In today’s world where every photo tells a story and every face becomes a canvas, it’s safe to say that skincare and make-up go hand in hand for a bride or anyone who wants to look and feel good inside out. Keeping that in mind, Esmer Skin & Wellness Clinic on Rawdon Street hosted an insightful evening with five ace make-up artists — Nabin Das, Abhijith Chanda, Mainak Das, Babusona Saha and Kaushik Das — and three experts from the clinic — Dr Ishad Aggarwal, Dr Avik Ghosh and Dr Farhat Fatima — who chatted about about make-up trends and the importance of skincare. Excerpts from the chat.

How do you deal with skin that’s prone to acne, sensitivity or dryness before applying bridal make-up?

Mainak Das: For acne-prone and sensitive skin, I generally use a calming alcohol-free toner to ease out the irritation. If skin is inflamed, a cold compress or ice roller for a minute can calm the skin. Then I use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser mostly, or if it’s too dry then I use hyaluronic-based moisturiser and let it absorb for a few minutes. I would advise brides-to-be to consult a dermatologist three-six months in advance.
Nabin Das: Wedding make-up sits best on skin that’s well-prepped, especially if you’re prone to acne, dryness, or sensitivity. Start with a gentle, hydrating low-foaming cleanser to remove residue without stripping the skin, followed by a soothing mist or calming toner to reduce redness and prep for hydration. Massage a nourishing moisturiser into the skin using upward motions, adding a richer cream only on dry patches, and dab a thicker balm on any flaky areas for targeted hydration. For primer, use an oil-free mattifying or blurring formula on the T-zone if you’re acne-prone, or a hydrating primer with glycerin or hyaluronic acid on dry and sensitive areas to create the perfect base for long-lasting, flawless makeup.
Kaushik Das: I believe that healthy and glowing skin doesn’t require much make-up at all. Natural well-cared skin always looks better than applying heavy make-up. That’s why I always recommend following a proper skincare routine for all skin types: cleansing, toning, and moisturising are absolutely essential. And when it comes to sensitive and acne-prone skin, I always advise my clients to consult a dermatologist because these skin types are very delicate and require professional guidance. Hydration is key. Drinking plenty of water improves your skin’s natural glow.
Babusona Saha: Make-up always sits best on skin that is healthy, hydrated, and calm, so my first rule is to keep the routine consistent and simple. For acne-prone or sensitive skin, I recommend avoiding harsh exfoliants or last-minute facials before the wedding, as they can trigger breakouts or irritation. Regarding make-up, I feel when the skin is calm and balanced, the foundation and overall look stay flawless for hours.

Foundation is key. What type of foundation or base works best for long events and humid Indian weddings for combination, dry and normal skin?

Nabin: For long-lasting, sweat- and waterproof coverage that withstands humidity, choose a foundation with medium-to-full coverage that balances hydration and oil control. Optionally, pick one with SPF if outdoors. Prep is key: lightly exfoliate, deeply moisturise dry areas, and apply a primer suited to your skin type (hydrating for dry zones, mattifying for oily areas). Apply foundation in sections to avoid patchiness, then set strategically — use translucent powder on oily areas while keeping dry zones radiant. Finish with a setting spray to lock everything in, and carry blotting sheets to manage shine during long events without disturbing your base.
Babusona: A long-wear, sweat- and humidity-resistant foundation works best, one that balances hydration and oil control. For combination skin, a semi-matte base with powder on oily zones keeps shine away. For dry skin, a hydrating foundation with a natural, radiant finish ensures the skin doesn’t look patchy. Normal skin works beautifully with a satin or semi-matte base that photographs well and feels lightweight through long celebrations. Always pair with primer and setting spray for lasting wear.
Abhijith Chanda: All depends on the texture of the skin and the climate. In winter in Calcutta, we look for foundation with a satin and silk finish and more matte foundation during summer mostly. I have noticed that even dry skin turns a bit oily in summer, so I feel you need to educate your bride how to touch up the skin post make-up is done because we do the make-up and leave but then she needs to have that make-up in place for hours.

What about hair? What are some strict dos and don’ts for a bride when it comes to hair?

Mainak: Most importantly, getting your hair trimmed a month before the wedding can help with your chosen hairstyle, and deep conditioning or hair spa treatments can be done about a month in advance. Please use natural products. Do not try radical new haircuts, bangs or colour changes too close to the wedding. Don’t dye or bleach right before the wedding, avoid over-shampooing as excessive washing can dry out your hair and scalp. Your hair should be clean and dry for the best results and longevity of the style.
Nabin: Wash your hair the night before or early on the wedding day, depending on your stylist’s advice, and use a lightweight conditioner so your hair isn’t weighed down. This helps ensure a clean, manageable base for styling that lasts throughout the day. Avoid last-minute experiments just days before the wedding, as they can lead to regret or create styling challenges. Steer clear of overloading on heavy serums, oils, or hairsprays, since they can weigh hair down and make it harder to style.

In the weeks leading up to the wedding, avoid tight hairstyles like constant ponytails or buns, as they can cause breakage and scalp stress. And finally, remember that healthy hair also comes from within — prioritise a balanced diet rich in protein, Omega-3, biotin, and plenty of hydration for strong, shiny strands.

Dark lips, glossy lips to skinimalist — internationally there are so many makeup trends doing the rounds. What is your current favourite makeup trend?

Mainak: Glossy lips and skinimalist are my all-time favourites.

Nabin: Skinimalism — fresh, natural-looking skin with soft touches of colour. It enhances features without masking them, keeping makeup modern, breathable, and effortlessly chic.

Kaushik and Babusona: Nudish-glamour look, fresh base with soft definition, paired with a bold nude lip that makes a statement yet stays effortlessly chic.

What about younger brides, is there any trend that they are wanting to follow?

Abhijith: They are much more sorted than what it used to be. They do not want to go overboard with foundation and often they come with a specific look, like a mood board and they know what they want. It actually makes our life easier when you know what your bride is looking for. In fact, I prefer asking them what they like, that way the bride and I are both on the same page. Now they ask for champagne eyes not overboard dark eyes and neutral lips, mostly they still are in the matte phase but gloss is trending! They are also very particular about their lashes and eyebrows.

What are some new trends to try out for day and evening looks this Diwali?

Babusona: For day, keep it natural and minimal — light contour, peach-toned blush, mascara, and kajal to enhance the eyes, paired with a fresh, light lipstick. Don’t forget sunscreen for all-day protection. For evening, you can go bold with brown smoky eyes, soft contour, a hint of blush, and an overlined statement lip in nude, peach, or deeper tones, depending on your style. This balance of subtle by day and bold by night creates the perfect festive glam.

Mainak: Go for a soft, warm glow by blending caramel shades on the lids and crease during the day. Add a warm caramel blush for a sun-kissed touch and keep the base luminous and dewy for a fresh, lightweight finish. Complete the look with a caramel-toned lipstick or gloss — always choosing shades that suit your skin tone.

For an evening look, sweep bronzer over cheeks, temples, and jawline for warmth. Mix cream blush with a subtle highlighter for a natural glow. Opt for metallic bronze eyeshadow instead of glitter, paired with voluminous mascara for drama without looking over the top. Keep lips subtle with a clean, well-defined outline in a shade that flatters your skin tone and texture. Use setting powder or spray to lock everything in for long events. Balance bold eyes with neutral lips for a sophisticated finish.