Beauty

Can Lingerie Help People Walk the Path Towards Self-Love?

Love is an integral part of our lives and is very important for our mental and emotional well-being but the most essential form of love in our lives is, of course, self-love. To put simply, self-love is an appreciation for oneself and having a high regard for our well-being and happiness. It means taking care of our needs and not sacrificing our well-being or happiness to please others. Alas, in this fast-paced and cruel modern world where everyone is competing for resources, ideal lives and even love, it’s hard to not be critical of ourselves. This makes maintaining and practising self-love all the more essential. It is necessary to be able to appreciate ourselves every day. But what makes self-love the key to long, happy and fulfilled lives? Mehak Walia in conversation with Ummang Sharma Bajpai (MWP, MBPsS), an Integrative Psychologist and the Head of Psychological Services at the Institute for the Advancement of Mental Health (IAMH), an online-first institute, established to improve access to mental wellness and mental healthcare.

While talking about the importance of self-love, Ummang explained, “Self-love is extremely important in a person’s life because it lays the foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life. Loving oneself allows individuals to establish a positive relationship with themselves – which in turn leads to feeling more confident in their abilities and sense of self-worth. Having self-love also helps a person to have better relationships with others, as they are less likely to tolerate harmful or abusive behaviour from others. Additionally, it fosters better communication – of one’s needs and boundaries. There is a growing body of research on the importance of self-love, particularly in the fields of psychology and mental health. Studies have shown that self-love is positively associated with better mental health outcomes, such as lower levels of anxiety and depression, and improved life satisfaction.”

He further added, “Additionally, self-love has been linked to greater resilience and coping skills, allowing individuals to better navigate stress and adversity – which happens because a person who loves themselves is better able to cope with stress and overcome challenges. Other studies have found that self-love can also be associated with better physical health outcomes, such as improved sleep, lower levels of inflammation, and enhanced immune function. Overall, the research suggests that self-love is a crucial aspect of overall well-being and is essential for personal growth and happiness. Self-love is a critical aspect of personal growth and happiness and is necessary for a fulfilling and balanced life.”

But, in the daily struggle towards self-love, a question that puzzles us all now and then is how we should love our bodies when they don’t match the beauty standards. How do we feel sexy in our different body types and shapes with all their differences and flaws? Well, I might have the answer. One of the most interesting and creative ways to fall in love with yourself is via lingerie. The use of lingerie has been around for centuries, and they have been used time and again to accentuate certain body parts and our overall appeal. However now, they have become more than just tools to attract others. They have not turned into the boldest, strongest and sexiest tools for a woman’s sexual expression.

Don’t believe me? Well, look back to the first time you came across a gorgeous piece of lingerie that made you pause. Did you end up trying it? Did your reflection in that mirror make you smile and feel special, even if was just for a split second? That is the exact power of lingerie. They have turned into symbols of accepting our sexuality in its truest form. But how do they help?

Ummang believes that “wearing lingerie or fetish gear that makes you feel confident and empowered can have a positive impact on self-love. If wearing certain types of clothing makes you feel good about yourself and boosts your confidence, then it can certainly be seen as a form of self-care and self-expression. I think it’s worth acknowledging here the special relevance of self-love and the use of lingerie or fetish gear for the LGBTQIA+ community. For many individuals in the queer community, self-love can be a particularly challenging aspect of personal growth, as they may have faced ‘minority stress’ – which is discrimination, stigma, and rejection based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The use of lingerie or fetish gear can be a way for these individuals to express their sexuality and gender identity in a safe and empowering way and can help to build self-confidence and self-acceptance. “

It is also essential to note the fact that all of us have unique body types and different preferences when it comes to lingerie. They are more than just simple undergarments; they are a tool through which we feel sexy and appreciate our unique bodies in all their glory. They have the power to shatter the boxes of toxic beauty and body standards created by society as a whole. You see, wearing a nice set of lingerie of our choice is literally, one of the most empowering experiences out there. This can positively affect our emotional state by showing off our fierce and fabulous side with a layer of sexual liberation and girl power. This can also boost our self-esteem and confidence and on top of it all, it makes us feel good about our bodies thereby improving our self-image. This allows you to feel validation internally rather than seeking it from others. This can be a brilliant path to work on our self-esteem as a whole.

