Glam up without glitter

Sheetal

There are saas-bahu serials, Bollywood movies and favourite celeb couples’ pictures telling us how to be Karwa Chauth ready. But, the house of commons is altogether a different story where women have real jobs and would rather work to distract themselves from hunger pangs.

And, for all those working women out there, we have some make-up tips that will help you celebrate this day of fasting while attending office.

Make-up artist at Gagz Brar Makeovers, Gagan Brar, suggests that working women should go for nude shades of lipstick to look elegant and graceful. Dr Shreya Sharma seconds that opinion and adds, “I think lip shades in muted colours work best for professionals. Make-up is to enhance your features and it should always remain muted. If you make it too loud with bright coloured lipstick or glitter, it takes away the beauty of it.”

For hair style, Gagan says, “The centre partition is in trend and if you use a powder-base sindhoor and make a low bun, it will not come across as too loud a look for office. For the eyes, it will be better to avoid too much colours and instead opt for golden eye-shadow and winged liner to contain the drama this day beholds.”

If you are wearing a red or a maroon dress to work, it is advisable to use pink or peach blush on your face. About the make-up base, experts suggest one must mix BB or CC cream with a sunscreen lotion for a flawless base, which looks natural. While you are at it, don’t forget to apply it on your neck for an even skin tone.

Honey Kalsi, a make-up artist from Pollywood, has a different take as far as foundation is concerned. He says, “When you are out there working for long hours, no matter what foundation you use, it will not last till the moon shows up and this is why I will suggest women to use a concealer in place of a foundation. And still, if you are a person who cannot do without foundation, then use make-up fixing sprays.”

“Pink is the colour to keep it all in moderation. Go for nude pinks for lips (in matte) and baby pink for eye- shadows because it will neither be too loud nor too casual. Apply kajal and smudge to give it a smoky look. It can change your look dramatically,” says Honey.

For those who have an early shift, Dr Shreya advises to apply a tinted moisturiser and mascara. She says, “A classic messy bun with embellishments or a messy low bun will make you stand out.”

Going ethnic

Then there are those who have been fasting since many years now. What they do different on Karwa Chauth? Manu Sharma, an assistant manager in finance, says, “Normally, I wear formal attire with neutral make-up. For the past years, I have been fasting on Karwa Chauth and so does my husband. I would rather go to office to keep myself occupied. And as far as clothes and make-up are concerned, I shift to ethnic wear, in red or peach shades probably, accessorise the outfit with two or three bangles. And, of course, I let down my hair on that day.”