Have you ever dreamt of channelling the captivating beauty of Bollywood stars? Well, get ready to turn heads with these ten iconic makeup looks that have mesmerised audiences for decades. From the drama of exaggerated eyeliner to the timeless elegance of nude metallic lips, Bollywood offers a treasure trove of inspiration for every makeup enthusiast.
1. Exaggerated Eyeliner
Bollywood is synonymous with drama, and nothing screams dramatic more than exaggerated eyeliner. This look became incredibly popular thanks to actresses like Sridevi and Deepika Padukone. The bold, thick lines that extend beyond the outer corners of the eyes add a touch of glamour and intensity. It’s perfect for making the eyes the focal point of the face.
Experimenting with shapes, whether it’s a classic wing or a more daring graphic design, can help you make this look your own.
Get the look: L‘Oreal Paris Flash Cat Eye Eyeliner, Black
2. Too Much Blush is a Myth
The idea that one can overdo blush is a myth, at least in Bollywood. Actresses like Madhuri Dixit and Rekha have shown that a generous application of blush can create a youthful, healthy glow. Opt for shades that complement your skin tone, from peachy pinks to deeper mauves. Apply it not just on the cheeks but also a bit on the nose and temples for a natural flush. This look radiates vitality and brings life to any makeup routine.
Get the look: Swiss Beauty Ultra Blush Palette
3. Extra-Long Lashes
Lashes that go on for days are a staple in Bollywood beauty. Stars like Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra have sported lush, voluminous lashes that add a flirtatious and captivating element to their looks. Whether using false eyelashes or a volumising mascara, the goal is to achieve maximum length and volume. The fluttery lashes make the eyes appear larger and more expressive, adding to the overall allure.
Get the look: Swiss Beauty 3 D Studio Effect Eyelashes
4. Over-Lined Lips
Over-lined lips have been a classic trend, popularised by divas like Kareena Kapoor Khan. This look involves lining just outside the natural lip line to create the illusion of fuller lips. Pair it with matte lipstick in a nude or bold colour to make the lips stand out. It’s a simple technique that can transform the appearance of your lips, giving them a more defined and plump look.
Get the look: Swiss Beauty Pure Matte Lipstick
5. Dramatic Puff Hairstyle with Tight Curls – 1960’s Mumtaz
The 1960s brought us the unforgettable Mumtaz with her dramatic puff hairstyle and tight curls. This retro look combines volume at the crown with bouncy curls that frame the face beautifully. It’s a playful yet sophisticated hairstyle that complements any glamorous makeup. Perfect for themed parties or when you’re in the mood for some vintage flair, this style is all about embracing the drama.
Get the look: Philips Hair Curler
6. Zeenat Aman’s Bohemian Beauty
Zeenat Aman epitomised the bohemian chic look of the 1970s. Her makeup was characterised by earthy tones, soft smokey eyes, and nude lips. This look is all about keeping it natural yet sultry. Soft, blended eyeshadows in brown and bronze shades paired with nude or light pink lips create an effortless, carefree vibe. This style is ideal for anyone who loves a relaxed yet put-together appearance.
Get the look: Renee Eyeshadow Palette
7. The 90s Earthier Tones in Lip Colours + Grunge Smokey Eye Makeup
The 1990s saw a shift towards earthier tones and grunge-inspired makeup. Actresses like Kajol and Raveena Tandon made brown and mauve lip colours iconic. These shades paired perfectly with a grunge smokey eye, characterised by smudged kohl and dark eyeshadows. This look is edgy yet sophisticated, making it perfect for anyone who wants to channel a bit of 90s nostalgia.
Get the look: Insight Cosmetics Non-Transfer Lip Color
8. Nude Metallic Lips and Thick Liner
Combining nude metallic lips with thick eyeliner creates a modern yet timeless look. This trend has been sported by many Bollywood celebrities, including Anushka Sharma and Sonam Kapoor.
The metallic sheen on the lips adds a touch of glamour without being overpowering, while the thick liner keeps the focus on the eyes. This combination works well for both day and night, offering a versatile makeup look.
Get the look: Swiss Beauty Jet Black Bold Felt Tip Eyeliner
9. Rock n’ Roll Era Makeup
The rock n’ roll era brought a splash of vibrant colours and bold styles to Bollywood. Bright eyeshadows like blue, coupled with rouged cheeks and bold lips, defined this period. Stars like Parveen Babi and Neetu Singh embraced this daring style.
Funky braids and headbands often accompanied the look, adding to the rebellious vibe. It’s a fun, energetic style perfect for those who love to experiment with colour and aren’t afraid to make a statement.
Get the look: Smytten Pack Of 2 Headbands
10. Dramatic White Lower Water Lines Introduced by Rekha
The rock n’ roll era brought a splash of vibrant colours and bold styles to Bollywood. Bright eyeshadows like blue, coupled with rouged cheeks and bold lips, defined this period. Stars like Parveen Babi and Neetu Singh embraced this daring style.
Funky braids and headbands often accompanied the look, adding to the rebellious vibe. It’s a fun, energetic style perfect for those who love to experiment with colour and aren’t afraid to make a statement.
Get the look: Colours Queen Lip & Eye Liner Pencil
Conclusion
Bollywood has been a source of beauty inspiration for decades. These ten iconic makeup looks showcase the diversity and creativity of Bollywood’s beauty trends.
Whether it’s the exaggerated eyeliner, the youthful flush of blush, or the dramatic white waterlines, these styles offer something for everyone. Trying out these looks can add a touch of Bollywood glamour to everyday life, making one feel like a star.
