Durga Puja is under way, and with it come long evenings of pandal hopping, crowds, dhunuchi dances and the warm, humid October air. A festive look that melts by the second pandal is no fun. Here is how to create a classic Bengali Pujo look that lasts.
Prep your skin for humidity
- Cleanse with a gentle face wash.
- Use a light, gel-based moisturiser rather than a heavy cream.
- Apply sunscreen for daytime visits. See our sunscreen guide.
- Use a mattifying or long-wear primer on the T-zone.
The classic Bengali Pujo look
- Base: Keep it light. A long-wear foundation or tinted moisturiser, set with translucent powder, holds up better than heavy layers.
- Eyes: Bold, winged kajal is the heart of the look. Choose a smudge-proof formula from a trusted brand. Read about the tradition in Beauty Secrets of India: Kajal.
- Bindi: A big round red bindi, sometimes with a small dot of white chandan above or around it.
- Lips: A classic red or deep maroon. Line, fill, blot and reapply a second layer for staying power.
- Feet: Red alta on the feet completes the traditional look. See how to apply alta neatly.
- Hair: A low bun wrapped with jasmine or a few red flowers. Tips in jasmine and gajra.
- Saree: The red-and-white laal paar saree is the iconic choice for Ashtami and Dashami.
Making it last all night
- Carry blotting papers instead of piling on more powder.
- A setting spray helps make-up survive heat and crowds.
- Keep a small kit: kajal, lipstick, a compact, bobby pins and wet wipes.
- Choose comfortable footwear. You may walk 8 to 10 km in a night.
- Drink water regularly; dehydration shows up quickly on the skin.
Sindoor khela: enjoy it safely
On Bijoya Dashami, married women smear each other with sindoor in the joyful sindoor khela before the goddess is immersed. Studies have found lead in some cheap sindoor products, so:
- Buy sindoor from reputable brands that list ingredients.
- Keep it away from eyes and broken skin, and patch test if your skin is sensitive.
- Afterwards, wipe off excess with a dry cloth, then use an oil-based cleanser or coconut oil before washing with a mild cleanser.
- Wash hair with a gentle shampoo and follow with conditioner.
- Soothe skin with aloe vera gel or a light moisturiser.
Shubho Pujo! Planning your route? Read our Kolkata pandal hopping guide.
