Every Diwali brings the same happy dilemma: the outfit is sorted, the jewellery is chosen, and the makeup decision is left for the last minute. This year, the mood leans away from heavy and towards polished, with skin that looks like skin, eyes that are defined but soft, and colour used with intent.

To find out what is worth trying, we asked Namrata Soni for her read on festive beauty in 2026.

I think this Diwali is going to be all about beautiful skin and makeup that looks effortless but still makes a statement.

  • Glowing, healthy-looking skin: Skin that looks fresh, hydrated and luminous, rather than heavy or overly powdery and cakey.
  • Softly defined eyes: Blended eyeshadows in browns, bronze and champagne, with a little shimmer to make the eyes stand out.
  • A pop of colour on the lips: From beautiful berries and wine shades to classic reds and nudes, depending on the outfit and the occasion.
  • Blush that brings the face to life: I love using blush to give the face dimension and freshness. It can completely change how your makeup looks
  • Modern traditional makeup: Taking the classic Indian festive look and making it more contemporary, whether it’s a soft smoky eye, a beautiful liner or a glowing complexion paired with a statement lip.

For me, the idea is to look dressed up without looking like you have tried too hard.

Glowing skin, bold lips or statement eyes: what is the ultimate festive makeup look this year?

For me, it has to start with beautiful skin. You can wear the most gorgeous eyeshadow or the most beautiful lipstick, but if the skin doesn’t look good, the whole look can fall flat.

I would go for luminous skin, softly defined eyes and a lip colour that complements the outfit. If you love a bold lip, let that be the focus and keep the eyes softer. If you want to do a statement eye, keep the lips more understated.

I don’t think there’s one look that works for everyone. The best festive makeup is the one that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable in your own skin.

How can you make your makeup complement a statement Indian outfit without looking overdone?

When you’re wearing a statement outfit, especially something with heavy embroidery, intricate work or beautiful jewellery, you need to decide what you want the focus to be.

I always believe makeup should complement the outfit, not compete with it. If the outfit is very elaborate, I’d keep the skin fresh, define the eyes beautifully and choose a lip colour that works with the overall look.

If you’re wearing a simpler outfit, you can have a little more fun with your makeup, whether that’s a bold lip, a beautiful metallic eye or a stronger blush.

The most important thing is balance. You don’t have to do everything at once. Sometimes, a beautiful eye, fresh skin and the right lip colour are all you need.

What are your expert tips for making festive makeup last through long Diwali celebrations?

The secret to long-lasting makeup is all in the prep. I always say that good makeup starts with good skin prep.

First, moisturise your skin according to your skin type and give the products enough time to settle. Use a primer suited to your skin’s needs, especially if you tend to get oily.

When applying foundation, work in thin layers rather than putting on too much product at once. Build coverage only where you need it, and set the areas that tend to get oily with a little powder. You don’t need to powder the entire face heavily.

For the eyes, use an eyeshadow primer to help the colours stay in place, and choose long-wearing products. A long-lasting lip colour is also a good idea, especially if you’re going to be eating and drinking.

And finally, carry your lipstick and a little powder for touch-ups. You want your makeup to last, but you also want your skin to look like skin.

If you could create one signature Diwali makeup look for 2026, what would it look like, from skin and eyes to lips?

I would create a look that feels Indian, glamorous and timeless, but still very modern.

I would start with beautifully prepped skin and a lightweight foundation, keeping the complexion fresh and luminous. I would use blush to bring warmth and dimension to the face, with a subtle highlight on the high points of the cheeks.

For the eyes, I would use warm bronze and champagne tones, blended softly, with a little definition along the lash line. I would add individual lashes or a good coat of mascara to open up the eyes without making them look too heavy.

For the lips, I would choose a beautiful rose brown or muted berry shade, depending on the outfit. I would finish with a soft glow on the skin and make sure everything is blended beautifully.

I want the woman wearing this look to feel glamorous but still look like herself. For me, that’s what great makeup should do: bring out your features, make you feel confident and let your natural beauty shine through.

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