Your guide to a party-ready face: make-up artists spill their hacks

If you want to stay away from chalky or chunky make-up this festive season, trust these product recommendations and tips to sort you out

Pairing a warm-toned red lipstick with jet black eyeliner, using way too much colour corrector, or falling for a chunky golden highlighter—we’ve all fallen prey to one of these make-up faux pas at some point. While the festive season makes us want to indulge in a little more glam than usual, how do you get a festive make-up look right? We reach out to some of the best make-up artists in the industry who share their go-to products and recommend a few tips.

Bianca Louzado

“The V-Lighter Face Primer & Highlighter from Valentino Beauty is non-negotiable in all the festive make-up looks I create. At Diwali parties—which usually mean longer nights out—we’d want our make-up to last longer. This must-have make-up product not only acts as a primer but also wears on the skin as one of the most luxurious illuminators I’ve come across. I mix a drop [of this product] with my foundation and blend it all over the face and décolletage for a glow. You can also use a drop with a liquid blush and apply it on the cheekbones to boost luminosity. Remember to blend it well, and you’ll achieve a radiant flush.”

Florian Hurel

“While creating a festive make-up look, especially during Diwali, I can’t do without a high-quality, versatile eyeshadow palette. It not only allows me to create multiple soft to dramatic eye make-up looks but is also multipurpose. To complement traditional outfits, I’d always opt for a palette with both metallic and matte eyeshadows. Always start with a lighter shade on the eyelids, then a medium shade on the crease, and a darker shade towards the outer corner—make sure you’re spending time to blend them for a seamless transition. For Diwali, don’t forget to pair it with bold eyeliner and a lot of mascara. I’d also recommend looking after your skin 2-3 days in advance of any party—go big on moisturising your skin, if nothing else.”

Mitesh Rajani

“I don’t reach out to a separate set of products for any festive look. Most people prefer going overboard while doing their make-up for occasions, but I like sticking to the good old traditional look where a little kohl is an absolute must. However, to accomplish that festive-appropriate iridescent skin, I do use illuminating base products from Charlotte Tilbury or Chanel Beauty. Add some blush on your cheeks, and you’re good to go.”

Namrata Soni

“A black or brown kajal pencil and a red lip are my personal favourites. The kajal pencil is super versatile—with just one essential make-up product, I can create a smoky eye, can line eyes, or go for kohl-rimmed eyes. When creating an eyeliner, I apply the kajal close to the lash line, take a pencil or liner brush, and extend the product to create a smooth line, flicking it at the outer corners. For a kohl-rimmed look, I apply a generous amount on the waterline—both upper and lower—and press it close to and between the lashes, and then use a brush to smudge it along the lash line. Lastly, for a smoky eye, I layer the kajal thickly on my upper eyelid (it can be uneven at this point) and then blend it upwards with a fluffy round brush for a diffused look. I also apply it heavily on the lower waterline, take some on a pencil brush, and smudge it to augment the smoky finish. If you mess up, a cotton bud can help refine the shape. The Ultimate Kajal from Simply Nam is my go-to make-up product. Red lipstick effortlessly takes me from a day look to a night look. I can apply it on my lips or dab a little on my cheeks for a natural flush. The Satin Soft Lip Crème from Simply Nam allows you to use lipstick in many ways—the shade Rei is a great red for Indian skin tones.” 

Savleen Manchanda

“You’ll always find two must-have make-up products in my vanity for a festive look—a liquid concealer and a smudge-proof kajal. A blendable concealer offering decent coverage can camouflage all the debauchery from parties and late nights and make your face look fresh. When you opt for a smudge-free kajal, you can also use it as an eyeliner, depending on the look you’re going for.”

Sandhya Shekar

“Brows constitute about 60 per cent of your face, so getting them right is key. For me, a brow gel is non-negotiable—especially a tinted one. I follow my signature mapping-and-lifting and tweezing techniques to groom the eyebrows. Using a coloured brow gel helps me play around with the look; I can use a lot of product for a bold look, or simply some swipes for a soft, natural-looking brow. You can also experiment with the angles/arcs of the eyebrows; it doesn’t have to be one standard shape. Grooming your brows can elevate any make-up look.”

Natasha Moor

“Feeling confident throughout the celebrations and knowing that my lipstick won’t smudge and will last all night is essential, given the greasy food and drinks that will be consumed. The Molten Matte Lipsticks from Natasha Moor Cosmetics are liquid-based and offer an opaque colour pay-off, staying put for long hours. However, since most of us lean towards brighter and deeper colours for the festive season, following a quick lip-care regime can be beneficial. To ensure a long-lasting lip, start by exfoliating your lips, and then apply a hydrating lip balm. Once that is absorbed, line and fill your lips with a lip liner before applying your lipstick.”

Leiya Phinao Ninghshen

“For a full-shine look, after completing your eye make-up—whether it’s a classic smoky eye or a feline eyeliner—tap some shimmer shadow onto the centre of your eyelid. For a bolder, dramatic finish, extend it all the way up to the brow bone. The shimmer and metallic eyeshadows from M.A.C. Cosmetics’ Embroidered Opulence Eyeshadow Palette work well for such a look. To retain the focus on your eyes, opt for neutral lips— the 90s’ nude-brown glossy lip look is great for an understated appearance.”

Flavia Giuliodori

“Nothing makes a festive statement like a bold red lip. However, to make sure the mouth dominates the overall make-up, I keep my blush and foundation soft and sheer; the more natural the make-up, the more attention your red lip will get. Line your lips before applying the lipstick, but also go back in with the lip liner to help define the shape and smooth out any edges after [applying the lipstick].”

Also Read: 5 experts share eye make-up removal tips that actually work

Also Read: For how long can you wear make-up without harming your skin?

Also Read: What makes make-up waterproof?