Makeup tips: Make your eyes the focal point with bright eyeshadows, bold eyeliners, or coloured mascara. Shades like electric blues, greens, or purples are making a statement (Image: Canva)

Do you often stare at your makeup bag, wondering how to achieve a perfect look without going overboard or spending hours in front of the mirror. With so many trends flooding social media, it can feel overwhelming to strike the right balance between fresh, bold, and effortless.

When nothing seems right, go for the traditional. This seems to be the mantra for 2024. “Indian makeup trends are beautifully merging traditional charm with contemporary flair,” says Avni Sricharan, Co-Founder of Defi Beauty. “The key to this year’s trends is embracing your individuality while maintaining a polished and natural appearance,” she adds.

Here are festive makeup tips, from Sricharan, that blend traditional styles with modern techniques for elegant looks:

• Barely there base look: The minimalist base trend is all about embracing your natural skin. Lightweight, breathable formulations like tinted moisturisers or serum foundations allow your skin to shine through, giving you that “your skin, but better” vibe. This effortless look creates a soft, natural glow that’s perfect for those who prefer a fresh, dewy finish.

Also read | Makeup tips: Here’s what you should use for cool, neutral and warm skin tones

• Blush focus: Blush is taking center stage this season. Soft, rosy hues blended seamlessly on the cheeks instantly brighten up the face, adding a touch of warmth and health. Opt for cream or liquid blushes for a dewy flush, or go for powder if you’re looking for a more matte finish. The key is to keep it light yet noticeable, enhancing that naturally radiant complexion.

• Highlighter glow: The highlighter glow trend isn’t going anywhere. Luminous highlighters are perfect for adding that extra gleam to your cheekbones, nose bridge, and even the inner corners of your eyes. The goal is a radiant, lit-from-within look without overdoing it, just enough to catch the light and make your features pop.

Also read | Beauty tips for natural glow: The secret to the no-makeup makeup look

• Bold eyes, subtle lips: Make your eyes the focal point with bright eyeshadows, bold eyeliners, or coloured mascara. Shades like electric blues, greens, or purples are making a statement. To balance out the bold eyes, go for a subtle, understated lip color, like a nude or light pink, to create a striking yet harmonious contrast.

• Soft matte lips: Matte lips are having a moment, with soft matte finishes offering a velvety, plush feel. They’re perfect for a sophisticated look that still feels comfortable and chic. While glossy lips continue to hold their charm for those who love a touch of shine, soft matte lips are versatile and work well across a range of makeup styles; from minimal to dramatic.