How to Do Diwali Makeup: Try Stunning Looks for This Festival Season

Before the shimmer comes the skin prep. Think of this as your ritual glow-up base:

• Cleanse:

Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil.

• Tone:

Instead of a heavy moisturizer, pro makeup artist Alyssa Mendonsa recommends using a toner to prep the skin before foundation. "I love the Huda FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation. It's long-lasting, high-coverage, and the matte formula keeps the skin balanced if you're prone to oiliness. The trick is toning first so the base grips better," she says.

• Hydrate:

Massage in a layer of Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum-In-Lotion for plump, even-toned skin.

• Prime:

Smooth on LAKMĒ VITC Superglow Skin Perfecting Primer to blur pores and give your complexion a natural glow.

• Base tint:

For lightweight yet even coverage, apply LAKMĒ Xtraordin-Airy One-And-Done Tint, which doubles as foundation and skin perfector. Your skin will feel fresh, dewy, and ready to handle all the festive lights.

Here's your easy, fool-proof guide to a glam yet breathable festive face.

1. Prime Your Skin -

• Apply your primer and tint as above.
• Use a damp sponge to blend evenly.
• Conceal under-eye shadows and blemishes with a creamy concealer.
• Set only the oily zones with translucent powder to prevent creasing.

2. Apply Foundation and Concealer -

• Go for a medium to full coverage foundation that feels breathable.
• Blend well for an even, natural-looking base.
• Use concealer to brighten under the eyes and cover any spots.
• Set lightly with powder to lock it all in place.

3. Set the Base-

• Use a translucent or compact powder to mattify oily areas.
• Focus on the T-zone to prevent creasing or shine.
• Lightly dust — don't cake — to keep the base breathable.
• This step ensures your makeup stays fresh all evening.

4. Add Warmth with Bronzer and Blush-

• Sweep bronzer along the cheeks, jawline, and forehead for a sun-kissed glow.
• Add a pop of blush to the apples of your cheeks for a fresh, festive flush.
• Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
• This step brings life and warmth back to your face.

5. Highlight for a Festive Glow – Keep concise and clear-

• Apply highlighter on the high points – cheekbones, nose, and brow bone.
• Choose a golden or champagne tone for that lit-from-within shine.
• Blend well for a soft, radiant finish.
• Add a natural flush using LAKMĒ 9To5 Powerplay Velvet Crème Blush. The creamy texture melts into skin beautifully.

6. Define Your Eyes -

• Use a neutral or gold-toned eyeshadow for a festive touch.
• Add depth with a soft brown in the crease.
• Tightline and define with Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal, a cult favourite that gives instant drama.
• Finish with mascara for fluttery, bold lashes.

Step 7: Shape and Fill Your Brows

• Brush brows into place with a spoolie.
• Fill sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder.
• Use light, hair-like strokes for a natural look.
• Set with brow gel to hold the shape.

Step 8: Add Colour to Your Lips

• Line your lips to define and prevent feathering.
• Apply a bold or nude lipstick – your pick!
• Dab a bit of gloss for extra festive shine.
• Blot once for long-lasting wear.

Step 9: Lock It All In

• Mist a setting spray evenly across your face.
• Let it dry naturally — no touching!
• Keeps your makeup fresh and smudge-proof.
• You're now ready to glow through the night!

"For long events, I often avoid heavy prep or sprays," says Alyssa. "Makeup today already has skincare built in, and natural oils help it settle beautifully."

Looking for inspiration? These diwali makeup looks are trending this festive season: 1. Golden Goddess Glow:

Gold lids, bronzed cheeks, and nude lips, perfect with traditional sarees.

2. Jewel-Tone Drama:

Emerald, sapphire, or amethyst eyes paired with peach lips.

3. Soft Monochrome Magic:

Matching blush and lipstick in coral or rose for a fresh vibe.

4. Smoky Eye Chic:

Alyssa's signature look. "A smoky eye works with any colour. It's sexy, confident, and timeless."

5. Glossy Glam:

Dewy skin, glossy lids, and glass-like lips for a youthful glow.

6. Minimal Metallics:

Subtle shimmer on eyes with highlighted skin for understated elegance. 7. Bronzed Beauty:

Warm caramel tones on lids and cheeks that complement all Indian skin tones.

8. Crystal Liner Pop:

Tiny gems along your eyeliner or inner corners for a fun festive twist.

Keep your glow intact from aarti to afterparty:

• Layer thinly; heavy base melts faster.
• Use waterproof eyeliner and mascara.
• Set your under-eyes with powder immediately after concealer.
• Blot, don't wipe, if you sweat.
• Carry mini touch-ups such as compact, kajal, and lipstick.
• Avoid touching your face during events.
• Reapply a light mist midway to refresh your glow.

• Skipping primer, which can cause your base to fade.
• Over-powdering, leading to a cakey finish under lights.
• Mixing too many textures without blending.
• Using chunky glitter instead of fine shimmer.
• Forgetting to blend foundation on your neck and ears.
• Going bold on both lips and eyes. Pick one focal point.
• Ignoring undertones while choosing foundation or blush.

This Diwali, let your makeup shine as bright as your diyas. Whether you love a bold smoky eye or a soft, glowing look, the key is balance, prep, and products that stay true through every smile and sparkle. As Alyssa Mendonsa puts it, "Good Diwali makeup isn't about perfection. It's about playing with light, colour, and texture until you find what feels uniquely you." So go ahead and celebrate your glow.

A: Start with a mattifying primer like LAKMĒ VITC Superglow, use a lightweight tint instead of heavy foundation, and set the T-zone with powder.

A: Yes. Stick to soft gold or champagne tones and pair them with a subtle nude lip.

A: Dab concealer on a cotton bud and gently clean the area before reapplying Lakmé Eyeconic Kajal.

A: Blot first, then spritz a mist and lightly dab on your tint or blush for instant revival.