition and modern aesthetics. The brand has successfully established a worldwide presence with their distinctive type and timeless designs. https://shyamalandbhumika.com/

Kalki Fashion

KALKI, the brand that houses one of an exclusive range of bridal, couture & prêt collections as well as accessories, footwear & jewellery which makes it one of the most sought-after shopping destinations for women. KALKI stands for ethnicity but with a contemporary twist that helps the bride experience a fairy tale wedding. Everything is crafted with an incredible range of fabrics and appliqué work. The classic collections of its timeless designs and ensembles for every woman are versatile and aesthetically appealing. The brand believes in making special memories even more precious so that every woman celebrates her occasion with full zing. https://www.kalkifashion.com

About the Author

Anjali Kochhar’s sharp understanding of the needs and wants of fashionistas means she is able to present information to readers that goes beyond the obvious. An experienced fashion and lifestyle writer, Anjali’s passion for all things fashion shows in her articles and in the way she conducts her interviews with bridal couture designers. A graduate of the Xavier Institute of Communications, Anjali has worked for several news organizations like the Economic Times, Mumbai Metro Times, NDTV and Press Monitor.

stunning wedding attire

perfect wedding dress

Indian wedding ceremony

steeped in tradition

terms of colors

silhouettes

entire idea of wedding shopping

understand the latest trends

Nishit Gupta

Director of Kalki Fashion

traditional colors

mustard are two emerging colors

striking traditional colours

blouses with romantic details in the sleeves

ncient embroidery techniques

accentuated lehengas

trailing fairy tale veils

gorgeous dupattas

Comfort and style over highly-embroidered styles

indo-western lehengas

sport a modern aesthetic

Online shopping with a stylist

bridal wear as well as family outfits

travel to India

Covid-19 pandemic

By Chahna Tailor

Happy June and happy wedding season! Usually, in preparation for our wedding, we want to make sure that we look our best physically. But are we also in our best shape when it comes to our health? Our bodies do so much for us. But, we do not always take care of it to the best of our abilities. The foods we eat, the lifestyle we live – it may not be conducive to good health.

Food becomes our body. It creates all of our tissues and all of our being. According to Āyurveda, we have 7 bodily tissues: rāsa (plasma), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscle), medha (fat/adipose tissue), ashti (bone), majja (bone marrow), and shukra (reproductive tissue). Our food breaks down into two categories – it creates a superior byproduct and an inferior byproduct. The superior byproduct creates the first tissue, rāsa, and the inferior byproduct goes to create the next tissue in line, rakta. This continues to happen down the line. Along with the inferior byproduct, a little bit of each tissue drips down into the next until it collects some of each – which ends up being our reproductive tissue – the last in line.  

In Āyurveda, there is a concept called aam (also seen as āma, ām, aama). Aam is known as undigested food. Food that is undigested becomes toxic. It is considered as poison to the body. Āyurveda believes that much of our health is related to our gut health. If our digestive fire, our agni, is not working at its optimal level, it starts to leave food undigested, thus creating aam. If aam is created, it can start to spread to other parts of the body and throw our doshic nature out of balance. It also starts to hinder the body tissue creation process – creating weaker tissues.

Signs That You Have Aam Building Up

There are some telltale signs that there is aam building up. You can take a look at your tongue. Even after tongue scraping, do you see a white coating? This is aam buildup. Are you constantly feeling weak and fatigued? Is your breath smelling bad? Are you having excess buildup of earwax, more nasal congestion, or digestive issues? These are just a few signs.

What Can We Do To Get Back On Track?

For aam build-up, Āyurveda prescribes that we first increase the power of our agni. More efficient agni will kickstart proper digestion so that new aam won’t form. Herbs that do this are called agni deepana dravya. The next step is to remove the aam by digesting it. Herbs that do this are called aam pachana dravya. In addition to herbs, we need to start taking light foods (laghu ahara) such as warm kichari (with ginger, pepper, salt and cumin seeds), and also perform therapies (langhana) such as fasting and exercising that lighten the body and increase our agni and metabolism. Some herbs can help destroy aam in the stomach area and some others can help with loss of taste due to aam buildup. Yoga and Pranayama are also very beneficial because such practices can help to cleanse and stimulate agni. Lastly, we would want to create a dietary protocol to help us reduce aam from building up again. 

