Festive makeup often comes with a familiar dilemma: how to look polished and picture-ready for hours without ending up with a heavy or cakey base. Add long celebrations, changing weather and an endless stream of beauty trends on social media, and figuring out what is worth trying and what is better left behind can get tricky.
Vaishnavi also highlights the growing emphasis on individuality when it comes to festive beauty. “There is more room for individuality now. She also advises against blindly following every viral beauty trend. “Festive makeup should complement the overall look rather than compete with it. “Well-prepped skin helps makeup sit better and prevents the need for excessive layering. Starting with skincare that suits your skin type , followed by a thin, even base and adding coverage only where required, can create a more natural and comfortable finish. Ultimately, festive makeup does not have to mean piling on more products. “The best festive makeup is ultimately not about wearing more makeup.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Vaishnavi Jain, beauty expert, makeup artist and head of product development at PAC Cosmetics, shares her insights on the festive makeup trends that are in, what’s out and how to create a polished look that lasts. (Also read: Content creators Aparna Thomas and Mehr Panchal share their favourite ‘tried and tested beauty hacks’ on Makeup Day 2026 ) “The festive beauty conversation is now shifting from simply wearing more makeup to choosing makeup that works better.
The emphasis is on techniques and textures that offer comfort, longevity and a polished finish while still complementing the person wearing them,” says Vaishnavi. Instead of recreating a complete trend from social media , people are choosing elements that suit their features, outfits and personal style, whether that is a statement lip, softly smoked eyes or a fresh, luminous complexion,” she says. “Following every viral makeup trend without considering whether it works for your face, skin type or occasion can often do more harm than good,” she says. “For festive makeup, preparation is just as important as the products you use,” Vaishnavi explains. It is about wearing the right makeup for you,” Vaishnavi says. “Trends can provide inspiration, but technique, balance and understanding your own features are what make a look truly work.”
