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Detach
yourself from the pressures of work and be prepared for a process of
physical and spiritual transformation. Unlike the West where a pure
cosmetic cover-up is the beginning and end of a beauty routine, in
India we aim at drawing out an inner glow that radiates happiness and
well-being.
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Start
by taking a shower. Relax and unwind with music. Do not attempt a milk
bath (no matter what you’ve been told about Cleopatra), unless you
want your skin to smell of yoghurt. If you insist on a milk routine,
there are liquid solutions available that have the texture and
benefits of natural milk.
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Rinse
your hair with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice (mixed with a
cup of water) for truly sparkling results. Ensure that you possess a
brush that is perfect for your hair length. If you are not confident
enough and want a hassle-free evening, set your hair at a salon. It is
money well invested.
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Good
manicure and pedicure are de rigeur. So is the need to do your
eyebrows. Pick up tips from professionals and still, if in doubt,
visit the beautician. But never overdo any application as it could
cause a counter-effect. Nobody — not even your beautician, — can
know this better than you should.
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Do
not attempt any make-up experiments unless you have tried them before.
Always try to look your natural self. Smile at your mirror before you
begin your make-up and before you leave the dressing table. Ideally,
take a short nap, should you have a long night ahead.
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Always
apply make-up on the eyes and lips for evenings. Here, you might
overdo the application because in artificial light, make-up tends to
look subdued. Moreover, it is fashionable these days to exaggerate
your eye and lip make-up. Red hot lips and kohl-lined eyes are just
great for dandiya!
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Do
not select garments in a hurry. You should have decided in advance
what would suit you best and go well with the place and people you’d
be celebrating Navaratri with. Just try to avoid synthetics, as they
tend to get sticky with sweat and don’t breathe as well as cottons.
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Wear
accessories that flatter your looks, enhance the garment and are
practical for the place you’d visit. Gold plated ornaments and
chunky jewellery are appropriate for the occasion. Avoid high heels
and platforms, unless you want to end up with a sprained leg on the
dance floor.
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Carry
minimal essentials in your handbag. Get hold of a smallish bag that is
handy and coordinates well with your outfit. Make sure that along with
your house keys and other essentials, you carry some ointment or tape
for minor injuries.
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Finally,
don’t forget your perfume spray and an astringent mouthwash. We
usually tend to overlook these last-minute necessities and regret
later. Ideally, after you are through with the dressing and make-up,
give yourself ten minutes in front of the mirror — in case you could
have forgotten anything.
- In any
event, you must not hurry yourself through this drill. Take your time
at pampering yourself. And when you step out, just feel you are
special and full of love. This will surely show in a crowd and put you
in the right frame of mind as you take the floor to dance the night
away. (MF)
