Accessorize this Diwali with Henna

Diwali - The Festivals of Lights is a joyous occasion signifying the victory of light over darkness and good over evil and hence is the grandest of all Indian functions and festivals where Hindus come together to celebrate this very moment, embrace culture, share, worship and experience a burst of colors.

Women in particular look forward to Diwali as they get a chance to dress up in their finest traditional Indian attire and adorn their hands and feet with beautifully crafted jewellery and henna (mehndi). Traditions state that such body art such is to be treated as a blessing that will light up the soul, which is consistent with the celebration of Diwali.

Although henna is mostly associated with wedding or Eid celebrations, it has become an important aspect of Indian culture and Diwali is certainly considered incomplete without it. There are two popular henna designs, Arabic and Indian. Arabic henna designs are very spaced out and does not fill the entire hand or feet. It is created mostly based on outline structures and concentrates on floral motifs. Indian henna designs are very intricate and all about the lacey structure.

Diwali is a time when you can keep your henna art pretty and dainty unlike the heavier intricate bridal designs. Here are some amazing designs (from featured artists on Pinterest) you can sport on your hands, back, shoulders or feet depending on the style of your outfit.

If you want something fun and exotic this season use a waterproof artliner pen with a formula that won’t smudge or bleed. Lupita Nyong'o's Makeup Artist, Nick Barose, experimented on a look with gorgeous blue henna-inspired designs using Lancôme Artliner in Sapphire. Henna alternatives are big this season; did you notice how model Alessandra Ambrosio rocked metallic gold paint on her hands and ankles at Coachella this year?

Beauty brands have also caught on to the emerging trend and made it even easier to try out the look. Nail-art company Ciaté has a line of temporary cuticle tattoos that you apply to the skin just below your nail.

Credits: Ciate and ASOS

Thanks to Allure Magazine, we discovered Flash Tattoos, a line of jewelry-inspired temporary tattoos in gold and silver with a tons of designs that can be used on your neck, hands and fingers - A great alternative if you cannot stand the smell of henna as it can be particularly strong.

Flash Tattoo collections in Sofia and Zahra

If you haven’t made an appointment yet and wish to get traditional henna done at home, call our friend Alicia Goveas, a freelance henna artist based in Dubai, who can re-create any design you wish or surprise you with her creativity! Here are some pictures of her work.

Book your henna orders for Diwali soon !! Call Alicia on +971 50 345 6919 to set an appointment.

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