Tihar makeup guide: a festive look that lasts all five days

Tihar is five days of oil lamps, marigold garlands, rangoli, deusi-bhailo and, on the last day, Bhai Tika. It is also a lot of hours in front of the camera. A good Tihar look has to survive a morning puja, family visits and an evening outside, and still look fresh in photos.

Start with skin, not makeup

October and November in Kathmandu bring cooler, drier air. A base sits better on skin that is hydrated, so start the night before:

• Cleanse gently and use a moisturiser that suits your skin type
• In the morning, use a light hydrating layer and let it sink in before primer
• Keep primer and heavy base thin on the centre of the forehead, where the tika goes

If you use the Glow skin scan, look at the dryness and redness areas before the festival. They show where your base is most likely to cling or flake.

A base that lasts the day

• Choose a long-wear foundation or skin tint in your exact shade, checked in daylight
• Set lightly around the nose and chin, where shine starts first
• Finish with a setting spray rather than more powder

Colours that suit marigolds and lamplight

Tihar colours are warm: marigold orange, gold, deep red and maroon. Makeup in the same family looks natural next to them.

• Eyes: warm gold, bronze or copper shimmer, with a soft brown liner
• Lips: brick red, deep rose or a warm nude if your outfit is bright
• Cheeks: a warm peach or terracotta blush, placed high

Shimmer catches lamplight beautifully in the evening. Keep it on the eyelids and the high points of the cheeks so skin does not look oily in daytime photos.

Bhai Tika day

The tika is the centre of the look on Bhai Tika. Keep the forehead clean and lightly set so the tika and the jamara sit well and nothing smudges during the blessing. A brow gel keeps brows neat through the day.

When to book an artist

Festival mornings are the busiest slots of the year. Book a week or two ahead, and tell your artist:

1. The time of your puja or tika
2. Your outfit colours, or send a photo
3. Whether you want them to come to your home

You can book makeup, hair and mehendi artists for Tihar on Glow, at home or in their salon.