Get Your MakeUp And Tress Game Right This Diwali!

Get Your MakeUp And Tress Game Right This Diwali!

The festival of Diwali is swiftly rolling in, and many of us are rushing to purchase the perfect ensemble. From lighting diyas, exchanging sweets, attending card parties, dressing up for the occasion, basically all things festive and vibrant are in store for us during the Diwali week! 

Of course, for women, nothing can take away the charm of bedazzled fabrics, sequined kurtas and kundan jewellery because Diwali is also about an abundance of bling, pattern and colour. It is also the perfect occasion to take your glam quotient a few notches higher with the right makeup and hairstyle.

To guide you through, My City Links caught up with two celebrity makeup and hair artists who share an insight on how to look the best and feel great this Diwali. Sunanda Mathur is one of Bhubaneswar’s most sought-after makeup artists, who has been delivering her unmatchable services to models, local celebrities, established anchors and many others. K Raju, a native of Silk City Berhampur, is a renowned hair stylist boasting a clientele of many known faces in Bollywood. Read on to know their Diwali makeover secrets.

Sunanda Mathur, Makeup Specialist- Brushed By Sunanda 

Whether you are just rocking a unique ensemble for Laxmi puja or catching up with family through a video call, ensure your Diwali makeup is on fleek. Sunanda Mathur gives you the best tips to feel and look beautiful this festive season.

Pre-Makeup Ritual

“Before you head out to apply makeup, follow the CTM ritual for a perfect blend as well as flawless Diwali makeup finish. Prepping the skin is important. This ensures a smooth blend and eliminates the need to fix the makeup and it stays for a longer period,” advised Sunanda. CTM (Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing) is the ideal skincare routine. You start with a good cleanser, follow it up with a toner to further clean out your pores and tighten them, and then finish up with a hydrating moisturiser. CTM also ensures that the skin is not damaged.

Cleanse: 

Start with a good cleanser. Clean pores reduce the chances of clogging. So, use some lukewarm water and a face wash to clean out your pores. After this, wipe the face with cotton doused in micellar water. In case of blackheads and whiteheads, you can go for an exfoliation as well, for an improved Diwali makeup application.

Tone: 

Toners help in tightening the pores already cleaned out. Invest in a good alcohol-free toner to hydrate your skin prior to applying Diwali makeup. Supple skin allows makeup to last longer and keeps your skin nourished. 

Moisturise:

Moisturising performs the task of smoothening the skin and filling up pores. Furthermore, it enhances the foundation’s application and its staying power. A hydrating face mask, serum or an intense moisturiser will do the trick

“Do not experiment with new skincare or makeup products at the last minute. When indulging in online shopping, avoid opting for products that are new to your skin before the festive season. This can help you avoid skin allergies or unwanted reactions,” she added.

Check The Skin Type

People come with different skin types ranging from dry and oily to combination and sensitive skin. Understanding the type is very important. “The type of skin a person has, dictates the regimen to be followed in makeup. A person with dry skin needs a lot of moisturising to hydrate the skin. Oily skin needs proper cleansing and then application of a water-based moisturiser before applying makeup. So, understanding your skin is important. Each type has its own regimen and products to be followed and used respectively,” clarified Sunanda.

Brighten Not Whiten

Known for giving skin tone-to-tone makeup, Sunanda preaches looking natural yet pretty. “Makeup does not imply making the face fair. It is a trick to look flawless in your own skin and feel beautiful about yourself. Nude is the new trend. You should look bright and lively, not white and cakey. Moreover, your comfort and confidence should take precedence when you choose a Diwali makeup look,” guided the specialist. 

“Makeup means to hide the flaws like freckles or spots on your skin. It has now become a very artistic thing. People’s perspectives have changed a great deal over the years. Makeup is no longer loud and clearly visible on the skin. Rather, I go for subtle makeup where people are complimented for looking naturally pretty because the makeup is good, not loud. That is my credit. My client should look the best version of herself- natural, classy and elegant. Everyone is pretty in their own way. Just painting the face with makeup will only make them look unreal. My mantra is to give my clients the best version of themselves,” she further added.

The Look

There are different types of makeup: corporate makeup, day makeup, evening makeup, everyday makeup, bridal makeup, and many more. 

