With the air filled with festive aromas, it is time to welcome Navratri, nine days of devotion, rituals, music and dance in honor of Goddess Durga. Along with traditional outfits, jewelry and accessories, this is the perfect occasion to refresh your beauty routine and put your best face forward.
As women of all ages take to the dance floor for Garba and Dandiya, long hours outdoors, perspiration, pollution and heavy makeup can leave the skin looking tired and dull. A little preparation, therefore, can go a long way in keeping your skin fresh, radiant and your confidence high throughout the festivities.
Begin with the basics. Cleanse your face and apply a liquid moisturizer before makeup. Those with oily skin can use an astringent lotion. Allow the skin to settle before applying concealer to blemishes, followed by foundation. Dot the foundation onto the face and blend gently with a damp sponge or fingertips, remembering to cover the neck. Set it with loose or compact powder.
For Indian skin tones, beige, biscuit and warm golden shades generally work well. A golden foundation can add a festive glow, while a lightly applied bronzing powder lends warmth without excessive shine. Avoid rubbing or layering products too heavily; a light touch gives a more natural finish.
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Add a hint of blusher to the cheeks, blending outwards and slightly upwards, followed by a light highlighter on the cheekbones. Rose and pink shades flatter fair complexions, coral and copper complement whitish skin, while plum, wine and bronze can enhance darker complexions. Keep the blush within the same color family as your lipstick.
Let your eyes make the statement. Apply a lighter brown shadow over the eyelids and a darker shade in the crease to create depth. Define the eyes with eyeliner or a dark pencil, extending the line slightly upwards at the outer corners for a dramatic, winged effect. Gold, silver or bronze shadow adds festive sparkle, while gold or ivory beneath the eyebrows brightens the eyes.
Finish with mascara, allowing the first coat to dry before applying another. For the lips, choose warm, earthy colors such as coral, wine, plum, strawberry, rose-red or classic red. Orange shades, from apricot to tangerine, are also attractive choices. If you opt for a bold lip color, keep the rest of your makeup relatively subtle. A touch of gloss in the center of the lips adds fullness.
No Navratri look is complete without a bindi. Choose a decorative design that complements your outfit; one embellished with tiny sparkling stones can add just the right festive touch.
Finally, never go to bed without removing your makeup thoroughly. Leaving cosmetics on overnight can aggravate acne, pimples and skin irritation. Cleanse your face gently after returning from the Garba or Dandiya celebrations and follow with moisturizer.
With a little care, the right colors and a traditional touch, you can enjoy every moment of Navratri looking radiant, elegant and ready to celebrate.
Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this article/column are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of South Asian Herald.
