South Asian brides are known for an opulent and ornamental wardrobe, complete with a glamorously embroidered outfit and loads of glittering jewels. So how do you make sure your makeup stands out as much as the rest of your bridal look? One timeless trend is the classic red lip. Whether you choose a fire-engine red or a deeper tone of burgundy, a red lip never goes out of style.
Think you can’t pull off a red hot lip? Think again. Your wedding day is your day to shine. As the center of the celebration, there’s no better time to make a dramatic statement with a rich and lustrous lip color. The versatility of this stunning shade works beautifully with nearly any skin tone. Brides with lighter skin tones should choose a cooler shade of red with pink or blue undertones while brides with tanner complexions should opt for warmer shades of red with neutral or orange undertones.
Find a shade that flatters not only your skin tone but also your personal preferences for a look that is as stunning as it is comfortable for you. If you want to try and keep a more natural look, a sheer lip color will do the trick—you’ll be able to have the pop of color you’re aiming for without losing the softer more natural look you feel comfortable in. Brides who want to embrace a deeply dramatic look should find a richly bold color—the more intense the shade, the bigger statement you’ll be making.
It’s crucial to pair a dramatic lip color with a subtle or neutral makeup palette. Choose shimmering eyeshadows that give more sparkle than pigment and keep your blush or bronzer on the rosy or neutral side. A dark smokey eye complements a deep red lip beautifully, but remember to keep the color on your eyes minimal. Stick to black or dark brown eyeliner or kajol so that the only pop of color on your face is from your lips. This way, you’ll avoid clashing too many colors at once and your lips will be able to say it all.
South Asian brides don’t only opt for a richly red lip color for the aesthetic effect. Did you know in North India brides traditionally wear red outfits because it signifies a strong and prosperous marriage? Pair that with the universal association of the color red with love, romance, and passion, and there’s no reason not to extend the auspicious color all the way to your makeup palette with a stunning red lip.
As is the case with any bridal look, the key is to find a style that is as stunning as personal. You want your inner joy to shine through, especially during your wedding, so no matter what shade of red you choose for your lips, make sure it’s paired with a genuine and heartwarming smile—that’ll be your best asset on your big day!
– Editor-in-Chief of Shaadi Belles, Jafreen M. Uddin.
Jafreen M. Uddin., Editor-in-Chief of Shaadi Belles, a South Asian wedding website focused on showcasing the most elegant and unique South Asian weddings from all over the world with an inspirational image gallery. www.shaadibelles.com.