Clearing aam may take a little bit time and dedication, but it is so worth it! You will feel lighter, happier, healthier, and it will help you feel more balanced for your wedding. Isn’t that all we can ask for?

Interested in a consultation so that you can be feeling at your best for your wedding? Give me a call or text at 954-695-9296 or email me at chahna@namaskartoyou.com.

About the Author

Chahna Tailor, a certified yoga instructor, has a background in occupational therapy and health science & administration. Chahna deepened her yoga practice by training in Rishikesh, India, where she studied the science behind yoga as a whole. Chahna provides yoga, pranayama, and meditation services through her company Namaskar To You. A volunteer for Ekal Vidyalaya, Chahna also Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Ayurvedic Medicine while continuing her self-studies in yoga.

According to Āyurveda

we have 7 bodily tissues

rāsa-plasma

rakta- blood

mamsa-muscle

medha-fat/adipose tissue

ashti-bone

majja-bone marrow

shukra-reproductive tissue

Signs That You Have Aam Building Up

constantly feeling weak and fatigued?

Is your breath smelling bad?

Are you having excess buildup of earwax?

ore nasal congestion?

or digestive issues?

What Can We Do To Get Back On Track?

warm kichari

light foods-laghu ahara

agni and metabolism

create a dietary protocol Chahna Tailor

occupational therapy and health science & administration

yoga practice by training in Rishikesh

A volunteer for Ekal Vidyalaya

Chahna also Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance

Happy March!

Wedding season is upon us! For brides and grooms, this is that one day (or a week!) where the spotlight is on them. This auspicious and ceremonious time in their lives can also put pressure to feel confident on their big day. Having gone through the same myself recently, I can relate.

Six months before my marriage, I began incorporating small Ayurvedic regimens into my day. These not only helped me deal with the stress, but also helped me look my best for the joyous occasion. Here are some things I added to my routine…

Teeth:

In the morning and evening, I was oil pulling (gargling) with unrefined coconut oil, using neem, mint, or miswak toothpaste, and brushing my teeth with an Ayurvedic tooth powder. I always do tongue scraping anyway but this is a great routine to add – especially with a copper scraper!

Face:

For my face, I started making homemade face packs with different ingredients. Sometimes I would just use the inside of a tomato. Other times I would use besan, turmeric, and some water. I also used a calcium bentonite clay mask mixed with apple cider vinegar once in a while. For a scrub, I would use sugar to exfoliate my face. I would make sure to wear sunscreen every day and moisturize so that dry skin wouldn’t accumulate on my face. I would also use steam to open up my pores and allow a detox.

Skin:

I started using Kevala’s 100% Unrefined Sesame Oil every day to give myself an oil massage, also known as abhyanga. This was a great way for me to relax as well as hydrate and moisturize my skin with clean ingredients. Because I am prone to dry skin, I did my abhyanga after my shower so that the oil could continue to keep my skin moisturized. For those of you that have more oily skin, doing an abhyanga before showering and leaving the oil on for 15 minutes is enough before you wash it off! This oil can also be used for oil pulling! Even before I was married, I was using Dr. Bronner’s soap. It is made of only clean ingredients. Even though it is a little drying, I prefer it because it balances out well with my abhyanga after!

Hair:

To make sure that my hair was nice and healthy, I made sure to get a haircut that would cut out any dead hair and then maintain it by using leave-in conditioner after washing my hair and also putting oil in my hair before bed. Some really nice hair oils include amla oil, neem oil, and brahmi oil. This can help reduce heat in the scalp, keeping hair more healthy and less likely to fall out.

