Diwali calls for new outfits, sweets, firecrackers and well, Diwali parties. We got popular Chennai-based make-up artist Akriti Sachdev to share five best festive looks and tips that will add a happy shine to our wardrobe and Instagram feeds.
The day look
Bright, fresh, natural tones are best-suited for daytime celebrations. Begin with applying a moisturiser; massaging it in upward strokes. Apply a primer and blend it with your fingers. Then dab a concealer around your eyes to bid goodbye to dark shadows. For that healthy glow and even skin tone, apply the foundation with a brush. Set the base with powder.
Apply a bit of an eye shadow base or eye primer on your eyelids. Apply a matte peach or soft brown eye shadow in windshield wiper motions for a beautiful effect. Next, apply a shimmery eye shadow with a flat brush, dabbing it on your eyelids. The gold shimmer resembles sparklers we light during Diwali and is a must-have for this festive season. On your brow bone, apply a beige eye shadow to help lift your eyes.
For a flattering day look, pink and coral lipsticks sit beautifully on Indian skin (you can mix both shades too).
For some radiance, use a peach blush and complete the festive look with kajal, a thin eyeliner and a generous coat of mascara.
Evening look
This look is inspired by Deepika Padukone’s glowing skin, soft smokey eyes and a bright pout.
To add sheen to your skin, mix a few drops of an illuminator to your foundation.
After dabbing concealer around your eyes, go for a sheer powder so that your base is set for the night.
Take a black kohl, draw a thick line on your eyelids and smudge this with a smudge brush for a smokey effect. Make sure you apply a black eye shadow with a stiff brush over this smudged liner in order to intensify the look and prevent it from fading. Eye make-up is all about layering.
Apply a highlighter on your brow bone — you can use a beige or silver eye shadow depending on the colour of your jewellery. Complete the eyes with kajal and mascara.
Use a subtle pink blush on your cheekbones; apply it till the top of your ears.
To add a pop of colour to your lips, first fill in your lips with a lip pencil and then apply a bright berry-coloured lipstick. (Alternatively you could use a bright orange lip shade too).
Use a lip brush while opting for bright colours to cover up every little corner of your lips.
Play around
Don’t be afraid of colour; it’s Diwali. For dazzling eyes, you can skip the eye shadow and add a dash of gold eyeliner on your eyelids.
Festive tips
To make your lipstick last longer, line your lips with a nude pencil and fill it in like a lipstick.
Apply one coat of a long-wear matte lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue and re-apply another coat of lipstick.
To make your eye shadow look more vibrant and last all day invest in an eye shadow base or eye primer.