For me, Eid can't really be special if I put no effort into my beauty routine. I love to get my hair blow dried in the morning as well as buy brand new make-up for the occasion. Since bright colours are the very soul of South Asian clothes, I'm always careful not to overdo my make-up – as a result, I've spent years perfecting my look, so feel I'm well-placed to share some recommendations.
The art lies in striking a balance between your clothes, jewellery and make-up. If your jewellery is more on the traditional side with eye catching pendants – jhumkas –and gold stone gems – kundan – don't do an overly-dramatic eye. If you're going for an intense eye look, pick a lip colour from the nude family.
Either way, I've found products to create the perfect look for Eid, whatever your style. From skincare to make-up, here are my favourite things to wear for the celebrations...
To celebrate Eid, we've got a Grazia members exclusive for you. On the Grazia app this week Dishoom is giving you the chance to win a family meal out at your favourite location. Simply visit the Grazia Members Website
www.charlottetilbury.com
Make-up artist Hannah Martin swears by using this moisturiser as a base or primer and I couldn’t agree more. This award-winning cream instantly hydrates, making the perfect base as I layer my beauty products to encourage lasting and glowing results. After applying makeup, I also finish with Charlotte Tilbury’s flawless setting spray.
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Kajal is as essential to South-Asian beauty as SPF (almost). This one is by far the perfect eyeliner for those who like dramatic eyes. With 4-in-1 capabilities, this eyeliner has staying power for up to 12 hours, perfect to wear on Eid day. There are an array of colours and undoubtedly, I want them all.
jonesroadbeauty.com
I’m definitely a ‘you can never wear enough blush’ kind of girl and this cheek stick can be worn on your lips as well as your cheeks. Simply top up throughout the day as and when you need it ; the formula also works to boost collagen leaving your skin looking instantly nourished and glowy.
I always start with a collagen supplement as part of my daily beauty routine and this has worked wonders on my skin and hair. With 5g of marine collagen, the Liposomal Technology ensures your body absorbs as much of the supplement as possible, which includes a powerful blend of vitamin C. Simply fold the sachets in half to open and squeeze out the liquid; the packaging is fully recyclable and it actually tastes really good.
www.kiehls.co.uk
This is my go-to ‘instant facial’ for a guaranteed pick-me-up whenever my skin feels dull and tired. With its ancient heritage ingredients of turmeric, this mask is guaranteed to make your skin look brighter. The crushed cranberry seeds gently exfoliate for smoother, brighter, illuminated-looking skin. Aarti Pal, an award-winning make-up artist swears by it and uses it on her bridal clients to create a real glow.
www.vieve.co.uk
Make-up isn’t complete without false lashes and I’m obsessed with these ones. I like to have a more natural-looking effect and these shorter half eyelashes are perfect for achieving that. They are also lightweight and super-soft on the skin; comfort is exactly what you need on Eid.
www.boots.com
If you are going slightly heavier on the eyes, this gorgeous lipstick offers the perfect nude to balance out your look. In a full matte finish it lasts up to ten hours. The deep tone matte beige is a Mac classic staple and its versatility allows for it to be worn with so many outfits. I wear it most days to work and on an evening out.
www.harveynichols.com
Brow guru Shavata Singh continues to pave the way for eyebrow perfection. Traditionally, South Asians like to get their eyebrows threaded and Singh offers a unique range of eyebrow treatments including tinting, lamination, semi perm and micro-blading. To help you achieve gorgeously shaped eyebrows head to your nearest store, now in 9 cities in the UK and then use this brow tamer to keep them looking flawless.
www.sephora.co.uk
A classic red nail colour is a beauty essential for Eid and I’ll never get bored of this Rouge Noir shade. This new formula features a higher concentration ensuring lasting results with a pristine finish.
www.lookfantastic.com
A new fragrance to wear on Eid is my guilty pleasure and this one has become my favourite. It embodies a refreshing floral scent perfect for summer, as it's crisp with sparking citrus and smells delicious. The frosted white bottle will look sleek on your dressing table too.
www.boots.com
Big hair don’t care. South Asians love to add volume to their hair and this Dyson styler never disappoints. I know its pricey, but it's totally changed my hair for the better. Since I started using it, no volumising spray or shampoo beats it. If you have time, go full out and use the curl barrels for a bouncy look. I promise you wont regret it!
To avoid family commenting on how tired I look (!), I always use a great under-eye concealer. This one is for anyone who has dark circles and wants extra coverage. It comes in a good variety of shades – there are 14 in total. It promises to neutralise discolouration and brighten the under-eye area, making it the perfect base for the rest of your make-up.
WHEN IS EID?
Eid Al-Adha known as ‘Big Eid’ or the ‘festival of sacrifice’ is due to fall on June 28 (Wednesday). This occasion marks the final day of Haj (pilgrimage) and millions of Muslims donate to charity, usually by the (symbolic) sacrifice of an animal that Muslims can eat. For example, some Muslims will donate money that represents the value of an animal to a number of Islamic charities around the world, distributing the meat to the poor. This Eid is all about sacrifice, known as ‘qurbani’, and there is nothing more fulfilling knowing that just a small contribution can help feed thousands of people.
Eid rituals vary in each household. For me, it starts with morning prayers at the Mosque, followed by my favourite Eid breakfast, channa and halwa puri (chickpea curry with semolina and fried flat breads). In my household, my parents usually cook up a storm the night before Eid; I’m salivating at the thought of it all! Some families like to spend Eid dining at a fabulous restaurant like Dishoom, Darjeeling Express, Maroush or local Pakistani restaurants where signature dishes are introduced on the day.
If you haven’t had the chance to source your outfit yet, don't worry: there is an Eid exhibition on June 25 (Sunday) at The Hilton on Park Lane in London. The Exhibit is founded by Alyzeh Rahim Shirazi and showcases some of the very best Pakistani designers.