NAVIN AHMED, OWNER OF GALA MAKEOVER STUDIO & SALON, SHARES HER PERSPECTIVE ON THE NUANCES OF DIFFERENT MAKEUP STYLES
Which bridal look is more popular these days – traditional or contemporary?
In Bangladesh, the traditional bridal look remains highly popular, although there is a growing interest in contemporary styles, especially among modern younger brides. Traditional bridal looks are still incorporated, particularly for the main wedding event. Brides often wear red or maroon sarees adorned with intricate gold embroidery. The traditional look is a beautiful way to honour our culture. Contemporary bridal looks are gaining popularity in urban areas and among brides who want to add a modern twist to their attire, especially for pre-wedding events such as the engagement, mehendi, or reception.
Many brides choose to combine traditional and contemporary elements. They might select a traditional outfit for the main ceremony but switch to a more contemporary look for the reception or other events. This combination allows brides to honour cultural traditions while also showcasing their individuality and modern preferences.
Myth
BRIDAL MAKEUP MUST BE HEAVY TO LAST ALL DAY
The longevity of makeup does not solely depend on its heaviness. Proper skin preparation, quality products, and setting techniques play a bigger role in ensuring makeup lasts all day. Modern makeup techniques can create a long-lasting look without feeling heavy or cakey on the skin.
How do you distinguish the two in the context of our country and culture?
In a traditional bridal look, the outfit typically consists of a heavily embellished saree or lehenga, accompanied by elaborate jewellery. This includes a tikli, jhapta, shita patti, or matha patti, a nose ring, and multiple layers of necklaces. The makeup is usually bold, with defined eyes and red or maroon lipstick, complementing the vibrant colours of the ensemble.
Contemporary looks, on the other hand, may incorporate lighter shades such as pastels, unconventional fabrics, and modern silhouettes like gowns or fusion wear that combine traditional and Western styles. Accessories and makeup in contemporary looks are often more subtle, prioritising elegance and simplicity.
Myth
YOU NEED TO LOOK COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
Bridal makeup should enhance your natural beauty, not transform you into someone unrecognisable. The goal is to make you feel like the best version of yourself, comfortable and confident, rather than drastically altering your appearance.
In your opinion, how has the traditional bridal look evolved over time?
Traditionally, bridal makeup in Bangladesh involved heavy foundation with a matte finish, aiming to create a flawless, porcelain-like complexion. The foundation was often thick and appeared striking under the harsh lighting of photography. The focus was on achieving a fair complexion, with little consideration for enhancing the bride’s natural skin tone. The eye makeup was intense, reflecting the importance of the eyes in traditional bridal aesthetics.
Modern bridal makeup in Bangladesh now emphasises a more natural and radiant finish. The trend has shifted towards using lighter, more breathable foundations that match the bride’s natural skin tone, allowing her true beauty to shine through. There is a greater focus on creating a dewy, glowing complexion with strategic highlighting and contouring, rather than simply masking the skin. Brides now prefer a base that looks fresh and luminous, both in person and in photographs.
Eye makeup for modern brides has become more diverse, ranging from soft, romantic looks to bold, glamorous styles, depending on the bride’s preference. Brows have transitioned from overly defined to more natural, feathered looks, aligning with global beauty trends.
The traditional bridal makeup look was often uniform, with little variation from bride to bride. The emphasis was on creating a standard ‘bridal’ appearance that adhered to cultural norms, often resulting in very similar looks across different weddings. There is now a greater emphasis on personalisation and individuality. Brides are more involved in the decision-making process, choosing makeup styles that reflect their personal tastes and complement their wedding theme and attire. The overall aesthetic has shifted from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more customised look, with brides opting for everything from minimalist makeup to vintage-inspired looks. With the rise of social media, beauty influencers, and access to global fashion, Bangladeshi bridal makeup has become more eclectic. Brides and makeup artists are now incorporating international trends into modern traditional bridal looks.
Myth
BRIDAL MAKEUP IS ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL
Every bride is unique, and so is her makeup. Skin type, face shape, personal preferences, and even the wedding’s time of day should influence the makeup style. A good makeup artist customises the look to suit the individual bride rather than following a generic formula.
How do you approach a daytime bridal look versus a makeover for a night wedding?
Keeping our weather in mind, it is ideal to have a natural and glowing base for daytime weddings. I opt for a light to medium coverage foundation that enhances the bride’s natural skin tone. Dewy finishes work well, giving the skin a fresh and luminous look. I prefer soft and neutral tones, such as peach, pink, and soft gold for the eyelids, and avoid heavy or dark eye makeup. Instead, I focus on subtle eyeliner and mascara to define the eyes without creating a dramatic effect. For the face, a light contouring with a hint of blush in peach or coral tones is suitable. It adds warmth to the face without being overpowering. For daytime events, light or pastel lip colours such as pinks, peaches, or nudes, work well. Lipsticks with a satin or glossy finish can also add a touch of freshness. Soft and romantic hairstyles, like loose waves, a messy bun, or a simple braid with floral accents, are popular.
For nighttime events, it is often preferred to use a full-coverage foundation with a matte or semi-matte finish. This ensures that the makeup lasts longer and photographs well under artificial lighting. Smokey eyes in shades of gold, bronze, or brown are popular. Shimmer or glitter can be added to make the eyes pop. Bold eyeliner and false lashes can also enhance the dramatic effect. For the face, more defined contouring and a bolder blush in shades like rose or deep coral can be used to add depth and dimension. Deep and rich lip colours such as reds, maroons, or berry tones are perfect for nighttime. More polished hairstyles, such as a sleek bun, braided updos, or vintage waves, are ideal. Daylight can wash out colours, so softer shades work better, while artificial lighting can make darker colours pop.
Myth
MORE MAKEUP EQUALS BETTER PHOTOS
The right amount of makeup, applied skillfully, will photograph beautifully. Overdoing makeup can result in a cakey, unnatural appearance in photos. It is more about strategic application, where the makeup enhances your features rather than masking them.
Myth
DIY BRIDAL MAKEUP IS JUST AS GOOD AS PROFESSIONAL BRIDAL MAKEUP
While some brides are skilled in makeup application, professional makeup artists have the experience, tools, and knowledge to create a look that will last throughout the day, withstand various lighting conditions, and look flawless in photos. Professional artists also know how to work with different skin types and handle the unique pressures of a wedding day.