JOIN USWeddings, although magical, can be very stressful for both, the bride and the groom.
Shahnaz Husain charts out a pampering plan for the soon-to-be grooms, something that promises to take away all the anxiety before the D-day.
Looking good is not just a woman’s prerogative, especially on a momentous occasion like a wedding.
It is true that all eyes would be on the bride, but this is one time when the bridegroom also shares a good part of the limelight. Fortunately, men today are not shying away from cosmetic care and believe in the fact that looking one’s best boosts self-confidence.
The myth that grooming is not masculine has been admonished by new-age men.
Wedding is a very special occasion. There is no doubt that you would want to look your best on such a joyous event.
One of the major things to focus on is advance planning. Since the wedding date is always set in advance, you should plan the outfits you will be wearing for the different occasions, in good time, so that you can give ample time to get your clothes tailored or altered.
Do remember to try every piece of your attire to avoid any complications.
Last-minute shopping not only adds to your stress, but also shows on your face.
Personal grooming is a total “top-to-toe” effort, which involves paying attention to every single detail.
An early start
Start taking care of the skin two-three months before the wedding. Weekly facials are recommended to refine and revitalise the skin.
Professional deep cleansing, with exfoliation, toning and massage help to remove the dead skin cells, stimulate circulation and nourish the skin.
The improved blood circulation gives the skin a healthy glow and it becomes much clearer and more translucent.
Facial massages also help to reduce tension and fatigue, and induce relaxation and boost self-confidence. Nowadays, facials like gold, diamond, plant stem cells and platinum are also available to suit your taste.
Give aromatherapy facial a shot as it is specially geared to reduce stress and induce relaxation.
The hair also deserves equal attention. Go in for good head massages to help you relax.
For hair problems, like dandruff and hair loss, clinical treatments are recommended, once or twice a week.
If you think you may need a haircut around the date of the wedding, do not wait until the D-day.
Have your haircut at least two weeks in advance, so that your hair has settled by the wedding date.
Invest in a good conditioner or hair rinse. On the day of the wedding, first shampoo the hair and rinse it well with water.
Then apply very little conditioner, massaging it lightly into the hair.
Wash off with plain water after two minutes.
This ritual makes sure your hair looks well-conditioned and manageable.
If you like, you can use home ingredients to condition the hair.
Egg white, for instance, is a natural cleanser and its protein content adds body to the hair.
Apply egg white on the hair about half-an-hour before your shampoo. Beer also makes for a good conditioner.
Add the juice of a lemon to it and use it as a rinse after shampoo. Wait for a few minutes and rinse the hair with plain water.
For very oily hair, add the juice of a lemon to the last mug of water and use it as a last rinse.
Many hair grooming preparations, like creams and gels, are also available in the market.
Although these products impart a high degree of sheen to the hair, they can also make your hair look greasy.
You should try out new hair grooming aids much before the wedding, to find the
perfect one.
The final touches
A day before the wedding, or on the day itself, get a manicure and a pedicure done.
Dispel the idea that this is a feminine pastime. Professional salon treatments remove all the dead skin and give a well-groomed look.
In fact, a pedicure, with a foot massage is also extremely relaxing.
Like every other day, you will definitely have your shave on the wedding day.
But, on this day, you should have another one, just before you start getting ready.
It will help you look fresh and bright. Be extra careful this time and avoid all the nicks and cuts.
Washing your face with hot water, prior to applying shaving cream, helps to soften the beard and makes shaving easier.
After using your after-shave lotion, apply a little liquid moisturiser, if the skin feels dry.
Devote more time to your bath on the special day. Pay attention to the hands and feet, scrub the heels with a pumice stone, or heel scrubber.
Add some eau de cologne to your bath water. It has a refreshing effect and makes you feel good, too.
After your bath, apply talcum powder, or a body lotion, all over, even on your feet.
Rub some of the lotion on your hands and nails and then wipe off with a moist towel.
Take a look at yourself in the mirror. If your eyes look dull and tired, put a few drops of eye lotion.
If you have some time to spare, soak cotton wool pads in rose water or rose-based skin tonic.
Lie down, with eyes closed and the cotton wool pads on the eyelids.
Relax for 10-15 minutes and you will wake up feeling refreshed.
Last, but not least, try to get to bed early for the two nights before the wedding.
Have all your bachelor parties before that, so that you have enough time to recover.
You should feel relaxed and confident as you go forward to face your new future.
(The writer is a beauty expert)