Harlin Sachdeva, founder of House of Makeup, represents a new wave of Indian beauty entrepreneurs blending global standards with local understanding. Armed with an MBA from Gujarat University and over a decade of experience at industry leaders such as Sugar Cosmetics, Unilever, and Nykaa, she developed sharp expertise in product formulation, consumer insight, and strategic growth. Entrepreneurship, however, began much earlier. After losing her father at 17, Harlin co-founded a home linen business with her mother, scaling it 30 times over. That early chapter forged her resilience and independence. Today, she channels that same clarity of vision into building a homegrown brand that is high-performing, clean, and proudly Indian. Raising the Bar for Indian Beauty “I often say this, in India, when we make something exceptional, it’s largely exported. And what stays back is often not the best,” Harlin reflects. That disparity became her catalyst. Her mission is to create high-performance makeup comparable to global standards, but formulated specifically for Indian consumers, particularly those with sensitive, acne-prone, and reactive skin. “Because I am one of them,” she says candidly. “I know what it feels like to scan ingredient lists anxiously.” Every formulation at House of Makeup is research-backed, third-party tested, and built with gentle yet effective ingredients. For Harlin, this isn’t just commercial ambition; it’s personal problem-solving at scale. Obsessive about Product What distinguishes her approach is an uncompromising focus on formulation. “From day one, the emphasis has been on thoughtfully designed products specifically for sensitive and reactive skin,” she explains. The brand eliminates over 1,300 ingredients flagged under the European Cosmetic Directive and conducts extensive non-comedogenic testing to ensure products do not clog pores, a critical factor for acne-prone users. “At the heart of it, we stand for trust,” she says. “Makeup created with care, integrity, and long-term skin

The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and endless get-togethers. But between shopping, late-night parties, and all the festive indulgence, your skin and hair can begin to show signs of stress dullness, dryness, or even breakouts. While expensive salon treatments may seem tempting, some of the best remedies for glowing skin and lustrous hair are sitting right in your kitchen. Natural ingredients like honey, turmeric, yogurt, and coconut oil have been trusted for centuries in traditional beauty rituals worldwide. They are not only effective but also free of harsh chemicals. Best of all, they’re affordable and easy to use. This festive season, bring out your inner glow with these DIY natural beauty remedies that will leave your skin and hair refreshed, radiant, and ready for celebration. 1. Turmeric & Honey Brightening Face Mask Why it works:Turmeric is a powerhouse of antioxidants and possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for reducing dullness and evening out skin tone. Honey, a natural humectant, locks in moisture, leaving the skin soft and supple. Recipe: 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 tablespoon raw honey A few drops of rose water How to use:Mix the ingredients into a smooth paste. Apply evenly on your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat twice a week for a natural, golden glow. 2. Coffee & Yogurt Exfoliating Scrub Why it works:Coffee grounds are rich in caffeine, which helps improve circulation and reduce puffiness, while yogurt contains lactic acid that gently exfoliates and brightens the skin. Together, they remove dead skin cells, leaving skin smooth and refreshed. Recipe: 1 tablespoon ground coffee 2 tablespoons plain yogurt 1 teaspoon honey (optional for added hydration) How to use:Mix all ingredients and gently massage onto your face

Internationally acclaimed celebrity dermatologist Dr. Rashmi Shetty has spent over two decades perfecting the art of natural, radiant beauty. Renowned for her pioneering work with injectables, laser technologies, and holistic skin health, she blends science with artistry to create timeless bridal looks. For wedding-bound brides and grooms, she shares her expert tips to achieve that coveted glow inside and out. When should a bride or groom start pre-wedding skin treatments for the best results?Ideally, it’s best to start six months before if you have a skin issue. If you don’t have any major skin concerns and only want to prep for better hydration, glow, and plump, happy skin, then starting a month before the wedding can also work. It really depends on your starting point what condition your skin is in at the beginning. For those with issues, you’ll need corrective products (like acne creams or pigmentation treatments) that are usually applied at night. Nighttime is best for skin repair since you get 10–12 hours of rest without external irritation. Nourishing creams, moisturizers, and barrier creams are also best used at night. During the day, your focus should be on protection using moisturizers that guard against wind, pollution, and, of course, a good sunscreen. What is the ideal skincare routine in the final month before the wedding?The final month is definitely not the time to experiment with new active ingredients you’ve never tried before. Avoid new treatments that may irritate your skin. Instead, this is the time to add supplements that help from within. Ideally, supplements should begin three months before the wedding, but even one month can make a difference. Recommended supplements include: Raw Bright: a strong antioxidant to fight oxidative stress (which increases due to wedding planning stress, shopping, and pre-wedding parties). Raw Defense: an anti-inflammatory to calm

The Big Fat Indian Wedding is more than a celebration, it’s an experience. From grand floral mandaps to Instagram-worthy dessert tables, from runway-ready garment trends by top designers to celebrity-inspired makeup and cinematic wedding photography, we explore the trends redefining how India says “I do” in 2025. Shantanu & Nikhil on Redefining the Modern Groom Shantanu & Nikhil redefine the modern groom in 2025 merging architectural tailoring with fluid drapes, pastel palettes, and statement detailing. From military-inspired bandhgalas to androgynous accents, the duo’s vision champions versatility, relevance, and unapologetic self-expression for the Big Fat Indian Wedding. Shantanu & Nikhil are pioneers in introducing drapes to Indian menswear. How has that silhouette evolved for the modern groom? When we first brought drapes into men’s couture, it was a statement against the stiffness of ceremonial wear, a way to soften structure without losing authority. Over the years, the drape has evolved from being a fluid accent to a fully integrated sartorial code. Today, it works in harmony with sharp tailoring, creating silhouettes that are commanding yet effortless. In our recent collection- Metropolis, the drape takes on sharper intent: asymmetric overlays under cropped bandhgalas, crossover shirts beneath cinched jackets, and pleated pearl-layered inners under contemporary overcoat sherwanis. For the modern groom, this isn’t embellishment; it’s a language of movement and ease, balancing regality with relevance. How are you making your signature style more accessible to younger or more experimental grooms? Accessibility, for us, is about adaptability. In Metropolis, every silhouette is conceived to travel between moments and ceremonies; an overcoat sherwani layered for the wedding procession, then pared down for a more intimate after-event. By reimagining our codes in lighter constructions, modular layers, and versatile cuts, with hints of bling, evolving grooms can engage with ceremonial couture on their own terms without losing