“First ensure the kind of makeup you want. For Diwali, people want to look gorgeous and stand out in the crowd. And with the pandemic, people hardly get time to flaunt themselves. So, Diwali is a perfect occasion. Adding glitter or sequin adds to the oomph factor with the lights and colours everywhere. The base has to be the skin tone but the eyes and lips can be highlighted with different colours. Embolden your pout. Contouring and highlighting is another important part of makeup that gives it a perfect look. Eyes have to be focused and highlighted more. Because ‘eyes do the talking’. Whichever makeup you opt for, ensure that you have hydrated your skin beforehand for that flawless look. Makeup fixer can also be used to keep it long-lasting,” she added.

Removing The Makeup 

After the party, removing the makeup and getting back to your own self requires attention as well. “Removing the makeup is important. If it is not removed, it can lead to clogged pores and breakouts are bound to happen. The best way to remove makeup is using baby oil and wiping the skin with cotton. It completely wipes out all the makeup and also nourishes the skin. Coconut oil can also be opted for the same,” informed the artist. 

“It can be followed by applying aloe vera gel for perfect cleansing as well as nourishing of the skin. No matter how premium your brands are, the skin needs to be prepped before and after the makeup, to ensure protection of the skin,” she further advised.

Nutrition

Good skin requires care from within as well. A good diet and exercise also are very vital to get flawless skin. “Treat your skin with love and kindness. Optimise your nutrition with an everyday healthy diet. Eating antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, healthy fats from oily fish and nuts, and a varied and balanced diet is the best way to keep your skin healthy, inside and out. A healthy skin is a happy skin,” she added with a smile.

So, ladies, get set to rock the Diwali night with your gorgeous, glowing makeup.

K Raju, Celebrity Hairdresser- The Hairline

Well, while putting together an outfit and donning the perfect makeup and accessories, do remember to team your festive look with superb hairstyles to make the maximum impact. K Raju has worked with popular names in the Bollywood industry like Malaika Arora, Tiger Shroff, Varun Dhawan and has also been a part of MTV Supermodel of the Year Season 2. He gives you the best tips and suggestions to curate some festive hairstyles and hair care for Diwali. These glam hairdos are sure to raise your style game this Diwali by a notch or two.

Daily care

Taking care of the hair is essential to keep it luscious and bouncy. The hair and scalp type of each individual is different and this needs to be ascertained first and foremost. Then, as per the type, shampoo and conditioner has to be used to keep the hair lively. Cleansing the hair should be a strict routine. Any issue in the scalp like dandruff and dryness or excess oil, will lead to hair fall. So, seeing a dermatologist is necessary if the problem persists.

Hairstyles

The pandemic has made visiting the salons a risky feat. So K Raju gives you easy steps to don the best hairstyles at home itself to rock the overall Diwali avatar.

Sleek Low Bun

If you are wearing a sari or a traditional Indian outfit on Diwali, a sleek low bun at the nape of your neck, makes you look more appealing. Drape a string of flowers or a gajra made with jasmine flowers around it. And you have your perfect festive hairstyle for Diwali!

“For this easy yet mesmerizing look, add some anti-frizz serum to your hair to make it straight. Use a tail comb to make a neat middle or side parting. Then gather all your hair back into a tight ponytail and twist it into a bun. Tame flyaways by dabbing some styling gel. Finally attach the gajra with bobby pins,” guided Raju.

Messy Bun

There is a lot that you can do with buns. A cool messy bun is a statement look for any festive season. Messy is the new cool.

“Messy buns are easy to manage and flaunt during the busy festival period. Gather your hair into a loose ponytail and position it low or high as per your preference. The key to this look is that combs should not be used during the entire process. Clearly, the point is to make it look messy. Twist your hair into a bun but leave a tail out at the end. Fasten with bobby pins and an elastic. Messy buns work best with day-old hair or if your hair is recently shampooed, spray some dry shampoo to texturise,” advised the stylist.

The Maang Tika Look

A delightfully ornate maang tika on your head can uplift your ethnic outfit completely. While the traditional way to wear one is to place it in a neat middle parting with a bun, braid or ponytail, wearing it in a messy hairdo or with loose, beachy curls, makes it outstanding.

