Shahnaz Husain’s Timeless Beauty Wisdom for Brides & Grooms

With decades of experience as India’s beauty and wellness pioneer, Shahnaz Husain has transformed countless brides and grooms into their most radiant selves. Her integrated approach blends Ayurveda, herbal care, and time-tested rituals to ensure you look and feel your best on your big day. Here, she shares her essential tips.

What is the ideal pre-bridal skincare routine you recommend for glowing skin?

You must begin with proper skincare first; it should include CTMPN–Cleansing, toning, moisturizing, protection, and nourishment. These are the crucial skincare steps that you should always remember.
Start by cleansing your face with a mild, soap-free cleanser, then refresh your skin with a rose essence toner, suitable for all skin types. Apply a light moisturizer to lock in hydration and never skip daily SPF to shield your skin from UV damage. At night, pamper your skin with a hydrating and repairing serum to restore its natural balance. For the best results, choose gentle herbal products. With consistent care, this routine will leave your skin naturally radiant, giving you that soft, bridal-like glow.

How early should a bride begin her skincare preparations before the wedding?

It all depends on what procedure you are opting for. If you are looking for skin corrective procedures addressing concerns like dark spots or uneven skin tone, then it takes six months to show results. If you are opting for glowing skin procedures, then three months is ample time. Additionally, it takes time to understand and get accustomed to various procedures, and for your skin to react or accept them. To be on the safer side, six months at least. For those in a hurry, I recommend nothing less than 3 months, and they should indulge in an instant glow facial 2 weeks in advance, avoiding getting any such procedure a couple of days before your big day. 

What are the most common skincare mistakes brides should avoid in the lead-up to their big day?

The biggest mistake brides make is skipping a proper skincare routine, which leads to dryness and dullness. Ignoring allergies or product sensitivities is another  makeup can’t hide unhealthy skin.

Avoid skipping meals or staying dehydrated to look lean; it weakens your body and robs your skin of its natural glow. Stick to a light, balanced diet, stay hydrated, and manage stress. Skip last-minute quick fixes from salons, as your skin needs time to adjust. Don’t neglect night skincare and always patch-test your wedding makeup to avoid breakouts or irritation.

Which Ayurvedic ingredients do you suggest for naturally radiant bridal skin?

The most naturally occurring ingredient is fuller’s earth or Multani mitti mixed with rose water that brings instant glow, tightens the skin, and reduces excessive oil. Using soaked saffron strands in coconut oil or almond oil used as facial oil to nourish the skin imparts a golden glow. Sandalwood powder, when mixed with a pinch of turmeric, helps in inducing calmness, and the skin appears radiantly beautiful. For those who cannot apply any of these ingredients, they can opt for raw aloe vera gel extracted from the plant and directly apply it on the skin, leave it on for 15 minutes, and rinse it off. 

How can brides treat oily or acne-prone skin using herbal or natural remedies?

For acne-prone skin, which is naturally sensitive, always use products and remedies in moderation. One effective option is tea tree oil mix 3 drops with a teaspoon of jojoba or coconut oil and apply it only to the affected areas with a cotton swab. Leave it overnight for the best results. Another natural remedy is apple cider vinegar (ACV). Dilute one part ACV with three parts water, apply it with a cotton pad, leave it on for 5 minutes, and then rinse off with water.

What is your advice for brides dealing with pigmentation or uneven skin tone?

Pigmentation can be reduced with simple home remedies using kitchen ingredients. Cucumber brightens the skin and can be applied as slices or juice. Tomato, rich in lycopene, helps lighten skin and fade pigmentation. Potato slices are also effective, as their natural enzymes help brighten discoloured areas. Leave any of these remedies on for 15 minutes, then rinse with water.

Are there any specific face masks or packs you recommend for a bridal glow?

I recommend using three types of face masks to hydrate, brighten, and nourish your skin. Mix ½ cup of plain yogurt with a few drops of lemon juice, apply it for 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water for an instant brightening effect. Next, blend ½ cucumber with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, apply the mix for 15 minutes, and rinse with water for deep nourishment and a radiant glow. Finally, crush or blend 5–6 fresh strawberries with 1 teaspoon of honey, apply for 20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water followed by cold water for refreshed, hydrated, glowing skin.

