Airbrushed, dewy makeup, chiselled features, bright statement lips and eyes are popular trends, say makeup experts.

Bridal makeup has evolved and how! Gone are the days when women would go to local salons for their bridal hair and makeup. Now, everyone hires a professional who is aware of the latest trends, uses the best international brands, and can really transform your face by saying bye-bye to a cakey, overly made-up face. The tremendous pressure of looking good has increased, thanks to high-definition photography, videography and numerous social networking sites. That is where dewy, flawless skin and perfectly defined eyes and lips come in.

Bridal makeup these days is realistic and trendy. The art of applying the foundation has been mastered, thanks to all the technologically-advanced makeup techniques and the well-researched products that compliment it.

Go bold and bright
For brides, reds and golds will always be popular. Makeup artist Mickey Contractor says, "Bold reds for the lips are is still big this season. And so are the regular golds, browns and blacks for the eyes."

Apart from the wedding, there are also the accompanying ceremonies that are sporting some distinct makeup styles. These are bolder and more adventurous. Talking about one of the latest eye makeup trends, coloured smokey eyes, Mickey says, "The red smokey eye is big and so are the ones in blue, plum and gold. The bride may not opt for this during the wedding ceremony, but these trends work for the sangeet, cocktail and reception. Coloured liners are also big this season."

Skin-tillating
Dewy fresh skin has never gone out of style and not just brides, but grooms as well are coming in asking for perfect skin. Makeup artist Marvie Ann Beck says, "Airbrushed makeup is really in this season. It gives a flawless, smooth finish and is longer lasting, lighter and water-resistant. The fact that your face is not touched at all by hands, sponges, brushes or fingers, makes this very hygienic. But you need to have really good skin to get prefect results. Air brushing is the Rolls Royce of makeup. Just like you need smooth roads for it to run, you need smooth skin for airbrushed makeup."

Mineral and HD makeup
Mineral and HD (high definition) makeup is getting popular. These give a three-dimensional look and go very well with the dazzling jewellery that Indian brides wear, and also give that elusive au naturel look, says Marvie. They sit well on the skin and give a radiant finish. "The chiselled, contoured, look is in. Mineral blushes are very popular and give a hot glam look," she adds.

Nude is out, dewy is in
Marvie says, "Nude is out. It is rather beiges, especially the golden shimmering beiges that are in." Makeup artist and hairstylist Ojas Rajani says, "The keywords this season are dewy, natural-looking skin that gives off a healthy glow," adding, "Over-done faces look older and unattractive."

Wearing red lips right
When opting for scarlet lips, underplay the eye colour tones, say experts — smokey brown or copper look great with a little metallic frost in the corner. You could also pair your red lips with winged eyeliner.

Amp up the glam bride look with false eyelashes
False eyelashes are a must for every bride on the big day. When applied right, they can instantly add glamour to your look.

Keep in mind
Green and amethyst eyeliners look great and glitter liners are also in, however, too much colour works only for cocktails and mehendi functions.

Psst!
Colours popular this season are...
Matte reds, hot corals, mineralised peaches and even hot pink and fuchsia for lips

What's hot!
Brown and gold eyes are a favourite with brides who want to avoid experimenting and go the traditional way

Coloured eyeliner is big this season for bridal makeup and can be donned for the sangeet or the mehendi ceremonies

False eyelashes can up your glam quotient. Get a half-moon mani or a red and white manicure for the ceremony

Gold lined eyes can make a dramatic statement when combined with blue liner and smokey eyes

BDST: 1532 HRS, Nov-09, 2014