Keeping it classic

Namrata Soni, one of the country’s most soughtafter makeup artists, has an insightful trend talk with Kanishka Ramchandani, charting the path for makeup aficionados in 2025.

Namrata Soni is an artist who doesn’t regard a person’s face as a blank canvas. She looks at a person for who she really is, and uses makeup to enhance her personality, be it a celebrity preparing for a magazine cover shoot or a bride getting ready for her D-day. Having studied from the Delamar Academy of Makeup, London, and specialising in prosthetic and casualty makeup, Soni has defined not only her own space in the Indian makeup scenario but also the entire industry. She helms her own academy, runs her makeup brand Simply Nam, and continues to play a pivotal role in making Indian and international celebrities look amazing.

Soni helps us set our trend-o-meter right as we quiz her about the colours and techniques that she’s hearting this season.

What are the top makeup trends for 2025?

The minimal satin finish, skin-like makeup is back, along with bold statement eyes, beautiful blurred lips and definitely glossy lips.

What are the common mistakes that makeup artists do that can be easily avoided?

Following trends that are a little too much out there! Remember, keep it classic, keep it beautiful. Follow trends but make them your own. For instance, don’t do lip colours that are trending just because they are in vogue that particular season. Instead do lip colours that will be regarded as a classic forever.

Are there any specific makeup techniques or products that are popular for bridal makeup?

The C blush, which is almost like face draping, is quite popular. The C blush spreads from the temples on to the cheekbones and it is a very specific makeup technique that can be effectively used to make brides look absolutely stunning. I think a few products such as cream blushes and glossy lip balms, which are hydrating and give a plumping effect, are your go-to products to bring the magic on.

What are your favourite colour palettes for an Indian bride?

I love bronze, kohl-lined eyes with an intense brown. Of course, the gorgeous black kajal is classic. Beautiful peachy rosewood blushes for the cheeks and gorgeous soft browns and pinks and muted reds for the lips are my favourites for Indian brides.

How do you address common skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne or dullness in bridal makeup?

I always meet my bride at least six months in advance. If I can’t meet her in person, I do a video call with her to understand her skin concerns.

Hyperpigmentation is super easy to conceal, if you use the right techniques with the right corrector and concealer. You can cover up acne as long as it’s not inflamed and has a white mouth, as the concealer and corrector will not stay put on it. You need the right colour corrector, soft peach or pink, to manage the dullness.

Ensure that your bridal client is following a skincare regime six to eight months before the wedding to have healthy skin that’s optimal for makeup.

Which are the popular eye shadow colours and combinations?

Few of the popular eyeshadow colours are bronze, rose gold, soft gold, muted golds, blacks and intense browns, as they work beautifully on Indian skin tones. Different shades of pinks - soft, deep cranberry – are also great picks. They look beautiful when combined and blended. You can also add a touch of shimmery glitter on top. A little bit of silver or gold or rose gold works like magic.

Which is that one make-up tip that you want all bridal makeup artists to remember?

Keep it subtle. Less is more. Make your brides into a more beautiful version of themselves. They will always appreciate it and call you back as will the people who see them at their weddings.

What you see on Instagram with filters on is not how they actually look. So, try and use as less filters as you can. Don’t clean up your client pictures or videos. Keep it raw, keep it real.

Which are the most important questions to be asked during the consultation?

Show them your work and ask your bride what kind of makeup they like. It’s very important to understand what they want. Many brides are confused because of what they see on social media.

Understand their vibe - whether they like less makeup, whether they want a beautiful neutral makeup where the lips and eyes are balanced, whether they want a heavier lip, a lighter eye or vice versa.

Know the kind of skin you are working on, and make them understand this too, and let them know if they need to work on their skin before the big day.

Brides-to-be often show me filtered pictures on Instagram. I know that’s not how they will look. It’s important to make them understand this.

How do you predict bridal makeup trends will evolve in 2025?

Glitter is timeless. Brides love glittery smoky eyes or glittery nude makeup as it gives a dewy look. However, your skin cannot look like glass with makeup unless that’s the kind of skin you have.

Play with colours for prewedding functions like mehendi as that’s when the bride will wear a colourful attire.

Bridal makeup trends will keep on evolving, depending on the trends seen at fashion weeks. Remember to keep it simple, keep it classic, keep it beautiful. Follow trends that work for you.