It’s time to shine bright for the Festival of Lights. Dressing up in vibrant new clothing is one of the special ways to celebrate Diwali, which is why we reached out to three South Asian fashion and beauty creators to talk about their plans for the big holiday. Whether they’re putting together a simple outfit for visiting the local temple or a more dramatic look for a big party, these creators love the chance to get dressed up, do their makeup to the nines — and inspire their followers who want to do the same. 

We chatted by email about blending tradition with modern trends and their favourite colours, accessories and makeup techniques to try this year.

As a Toronto-based fashion, beauty and lifestyle creator, Priya makes content about her beauty routine, how she styles her outfits, her wellness journey, and more. Her fashion content frequently showcases South Asian fashion looks from Canadian labels and international brands. With Diwali coinciding with the Sikh festival of Bandi Chhor Divas, the season really reminds her of the importance of family, as hers comes together for a traditional Punjabi feast, lighting of diyas, and visits to their local Gurudwara. 

Priya’s style plans for Diwali: “This year I’ll be embracing the dark, deep red trends of the season. A cherry red lip is going to be the focus of my makeup look, to match the taupe and red thread embroidery of my sharara.” 

“The inspiration revolves around the outfit,” Priya said. She bases her makeup look on the colours of her clothing. She likes to nod to tradition with her jewelry. “Adding a pair of jhumkas (traditional, bell-shaped earrings) and a set of heavy bangles is my go-to when I want to enhance my overall look,” she told us. 

Diwali fashion and beauty trends she’s currently loving: “I’ve been loving the trend of incorporating a pop of deep red into this season’s looks! There is something so classy about pairing a red lip with a simple, flawless base.”

A beauty trick she can’t get enough of right now: Priya recommends a monochrome blush and lip combo. “I’ve been obsessed with matching my blush to my lip colour. It’s such an effortless makeup hack that seamlessly pulls your look together. It has become my go-to for those no-makeup days,” she said.

Dhivya, a fashion, beauty and lifestyle creator from Ottawa, loves sharing makeup transformations and details of her personal life with her audience, such as her wedding journey. As her Instagram bio highlights, her primary focus is on “sharing love for [her] culture.” For her, Deepavali is a time to gather with her loved ones, enjoy traditional snacks like murukku or gulab jamun, and visit her local Koyil, Since wearing something new signifies new beginnings, she likes to pick out a new South Asian outfit to mark the occasion.

Dhivya’s style plans for Diwali: “This year, I’ve chosen to wear my favourite cultural attire: a saree,” she said. Dhivya also loves incorporating traditional accessories from her Tamil culture, like jhumkis and pottus. “These traditions hold deep meaning to me and I take pride in wearing these pieces as a part of my everyday fashion.”

Diwali fashion and beauty trends she’s currently loving: “Red has been trending like never before. From burgundy nails to cherry cola lips and red statement bags, it’s undoubtedly the ‘it girl’ colour of the season. Red also holds great significance in Deepavali, symbolizing good luck, fortune, and positive energy.”

A beauty trick she can’t get enough of right now: “I have been obsessed with using a pink setting powder under my eyes. I love how it makes my blush and under-eye area blend together seamlessly. I definitely think it looks great on brown skin too!”

Based in Vancouver, Gurnaz is a beauty creator, actor, and self-proclaimed “cha addict”. She often showcases beautiful South Asian fashion looks while performing a comedy skit — a feat not many creators can pull off successfully. For Gurnaz, Diwali is a time to don her traditional Indian clothing and jewelry. “Every [Diwali] event is a celebration of culture with Indian food and music. For Bandi Chorr Divas, my family and I always visit the temple and light divas and candles.” 

Gurnaz’s style plans for Diwali: Gurnaz plans to wear something new that she picked up on her trip to India earlier this year. “I’m def guilty of being a makeup girl,” she said, and takes makeup inspiration from her outfit details. Her default makeup look, however, is neutral. “My classic go-to is a glittery eye and nude lip, it matches everything.” 

Diwali fashion and beauty trends she’s currently loving: “Fashion-wise, I’ve been noticing designs from my nani’s time making a comeback. Long tops with lenghas, rimmed with golden gotta (embellishments). I love that retro styles are being recycled,” she said.

“When it comes to beauty and makeup, everyone wants long-lasting radiant makeup, and bold washes of colour and sparkle for the festive season.”

A beauty trick she can’t get enough of right now: Gurnaz loves using graphic liners. “I know they’re unconventional and a little scary to some people, but I think it makes any look extra special. I let my creativity run wild with the shapes and patterns I draw on my eyes,” she said.

These interviews have been edited and condensed for length and clarity.