“Make a middle parting and gather your waves back into a pony or secure at the back with hairpins. Make sure that the hair is not tightly pulled away from the face. Place your maang tika in the middle part and your understated ethnic festive hairstyle is ready. Use a tail comb to loosen out some strands of hair,” he said.

The fishtail braid

The fishtail braid is very popular among celebs and makes a wonderful option for you as far as Diwali festive hairstyles go. The fishtail is a little difficult to master and you could save yourself some trouble by roping in a friend to do it. However, you could do it yourself too with a little practise.

“Divide your hair into two sections. Take a thin strand from the underside of the left section. Pull it across the centre to the right section and pull it tight. Repeat the process with the right section. Take a thin strand and pull it across to the left section and tuck it in. Keep doing this with alternating sides, tightening the braid as you go. When you reach the end, fasten with an elastic band. Loosen with a tail comb or your fingers for a casual, messy look for your Diwali hairstyle,” guided the coiffed.

High Ponytail

A sleek high ponytail gives you a red carpet statement look that will make heads turn! The best part is that it is very versatile and can go from day to night with ease. The hairstyle is also very easy to do on your own.

“Draw up all your hair for the pony to the crown of your head. Position it to the centre, making sure that it is aligned with your cheekbones diagonally. After pulling it all up, smoothen with a bristle brush so that there are no bumps. Secure the gathered hair with a strong elastic. To make it look even more professional, take a thickish strand of hair from below the pony and wrap it around the elastic. Secure with hairpins. You could also make a slim braid to cover the elastic for a stellar festive look for Diwali. Spray all over with hair spray to keep the flyaways under control,” he suggested.

Half Up, Half Down

When you are strapped for time, the half bun hairstyle is a lifesaver. This festive hairstyle for Diwali is super chic and looks great with ethnic accessories like maang tikas and jhumka earrings. 

“To nail this look, first separate the top half of your hair and gather it into a ponytail. Tease the base of the hair of the pony with a comb to add volume to your bun. Twist the pony into a bun and secure with bobby pins and hairspray. Brush out or finger comb the untied part of the hair and let loose. You can also do a messy variation of this by roughly parting the top half of your hair in the middle. Then take two thick strands from the front of each side. Make braids on each side of the part and gather them in a bun at the back of your head. You could decorate your bun with hair accessories or a flower garland, as well,” he added.

Flower braid

This is a beautiful, super-simple festive hairstyle for Diwali. Don this style and look like the quintessential Indian diva. The chic braided chignon can be snagged for a celebrity look.

“To create this look, make a middle parting. Then gather all your hair at the base of your neck and make a low ponytail. Secure with elastic. Turn the ponytail into a regular braid and secure. Take a long rope of jasmine flowers. Wrap one end around the elastic at the top of your braid and secure with hairpins. Use the other length to wrap around your plait. Fix at intervals with bobby pins. Team this look with an elaborate maang tika and heavy ethnic jewellery,” he suggested.

Protection

Styling hair frequently leads to weakening of the hair roots and breakage and split ends. To counter this, certain care needs to be taken to keep the health of the hair intact.

“For styling your hair, invest in a good hair serum to preserve the lustre and strength of the hair. If your hair is exposed to heat like hair dryers, tongs, straighteners, for a long period, use heat protectors before using any of these. Also using a good hairspray to carry any hairstyle for a long time is good. This prevents the hairstyle from getting loose and tangled,” he suggested.

“Hair spa is very important these days because of the rapid change in our lifestyle. Instead of going for a home-based nushka, go to a professional hair salon, at least once a month. Professionals understand your hair and scalp and give you the best treatment needed. This is a great way to enhance the health of your hair for a longer period,” he further added.

Watch Your Diet

“Following a healthy diet might sound basic, but it is one of the most crucial practices to ensure more youthful hair. Foods rich in Vitamin C, iron and protein-rich foods help to restore your scalp health and fight hair fall. Eggs, almonds and walnuts are great for hair. Diet and exercise are very important. Proper sleep and timely intake of food is necessary to keep you healthy from head to toe. Nutrition is a must,” he emphasised.

With these tips and a healthy haircare routine, you will surely slay every new festive hair trend in town and be in the spotlight!