Last Friday, I received a phone call from a friend of mine who is newly engaged. Apart from updating me about this beautiful new chapter, she also asked me to text her a list of beauty recommendations that she could use weeks leading to her wedding day. So, with Whitney on blast (single ladies will relate, thank you), I dove into some research and came up with a tailored list of essentials for brides-to-be explaining each product, its USP and why it’s important that she has them. I thought I’d share them with you too in case you or anyone you know is on a similar journey. Oh, and she’s a frugal spender so all the products mentioned are priced strictly under ₹1500 (you’re welcome). Scroll down for the recommendations.
1. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Travel Size - Waterproof Black
It’s important to own a good waterproof mascara, considering most weddings involve a bit of crying. I’ve been recommending the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ever since it launched in India early this year. If you want your lashes to look like it magically grew a strip of falsies out of your eyelids, get this. It’s designed to coat and hug each individual lash to deliver a strong lift with minimal flaking. Hate taking off waterproof mascara? Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm makes it a breeze to remove the product before you hit the bed. Price: ₹1100
Price: ₹1150
2. e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrogel Under Eye Masks
These sticky, comma-shaped eye masks are essential for two reasons. They fake a full night’s sleep and they work twice as hard compared to your regular sheet mask (plus you avoid the drippy mess). This hydrogel mask by e.l.f Cosmetics is infused with seaweed extracts and licorice to help fight fatigue, morning puffiness or a terrible hangover. Throw it on minutes before your makeup application and yes, they make for a great skincare selfie
Price: ₹950
3. Mamaearth BhringAmla Hair Mask with Bhringraj & Amla for Intense Hair Treatment
You don’t necessarily have to spend on pricey hair spas at the salon if you have a heavy-duty hair mask. If you have parched hair from constantly straightening it every few days, using the bhringraj and amla hair treatment by Mamaearth twice a week for three consecutive weeks will help bring shine and elasticity back to the hair. Oh btw, my friend still thanks me for this recommendation; she loves how healthy her hair looks after she started using it.
Price: ₹539
4. Avene Thermal Spring Water Face Mist
The thermal spring water mist by Avene travels with me everywhere. I popped it into my bag for a wedding I attended recently and my friend (specifically the bride) would hunt me down every few hours and spritz a little on her face for a quick refresh. It’s made with the brand’s own thermal spring water rich in minerals and antioxidants. And no, it does not make your makeup slip or bleed. It’s a great product to share with the groom too.
Price: ₹665
5. Indya Skin Care Mulethi & Haldi Exfoliating Radiance Reveal Ubtan
Makeup always sits better on healthy, radiant skin. The mulethi and haldi exfoliating ubtan can help achieve that. Haldi being a natural skin brightener adds a healthy glow while the Manjishtha (a natural blood purifier) present in the product flushes out toxins from your skin and combats mild scars. It’s important that you exfoliate at least once a week for results. If you’re lazy to exfoliate, you could go for a liquid highlighter to fake a natural glow on the final day. I also love this face and body highlighter by Swiss Beauty because it translates well in photographs.
Price: ₹293
