From runway inspiration to timeless rituals, bridal trends this season are all about making a statement on the D Day. Brides in India should aim for a softer more natural makeup style that enhances their features without feeling heavy. Coverage is a personal choice but by natural, I mean lightweight and natural looking. Choose bases that look fresh glowing and breathable so your skin stays smooth and camera ready from morning to night. Pick foundations that resist heat humidity and long hours because Indian weddings often move from outdoor pheras to indoor receptions.

Soft cream sculpting is a better choice than sharp contouring as it blends well in warm weather and stays flattering in photographs. Work in layers, go in with a setting spray after each layer to further prolong the wear of your makeup. For lips choose deeper reds like brick garnet or rani rose and go for soft multichrome shimmer on the eyes if you want dimension that looks beautiful both on camera and in natural light. Most importantly choose a base shade that matches your skin tone perfectly because mismatched makeup shows clearly in flash photography. Also, choosing a much lighter shade will also result in it oxidising.

For the eyes choose modern soft smudged kohl with a touch of gentle shimmer so the look stays elegant through the day without smudging unevenly in heat. If you want a touch of detail add tiny pearl accents at the inner corner or lash line for a subtle elevated effect. Keep brows natural with fine hairlike strokes instead of bold laminated shapes and choose one feature to highlight either eyes or lips so the overall look remains balanced and clean. This approach photographs beautifully and avoids looking too heavy as the day progresses.

Overall brides should choose long wear formulas that stay put through rituals dancing and changing weather conditions. Don’t underestimate the power of a loose powder. Trust me you’ll need it. Always plan at least one trial with your artist to test how the makeup behaves on your skin type and how it looks under different lighting. Carry a light touch up kit with blotting sheets your lip colour and a small setting spray but the goal is to rely on a base that holds its own. The focus for 2025 is simple polished and climate smart beauty that lets you look like your best self all day and night.

– By Saikat Chakraborty, National Artist, MAC Cosmetics.