Herbs and Teas:

Because I was noticing that I had a lot of heat in my body, I started taking a blood purifier, Manjishta, to help clean my blood – which also helped clean my skin. I am also prone to kidney stones, so just to avoid passing one on my wedding day (can you imagine how that would’ve been?!), I started taking Chandraprabhavati daily. Even though it is not a herb, I started taking Vitamin C chewables as well for immunity!

Something that really causes an imbalance in digestion in Ayurveda is eating cold foods and drinking cold drinks. I am not a person that routinely eats or drinks cold things, but I started to introduce more tea into my life. Whether it was a simple chamomile or ginger tea, or an ayurvedic CCF tea, drinking warm/hot fluids made me feel more relaxed on a daily basis and definitely helped my gut with digestion.

Everyone’s regimen is different and some people don’t have one! It’s important that you find what works for you. At the end of the day, you will be married to your partner and that in itself is the most beautiful part of it all. For those of you getting married, I wish for you all of the blessings, happiness, and love that life can offer!

Please note that Ayurveda relies heavily on understanding your unique natural composition first. Therefore, the above suggestions may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re interested in specific ideas for your dosha, please reach out to me!

Find what I used on Amazon!

• Vicco Vajradanti Ayurvedic Tooth Powder
• Himalaya Mint Fresh Gel Toothpaste, Organic Neem 10 in 1 Fluoride Free Toothpaste
• Kevala Organic Extra Virgin Sesame Oil
• Aztec Secret – Indian Healing Clay
• Nightly moisturizer: Origins Drink Up- Intensive Overnight Mask to Quench Skin’s Thirst
• Dr. Bronner’s – Pure-Castile Eucalyptus Liquid Soap (I would not suggest the Peppermint one – it will burn!)
• Banyan Botanicals Manjistha Tablets
• Patanjali Divya Chandraprabha Vati
• Fresh Nutrition Vitamin C – Powerful 1500mg Per Day Immune Support Chewables

About Author:

Chahna Tailor is a certified yoga instructor with backgrounds in occupational therapy and health science. Occupational therapy opened up the doors of knowledge when it came to taking care of the Self first and leading a healthier life. This led her to the physical practice of yoga. Chahna deepened her practice by training in Rishikesh, India, where she studied the science behind yoga, the breath, and meditation. Chahna also practices personal training, Reiki, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, pranichealing, and sound healing.

Ayurvedic tooth powder

coconut oil

using neem

mint

miswak toothpaste

copper scraper

cider vinegar

sunscreen

Sesame Oil

Dr. Bronner’s soap

amla oil

neem oil

brahmi oil

Manjishta

Chandraprabhavati

Vitamin C chewables

ayurvedic CCF tea

Vicco Vajradanti Ayurvedic Tooth Powder

Himalaya Mint Fresh Gel Toothpaste

Kevala Organic Extra Virgin Sesame Oil

Aztec Secret

Indian Healing Clay

Nightly moisturizer

Banyan Botanicals Manjistha Tablets

Patanjali Divya Chandraprabha Vati

Chahna Tailor

Reiki

hypnotherapy

aromatherapy

pranichealing

sound healing

Rishikesh-India

When it comes to Indian weddings, everyone knows that grandeur and boldness are everything. As a bride, when you consider different types of makeup for your eyes, the slightly heavier styles photograph well. Light or nude makeup does not usually complement bright and glittery Indian bridal wear. Since your eyes are the most attention-grabbing feature of your face, they need to be done with expertise to look expressive without seeming gaudy or tacky.

Though you likely have a makeup artist for your wedding, you might want to try these DIY makeup tips for pre-wedding events.

Begin with a base
A foundation primer for the eyes is very important to ensure the makeup lasts longer. Blend the primer foundation into your skin and let it settle for a few minutes. Next, spray water on the applied primer foundation. Use a cotton pad or a towel to gently tap the eyes. This gets rid of any excess primer.

