How to do Bridal Makeup on a Budget, from a professional makeup artist (India Edition)

Written by: Zahabiya Ali

@sabyasachiofficial

Say "I Do" to Savings.

In an endless scrolling spree on social media, you must have come across scores of makeup tutorials and trends. If this has lured you into doing your own makeup for your wedding, then you are not alone. Many brides are opting to do this so they can adhere to a budget, cater to intimate wedding events or remote destination weddings and perfectly micromanage their glam party.

Bridal makeup on a budget doesn’t translate into less pampering or compromised results. With fully equipped tools and vanity, mood-board and confidence, achieving your dream makeup look can be easier than you think.

“It all comes down to finalising your look. You must search for references well in advance, based on your face-shape, hair type, skin-type, outfit, wedding theme and jewellery” says bridal makeup artist, Jumana Pithawala.

You want to look and feel your best on this special day and live your personal met-gala moment. From prepping your skin to making your full glam makeup stay longer without creasing or flaking we wanted to bring you expert advice. Here are the best tips and recommendations from an expert, Jumana Pithawala, who has deep expertise on this subject after being in charge of handling makeup for countless Indian brides.

The Expert

Jumana Pithawala is a professional makeup artist with nine years of expertise, specializing in the art of bridal makeup. Her journey began at Bobbi Brown in Mumbai, where she honed her skills for three years, alongside working on commercial shoots and editorials.

In 2019, she returned to her hometown Indore, embarking on a freelance career in bridal and commercial makeup, and imparting her knowledge through self-makeup workshops. 

Prepping Your Skin

Start Early

Skin prepping is not limited to applying face masks and primers prior to your makeup. For flawless and healthy skin, the TLC begins months before the wedding week. From a nutrient-rich diet and a diligent skincare routine, satiating your skin’s needs, you need to gear up well in advance. Knowing and understanding your skin type is another decisive factor you cannot miss out on. How you serve your skin extensively depends on whether it’s oily, dry, combination, or normal.

Affordable skincare hacks

When it comes to budget-friendly skincare for brides, “there is nothing like the good-old kitchen whip-ups and natural remedies for pre-wedding glow”, says Pithawala. “My top-tier combo is besan-malai, it instantly revitalises your skin and leaves a glowy-silken effect on the skin”.

Coming to the pre-makeup rituals, “Make double cleansing and intense-hydrating masks your holy-grail”, she also emphasises on dipping your face in an ice-bowl to eliminate any puffiness and swelling, while also minimising pores.

Finding your Perfect Match Foundation

The next and most crucial step is settling your base. From layering foundation, corrector, and concealer to locking it in with setting or loose powder, you can trust homegrown and affordable makeup brands for weddings.

Factor in the oxidisation of your makeup

According to Pithawala, the best foundations for Indian brides are the ones that seamlessly blend in and look like a second skin. “However, if your makeup oxidises after application then choose a mildly lighter shade than your skin tone, to match perfectly when the makeup settles”, she explains.

Consider your skin type

To get that red-carpet, flash-ready face, ensure that your foundation has full and buildable coverage, to achieve this, “opt for a formula as per your skin type, for instance, a matte foundation for oily skin and satin-dewy finish for dry”, adds Pithawala.

Think about the extras

 A bridal makeup is distinctive from your everyday latte-runs and office touch-ups, owing to its peculiar details. Whether it’s colour correcting any skin pigmentation, dark circles or uneven skin tones, or setting the base with loose powder or sheer compact, these hassle-free additions make a significant difference.

Blending tools are your best friend 

For exuding that professional touch off your makeup, pair your product line-up with immaculate blending. The key is to strategically place your concealer for highlights, bronzer for adding warmth and depth, blush and highlighter for a fresh glow, and blurring the fine lines and creases with setting powder. 

Pithawala mentions how your arsenal of brushes and assorted sponges enables a smooth application and makes up for a worthy investment.

Framing Your Eyes for Perfect Pictures

The eye shadow colours that work for Indian skin tones

On most flattering eyeshadow palettes for Indian skin tones, Pithawala emphasises on earthy-jewel tones. “Shades of gold, copper, champagne, pink gold shimmer or sparkles are eminently unmatched to pop the eyes”.

Eyeliner and kohl hacks

To accentuate the eye look and add some drama, you can opt for the classic, black winged eyeliner or try some peppy colour liners. For Pithawala, adding some hues of colour to the lower lash line using eyeshadows or diffused kohl is her go-to style. 

She also prefers applying kohl to the upper lash line for natural eye makeup looks, creating an illusion of bigger and bolder eyes.

