The best hair, makeup, skincare and treatment recs from South Asian beauty experts
Up until recent years, it was near impossible to find mainstream beauty inspo for South Asian weddings and events. For many millennial and Gen Z brides, who are second generation immigrants, this meant navigating the vast world of weddings used to be a real challenge. Where a lot of girls found their inspiration in the pages of fashion magazines, or in the videos of the original YouTube influencers, this isn’t a space where I saw brown faces like mine growing up.
Any knowledge around beauty and style on wedding days was either coming from our mothers or the high-end South Asian designers that were dressing Bollywood celebrities and felt entirely inaccessible. If you didn’t come from an affluent family, chances are your mother didn’t wear make-up on her wedding day, and even if she did, when you’re South Asian but growing up in the Western world, you’ll be looking at a very different style.
I was lucky enough to grow up in Bradford, which has a predominantly South Asian community, so although we were lacking inspiration for new, young beauty inspiration, we definitely were not alone in it. From the diaspora, came a sisterhood of sorts - a community that made their own rules and experimented until they found beauty that suited their skin. My older sister taught herself to style our hair, and with our first ever GHD she’d prep me, along with all of our cousins, for weddings. Colour theory before we knew it, my best friend and I knew there was one Chanel lipstick that didn’t wash out our brown skin, and as teens we’d each help ourselves to a swipe from her mother’s make-up bag.
While the black and brown representation has lacked in the UK beauty industry, little by little, the growing of the South Asian influencer community, and the rise in brown girl voices within the media (we love to see it!) has meant that there is now an abundance of advice out there on social media for South Asian brides to be but traditional media still has far to go.
So, as we prep for my cousin's wedding (who is like a sister to me), I decided to ask a selection of brown beauty girls I know and trust for their top tips for brides. Combined with my own expertise built from navigating being a career in beauty, I hope this is a little black (or brown!) book that South Asian brides can turn to, and know that no matter what, the brown girl community has got you.
South Asian Beauty expert recommendations
My beauty treatment speed dials
Hollie Parkes, London
Brow guru, Hollie Parkes, is someone I only started seeing this year after being introduced through work. Brows are a big deal in the South Asian community. With naturally thicker and darker hair, brow threading has been an age-old part of Asian culture, and I’ve been having my brows shaped since I was around sixteen, as have most brown girls.
Before Hollie, I’m not ashamed to say, but I would have only ever let a fellow South Asian near my brows. There was never really a space for brown girl brows in the more chic clinics when I was younger - it always felt like our brows were too much, too unruly, too thick. The places that understood our brows best usually involved an Indian aunty in her living room who took a five pound note as payment, and politely offered to thread upper lip too. Then I met Hollie, who just truly understands eyebrows - regardless of what colour skin they’re on. Going to see her is a privilege, as she’s a true expert in her craft, and takes the time to draw, thread and pluck to perfection. I’d recommend her to anyone who is unsure about their brow shape, who is trying to grow them out, or honestly just anyone with eyebrows.
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Clinic, London
Whilst I appreciate these facials are pricey, having your skin behave its best before the big day will help your make-up work harder. I know many brides are willing to invest in their skin but don’t know where to start, and as someone with problem skin, I will recommend these facials over any other.
As a beauty PR and writer, I’ve tried many different facials, and often feel like they’re designed to sculpt and refine skin that is generally healthy and clear. I suffer with pigmentation (common in brown skin), congestion and breakouts, and Sarah Chapman facials are the only ones that have made a lasting impact on my skin - I just wish I’d known about them before I got married! The therapists are knowledgeable, the treatments are truly tailored and skin health is at the forefront of what they do.
The facials don’t just promise glow, something I feel that only naturally good skin can achieve, they show real results. I would recommend booking a course of three before your wedding day, but if you’re only willing to splurge on one, have it a month before your big day - don’t leave it too close!
Townhouse Nail Salon, nationwide
I’m not a huge nail girl, but if I was, it would be Townhouse and for my cousin’s upcoming wedding, I’ve recommended Townhouse to her for several reasons. Firstly, as Muslims, nail polish isn’t technically allowed as it blocks water from reaching the nail bed when performing ablution before prayer. Townhouse is one of the only mainstream salons I know that uses halal nail polish - which is permeable to allow water to pass through. There are differences in opinion on this, so please do your own research, but for me this a guilt-free manicure! They also provide a chic, upscale experience at relatively affordable prices and have salons that are just as beautiful outside of London as they are in - ideal for a Northern bride!
South Asian Beauty expert product recommendations
Here, industry insiders give us a peep into there must-have products and treatments.
