Makeup that lasts through a South Indian wedding

A South Indian wedding morning often starts at four, has the muhurtham around seven or eight, and ends with photographs and lunch past one. In a Coimbatore hall in April, that is many hours of heat, lights and emotion. Planning for that starts long before the makeup goes on.

The base matters most. We prep the skin with a light moisturiser and a primer chosen for your skin type: mattifying for oily skin, hydrating for dry. Thin layers of foundation, set lightly with powder, last longer than one thick layer, and they move less when you smile, cry or sweat.

For the eyes, we use waterproof liner and mascara and set the eyeshadow with a little powder. Lashes are glued well at the corners. If you expect tears at the kanyadanam, tell us; we will plan the eye look around it.

Lips are lined and filled with a long-wear colour, then topped with a softer shade. Your bridesmaid or sister gets a small touch-up kit with your exact lipstick, blotting papers and powder. For venue bookings, one of our team stays through the muhurtham to touch up between rituals and photographs.