Indian Makeup vs Pakistani Makeup – Exploring the Art of Makeup

Makeup is a fascinating art form, offering endless possibilities for self-expression and creativity. While makeup trends and preferences vary across the world, they are often deeply influenced by cultural, historical, and societal factors. Today, we’re delving into the distinct makeup styles of India and Pakistan, exploring how these two neighboring countries, despite their shared history, have developed unique approaches to beauty. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the steps of creating an Indian makeup vs Pakistani makeup look, highlight the differences between the two, and discuss why choosing makeup according to your skin tone is essential.

Difference Between Indian Makeup vs Pakistani Makeup

India and Pakistan, two countries that share a common history, have diverged significantly in their makeup trends. The reasons for this are rooted in both cultural diversity and societal perceptions of beauty.

Pakistani Makeup Style: Pakistani makeup often leans towards dewy, light, and pink tones. This preference is influenced by the significant percentage of the population in Pakistan who are of Punjabi or Pathan descent, known for their lighter skin tones. The dewy, pink look complements their complexion, giving a fresh, youthful appearance. Pakistani women tend to favor a natural glow, using makeup to enhance their features without overpowering them.

Indian Makeup Style: In contrast, Indian makeup typically embraces warmer, matte tones, such as browns and golds. India’s diverse population, with a wide range of skin tones, means that makeup trends are more varied, but there’s a noticeable preference for looks that accentuate the natural warmth of Indian skin. The matte finish helps in controlling shine in a hot and humid climate, and brown tones are flattering for a wide range of skin tones found across India.

The Colonial Hangover: Both India and Pakistan were colonized by the British, and the impact of this colonial past is still evident in the beauty standards of both countries. There’s a lingering preference for lighter skin tones, a desire that has roots in the colonial era when fairness was equated with superiority. This colonial hangover has resulted in a common craving for makeup looks that can make the skin appear lighter, with products like fairness creams damaging to health still popular in both nations.

Steps in Indian Makeup vs Pakistani Makeup

Creating these distinct looks requires different techniques and products. Let’s break down the steps for each side of the face:

Pakistani Makeup

1. Prepping the Skin: Start with a clean face. Apply a soothing Aloe Vera Gel to hydrate the skin. Follow with a few drops of Tea Tree Oil from The Body Shop available here to prevent any breakouts and keep the skin fresh.
2. Apply Dr. Rashel Hydro Gel Patches under the eyes while doing your eye makeup to hydrate and depuff the area.

Face Makeup

1. Use the Ingrid Cosmetics Foundation for a flawless base that matches the skin tone perfectly. Follow up with the Ingrid Cosmetics Concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles.
2. Set the foundation with Laura Mercier Translucent Powder available here for a smooth, long-lasting finish.
3. Use Luscious Cosmetics Doll Face Blush on the cheeks for a rosy glow 
4. And enhance it with MAC Dilly Dolly Blush to give a natural shine on the face.

Pakistani Eye Makeup

1. Prime the eyelids with Ingrid Cosmetics Eye Base Foundation to ensure the eyeshadow lasts all day.
2. Use the Zay Beauty Shokh Eyeshadow Palette to create a soft pink look, focusing on light, rosy tones.
3. Apply the Luscious Cosmetics Doll Face Blush again on the crease to soften it more.
4. Line the eyes with Maybelline Hyper Easy Eyeliner in Black available here for a subtle definition.
5. Finish with a soft pink lipstick like Manna Kadar Manna Babe Lipstick available here paired with NYX soft Spoken Lipliner.
6. Final Touches Lightly dust MAC Dilly Dolly Blush on the apples of the cheeks for a pop of color. Highlight the high points of the face for a natural glow.

Indian Makeup

1. Prepping the Skin: Just like the Pakistani look, start with Aloe Vera Gel and Tea Tree Oil available here. This creates a smooth base and ensures the skin is well-prepped.

1. Face Makeup:
   • Apply Inglot Shade 84 HD foundation available here for a medium to full coverage matte base. Use LA Girl HD Concealer in Ivory available here to brighten under the eyes and conceal imperfections.
   • Set everything with Laura Mercier Translucent Powder available here to maintain a matte finish.
   • Add warmth to the cheeks with Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush available here.
   • Finish with a highlighter from Revolution Beauty Raise The Bar available here to complement the matte brown tones of the look.

Indian Eye Makeup

1. Start with Ingrid Cosmetics Smart Eye Palette for a brown, smokey look. Add depth to the eyes with the Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette available here.
2. Define the eyes with Max Factor Kajal Pencil in Black 02 available here for a bold, kohl-rimmed look that’s iconic in Indian makeup.
3. Finish the eyes with a generous coat of Maybelline Colossal Mascara available here for voluminous lashes.

Why Choosing Makeup According to Your Skin Tone is Important

One of the most crucial aspects of makeup is choosing products that suit your skin tone. Both Indian makeup vs Pakistani makeup looks discussed here are tailored to complement specific skin tones. The right foundation shade, blush, and lipstick can enhance your natural beauty, while the wrong shade can do the opposite.

For Pakistani Makeup: The pink tones and dewy finishes are ideal for those with fair to medium skin tones, creating a fresh, radiant look.

For Indian Makeup: The warm, matte tones work wonderfully for deeper skin tones, accentuating the natural warmth and adding a healthy glow.

Conclusion

Exploring the differences in Indian makeup vs Pakistani makeup reveals how beauty practices are deeply influenced by cultural, historical, and societal factors. It’s important to understand your skin’s undertones—whether they’re warm, cool, or neutral—to select products that will enhance your complexion. The goal of makeup should be to enhance your natural beauty, not mask it.