Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. And by beauty we do not mean just what’s on the outside but on the inside too. If one believes in this, then they automatically become gorgeous, just like the beautiful bride Avantika Singh. She is someone who believed in her inner beauty enough to not cake her face with layers of makeup.
When we got a chance to interview her, she gave us all the details on why she went make-up free on her wedding and how she managed to glow from within. Her skincare routine and everything you need to know is right here. Read on to find out!
What was the idea behind going sans make-up on the most special day of your life?
Honestly speaking, I never really ‘planned’ that I would go make-up free on my wedding, I just wanted to be myself. I don’t wear heavy make-up in my daily routine too… I just go with an eyeliner and lip gloss and that is exactly the look I wanted on my wedding day as well. I have never used concealer or foundation because I am not comfortable with the idea of layering my face with chemicals that inturn make me look different from my usual self. It is very important to let your skin breathe. I understand that every bride wants to look her best on her big day and plans a specific avatar that would suit her the most. I wanted my look to be simple and natural. I did not want to hire a make-up artist, and that is what I did. My friend applied the liner and gloss and I was ready to walk down the aisle.
People must have asked questions… How did you get everybody on board with your ideology?
I did not convince anyone for a make-up free look. Everybody was totally supportive. My mother has a profound influence on me and she has always encouraged me to embrace my flaws and feel confident in my skin. Since a very young age, she taught me how to take good care of my skin and stay away from caking up layers of make-up on my face. So, that really helped!
The *magical* skin-care, beauty and diet routine that went into prepping your skin before the wedding!
I have always followed a skincare routine based on my skin type and age. I believe that every person must customize their skin-care routine and select products cautiously as per their skin type, age and the environment that they live in. Let me begin with my face care regime.
Face:
I start my day by cleansing my face with micellar water as it restores the pH of the skin and tones it. This is followed by 2-3 minutes of gentle massage with Cetaphil moisturizer in summers and almond oil in winters. After my shower, I wash my face with a mild face wash from Forest Essentials with honey and saffron extracts. Next, I apply a hydrating moisturizer and a sunscreen with SPF 50. Once I return home from work, I use a charcoal activated face wash to pull out toxins and harmful pollutants. I use my under-eye and night cream containing Hyaluronic Acid as it prevents fine lines and wrinkles.
Once a week I steam my face to open clogged pores and then scrub my face with a mild facial scrub. I prefer Bioderma Sebium Gel Gommant. I also use a home-made scrub of oats and milk. I massage my face with a mixture of curd, honey and milk cream to moisturize the skin deeply. Then to close the pores, I spray Caudalie face mist and apply an ice cube on my face as it tightens the skin.
Whenever I step out, I try to cover my face with a scarf because sunlight and dust can cause a lot of skin damage. I am cautious of changing my pillow covers regularly as pillow covers can house oil and dirt from your skin and environment. If possible, one must prefer silk pillow covers as they are soft on facial skin and reduce wear and tear, which cotton covers can cause. I do not use a towel to dry my face, instead I use soft dry wipes.
Hands and feet:
Every night after washing my hands and feet, I apply a mixture of rosewater and glycerin on them. This removes tan and keeps the skin supple and soft. I always carry a hand cream in my bag and every time I wash my hands I moisturize them as my hands tend to get dry.
You looked radiant on your big day! How did you feel without any make-up on?
I felt super happy and totally calm! I had finished all my wedding work a month before the D-day and this helped me stay relaxed and stress free. Even that brought a certain glow to my face, perhaps!
Amazing right? She really is an inspiration for all of us, not to just avoid going overboard with make-up, but also for taking really good care of our skin!
Images Courtesy: Tuhina Chopra Photoworks
