The Festive Glam Rules We’re Borrowing From Sonam Kapoor

A smoky eye is a festive mainstay, and Sonam Kapoor makes a case for keeping it soft and smudged. Think warm brown eyeshadow, kohl and a touch of bronze, copper or champagne for a distinctly desi look.

"Start with a warm brown eyeshadow in the crease and blend it well, then add a bronze or copper shimmer on the lid for that festive touch," says celebrity makeup artist Ridhima Madhrani. "You can use a deeper brown on the outer corners to add depth and smudge a little kajal along the lash line for a softer, smokier effect." Blending is key, she adds. "You want the colours to transition seamlessly rather than look like separate patches."

For balanced eye makeup, Madhrani recommends pairing a smoky eye with "a radiant-finish foundation for a fresh, luminous base, a little bronzer and a nude or warm brown lip." The combination works for both daytime and evening celebrations.

Few things transform a makeup look like bold lips. Take inspiration from Sonam Kapoor and pair a classic red or deep berry with smoky eyes, or keep the rest of your makeup pared back.

"When it comes to bold lip colours, I think reds, berries and wine tones work beautifully on Indian skin tones," says Madhrani. "You can never really go wrong with a classic red, but brick reds and deeper berry shades are great options for the festive season."

For colour that lasts, start by hydrating your lips and blotting away excess balm. "You can apply a little concealer to create an even base, especially if you have pigmented lips and want the lipstick colour to show up more accurately. Next, define your lips with a lip liner and lightly fill them in before applying your lipstick. Blot gently with a tissue and apply a second layer to help the colour last longer. And, of course, keep your lipstick handy for touch-ups throughout the day, especially after meals," she says.

Few eye makeup looks have the staying power of a cat-eye. With its signature flick, it gives the eyes instant definition. For old-school glamour, take a cue from Sonam Kapoor and reach for classic black liner.

"A graphic cat-eye is a brilliant way to make a statement," says Madhrani. "You can play with crisp, elongated shapes and angles for a bold feel."

Keep the base matte, with softly sculpted cheeks swept upwards to echo the lift of the eye. "Neatly groomed brows frame the geometry, while a nude or muted pink lip ensures the rest of the face stays balanced, letting the liner be the true hero of the look," she says.

A liquid liner creates a crisp flick, while kohl smudged with a brush gives a softer finish. For a festive twist, try a pink flick like Sonam Kapoor or opt for Madhrani's suggested metallic liner.

Step beyond your usual colour palette with inspiration from Sonam Kapoor, whose Barbie-pink lids and pink-and-gold ombré eye makeup make a statement.

"The easiest way to experiment with colour is to choose one shade you want to play with and build the rest of your makeup around it," says Madhrani. "You don't have to match your eyeshadow to your outfit, either. A contrasting colour can make the entire look more interesting."

For a tonal finish, pair eyeshadow with a lip colour from the same family, or try unexpected colour combinations for a punch. Madhrani suggests emerald green or deep teal eyes with a warm nude lip, burgundy or plum eyeshadow with muted pink lips, and copper or gold lids with a classic red lip.

Keep the application soft and blended rather than layering too many intense shades together. "The idea is to make the colours complement each other, not compete for attention," says Madhrani. Let your makeup pick up on your festive outfit without matching it exactly.

Festive beauty lends itself to a little luminosity. A radiant complexion and strategically placed shine can elevate even the simplest makeup.

"It's about being selective with where you add shine," says Madhrani. "You don't need a highlighter, glittery eyeshadow and a very glossy lip all at once to make your makeup look festive. Choose one or two elements that you want to highlight."

Start with well-hydrated skin and apply highlighter sparingly to the high points of the face, such as the cheekbones. A metallic eyeshadow or glossy lip can add dimension without overwhelming the look.

Placement is key to keeping the finish fresh rather than greasy. "I like keeping the T-zone a little more controlled, especially if you have oily skin, so the glow looks intentional rather than greasy," Madhrani explains. "The finish should look fresh and radiant, not like there's too much product sitting on the skin."

Not every festive look calls for a smoky eye or bold lips. Fresh skin, softly defined eyes, a hint of blush and a natural-looking lip can make just as much of an impression. The fresh-faced, no-makeup makeup look that Sonam Kapoor wears so well is about being selective rather than going without makeup altogether.

"Start with well-moisturised skin and a skin tint or lightweight foundation, applying it only where needed," says Madhrani. "Dab concealer on areas that need extra coverage, then add cream blush and mascara. Finish with a tinted balm or sheer lipstick close to your natural lip colour."

Versatile enough for a daytime puja, a family lunch or an evening celebration, this look lets your outfit and jewellery take centre stage. For a festive touch, add champagne shimmer to the lids or a subtle highlight. It's proof that festive makeup looks needn't be dramatic to make an impression.

The biggest lesson from Sonam Kapoor's celebrity makeup looks is that glamour doesn't have to follow a formula. "Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your makeup," says Madhrani. "You don't always have to follow the rules or recreate a look exactly as you've seen it. If you love a bold lip, wear it. If you enjoy dramatic eyes, make them the focus. And if you prefer minimal makeup, you can still make a statement with beautiful skin and a touch of colour."

Take inspiration from Kapoor, but adapt her looks to your own features, personal style and the occasion. As Madhrani puts it, "Ultimately, makeup should make you feel good about yourself." The best festive makeup looks are the ones that make you feel most confident. These are the festival looks that feel as individual as the person wearing them.