The Kerala bridal makeup is all about bringing on the ‘earthy beauty’ into the light. The typical Malayali bride needs to wear a beautiful Kasuvu Saree and temple-theme jewellery that instantly transforms her into a gleaming golden goddess.
But, have you noticed that there is something very aesthetically different about the Kerala Bridal Makeup as she proceeds to step into her wedding shoes? Well, after all, it all boils down to the perfect bridal makeup that is unique to the Malayali bride. Overall, makeup essentially is an all-important aspect of any wedding.
Also, different parts of the country or even the world have their own ‘signature makeup look’. This is important, and special to the people of these places, as it defines their individuality and culture. Likewise, the Kerala Kerala Bridal Makeup has its own ‘sense of uniqueness’. The Malayali bride has her makeup trends and her tricks are unique to her.
So, what are the quintessential steps, tricks, and tips to acquire the typical Kerala bridal look? Well, here are the some of our inputs:
Table of Contents
The Look for the Kerala Bridal Makeup
First things first. Most times, and often, the typical Kerala Bridal Makeup takes place in broad daylight. This involves the rituals and ceremonies that start early in the day and take the better part of the time to complete. Hence, the wedding makeup needs to be in sync with the ‘daytime’.
For this, most makeup artists, stick to trying to achieve the ‘subtle, yet glamorous Kerala Bridal Makeup for the day. Hence most times, the ‘OTT theme’ is a big no-no.
The Face for the Kerala Bridal Makeup
The sunlight or the daylight can be your friend or foe. This is because at the right angles the sunlight can instantly highlight you as a ‘heavenly creature out of a dream’. On the other hand, if not handled well, it can enhance and show your flaws for everyone to pick upon. Having the beauty experts assist you throughout is also a great idea for every step of your way till you walk the aisle.
Hence, most bridal makeup artists emphasize the fact that ‘beautiful skin’ is the key to a beautiful look. This essentially translates to the fact that you need to prep your skin the right way. To achieve a flawless look you need to follow the following steps.
Follow a proper diet. You are what you eat, at the end of the day. Hence you must infuse your diet with loads of water, fresh and healthy food, and fruits. This needs to start at least three months before the wedding.
Now, on your D-day, you need to ensure that the makeup you are applying the using is complementary to your skin tone. For this, have ‘sit downs’ and a trial makeup session before your final take.
Check out: Bengali Wedding Makeup Looks
The Right Foundation for the Kerala Bridal Makeup
Essentially, the Indian woman is the epitome of beauty and the Kerala Bridal Makeup is no less. Despite the ruling prejudice, one must embrace their ‘true colours. This essentially means loving your skin tone and understanding its beauty.
The Indian skin tone falls into the ‘Olive category’. However, the shades can vary from Dark, Medium to Fair. Nevertheless, you need to know that you are beautiful in the skin you were born with. For this, find the foundation shade that is closest to your skin tone.
You need not have to go too far or too dark to stick to the trend or the societal pressures. The best way to select your true foundation shade is to
Layering and blending along with the right kind of moisturization is the main aspect of acquiring the ‘movie start’ look.
Finally, to set up the entire look you need to dust-up with some loose powder. Once again, do not end up ‘White and scary. The best bet for the Indian skin tone is to get a shade in ‘Banana’ loose powder or even ‘Sandlewood’ as it blends beautifully into your natural skin tone.
The Eyes-Kerala Bridal Makeup
Indian women are blessed with some of the most beautiful eyes in the world. The Malayali bride is no less, as she has some of the most enchanting eyes out there. The trick is to enhance her magic for their D-day. As the Smokey eye trending currently, here are a few steps to get the look:
Prep up your eyes with some eye primer start with. Also, be sure to tame your brows with a brow gel and comb to get the right arc.
As we are doing the Kerala bridal makeup, you need to emphasize the natural almond shape and pick it up from there.
Here start with the Neutral shades at the base with the eyeshadow brush starting from the inner corners of the eyes and moving outwards. Now using the same palette move to the outer corner, with the lightest shades at the inner corner.
Apply the eyeliner using an eye pencil over the lids and also at the lower eye-line. Now, using the Q-tip, slightly smudge the pencil line ever so lightly to offer the ‘Smokey look’. Be sure to eliminate any sharp lines to offer a seamless appearance.
