Contrary to popular belief, summer weddings are an actual thing in India. Despite the sweltering heat that seems to get worse each year, Indians don’t seem to shy away from getting hitched in this heat. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of summer weddings because being a makeup girlie means I have to deal with melting makeup, runny mascara and frizzy hair. But that isn’t going to keep me from attending the 3 weddings I have invites for. Since I take makeup very seriously and often plan my outfits according to it (weird, I know!), it’s no surprise that I have my own wedding guest makeup moodboard.
This time around I turned to the Bollywood beauties for some inspiration, and I was impressed. Two hours spent scrolling on Instagram gave me a delightful mix of classic makeup, statement eyes and bold lips.
In case you’re scouring for some makeup inspiration, here’s some.
The Classic Smokey
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Can you ever go wrong with a classic smokey eye? Deepika, the OG queen of dramatic eyes shows us how it’s done. Her eyelids are a perfect mix of a deep brown eyeshadow blended with black to accentuate the eyes. The under eyes are further intensified with some kohl smudged with a subtle brown to soften the eyes a little bit. With perfectly sculpted bronze cheeks and a nude lip, this makeup look is perfect for keeping things classic at an evening reception.
Bronzed Babe
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Nobody does glamorous like Janhvi Kapoor does, and we’re not talking about her love for glitzy outfits. Her makeup game has always been top-notch—giving snatched an entirely different meaning. The bronzed vibe of this makeup look is something that will seamlessly go with almost every wedding outfit of yours. Dramatic eyes paired with bronzed cheeks that have a dash of golden highlighter are the ultimate recipe for standing out at a sangeet ceremony, amirite?
Keepin’ It Minimal
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While on most days we enjoy seeing Suhana embrace coquettecore in all of its glory, watching her opt for the minimal path with her makeup is equal parts refreshing. Let’s be real, even though Indian weddings call for a full face of makeup, sometimes you want to dial down. A sheer base with a pop of colour on the cheeks is simple yet timeless. Add a feline flick to the mix along with a pink lip and you have yourself a versatile makeup look for every ceremony.
Sparkling Shimmering Splendid
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What’s an Indian wedding without some shimmer and sparkle? Alanna Panday’s bridal makeup looks were a testament to how one can keep their makeup natural and still manage to squeeze some shimmer in! Opt for a dewy base in order to let your skin breathe, the best option to do so is by reaching out for a skin tint as opposed to a foundation. Some delicate shimmer in tones of champagne gold or even rose gold makes for the perfect eyeshadow. A nude, glossy lip seamlessly brings together the look—which is perfect for a daytime wedding ceremony!
Smoulder Bolder
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Let’s be real, some of us love making a smashing statement, don’t we? The best way to do so is by letting your eyes do the talking. Kriti Sanon’s smouldering eyes are the perfect example of pulling off a risque makeup look. Ensure your eyebrows are perfectly filled in without any sparse gaps. For the eyes, since we’re going all out, opt for a black eyeshadow and smoke your eyes out. A black kohl makes for an ideal addition to this look for making the under eyes stand out. Tone down the lips by choosing a neutral nude since the eyes are the hero. A glitzy reception would be the perfect occasion to don this.
Red Lip Classic Thing
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If you asked me to define a timeless aspect of makeup, my answer would be a red lip, always. As Indian women, we tend to steer clear of a striking red lip. However, what better occasion than a wedding to sport this colour? Sonam Kapoor-Ahuja gives us a lesson in carrying off a red lip with a hint of elegance. Brick brown eyes with a swipe of glitter make for a universally flattering duo! For a precise red lip without any bleeding, don’t be afraid of using a lip liner before you fill in your lips with a pop of red.
Glazed Skin & Siren Eyes
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Glazed donut skin is here to stay! What started out as a fleeting beauty trend has now become a staple in most of our routines. Tania Shroff seems to love it too! Her gleaming skin paired with those siren eyes make for a flawless combination. The secret to glazed skin lies all in the prep, so a hydrating moisturiser and facial oil should be your must-haves. Opt for an illuminating foundation for some extra glow and top it off with a liquid highlighter. While mastering siren eyes can seem overwhelming, choose a liquid eyeliner to make your process easier. You have yourself a Gen-Z-approved makeup look for a daytime wedding.