How important is diet and hydration in achieving healthy, glowing skin before the wedding?

The biggest mistake I often see brides make is restricting food and fluids to look slimmer. This only causes dehydration, nutrient loss, and even fainting. I recommend eating small, balanced meals, including a bowl of fresh salads, fruit juices, plenty of water, and light foods that keep you full while maintaining a lean look. Avoid oily, processed, and sugary foods before the wedding. Nourishing your body from the inside out makes your skin naturally radiant and flawless. Include papaya for digestion, leafy greens, watermelon, and cucumber for hydration and glow.

Finally, what quick, natural remedies do you suggest for last-minute skin emergencies?

I have observed that wedding stress, lack of sleep, and excessive dieting often lead to breakouts, under-eye puffiness, and dehydrated or dry skin in brides-to-be.

For breakouts, I recommend mixing ½ teaspoon sandalwood powder, a pinch of turmeric, and a few drops of rose water. Apply it to the affected area for 15 minutes, then rinse. This calms inflammation and makes the skin smoother.

For under-eye puffiness, I recommend placing refrigerated cucumber slices on your eyes for 15 minutes, then rinsing with cold water to instantly refresh the area.

For dry or dehydrated skin, I recommend mixing 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons milk cream, leaving it on for 30 minutes, and rinsing with lukewarm water for deep, lasting hydration.

 

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Zodiac & Wellness: What Your Sign Says About You

Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. While one person finds joy in running marathons, another prefers quiet meditation with incense and a cup of herbal tea. What if your approach to self-care, health, and healing could be traced back to your zodiac sign? Here’s a zodiac-based guide to aligning your wellness rituals with your sun sign’s unique energy. Aries (March 21 – April 19) Element: FireVibe: Energetic, bold, competitiveWellness Style: Action-oriented and driven, Aries thrives on intense physical activity. Think HIIT workouts, CrossFit, or competitive sports. Tip: You need to burn off excess energy, but remember to balance high-intensity routines with rest. Try yoga or guided breathing exercises to avoid burnout. Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Element: EarthVibe: Grounded, sensual, indulgentWellness Style: Taurus finds joy in slow, luxurious rituals—think spa days, nature walks, and nourishing meals. Tip: Indulgence is great, but be mindful of comfort eating. Incorporate grounding foods and create a soothing bedtime routine for deep, restful sleep. Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Element: AirVibe: Curious, communicative, restlessWellness Style: For Gemini, wellness is all about variety. You might switch between cycling, dancing, or journaling based on your mood. Tip: Focus on mental clarity. Practice breathwork or join group classes that stimulate both mind and body—like barre or Pilates. Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Element: WaterVibe: Emotional, intuitive, nurturingWellness Style: Cancer nurtures others naturally—but don’t forget to care for yourself. Warm baths, emotional check-ins, and comfort food are your go-tos. Tip: Create a “feel-good” routine with calming rituals like chamomile tea, moon journaling, or meditative cooking. Leo (July 23 – August 22) Element: FireVibe: Confident, expressive, vibrantWellness Style: Leos thrive when the spotlight is on. Group workouts, dance classes, and stylish active wear keep you motivated. Tip: Channel your high energy into movement that feels creative—like Zumba or hot yoga.

Morning Rituals Win the Morning Win The Day

Modern lifestyles are often dominated by work, causing us to overlook essential routines that form the foundation of a healthy life. In the constant hustle whether driven by work pleasure or pressure we tend to neglect the growing importance of our well-being. As MANOGNA REDDY reminds us, taking control of our mornings is the first step toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Enough of the hustle it’s time to prioritise yourself. Mornings offer the perfect opportunity to engage in rituals that energise and ground you for the day ahead. Begin your day with intention, and you’ll start to see meaningful and lasting changes. Do Not Snooze Waking up early grants you precious time to focus on personal health, wellness, and hygiene often the first things we sideline on a busy day. Hitting the snooze button may offer a few extra minutes of rest, but it often steals away time, leaving behind guilt and a rushed start. Embracing an early start not only adds structure to your day but also brings a sense of clarity and control that sets the tone for everything that follows. Hydrate Begin your day with a hot glass of water. This as a practice flushes out toxins from our body and helps aid digestion. You may also add lemon, ginger, or tulsi leaves depending on what suits your body best. Hydrating first thing in the morning awakens your internal system and gives a fresh kickstart to your metabolism. Exercise Give your body the movement it deserves. You don’t need a full gym session just 10 to 20 minutes of stretching, yoga, or a brisk walk can work wonders. Exercise not only strengthens your muscles but also refreshes your mind and uplifts your mood. It also helps you stay disciplined and keeps laziness at bay throughout

