Makeup in India has come a long way, from homemade DIY ubtans and natural pastes to uber-cool beauty tools and latest fads. Yet, at its core, the essence of the Indian beauty rituals remains the same.
For us Indian girls, makeup isn’t just about looking our most glamorous self—it’s a blend of our culture, and deeply embedded roots. It connects us to the generations of women before us while allowing us to embrace the newest of the trends in our own unique way.
Indian beauty has always been about highlighting the best of our natural features without losing our individuality. It’s all about carrying a touch of tradition wherever we go.
Let’s dig in and take a nostalgic journey through time and explore how Indian makeup has transformed over the years!
Early 20th Century: Basic Yet Stunning
In the early 1900s, Ayurvedic practices and staple ingredients of the kitchen were the go-to makeup choices for women. Turmeric, sandalwood, henna, and homemade kajal made from soot were some of the go-to essentials.
Makeup was all about enhancing beauty with minimal effort, using basic, homemade remedies. Back then, looking beautiful wasn’t about larger-than-life products—it was about owning up to your natural beauty and relying on natural products to bring out your striking features.
Mid 20th Century: Going The Bollywood Way
With the rise of the silver screen in the 1950s and ’60s, women began drawing inspiration from the actresses of Hindi movies. Madhuala, Nargis, and Meena Kumari were a few of the most prominent names among them. Sculpted eyebrows and bold choices of lip colors became the go-to look for girls and women alike.
By the 1970s, actresses like Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi experimented with their looks and brought new trends, highly influenced by the western culture at the forefront. Eyeliner became a must-have for anyone who loved makeup, adding drama and definition to every look.
Late 20th Century: Refined Makeup with Pro Expertise
With Indian role models like Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen winning international beauty pageants, the makeup industry paved its way towards a more classy, sophisticated, yet glamorous approach. Compact powders and foundations became must-haves in every woman’s beauty drawer, while bright blushes found their place in makeup palettes.
This era also saw the rise of professional makeup artists, whose skills caught the eye of models and film stars. Bridal makeup became a big deal too, turning it into a must-have for every bride-to-be of that time.
2000s to Present: The Age of Insta-Beauty
With social media taking over and influencers setting the trends, the makeup industry has completely transformed.
Bold lips have taken a backseat to soft nude shades, and heavy, glossy blushes have made way for fresh, dewy finishes.
Today’s brides are all about that effortless, natural look—just enough makeup to enhance their features without looking overdone. Soft smoky eyes, natural brows, and sculpted cheeks have become the go-to, proving that subtle elegance is the new statement.
Conclusion
Makeup in India today is all about personal expression. Some days, it’s the classic charm of kohl-rimmed eyes and other days, it’s the bold edge of graphic liners and glossy lips. Trends may come and go, but beauty has always been deeply personal—rooted in how we see ourselves and the confidence we carry. Indian beauty isn’t just about following trends; it’s about embracing who we are while seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. So, yes, ladies, add some oomph to your look the way you want with your favorite makeup products and make heads turn your way!
Leave a Reply