Holi is pure joy — colours flying, music playing, laughter everywhere. But if you’ve ever watched your perfectly-done makeup melt off by 10 AM, you know the struggle. This guide gives you 7 gorgeous looks designed to actually last through the gulal, water and celebration — so you look as radiant in the photos as you feel in the moment.
Before You Begin: The Golden Rule
Always apply a generous layer of coconut or almond oil on your face, neck, and hands before any makeup. This creates a barrier against colour and makes removal a breeze later — without ruining your skin.
The 7 Looks
Pick Your Perfect Holi Glam
01 Best for · Outdoor Holi Party
The Bold Berry Lip Look
A statement lip in deep berry or wine instantly elevates your festive look without requiring much effort. Keep the eyes simple with waterproof kajal and a swipe of mascara so the lip does all the talking — and survives every hug and bite of gujiya.
✦ Pro Tips
- Line lips slightly outside your natural lip line for fuller effect
- Use a lip liner as base coat — it dramatically increases longevity
- Blot once, reapply, blot again for transfer-proof color
- Opt for matte finish — it lasts longer than glossy in humid weather
Waterproof KajalMatte Lip LinerLong-Stay LipstickSetting Spray
02 Best for · Holi House Party
The Golden Hour Glow
Think warm bronzed skin, shimmery golden eyelids, and peachy-nude lips. This look channels the festive warmth of Holi itself — and photographs beautifully in natural light. A water-resistant illuminator on your cheekbones ties everything together.
✦ Pro Tips
- Use a cream-based bronzer — it blends seamlessly and stays put
- Apply gold eyeshadow with fingertip for the most intense pigment
- A warm-toned highlight on the brow bone opens up the eye
- Finish with a fixing mist to lock in the dewy finish
Cream BronzerGold EyeshadowPeach Lip TintFixing Mist
03 Best for · Quick & Easy · Beginners
The No-Makeup Makeup Look
Your skin, but better. A tinted moisturiser or BB cream with SPF, clear brow gel, and a lip balm with a hint of colour is all you need. This look is approachable, fresh, and honestly the smartest choice if you’re heading into a full colour war.
✦ Pro Tips
- Always choose a tinted product with SPF 30+ for outdoor play
- Tap — don’t rub — product onto skin for natural finish
- Tinted lip balm keeps lips protected from dry gulal powder
- Skip mascara entirely — tinted SPF moisturiser is your only hero product
BB Cream SPF 30+Tinted Lip BalmClear Brow Gel
04 Best for · Full Glam Holi Event
The Smudge-Proof Smoky Eye
A classic smoky eye gets a Holi-proof upgrade. The secret is layering a gel liner base under your eyeshadow and sealing everything with a matte setting powder. Deep charcoal or navy works beautifully against both fair and deep skin tones.
✦ Pro Tips
- Prime lids with a waterproof eyeshadow base — non-negotiable
- Build colour in light layers; sheer > opaque for longevity
- Set the under-eye with translucent powder to prevent fallout smudging
- Skip lower lash mascara to avoid raccoon eyes during play
Eye PrimerGel LinerWaterproof ShadowTranslucent Powder
05 Best for · Traditional Holi · Puja Morning
The Classic Ethnic Glam
Paired with a salwar or saree, this look brings together a defined kohl eye, a bold red or coral lip, and a dewy base. It’s timelessly festive, rooted in tradition, and effortlessly gorgeous for a more dressed-up celebration.
✦ Pro Tips
- Tight-line the upper lash line with kohl for an intense, pulled-together look
- A classic red lip pairs with every Indian outfit — trust the classics
- Bindi adds the perfect festive finishing touch
- Use a lightweight but full-coverage foundation for photos
Red LipstickKohl KajalFull Coverage FoundationBlush
06 Best for · Instagram · Reels Content
The Colourful Graphic Liner Look
This is the look that breaks the internet every Holi season. Bright coloured liner in fuchsia, cobalt, or emerald drawn as a graphic flick or abstract shape becomes your visual centrepiece. Keep everything else clean and minimal so the liner pops.
✦ Pro Tips
- Use felt-tip eyeliners for sharp, precise graphic shapes
- Sketch with a white pencil first, then trace with colour
- Waterproof coloured liners are non-negotiable for this look
- Match liner to one element of your outfit for a cohesive frame
Felt-Tip Coloured LinerWhite PencilNude LipSetting Spray
07 Best for · Evening Post-Holi Party
The After-Dark Holi Glam
After the colours wash off, the evening begins. This look is your second act — a full glam moment with a deep plum or wine eye, glossy lips, and illuminated skin. Think of it as your reward for surviving the day in style.
✦ Pro Tips
- Cleanse thoroughly before applying evening look — fresh canvas is key
- A hydrating serum under foundation restores skin’s glow post-play
- Plum and wine tones look especially rich under artificial lighting
- A glass-skin finish with a gloss completes the transformation
Plum EyeshadowLip GlossHydrating FoundationHighlighter
Holi Makeup Survival Guide
The 5 rules every beauty lover needs before playing Holi
Oil Up First
Coconut or almond oil on face and body forms a protective barrier. Colour slides off and skin stays safe.
Waterproof Everything
Foundation, mascara, kajal — if it’s not waterproof, skip it. Water + colour powder = instant makeup fail.
Primer is Non-Negotiable
A good primer extends wear by hours. Choose one with grip and SPF if you’re playing outside.
Set, Set, Set
Baking your T-zone and using a setting spray after finishing will dramatically extend your look’s lifespan.
Post-Holi Skin Love
Double-cleanse with an oil-based cleanser first. Follow with a soothing aloe-based moisturiser to repair skin.
Ready to Glow This Holi? 🎨
Bookmark this guide, share it with your girls, and pick your look for the most colourful day of the year. ✦ Shop Holi-Proof Makeup
Written by the Beauty Team · Last updated February 2025 · For educational & informational purposes.
