Amid virtual happy hours, constant sanitising, and perfecting our nail art skills while social distancing, the arrival of Maa Durga feels like a breath of fresh air (hands up if ya feel me). Call it a covetable reason for some to go from comfy sweatpants to chic sarees, or just a Godsend to put one’s COVID blues to rest and revel in the festivities. And for us beauty buffs, it’s more like an official ticket to go wild with experimental glam via three top-of-mind things - good looks, good looks, and good looks.
So, without further ado, here are ten ‘gram-worthy looks for Durga Puja 2020. Let this Festive Special Edit guide any glamming up you may do. Even if you’re not the OTT makeup or marvel mane type, there’s something for you. Jai Mata Di!
Here are the 10 most glamourous makeup looks to go for:
1. Heavy Metal
This is all to say: ‘Tis the season to Go Bold or Go Home, take a risk, and pretend the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is made of glitter. As invincible as Mahishasura Mardini Herself, this combo of glitter show is—dare we say it—Pure. Magic. Think lids and tips bathed in an otherworldly glow, courtesy of decadent, metallic gold foil.
Shop the look: Swiss Beauty Loose Foil Pigments - 8, Nykaa Gold Rush Nail Lacquer - Flicker Gold 114
2. Crystal Clear
If you thought crystals were confined only to the earlobes, neck, wrists, and fingers, think again. More like a competition to the exquisite pandal decor, this look is all things surreal, dramatic, and extravagant; just circle your entire eye with crystals and you’re GTG. TBH, it’s the easiest way to add some shine, sans a ton of product or even a lot of handiwork.
Shop the look: Inglot Body Sparkles Crystals
3. Bare-faced Brilliance
We’ve seen preternaturally dewy skin take off like crazy, but contoured cheekbones and a dewy-dumpling glow here take things up a notch. A look that walks the line between au naturale and supernatural, it’s a subtle homage to The Supreme Mother’s innate traits—it’s fierce and fearless, while simultaneously being soft and sublime. More power to you, gal.
Shop the look: Kay Beauty Contour Stick - Coco Focus, PIXI Glow Tonic Serum
4. Think Pink
Did someone say a look that’s both an exuberance of optimism and downright rejuvenating? Whether pink reminds you of Barbie, cotton candy, or rose quartz, there’s no denying the color is (divine) feminine power personified. For a seriously swoon-worthy look, pair a bold fuschia lip with killer pink tips. And while they’re great to be worn alone, it’s only when they come together that the real alchemy happens.
Shop the look: Faces Canada Weightless Matte Finish Lipstick - Fuschia Wave 02, Colorbar Nail Lacquer - Pink Pod
5. Hair Play
Because, realistically, our hair affair is going nowhere. Whip up some goddess-level glam with statement accessories and hair that’s so sleek and shiny, it reflects light (shout out to the #GlassHair fad). To DIY the look, slather on a serum to instantly revive and refresh your locks. Next, decorate your crowning glory with glitzy hair pins. Who knew playing up dress up during COVID would be sooo hairtastic?
Shop the look: Matrix Biolage Smoothproof 6-in-1 Deep Smoothing Serum, Mondano By Nykaa Fashion Cascade Of Pearls Hairpin Set
6. Artist eyes
Aka, #UnlockColor. Seasonally appropriate, true to life, invincible at the heart—it doesn’t get any better. This look is ballsy in a way that says, “Beauty rules be damned. I bring my eye makeup musings to life.” A few swirls of vibrant eye shadow will immediately morph you into a living piece of pop art. We can’t guess how long it takes to get the job done, but we promise it’s well worth the effort.
Shop the look: Huda Beauty Mercury Retrograde Eyeshadow Palette, Makeup Revolution Pro X Lan Nguyen Grealis Ultimate Artist Eyeshadow Palette, NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette - Brights
7. Red Slay
Love for red, the alpha color or the wheel, lives on. A hue that’s the embodiment of beauty and audacity, we wouldn’t be wrong to create a riot of festivity, cheer, and panache with bold, commanding lips complimented with long, voluminous lashes. Call it a fun spin to the monochromatic trend, the razzle-dazzle in this look is pretty much sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Shop the look: M.A.C Retro Matte Lipstick - Ruby Woo, Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Travel Size - Black
8. Holy Glow
Never underestimate the power of that sheer, ethereal glow that’s nothing short of… celestial. A look that makes even the most polished glam look effortless, it’s your OG license to try the dolphin skin obsession IRL (think skin that’s hyper radiant, smooth, and luminous). Dare to DIY? Follow along. 1) Exfoliate. 2) Hydrate. 3) Prime. 4) Glow. You’re all set to pretend to be a mermaid until we say, "Ciao, COVID."
Shop the look: MCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Face Scrub, Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Mini, Lakme Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer, BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter Mini - Opal
9. Over liner
It’s a bird. It’s a cat. It’s a floating crease! Modern, fresh, and wonderfully minimal, a few opulent strokes is all it takes to give a cool twist to Twiggy-esque lashes. Start by tracing a feline flick along your eye, then drag it all the way along your crease for a graphic look. To keep it simple yet sultry, we like wearing the look with little other face makeup. Something as muted as well-defined arches should do the trick.
Shop the look: Maybelline New York Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner With Expert Eyeliner Brush - 01 Black, Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Eyebrow Pencil - 3.5 Medium Brown
10. Gothic Glam
This half-woman, half-deity style look gives the mall goth aesthetic a whole new meaning—we’re talking about a “Goddess of the night” vibe with moody bordeaux lips and eyes darker than a black hole. For more dimension, add a hint of gloss to your pout and finish off with larger-than-life falsies. PS - You’re gonna wear this for Halloween too, so get started on mastering it RN. Bookmark for laters, baby.
Shop the look: L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick - 299 Chateau Interdit, Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Single - Panther, Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil Infused Gloss - Free Spirit, PAC Mink Lash - M75