Ummang agreed and added with a smile, “Wearing lingerie or fetish gear can help improve self-esteem for some people. It can be a way to express one’s sexuality, feel confident, and embrace their body. However, it is important to note that self-esteem is a complex and multifaceted concept and is not solely determined by what one wears. Wearing lingerie or fetish gear can provide temporary confidence boosts, but it needs to be part of a wider strategy to develop a healthy relationship with self and a stable sense of self-worth. While interrelated, self-worth, self-esteem, and self-love are distinct concepts. Simply put, self-worth is the underlying belief in one’s inherent value, self-esteem is an external evaluation of oneself, and self-love is a positive and compassionate attitude towards oneself. Unlike self-esteem, which can be influenced by external factors and external validation, self-love is a more stable, holistic, and internalized sense of self-worth. Plus, we must also remember that everyone’s experiences and preferences are unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. So, you shouldn’t do something if you’re feeling threatened by it in any way.”

But it’s also very essential to note and understand the fact that the battle towards self-love cannot just be won with lingerie. You do need other arsenals in your corner. There are several ways you can support the use of lingerie or fetish gear in the process of self-love and personal growth.

While discussing these ways in detail, Ummang explained, “First and foremost, be open-minded and non-judgmental: Allow individuals to express themselves and explore their sexuality in a way that feels comfortable and empowering to them, without imposing your own opinions or prejudices. We live in a shame-based culture, so a lot of biases may covertly exist in our thoughts – it’s important to call these out and keep them in check. Next, it’s important to provide a safe and supportive environment: Create a space where individuals feel comfortable and accepted, free from judgement or shame. This will aid the process of self-discovery for them. We can also ensure that we foster body positivity: Help folks embrace their bodies, regardless of their shape or size, and focus on what makes them unique and beautiful. This enables everyone to emphasize self-love and serves as a reminder that true confidence and empowerment come from within. Importantly, providing a supportive and empowering environment, and encouraging individuals to focus on self-love and self-care is key to promoting a positive body image and positive personal growth.”

Another very essential fact that we must remember is that it’s important to remember that self-love is not solely dependent on external factors. Ummang expressed that, ‘True self-love comes from within. It involves valuing and accepting oneself for who they are, regardless of their appearance or external circumstances. Ultimately, what is more, important is to engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself – that empower you to be your authentic self. Whether that’s wearing lingerie or fetish gear, or engaging in other forms of self-expression, the key is to focus on building a positive relationship with yourself and nurturing your well-being.”

At the end of the day, whether it’s sexy lingerie, gorgeous makeup, shiny new heels or just some comfort food, it’s essential to care for and appreciate yourself while learning how to fall in love with yourself. This road might be long and hard but don’t give up and hang in there, it’s all worth it!

February 26, 2023

The Secret to Wedding-Ready Skin? Start Six Months Before the Big Day

Dr Bhairavi Senthil is a Chennai-based dermatologist and founder of The Dr B 360 Dermatology Experiential Centre. Her advice for 2026 couples: skip the last-minute “bridal glow” fix; real results come from starting six months ahead, and the final few weeks should be about stability and hydration, not experimenting with something new. Skincare Trends 2026Couples are moving away from a last-minute glow and toward skin preparation as a long-term process. Brides want to look like themselves, just healthier and more even-toned; not heavily treated or made up. Grooms are becoming far more proactive about skincare and grooming too. There’s also a shift toward personalised, science-led routines over viral trends, and a growing focus on prevention and maintenance rather than dramatically changing how skin looks. Pre-Wedding Treatments & TimelineThere’s no universal best treatment; it depends on your skin and timeline. Ideally, meet a dermatologist six months before the wedding, earlier if there’s active acne, pigmentation or hair concerns, since collagen remodelling and barrier repair can’t be rushed. Peels, lasers, microneedling and injectables like botulinum toxin or fillers may all be options depending on the concern, but they all need proper consultation and time to settle. The golden rule: don’t experiment close to the wedding; the final weeks should focus on stability and hydration. Customising Skincare PlansIt starts with one question: what do you want your skin to look and feel like on your wedding day? From there, the plan factors in barrier health, pigmentation, acne, hydration, the wedding timeline, climate and even travel plans. A bride with pigmentation needs a completely different approach from someone dealing with acne or sensitivity, and sometimes the healthiest skin needs no procedures at all, just maintenance. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s healthy, balanced skin that lets you feel confident without hiding behind makeup.

