The bridal glam guide for golden hour makeup and sun-kissed pheras

There’s something unmistakably magical about a bride glowing under the warm embrace of the sun, her cheeks kissed with the softest blush, her skin whispering radiance at every turn. For brides dreaming of a beauty look that feels like an extension of themselves, the secret lies in the art of layering, subtlety, and choosing tones that mirror the natural poetry of their own complexion.

We spoke to bridal beauty icon Shradha Luthra and artist Anishaa Chabbria to uncover the techniques, tricks, and products that make the "blush, bloom, bronze" aesthetic not just aspirational, but entirely achievable.

Layer, set, glow

For a bridal look that stays put through the pheras, tears, and countless photographs, thoughtful layering is essential. "Skin prep is absolutely key; it sets the tone for everything that follows," explains Shradha Luthra. "After that, layering creams with powder products step by step and priming the skin well ensures the makeup not only looks fresh but also wears beautifully for hours." Layering is not merely about longevity; it is the invisible thread that binds glow to the skin without appearing heavy-handed. "For a rosy, radiant, and softly glowing look, we essentially layer a lot of creams with powder products and, of course, make it a very blush-dominant look," she adds.

Anishaa Chabbria agrees, emphasising the importance of setting sprays to lock everything in place: "I prefer applying setting spray once midway through the makeup and again at the end. It truly makes a difference, especially in the heat."

Choosing the right tones

The secret to an ethereal bridal glow lies in honouring the natural warmth of the bride’s skin.

"Every skin tone carries its own warmth," Shradha notes. "For deeper tones, terracotta and berry shades are stunning. For mid-tones, peachy pinks with champagne highlighters work best. And for fair skin, soft rose blushes paired with pearlescent highlights are ideal."

Rather than following trends blindly, the most impactful looks are those that feel harmonious with the bride’s unique complexion. Anishaa adds a vital note for those with uneven skin texture: "Very glowing products can sometimes emphasise imperfections. Cream-based highlighters, which are softer, work better for such skin types." The right shades do more than beautify—they breathe life into the bride’s natural features.

Golden hour goddesses

In the world of bridal beauty, radiance should whisper, not shout. "To achieve that lit-from-within look, it’s important to use finely milled products without glitter or chunky particles," says Shradha. "I highlight only specific areas like the cheekbones and avoid the nose, brow bone or cupid’s bow. Then, I finish with a liquid illuminator just on the high points of the cheeks to give that beaming effect." This measured, strategic approach ensures that the bride’s glow feels like her own, not an overlay of sparkle, but a soft, organic light that moves with her.

There is no lighting more flattering than the golden hour—and for brides planning sunset pheras, the makeup choices should lean into this magic. "When sunlight hits the face at golden hour, warmer tones look more beautiful," explains Shradha. "I avoid overly reflective or super-matte finishes, because luminosity reflects better in that light and transitions well into the evening."

Instead of heavy, high-shine looks, Shradha recommends embracing bitten lip stains, feather-light skin tints instead of dense foundations, and soft satin finishes on the eyes. The result? A look that evolves gracefully from day to night, glowing tenderly with every shift of the sun.

True bridal beauty lies in enhancing what is already there, letting skin glow, features bloom, and love shine through. When makeup is layered with care and colours are chosen with heart, the bride steps into her day looking timeless, radiant, and entirely herself.

Lead image: Janhvi Kapoor and Shradha Luthra/Instagram

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