How To Achieve A Classic Bengali Look At Home

Bengali Look is not just a style that can be replicated; it’s years of tradition passed down through generations that picked up some inspiration along the way to make it more accessible to modern brides. It’s a bold statement of femininity, an ode to goddess Durga, and a symbol of fierceness and strength. It’s very different from other types of makeup looks. Here, the eyes, lips, forehead, and head all weave a story together to create magic. Bengali traditional makeup always stands out for being unabashedly intense and true to its culture. So, if you feel like experimenting with a Bengali makeup look, you need to get every element of the process right to create quintessential finesse. So, to recreate that fail-safe Bengali makeup look, read ahead for all the steps in detail.

The Essence Of The Classic Bengali Look

The essence of Bengali makeup is more than what you see on the outside and has more to do with the inside. Externally, the bold lip and big bindi, with alta encrusted fingers, palms, feet, and toes, the mukut and nose ring, and the tiny chandan bindis on the forehead, laden with fine sandalwood paste and kumkum , but internally it’s the bold statement from women who have been an active part of the society, decision making, and nourishment of the children while shaping their own personalities, careers, and personal goals. But when it comes to the makeup, there are a few mandatory elements that define a classic Bengali look.

What Defines the Classic Bengali Look

Here is a list of elements that define a classic Bengali makeup look:

• Dramatic eyes
• Big and bright red bindi
• Small Kumkum & Chandan bindis over the brows
• Bold Red lips
• Smooth & flawless base
• Heavy gold jewellery
• Ivory white mukut
• Red & White saree draped in the traditional way

Importance of Traditional Elements

The traditional elements of a Bengali makeup look are doused with cultural symbolism that reflects the purity of the union, prosperity among the families, and a celebration of this important milestone of life. Through the makeup techniques and methods passed down through generations, we are celebrating these traditions one bride at a time.

Step-by-Step Bengali Makeup Guide

Base Makeup

Your base makeup for a Bengali look has to be flawless, but even though the base is important, you can read this guide on how to get a flawless look if you are a beginner: Easy Makeup Tutorial for Beginners. Make sure you don’t skimp out of good quality primer for that heavy makeup to stay on for long. Here are some products that you need for that pristine base.

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Eye Makeup - Bold Kohl Look

The eye makeup look is the boldest look because when the bride covers her face with the beetle leaves before the ceremony, it’s her eyes that do the talking. Start with prepping your eyelids with an eye primer, then add some rich, deep colour eyeshadow in the outer corner of your eye and lighten your way towards the inner corner with some generous amounts of glitter. Check out this video for a detailed eye makeup look that’s broken down step by step for you.

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Lips and Blush

Lips and blush are also very important parts of the look, even if it is a simple Bengali look that you are going for. Make sure you don’t go ham on the blush, but the lips need to steal the show.

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Traditional Bengali Hairstyle

Just like the makeup, even the low bun and loose curls are ubiquitous with a traditional Bengali bridal look. Here are two of their main styles as follows.

Middle-Parted Low Bun

A middle-parted low bun, aka Khopa, is a traditional hairstyle among Bengali brides when the hair is tied in a bouncy bun with elaborate flowers, pearls, and other embellishments for a traditional bridal look that’s extravagant and royal.

Middle-Parted Open Hair with Soft Waves

This is a more modern look inspired by Kaali Ma, where she embraces her freedom and strength with long open waves. It also makes a great space for your Maang tika to sit while your hair flies in the wind.

Dressing the Part - Bengali Saree Styling

Almost every culture has a unique way of draping sarees, but the Bengali way is popularised through pop culture, movies, books, and the rich literary culture that comes from West Bengal.

Draping the Lal-Par Shada Saree

Their traditional saree is made of a combination of white and red, where white symbolises purity and red symbolises strength, and together it reflects the harmony between two forces, just like the union of two people in a marriage. This style is also unique because the Pallu is brought to the front and attached to the right shoulder, creating a deep U in the back.

Accessorising with Traditional Jewelry

The traditional jewellery includes intricately designed and heavily embellished neck pieces, earrings, rings, and bangles. To make it look distinct is to add the final touches that really seal the deal.

Perfecting Your Bengali Look - Final Touches

Accessorising is not just restricted to the normal jewellery, such as bangles, maang tika, necklaces, and more, but what is unique to them is the mukut and the alta-crested hands and feet that really tie in the look.

Applying Sindoor and Alta

Women apply alta to signify their arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, and the sindoor on their foreheads symbolises the start of their new life.

Additional Accessories

Additional accessories include the mukut women wear on their heads that look like a crown, usually worn by queens and goddesses on auspicious occasions.

Tips To Perfect The Bengali Look At Home

Here are some additional tips for your Bengali makeup look.

Quick Hacks for Beginners

Here are some quick hacks for you if you are a beginner with the whole Bengali makeup look.

Long-Lasting Makeup Techniques

• Make sure to always start with a gripping primer
• More is more
• Apply setting spray between every three steps
• Gold all the way
• Don’t shy away from drama, boldness, and the colour red

Affordable Product Alternatives

If you want to do your trial Bengali makeup look, then try these products that are an affordable alternative to otherwise expensive makeup.

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Parting Thoughts

Bengali makeup may look daunting at first, but with the right base and products, you can recreate the look in the comfort of your own home. Before you start, it’s important to understand the significance of every element that you adorn to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

FAQs

1. How do I drape a Bengali saree at home?

   The Bengali style or Aatpoure is a distinct way of draping the saree where the front is pleat-less and the whole look as two pallus. Start by tucking the non-pallu side on your right and rotate it once around your body, while tucking in the excess fabric on top as you would do for a normal saree. Then take your pallu and wrap it around your body, and in the back, make a U and tuck it on your shoulder in the front. Take the loose fabric in the front and, with a few loose pleats, tuck the rest in the front for ease of movement.

2. How can I make my Bengali makeup last longer?

   To make your Bengali makeup last longer, ensure you use a primer at the start and a setting spray in the end to lock the products in.

3. Can the Bengali look be adapted for casual occasions?

   A milder version of the Bengali look can be adapted for casual occasions, because a bold eye look, red lip, and some blush is all you need for a night out, concerts, or even festive occasions.