Beauty

Skin That Still Looks Like Skin: Bridal Beauty in 2026

Celebrity makeup artist Bianca Louzado has spent over two decades in Indian beauty, from her start at India Couture Week working on Manish Malhotra to becoming one of the country’s most trusted names in luxury bridal makeup, with a portfolio that includes Jasprit Bumrah and Sanjana Ganesan, Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram, and Radhika Ambani’s pre-wedding event. She breaks down why real bridal beauty starts weeks before the wedding, not the morning of, and why 2026 brides are choosing skin that still looks like skin over heavy, “done-up” makeup. What skin prep should brides start ahead of the wedding?Skin prep is about healthy, balanced skin, not last-minute transformation. Start a consistent routine 6–8 weeks out: gentle cleanser, moisturiser, daily SPF, and any new actives introduced early enough to see how skin responds. No experimenting in wedding week. In the final week, simplify: hydration, sleep, water, and skip aggressive treatments or picking at breakouts. Well-prepped skin means less product and a complexion that looks like skin, not a mask. What’s the biggest mistake brides make choosing their look?Picking a look because it worked on someone else, rather than one that suits their own features, outfit and personality. Chasing every trend at once is another; bridal makeup needs to photograph beautifully today and still feel elegant years later. References are useful, but they’re a starting point, not a blueprint. And don’t wait until the wedding morning to find your look; the trial is where that conversation happens. How has airbrush vs. traditional makeup evolved for 2026?The debate itself is outdated! It’s about what the skin needs. Brides want longevity without heaviness, especially for long Indian wedding days. Traditional techniques now allow thin, strategic layering with more control and natural dimension, and unlike airbrush, they can be touched up rather than redone entirely.

Beauty

Less Face, More You: The Restraint-First Approach to Bridal Beauty

Mumbai-based makeup and hair artist Elton J Fernandez has spent nearly 25 years across fashion, advertising, celebrity, bridal and film work, from a nine-year run as Maybelline India’s spokesperson to backstage seasons at New York Fashion Week and India Fashion Week. Here, he makes the case for a very different kind of bridal beauty in 2026: less about a prescribed “bridal face” and more about restraint, identity and letting the woman herself remain present in the frame. What bridal makeup trends are defining 2026, versus 2025?The biggest shift is away from a prescribed bridal face. For years, trends travelled uniformly: the same brow, the same contour, accelerated by social media. Now brides want to recognise themselves in their photographs. That means skin that still behaves like skin, colour that responds to the person rather than the trend, and enough restraint to let the woman remain present. 2025 was about the look; 2026 is about the person wearing it. Has grooming for grooms become mainstream?Yes, but the bigger shift is that men are less afraid of being seen to care. Grooming today often means correcting fatigue or balancing skin rather than looking visibly “made up”; the best work is often invisible. The principle stays the same as with brides: understand who’s in front of you before deciding how much intervention is actually needed. How do you approach daytime ceremonies versus evening receptions?Daylight doesn’t automatically mean less makeup, and evening doesn’t mean more; context matters more than the clock. Light, climate, photography, jewellery and ceremony all shape the decision. Indian bridal beauty already carries so much visual information: textiles, jewellery, ritual- that makeup doesn’t need to compete for attention. Sometimes the most sophisticated choice is knowing what to leave alone. After 25 years, what’s changed most in how you see a face?Early

Beauty

From Creator to Founder: Sarah Sarosh’s Impulse Journey

Sarah Sarosh’s foundation lies in her training in Occupational Therapy at KEM, Mumbai, a discipline that shaped her understanding of behaviour, confidence, and well-being far beyond textbooks. “It trained me to look at self-image and lifestyle as more than surface-level experiences,” she explains. That holistic lens continues to influence how she creates and builds today. Raised in a middle-class household, she learned early that stability comes from discipline, not shortcuts. There was no predefined creative roadmap or safety net, which meant resilience and independence were cultivated organically. Her personal struggles with acne and self-image also played a defining role. “It made me more observant of how deeply appearance is tied to confidence and belonging,” she says. That sensitivity now informs her approach to beauty, representation, and storytelling. Where Storytelling Meets Building Sarah describes her work as a blend of storytelling and entrepreneurship. “Content and business may look separate from the outside, but for me they stem from the same instinct, the desire to create something meaningful.” Her content journey began while she was still a student, documenting beauty, health, and self-image through lived experience. Entrepreneurship followed with the launch of Impulse Coffees, born from identifying a gap in how instant coffee was positioned in India. “It was widely consumed but rarely treated with care or storytelling,” she notes. Building Impulse introduced her to sourcing, product development, packaging, and customer experience, expanding her role from creator to founder. “Storytelling helps me understand people. Building helps me translate that understanding into something tangible.” Real, Not Remote “At its core, my work is about documenting life as it unfolds,” she says. Rather than presenting polished perfection, Sarah has consistently allowed her audience to witness transitions, uncertainties, and growth in real time. “It feels less like performance and more like continuity.” She is most