MAKE-UP and henna artist Rashida Husain of Reflexion Beauty Centre at Peninsula Plaza has 19 years of experience, but when clients meet her nowadays they are not too keen to flip through the many designs she has done for mehndi ceremonies.

“Most of the brides come to me with the designs they pick up from the Internet and show me exactly what they want,” she says.

Most Indian brides have henna designs on their feet and hands, with some designs ending at the elbow.

But Ms Rashida says the latest trend is to have their entire arms “henna-ed” in elaborate designs: “Depending on their bridal outfits, most brides are asking to have their henna designs go all the way up to their shoulders.”

As for the make-up styles, gone are the days when brides resembled a cast member of a Kabuki performance.

Now the look is natural and sophisticated, say make-up artists.

Ms M.R. Sivarani, director and CEO of beauty chain Rupini’s, says: “The brides want to look radiant and co-ordinated... like they are walking the red carpet at the Oscars and not look like a Christmas tree.” -tabla!