Decide on the look
In the months prior to your wedding, experiment with different shades and weights of eye shadows. Choose colors that match or complement your bridal dress as well as your complexion. It is important to choose colors that enhance your skin tone. Some options to achieve the ideal look:

• Conventional dual-toned eyeshadow is always an option. To add traditional appeal, add a touch of glittering gold or silver eyeshadow just under the outer edges of your eyebrows.

• Light smokey eyes work well for many Indian brides and is usually the go-to look for an evening affair such as the reception.

• Make the eyes stand out with heavy kohl or eyeliner and mascara. Use false lashes to amplify length and accentuate the eyes. Finish the look with a high quality mascara.

In order for your eyes to truly shine, don’t forget about the rest of your face! To best highlight your eyes, the rest of your makeup should complement the look. Consider a soft pink or bronze blush to balance dramatic eyes. Lip colors can range from subtle to bold depending on the look you choose for your eyes.

Light makeup

nude makeup

Indian Weddings

DIY makeup tips

pre-wedding events

primer foundation

Conventional dual-toned eyeshadow

glittering gold eyeshadow

eyeliner and mascara

Ubtan is a common household name in India for a traditional Ayurvedic recipe to detoxify the skin and body, known for its ability to beautify your complexion. It softens and smoothes, while cleansing and exfoliating the skin.

It is a natural paste of herbs, and one of the most natural skincare essentials you can use on your skin. In modern India, the paste is often used for Hindu marriages when brides apply Ubtan before their special day to enhance their natural beauty.

The famous Bollywood and Hollywood celebrity Priyanka Chopra has been seen applying Ubtan and sharing her at-home beautifying recipe, included below. Priyanka brought that trend to the US, and it has gained widespread popularity since then.

Over the years, Ubtan has gained popularity for both men and women, and has become somewhat of a fashion statement. It later became popular for both brides and grooms to use as part of their beauty ritual, which is symbolically seen as a detachment of the old life and embracing a new life. It is massaged on the bride and groom’s hands, feet and face. You gently apply it all over, wait a couple of minutes, then massage and exfoliate, followed with a bath. This not only brings a healthy glow, but also removes excess facial hair and aids in exfoliation.

Benefits of Ubtan

• High phenolic and flavonoid content reduces free radicals
• Removes facial hair
• Removes tan
• Improves blood circulation
• Improves complexion
• Detoxifies via exfoliation
• Removes dead cells from the skin
• Reduces acne and acne scars
• Removes blemishes and age spots
• Aids in maintaining beautiful, clear skin
• Removes blackheads and whiteheads

Recipe

There are many ways to make Ubtan and different parts of India use different recipes. Two are noted below:

Masoor Daal Ubtan

This Ubtan is often used for blemish-free skin.

Ingredients:

• Organic masoor daal (red lentil) Flour
• Organic besan (chickpea Flour)
• Organic whole milk
• Organic turmeric

For this simple and effective Ubtan, you will need red lentil flour or masoor daal, chickpea flour, and a pinch of turmeric. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and leave for a couple of minutes. Then, apply it all over your face and hands, let it sit for a couple minutes, start massaging, then wash it off.

Whole Wheat Ubtan (as used by Priyanka Chopra)

As Priyanka explains, this Ubtan is great for removing a tan and gives glowing skin.

Ingredients

• Organic whole wheat flour
• Pinch of organic turmeric
• Organic lime juice (only few drops)
• Organic unflavored, plain whole yogurt

Rose water

Mix all ingredients together and apply to your face, leaving it for 15-20 minutes. Gently start massaging. It not only takes away fine facial hair, but also removes tanned skin and gives a natural glow.

DIY at Home

During this pandemic, it has been a challenge to rely on spas. Some may find it hard to trust what is available in the name of skincare to keep their skin naturally glowing.

Why not turn to your kitchen to find beauty ingredients you have to do this beauty ritual at home?
In case you don’t want to make your own, Neeta Naturals has a solution for you. You can get this amazing Organic Ubtan premade and ready to use, for all types of skin, and especially sensitive skin.

