Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, is just around the corner. A festivity full of celebrations and feasts, Onam is also a good time to embrace traditional beauty and fashion. Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India brings you 5 simple steps to ace the perfect Onam look with ease.
The elegance of Kerala’s sartorial heritage, topped with a modern-day touch can create a stunning Onam look that’s timeless as well as fashionable. Here’s how you can achieve the perfect Onam look, balancing tradition with modern sensibilities.
1. The Classic Kerala Saree
At the foundation of the perfect Onam look is the Kasavu saree. It’s an elegant, off-white saree that’s bordered with a golden zari. Traditionally, a Kasavu is made of cotton. It symbolises purity and simplicity, and the golden border adds a regal touch.
You can experiment with the saree with this Onam by trying out different draping styles. You can choose the classic style or go for a more off-beat drape that offers a structured look.
For a change, you can also opt for variations of the Kasavu. You can either try a silk or linen version. Or, you can go for a kasavu with a colourful border, like pink, blue, or green. You can also consider wearing a half-saree.
2. Jewellery: Timeless Gold
Gold jewellery is a must for a complete Onam look. The traditional Kerala gold pieces include heavy necklaces like the mulla mottu mala (jasmine bud necklace) and the kaasu mala (coin necklace). Additionally, elements like jhumkas, bangles, and odiyanam (waist belts) are traditional pieces that add bountiful grace to your look.
To balance the look, you can go minimal with just statement earrings and a sleek necklace or layer up the necklaces for a more opulent feel. If you want to add a modern touch, opt for delicate gold jewellery with geometric patterns or fusion designs.
3. Dewy, Natural Makeup
The key to Onam makeup is a fresh, dewy base that enhances your natural complexion accompanied by bold eyes and lips. Let’s break down the Onam makeup into a few easy steps:
- Start with a hydrating primer followed by a lightweight foundation or BB cream.
- Use a cream blush in soft pink or coral shades to add a natural flush to your cheeks.
- For your eyes, stick to neutral tones like gold, beige, or brown. Apply a hint of shimmer on your eyelids for a festive glow.
- Define your eyes with a bold kajal or eyeliner to achieve a traditional kohl-rimmed look. You can opt for a winged liner, as it looks traditional yet glam.
- Complete your eye makeup with mascara for fuller lashes.
- Highlight your features with a soft golden highlighter on the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose.
- For lips, go for classic shades like deep red, soft maroon, or even a peachy nude. A matte or semi-matte lipstick works best to keep the look polished and elegant.
4. Hair: Classic and Floral
For your Onam hairstyle, keep it simple yet graceful. A sleek bun or long braid adorned with fresh jasmine flowers (gajra) is the traditional choice. The flowers enhance the festive appeal and look really graceful. Depending on the grandeur of your celebrations, you can also add hair accessories like gold pins or a small maang tikka for a regal finish.
