From lip prep to going easy on the blush: Top dos and don'ts from celebrity MUA to look your best this Diwali

Celebrity makeup artist Aafreen Petiwala shares top dos and don’ts to help you avoid common beauty blunders and achieve effortless glam this festive season.
Your festive beauty routine should be all about effortless glamour, with a radiant glow that allows you to enjoy every moment of the season. Whether you're attending parties, indulging in delicious food or spending quality time with loved ones, do it all with a flawless face. It's the perfect time to embrace glitter, sharp winged eyeliner and bold makeup looks, but without the fuss of long, complicated routines.
While the festive season is perfect for experimenting with makeup, keeping your look fresh and flawless all day can be tricky. The excitement and busyness of the festivals often lead to common beauty blunders. The last thing you want is your makeup looking cakey or your smoky eye looking more like you've had a rough night than a glam evening. (Also read: Want to look like Radhika Merchant, Alia Bhatt at your wedding? Try these 6 bridal makeup hacks from a celebrity artist )
Don't worry, ladies! We are here to help. Aafreen Petiwala, celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist, shares with HT Lifestyle top dos and don'ts of festive makeup to ensure you look your best without the stress.
Dos:
1. Prep with primer
Always apply a primer before your makeup to ensure your base stays intact throughout the day. It smooths the skin and helps your foundation last longer, even during long festive celebrations.
2. Hydrate for dewy skin
Hydration is key for that fresh, dewy glow. Opt for moisturizers and hydrating foundations that leave your skin looking plump and radiant. Dewy skin is trending, so go light on powder to let the natural glow shine through.
3. Sheen on the eyes
Shimmering eyelids are a must for festive looks. Play with metallic or glitter eyeshadows to add a touch of glamour. For an extra pop, apply highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes.
4. Long-lasting liquid lipstick

Choose a long-lasting matte liquid lipstick that stays put throughout the festivities. To avoid dryness, add a layer of lip balm or lip gloss on top for a hydrated, glossy finish.
5. Set it with fixer spray
Use a setting spray or fixer to lock in your makeup, ensuring it lasts from day to night without touch-ups. This is your secret weapon for keeping your makeup fresh and intact.
Don'ts:
1. Skipping the primer
Never skip primer! Without it, your makeup won't last as long and can start to fade or look uneven, especially in the festive heat or humidity.
2. Smudge-prone mascara

Avoid using regular mascara that might smudge after a few hours. Instead, opt for waterproof mascara to prevent any running, especially if you'll be dancing or indulging in festive drinks.
3. Overloading on blush or highlighter

While blush and highlighter add dimension and glow, be careful not to overdo it. Balance is key—too much can make your face look oily instead of radiant.
4. Skipping lip prep

Don't forget to prep your lips! Applying matte lipstick on dry lips can result in a cracked look. Always hydrate them first with a lip balm before applying your lipstick.
5. Neglecting a setting spray
Without a setting spray, your makeup can start to fade halfway through the celebration. Don't miss this final step to make your look last all day and night.
By following these tips, you'll be sure to rock your festive makeup look with confidence and elegance. Keep it fresh, keep it fun, and most importantly, let your radiant personality shine through!
ABOUT THE AUTHORAkanksha AgnihotriAkanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More
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