Creating a festive make-up look that survives a night of sweat, humidity and dancing can be challenging. Here’s how to get it right
Alia Bhatt keeps it simple with a minimal look. Pic Courtesy/@aliaabhatt
Getting dressed up for a night of festivities and partying is almost as exciting as the dancing, conversations and merrymaking that follows. But for many Mumbaikars, the relentless humidity and a weather forecast that promises sudden, unexpected showers can transform the most carefully curated makeup looks into a sodden mess. “Waterproofing your make-up to survive the weather involves choosing the right products and the right techniques,” explains celebrity makeup artist Swati Das.
Swati Das
Come rain or shine
Don’t neglect your skin prep before you start laying on your makeup products, says Das. “Start with a lightweight moisturiser and primer to create a barrier against sweat and stickiness. For the day, avoid heavy layering and stick to breathable bases such as BB creams or tinted moisturisers. Come evening, and you can switch to an HD foundation; but always choose a matte or semi-matte formula to ensure a sweat-proof base. Set your face well with powder and a fixing spray,”
she elaborates.
Suhana Khan sports a natural look; (right) keep your eye make-up clean and sharp like Janhvi Kapoor. Pic Courtesy/@janhvikapoor
. For eye make-up, a waterproof formula is non-negotiable. A smart trick is to dip your kajal pencil in gel eyeliner and top it with black eyeshadow. This process locks your eye makeup in place and prevents smudging in humidity or rain, Das says. Similarly, remove any excess product from your mascara wand before applying; this avoids clumping and ensures that the mascara lasts longer on your lashes.
. When defining your face structure, start with cream contour and blush for a natural blend, but top it with powder contour and blush to seal everything for longer wear. Use a setting spray in between each step — not just at the end — to lock in layers, control sweat and add hydration.
. Balance your look with fresh and minimal make-up during the day, and metallics or deeper tones at night. Most importantly, carry blotting papers or a compact for quick touch-ups — even if the weather turns unpredictable, your make-up will stay festive-ready, Das concludes.
Tapping trends
Sthitipragnya Dash, a producer and media professor, who is celebrating all nine nights in her festive best shares two styles she is partial to:
Earthy and sensual: Since one of my outfits has a traditional Ajrakh block print, I’m pairing it with a quintessential traditional kohl look. I’m combining smoky eyes, rust-hued lipstick and traditional bindi art. My inspiration for this look is Deepika Padukone from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. To keep the focus on the outfit, I’ve opted for light thread jewellery with oxidised silver accents.
Pic Courtesy/Sthitipragnya Dash
Bright and vibrant: On days when my outfits are more colourful, my choice of lipstick and bindi is more playful. A pink-red lip colour, a green bindi and winged eyeliner make for a simple but impactful look. This ensures the heavy silver jewellery be the star of my look.
The waterproof checklist
Say yes to
. Matte or semi-matte foundations for a sweat-proof base
. Primer and moisturiser before makeup
. Sealing your gel and cream products with powders
. Setting spray between steps
. Carrying blotting papers and/or compact for instant touch-ups
Say no to
. A routine based on cream products; without powder or setting spray, they’ll slip and melt in the humidity
. Thick and heavy foundation looks cakey, and can melt off in Mumbai weather
. Chunky glitter creases with sweat and rain
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