Karwa Chauth 2025: Dermatologist-approved make-up tips to stop acne breakouts, keep skin healthy

Karwa Chauth makeup tips: From heavy foundation to missed cleansing routines, small missteps can lead to breakouts, irritation, and even long-term damage to your skin (Image: Pexels)

Karwa chauth is a celebration of love and devotion. It is also the time when hands are decked in henna and makeup kits come out in full force. Because, what is a festival like karwa chauth minus the festive glow.

But while you are perfecting that bold eyeliner or applying the tint, your skin might be calling for help under clogged pores and layers of products.

Dermatologists warn that the issue isn’t the makeup, but how you prepare and care for your skin, before and after the festivities. “Festive makeup isn’t the enemy,” Dr Rupika Singh, Dermatologist and Founder of Akiya Aesthetics, tells Moneycontrol. “The real trouble begins when skin is neglected before or after makeup,” she adds.

Also read | Beauty tips: Step-by-step guide to makeup routine for natural and youthful look

From heavy foundation to missed cleansing routines, these small missteps can lead to breakouts, irritation, and even long-term damage. If you are wondering how to avoid the post-glam skin slump, the answer lies in smart skincare. Whether you’re going all out with shimmer or keeping it classy with kohl, here are the dermatologist-backed steps you need to follow to ensure your skin stays as flawless as your selfies.

5 skin-saving Karwa Chauth makeup tips

Dr Singh shares the following tips to keep your skin healthy during the festivals.

• Start with gentle exfoliation: A day before, exfoliate with a mild scrub to clear dead skin and unclog pores. Follow with a hydrating mask to plump the skin. “Healthy skin allows makeup to blend better and stay longer without irritation,” says Dr Singh.

• Ice before the glam:Wrap an ice cube in cloth and gently rub your face for a minute or two. This tightens pores, cuts down oil, and helps makeup grip better. It’s an old trick, but dermatologists still swear by it.

• Clean your tools: Those fluffy brushes and cute blenders? They’re bacteria magnets. “Dirty tools often trigger breakouts. Clean them thoroughly with baby shampoo or a gentle cleanser,” urges Dr Singh.

• Ditch the heavy layers: Skip cakey foundations and thick contouring. Instead, go for breathable, non-comedogenic formulas. “Heavy makeup suffocates the skin and leads to clogged pores,” explains Dr Singh. Less really is more.

• Double cleanse like your life depends on it: Once the rituals are done, remove makeup with micellar water, then cleanse with a mild face wash. “Never sleep in makeup. Follow up with aloe vera or calming serum to soothe tired skin,” Dr Singh advises.

1. How should I prepare my skin before applying festival makeup?

Start with gentle exfoliation a day before the festival to clear dead skin and unclog pores. Follow up with a hydrating mask for plump, healthy skin that allows makeup to blend better and last longer.

2. What can I do to make my makeup last longer during festivals?

Wrap an ice cube in cloth and gently rub it on your face for a minute or two. This tightens pores, reduces oil, and helps makeup grip better.

3. How important is it to clean my makeup tools?

Very important. Dirty brushes and blenders are bacteria magnets and can trigger breakouts. Clean them thoroughly with baby shampoo or a gentle cleanser.

4. Should I use heavy foundation and contouring for a festival look?

No, opt for breathable, non-comedogenic formulas instead. Heavy makeup can suffocate the skin and lead to clogged pores. Less is more for a healthy glow.

5. What is the best way to remove makeup after the festivities?

Double cleanse. First, use micellar water to remove makeup, then cleanse with a mild face wash. Never sleep in makeup. Follow up with aloe vera or a calming serum to soothe the skin.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.