Try false lashes

If asked to curate affordable makeup kits for weddings, Pithawala would not let the fluttering falsies go away! “Perfectly curled and natural appearing pairs of false lashes help in lifting your eyes while also taking the makeup-game a notch higher”, says Jumana.

How to care for your eyebrows

It’s not uncommon for a lot of brides to remain unfazed by their brows. However, the effect that a precisely done, fuller brows deliver cannot be underestimated. “Try to avoid regular threading of brows, rather pluck extra brow hair to maintain the hair growth. For a cleaner shape, get the threading session booked a week prior to your wedding. For brides-to-be with thinner eyebrows, castor oil can be the saviour”, explains Pithawala.

Makeup hacks for fuller eyebrows

The key to making your brows look naturally fuller and prominent is by using a thin angled brush and drawing immaculate, hair-like strokes. “Filling in eyebrows for beginners may seem like a task, but using the right gel or brow enhancer with some practice can be of help”, remarks Pithawala.

Adding a Touch of Radiance

The best blush for Indian skin tones

“Best blush for Indian skin tone, is the one that complements your skin and is close to the natural flush you get” says Jumana. Diffused rosy reds, earthy peaches and mauve tones are best suited for a fresh and natural glow for deeper skin tones.

Layer your blush

To create a long lasting base, layering your blushes is essential. Cream blushes for dry skin, including tints and liquid blushes are a must have for flawless and immaculately blended cheeks. Top it with a similar powder blush to lock it in for a long wearing stay.

Use a highlighter

“Lastly, to keep up with the wedding glam and achieve a lustrous radiance, apply some highlighter using your fingertips or a fan brush on the high-points of your face”, adds Jumana.

The beauty bazaar is packed with affordable options suitable for every skin type and liquid highlighters for dry skin types make the cut. These butter-like emollients are perfectly blended into the makeup, oozing an inner shine.

Choosing Lipsticks for Your Big Day

The best lipstick shades for Indian skin

Best lipsticks for Indian brides are supposed to be a perfect match to their outfit and skin tone. From a fresh tint of pink lippie to complement your golden-yellow, haldi lehenga to a diffused nude lipstick for your shimmery cocktail outfit, the variables are infinite. 

To decode the shades, Pithawala suggests, “peachy pinks, brown nudes and mauve shades work best for light skin brides. My go-to for medium skin tones are bright reds, terracotta tints and tangerine hues. For brides with deeper skin I love opting for peppy and bold colours”.

Use Lipliner

“My best tip is to always outline with a lip liner to create a well defined pout”, she adds.

Think about long-wearing lipsticks

While your lipstick must stay put till the last photograph has been clicked and beyond, don’t shy away from trying different textures. Mattes lipsticks for weddings can be your best mates, but creamy, velvety, satin-ey, and glossy lipsticks deserve your attention too. Make a cohesive decision by experimenting beforehand and be prepared to touch-up your lips if required.

Sealing your makeup

Before you call for a pack-up, you need to lock-in all those makeup layers, do away any unwanted shine and conceal creases and fine lines. While spritzing a refreshing bout of setting spray is the obvious answer, Jumana notes that for touch ups and to control shine one should gently dab compact powder. For removing under eye creases and laugh lines, she suggests damping a small concealer brush with setting spray and softly patting it over, topped with some loose powder. 

Adding a few more tips for long-lasting makeup, Pithawala recommends using blotting papers to get rid of excess sweat and oil, or choosing specific setting spray for oily skin.

Hair-do’s without the woes

Choose a minimal hairstyle

As an Indian bride, you know well, the value your hairstyle and draping-style holds. Pithawala feels that choosing certain minimal and low-efforts hairstyles, like a sleek ponytail or a messy bun can do the job. Similarly, loose curls with affordable and easy to use adornments can up the ante. “Natural flowers like roses or baby’s-breath make for a case for classic beautification under a hot minute!”

Use accessories to elevate your look

She further adds how certain stick-ons like swarovski stones, headbands, or rent-based traditional accessories are easy and affordable options. Pithawala also advises on keeping plenty of time at your hands, since this DIY project may take longer than expected and doing your own hair may seem a bit tricky.

Make sure you have a friend or family member on hand to help

Some assistance on a stand-by is a must, especially with draping your dupatta or helping with fix-ups. 

Add useful beauty tutorials and youtube videos to your ‘save’ folder, to learn about best hacks and professional tips that can come handy. A little practice can save you a lot of time and energy during those maniac hours. 

Moreover, the ideal thing to do would be trusting the process. With an established mood-board and necessary tools in place, you can bring your dream bridal look to life, creating memories and moments for a lifetime.