Ayurveda Silence and Stars: A Journey Back to Self at Santani

They say just five minutes in nature can start healing your body. At SANTANI WELLNESS Resort, Kandy, it takes even less. Tucked away in the lush hills of Sri Lanka, four hours from Colombo, this isn’t just a resort it’s a sanctuary where modern stress is gently undone by ancient wisdom. When I was invited to review Santani, I was simply expecting a luxurious break. What I received was a transformation of body, mind, and rhythm. Join SINDURI VUPPALA on her journey into one of the world’s most conscious wellness destinations.  When the invitation arrived in my inbox to review Santani Wellness Resort, I paused. The name itself intrigued me. Santani a Sanskrit word meaning “in harmony with” immediately hinted at something deeper than just another luxury spa retreat. As a journalist constantly on the move, my mind cluttered with deadlines and devices, the promise of “balance” sounded too good to be true. I needed it more than I realised. Getting to Santani isn’t a spontaneous affair. It’s a four-hour drive from Colombo airport, winding through misty hills and sleepy villages. But every mile feels like a slow unravelling of the stress that city life knots into your body. As we drove up the final stretch, literally skimming the edge of a mountain range, I rolled down the window and inhaled deeply my first real breath in weeks. The view: endless, green, alive. I didn’t know it yet, but I was already beginning to heal. We were welcomed not with cold towels or champagne flutes, but with something far rarer genuine silence. No music. No chatter. Just the soft murmur of wind through the trees and the gentle bow of a staff member who led us directly to lunch. The chef greeted us personally. “Tell me what your body feels

Rice as Medicine: Choosing the Right Grain for Your Health Needs

Rice isn’t just a staple food—it’s a healing grain that’s been part of Indian diets for centuries. Different varieties offer different nutrients and health benefits, making it possible to tailor your rice intake to combat specific diseases and nutritional deficiencies. Hashtag magazine tells you how different Indian rice types support various health conditions: 1. For Diabetes Best Rice: Black Rice, Brown Rice, Red Rice, Sona Masoori (semi-polished) Why? Tip: Avoid highly polished white rice. Pair with pulses or vegetables for a balanced meal. 2. For Heart Health Best Rice: Red Rice, Brown Rice, Matta (Kerala Red Rice) Why? Tip: Use these for regular meals instead of white rice to protect your heart long-term. 3. For Iron Deficiency / Anemia Best Rice: Black Rice, Red Rice, Bamboo Rice Why? Tip: Cook with jaggery or dark leafy greens for added iron absorption. 4. For Bone Strength & Joint Health Best Rice: Matta Rice, Bamboo Rice Why? Tip: Serve as a porridge (kanji) with ghee for enhanced benefits. 5. For Weight Management / Obesity Best Rice: Brown Rice, Sona Masoori, Red Rice Why? Tip: Try portion control with hand-pounded rice + salads and protein for effective weight loss. 6. For Digestive Health Best Rice: Gobindobhog, Indrayani, Kalajeera Rice (Baby Basmati) Why? Tip: Use these for curd rice or lightly spiced khichdi. 7. For Antioxidant Boost / Anti-Ageing Best Rice: Black Rice, Red Rice, Wild Rice (where available) Why? Tip: Great for beauty diets and detox routines. 8. For Pregnancy & Lactation Support Best Rice: Parboiled Rice, Gobindobhog, Kalajeera Rice Why? Tip: Make porridge with these during third trimester and postnatal period. 9. For Mental Well-Being & Sleep Best Rice: Kalajeera Rice, Indrayani Rice Why? Tip: Light evening meals using these rice types can aid better sleep and relaxation. 10. For Protein Deficiency (Supportive) Best Rice: Bamboo Rice, Brown Rice (paired with dals/legumes) Why? Tip: Always combine rice with dals or fermented foods for

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