Now use Mascara on the lashes or you can also use fake eyelashes for the bridal drama if needed.
View more: Royal Maharashtrian Bridal Makeup
Blush Application for the Kerala Bridal Make up
Once again, you have to be careful and true to yourself, to not go overboard. As mentioned earlier, the Malayali bride is an ethereal beauty and her makeup palette needs to do justice to her. Likewise, her blush needs to compliment her natural bridal flush.
Don’t go for obvious Pinks and Reds. Instead, try something in the gorgeous colour of Corals and Peachish-Pinks. These are the colours that most closely mimic the natural blush of the beautiful Kerala Bridal Makeup. Also, try not to go overboard with this, just the right amount to stay throughout the ceremony and to make you look like a glowing bride.
The Lips- Kerala Bridal Makeup
The lips are the main highlight of any Kerala Bridal Makeup look; be it bridal or casual. However, as this is the bride’s makeup look, hence it needs all the attention it can get. As most Malayali brides adorn the Kasuvu Saree, the look and makeup can be as versatile as possible. Here we will talk about the classic ‘Red Lip’. To get the look you will need to:
Apply some concealer or foundation on your lip, careful to cover the edges and the corners as well.
Now select your choice of Red Lip colour in Liquid lipstick and apply it carefully all over the lips.
Use the same shade in Cream to apply over the Liquid application, after it has dried up completely.
Now, take a tiny amount of highlighter and apply one of the ‘V-shaped’ parts of your upper lip. Be sure to blend this up.
The Bindi in Kerala Bridal Makeup
The Bindi is the traditional part of the Kerala bridal makeup. It is essential as it completely enhances the bridal look and ensures that the girl looks every bit like the bride she is supposed to. This is a simple step, as it requires you to simply paint the Red bindi on the right spot in the middle of your forehead.
If you are not a fan of using the Painted type, you can also get the stick-on type for the bridal requirements. The hairstyling for the Kerala ride is usually traditional, as it is in sync with the Kasuvu Saree that she wears. Some of the best hairdos for this look are:
Read more: Bridal Kolka Design
Kerala Bridal Makeup with a Long braided look
This is the quintessential Malayali bridal hairstyle with the Kerala Bridal Makeup, which comprises of Gajraa arrangement on the top base of the Plaits along with hair jewellery adorning the length of the entire plaits.
This can also be done with long strands of flower garlands.
The Classic High Bun with Kerala Bridal Makeup
This is the evergreen bridal hairdo, that completely complements the traditional Kerala Bridal Makeup. Here, one needs to tie their hair into a tight bun at the top of their head. Use an artificial bun on top of your natural one for an enhanced look if required.
Now simply encircle the entire arrangement with fresh Gajraa flowers.
Visit also: Amazing Kalka Design
Kerala Bridal Makeup Open hair with Fresh Flowers
If you are not a fan of tied-up hairstyles, you can also opt for some pretty open-haired styles. This could be a simple half-up hairdo with fresh flowers at the parting section. Let the rest of your hair loose, as it cascades to your shoulders and back.
The Kerala bridal look is warm and subtle. Unlike the rest of the country, the theme is rather soft hues of Matts, gold, and Browns. This further enhances the natural features and beauty of the bride.
Most times, it is the ‘Eyes that do all the talking’ for the South Indian Brides. Perhaps because she has big beautiful Almond-shaped eyes that instantly light up her face. Hence, it is only obvious, that you need to pay more attention to the Eye makeup for the Kerala Bridal Makeup.
The Kasuvu Saree is the most sought-after choice for the Kerala bride. This is the beautiful White or Ivory coloured Saree with a Gold border. Hence, it adds to the ethereal appeal of the Kerala bride.
The choice of Temple jewellery is the main aspect of the bridal tradition in Kerala Bridal Makeup. This is an elaborate affair that includes multiple pieces of jewellery, each of which is important and holds a Holy aspect to it.
The use of fresh flowers is yet another major aspect of the Kerala bridal look. These are mostly rich and dense garlands of Jasmine flowers arranged according to the hairstyle.