Products
Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream
The Dewy Cream 50ml
"My holy grail product that I used leading up to my wedding day is the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream. It’s infused with Japanese purple rice and packed with antioxidants so provides intense hydration and a luminous finish, which is great for the needs of South Asian skin — especially for brides managing multiple wedding events." Sundas Hussain, Content Creator (@lifewithsundas)
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel (Pack of 5)
"These are a facial on the go for brides; the Lactic Acid helps with hyperpigmentation and post breakout scarring, which is a concern for many South Asians. The exfoliation also helps even out texture which creates a perfect base for makeup application." Priyanka Ganjoo, Founder of KULFI
Weleda Skin Food Cream
Skin Food, Dry Skin Moisturiser
"My makeup artist used the Weleda Skin Food Cream on my big day as a base under my makeup and I’ve been using it since! I love the hydrated glow it gives under your makeup and it’s very affordable too." Salaha Ashraf, Content Creator (@salaha.ashraf)
Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
Moisturising Lotion
"I travel a lot and this is the one moisturiser that really works for me in all climates. I find that it instantly hydrates and gives skin a boost without adding a filmy layer on the skin - it’s a fail safe make-up base too." Maryam Kureshi, Founder of DYOT
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
Pro Longwear Concealer
"It was important for me to find a makeup brand that suited my skin type, my tone, and my lifestyle. I was honoured to team up with MAC Cosmetics, who truly celebrate South Asian women and weddings. I love the NC30 Pro Longwear Concealer in NC30 for the day." Diipa Büller-Khosla, Founder of indē wild
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Radiant Creamy Concealer
"A good base is essential for the wedding day, particularly as it needs to last all day. As South Asians, our undereye area can be darker, so I use NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, which really helps lift my whole face and make my skin look brighter and fresher." Anita Kaushal, Founder of Mauli Rituals
Chanel Baume Essential Multi-Use Glow Stick
Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick
If I were to get married soon, I would definitely keep this multi-use product handy. I would want to carry a natural glow throughout my day, something that would accentuate my skin. The Chanel Multi Glow Stick is perfect for touch ups and just so effortless." Shivani Sharma, Editorial Photographer and Content Creator
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum 30ml
"I swear by Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. For South Asian skin, redness and hyperpigmentation can be a real concern and this is the only product that has tackled these issues for me without causing any irritation or sensitivity. Introduce it to your routine in the build up to the wedding for a more radiant and even skin tone." Nina Gill, Beauty PR
Huda Beauty Faux Filter Color Corrector
FAUXFILTER Color Corrector
"As far as bridal makeup goes, I’m a firm believer in the power of colour correction. As a South Asian, who is prone to breakouts, my skin is predisposed to hyperpigmentation. Throughout my wedding month (which saw me through seven events) I was wedded to my tube of Huda Beauty’s Faux Filter Color Corrector in Peach which instantly worked to camouflage any dullness and discolouration, leaving me with a perfectly primed base to build upon." Sameeha Shaikh, Beauty Writer
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter Setting Spray
Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
£32.00 at charlottetilbury.com
"My must have beauty product for all brides is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter Setting Spray! It’s the one product that helped keep my makeup intact throughout all of my wedding functions,especially with all of my emotions up in the air. During my bidaai (where brides bid farewell to their families), I, like many brides, cried a lot, and was genuinely surprised at how well my make-up held." Naima Begum, Founder of Dhana London and Content Creator
Got2b Glued 4 Brows & Edges
Got2b Glued 4 Brows & Edges 2 in 1 Hair Gel 16ml
"For my brides, I always finish off with this invisible styling gel which gives me ultimate control. South Asian bridal hairstyles can be quite complex, and this helps tame any flyaways to create a sleek, clean look." Fatima Patel, Bridal Hair Stylist
Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
"Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation is my absolute favourite. It’s an oldie but a goodie, and I always revert back to it no matter what new foundation I try. The shade range is fantastic for South Asian skin tones, and the long-wearing formula stays flawless for 15+ hours even through all the dancing and happy tears." - Unsah Malik, Global Beauty Director, Karla Otto
Live Tinted Hueglow
Hueglow
"For wedding season, dab this over the body on areas that are showing in your outfits. It adds the perfect amount of shine, accentuates your features, and doesn’t stain your clothing." - Simran Anand Pahwa, Founder of BySimran
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Long-Lasting Foundation SPF 15
Teint Idole Ultra Wear Long-Lasting Foundation SPF 15 30ml
"I love this foundation as the shade range gets the undertones right for brown girls and there’s something for all hues of South Asian skin. It has a flawless, semi-matte finish, doesn’t settle into creases and photographs incredibly." - Aamirah Essof, Content Creator (@abrowngirlrecommends)
Hershesons The Multitasker
The Multi-Tasker
"For me, wedding beauty is all about feeling confident, and nothing sparks confidence quite like good hair. With this in mind, I find a good do-it-all hair tool is essential for any dressy occasion. The Multi-Tasker from Hershesons makes it easy to create so many different hairstyles by yourself, from mermaid-like waves to glamorous, bouncy curls, which is ideal when swapping between looks for multiple wedding events. Just don't forget to use heat protectors and oils!" - Humeara Mohamed, Beauty Journalist
Treatments
Hydrafacial
"I recommend that brides begin their facial treatments at least three months before their wedding. This allows enough time to properly prepare and nurture the skin for the big day. Well-cared-for skin provides a smooth, radiant base, ensuring flawless makeup application and a glowing bridal look. I would highly recommend Hydrafacial, which is excellent for deep cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating the skin, improving texture and tone with no downtime." - Fizah Pasha, Founder of Brulée Beauty
FaceGym Workouts
"In the lead up to my engagement party and then later, my wedding week last year, I swore by FaceGym. Their treatments helped to depuff by ridding excess water retention, which gave me such a boost of confidence and helped me feel I’d look my best both on the day and in the photos." - Halima Parwaz, Beauty PR
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