The ultimate bridal makeup guide to looking like you, only better

Bridal beauty in India has long been about transformation, think your own Princess Diaries before-and-after glow-up. But that script is fast changing to brides wanting to look like the best version of themselves. “Brides no longer want to be transformed. They’re deeply self-aware, confident, and already know what suits them. The role of make-up now is enhancement, not discovery,” says Mumbai-based make-up artist Shrruti Saraff, who boasts a high-net-worth private clientele across ultra-luxury weddings. Her work sees her hopping from the Jamnagar festivities hosted by the Ambani family to couture shoots featuring creations by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Below, Saraf outlines everything you need to get your bridal face card right this season:

The 2026 bridal look:

If Saraff had to describe the 2026 Indian bride in three words? “Real. Bold. Unapologetic.” Known for her skin-first, refined glam, Saraff believes this year will mark a decisive move toward realism. The shift, she confesses, is psychological. Today’s bride isn’t looking for reinvention. She knows her angles, her skin, her comfort zone. Make-up is no longer about creating a new face—it’s about refining the one she already recognises.

That realism, however, is often misunderstood. “The biggest misconception is that natural makeup means no foundation. It doesn’t. It’s about seamless skin—not bare skin.” She’s also quick to point out that the viral “no-makeup makeup” look isn’t as effortless as it sounds. “People think you can get that look with textured skin. You can’t. Skin prep and technique matter.”

Skin prep matters:

Start your prep at least four months in advance—facials, treatments, hydration protocols. But in the final stretch, restraint is everything. “Gentle exfoliation is key—but absolutely no new actives. Especially no retinol in the week leading up to the wedding.” The takeaway: glow is built slowly—but can be compromised quickly.

The Saraff skin-staples include:

• Enzyme exfoliators (The Face Shop, Wishful, or clay-based options)
• Rice masks for instant softness and clarity
• Hydration support like Liquid IV to improve skin texture from within

It’s all about the base:

Heat. Flash. Eight-hour pheras. Tears. Air kisses. Laughs. Indian weddings are endurance events—and makeup has to behave accordingly. “Any texture works—as long as it’s properly set. Whether it’s glass skin or satin, it must be powdered. Setting spray alone isn’t enough.”

For that bridal-skin-but-better base (“The kind that doesn’t budge for 12–15 hours”), here’s what you need:

• Charlotte Tilbury foundation
• Haus Labs foundation
• Bobbi Brown stick concealers for precision

And one product every 2026 bride should own? “A cream foundation—Dior or Make Up For Ever. It sets quickly, looks flawless, and can be applied beautifully even without a professional. It’s the ultimate safety net.”

Let it settle:

Saraff often talks about makeup “settling into” the bride rather than sitting on top of her skin. The difference, she says, is timing. “I don’t set the make-up until the outfit and jewellery are on. After application, I let the skin rest for 30 minutes so the products absorb. Only then do I set it. Otherwise, the make-up locks too early and never truly settles.” It’s a small pause—but one that changes how everything wears.

One identity, many functions:

Experimentation across pre-wedding events is welcome. The wedding day itself, however, should feel grounded. “You can play across functions. But on the main day, you should look unmistakably like yourself. I use minimal product then. Every bride has one feature she loves—eyes, cheeks, skin. Honour that across all looks.”

Ultimate bridal beauty hack:

Ditch the extreme glass skin. “It looks overly shiny in photographs. Brides end up wanting it dabbed down anyway. Indian skin and wedding lighting don’t support it well.” Controlled glow, not reflective shine, is where things are headed.

In our colour-me-right era:

Heavy golds and overt bronzes are quietly stepping aside. “Soft champagne tones—a blend of gold and silver—and matte browns are taking over.” It’s a less metallic statement, more diffused warmth.

For blush that works across Indian skin tones: “Dior 01. It removes tiredness and instantly makes you look fresh.” And for a lip that survives ceremonies, conversations and cocktails? “Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plump Gasm. It plumps without burning—and it actually lasts.”

Let it settle:

Saraff often talks about makeup “settling into” the bride rather than sitting on top of her skin. The difference, she says, is timing. “I don’t set the make-up until the outfit and jewellery are on. After application, I let the skin rest for 30 minutes so the products absorb. Only then do I set it. Otherwise, the make-up locks too early and never truly settles.” It’s a small pause—but one that changes how everything wears.

One identity, many functions:

Experimentation across pre-wedding events is welcome. The wedding day itself, however, should feel grounded. “You can play across functions. But on the main day, you should look unmistakably like yourself. I use minimal product then. Every bride has one feature she loves—eyes, cheeks, skin. Honour that across all looks.”

Ultimate bridal beauty hack:

Ditch the extreme glass skin. “It looks overly shiny in photographs. Brides end up wanting it dabbed down anyway. Indian skin and wedding lighting don’t support it well.” Controlled glow not reflective shine, is where things are headed.