By Trisha Chawla

Sparkly eyeshadow and bright red lips set the gold standards of festive makeup. But with a majority of traditional poojas and festivities being hosted during the day, you may not feel like going all out with your makeup look. We totally get that!

This is where you need an easy, but glamorous, version of the no-makeup look. Bollywood’s favourite makeup artist, Namrata Soni recommends opting for softer textures and vivacious hues for a natural, feminine look.

If you’re looking for some rules to play by, here are her top commandments to acing daytime makeup.

Rule 1: Do double duty

You know that lip liner you dig out only when you’re going to a wedding? Here’s another fun way to use it. “Use a pink lip liner as an eyeliner to add colour to your look. This is a great way to swap a traditional black eyeliner for something soft,” says Soni.

Rule 2: Bring your layer game

An eye pencil could easily smudge on you, especially during the day when humidity levels are high. Soni advises, “Whether you’re using a black kohl pencil or a colourful one, go over that line with a flat brush with a powder eyeshadow in the same colour. This helps to intensify the colour and hold it in place for longer.”

Rule 3: Try an insta-lift

The traditional rule of thumb is to apply blush on the apples of your cheeks, but Soni wants you to try otherwise. “Face draping is a technique where you apply blush below your cheekbones, right where you would do your contour. This gives your face a more angular structure and the illusion of higher cheekbones.” She recommends using a beauty blender instead of a brush for seamless application.

Rule 4: Play matchmaker

If you’re always confused about the right lipstick and blush to pair with a coloured eyeliner, take note. “Start with neutral colours like pinks, peaches and corals and stick to similar shades on the eyes, cheeks and lips. If you are wearing striking shades like greens and blues on the eyes, pair it with pink blush and pink lips for a softer look,” says Soni.

Rule 5: Keep it soft

For a daytime festive look, you don’t need to fuss with perfectly lined lips. Soni says, “Apply a soft matte lipstick on the centre of your lips and blend with a brush or your fingertips to diffuse the colour. Top it off with lip balm to make it look like a natural stain.”

Namrata Soni's Rules For Your Daytime Festive Look