Uncover your skin’s natural radiance and freshness with Neeta Naturals Organic Ayurvedic Ubtan face mask! It gives your skin nourishment and protects it from free radicals. It includes pure botanical ingredients carefully chosen for their anti-inflammatory and skin nurturing properties. This Ubtan mask will deep clean your skin, reduce appearance blackheads and help to prevent acne without drying or irritation. Ingredients in our Ubtan mask include neem leaf powder, rhassoul clay, kaolin clay, adzuki bean flour, shatavari powder, orange powder, rice powder, turmeric, sandalwood powder and saffron powder. Find this deep cleansing mask at www.neetanaturals.com.

About the Author

Neeta Singh, born and raised in India. Founder/ CEO of Ayurvedic Skincare Neeta Naturals is Certified Ayurveda Expert specializes in Beauty therapy and panchkarma practice. MS in Business Neeta Singh is certified Yoga teacher and Reiki master. Neeta’s work has been published in many yoga and wellness magazines including yoga journal and spirituality and health.

The tradition of Ubtan

Vedas

traditional Ayurvedic recipe

detoxify the skin and body

natural paste of herbs

natural skincare essentials

High phenolic and flavonoid content reduces free radicals

Removes facial hair

Removes tan

Improves blood circulation

Improves complexion

Detoxifies via exfoliation

Removes dead cells from the skin

Reduces acne and acne scars

Removes blemishes and age spots

Aids in maintaining beautiful

clear skin

Removes blackheads and whiteheads

Masoor Daal Ubtan

Organic masoor daal

Organic besan

red lentil

chickpea Flour

Organic whole milk

Organic turmeric

Whole Wheat Ubtan

Priyanka Chopra

Organic lime juice

plain whole yogurt

Rose water

DIY at Home

beauty ingredients

Neeta Naturals Organic Ayurvedic

Organic Ubtan premade

neem leaf powder

rhassoul clay

kaolin clay

adzuki bean flour

shatavari powder

orange powder

rice powder

sandalwood powder

saffron powder

A wedding that is distinctive and memorable is a wish many brides make for this important life event. Multi-faceted hues and dimensions of color are sure to leave an imprint, and moreover, are a characteristic trait of South Asian weddings.

Weddings have always been affairs to remember, with everyone involved cherishing different memories. Brides spend a good bit of time coordinating colors – from the bride and groom’s clothing to the decorations for each event, invitations, and so much more. Whether the color of the flowers or of the bridal lehnga, color is an important detail for each and every event of the wedding.

Some seasons feature bolder colors than others, but even winter weddings can dazzle with a range of festive colors. Consider these color combinations to ensure your wedding events leave an impression on your guests!

Cobalt Blue for a Sophisticated Reception

The reception is a time to celebrate and provide the couple and guests an opportunity to bring all the festivities to a close. Blue is often a symbol of spirituality, peace, and youth. With their whole lives ahead of them, the youthful color is the perfect choice for a couple to begin their new journey together. Beautiful hues of cobalt blue are perfect for winter weddings. With many choices for complementary colors, couples can create their own unique color combinations with shades of blue for a personal touch.

Colors play an important role in Indian weddings, and with so many pre-wedding events, brides and grooms can truly let their personality shine with their preferences. A winter wedding is the perfect time to showcase color and breathe life into an otherwise underrated season.

Color Trends for Winter Wedding Events

Rose Pink and White for an Elegant Engagement

Emerald Green for a Festive Mehndi

Indian wedding Sangeet ceremony

Golden Yellow for an Auspicious Haldi/Pithi

Washes negative energies

Claret Red for a Winter Wedding

Cobalt Blue for a Sophisticated Reception

Bridal Lehnga

Pre-Wedding EventsHindu weddings

South Asian weddings

bride and groom’s clothing to the decorations for each event

Indian wedding invitations

weddings can dazzle with a range of festive colors

Cool tones of rose pink

floral decorations

complementary bold colors to heighten the festive atmosphere

Haldi ceremony is one of the most colorful rituals

traditional ceremony

haldi mixture

floral jewelry

vibrant ceremony

pre-wedding events