Kolkata’s Puja days rarely follow a fixed schedule. One day is all about hours of pandal-hopping under the October sun, while another calls for a morning of Pushpanjali, followed by family gatherings and festive feasts.
Through it all, heat, humidity, sweat and layers of makeup can take a toll on the skin. So, how do you keep your skin fresh and comfortable through the festivities?
My Kolkata spoke to skincare and beauty experts to put together a simple Puja skincare routine for every kind of day, from long hours outdoors to quieter mornings of prayer and celebration.
For the early-morning Pushpanjali
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An early start calls for a fresh, minimal look. Instead of a full-coverage base, focus on lightweight skincare and a few makeup essentials.
“For an early-morning Pushpanjali, I prefer keeping everything fresh and minimal. A gentle cleanse, lightweight moisturiser, sunscreen and a very light base; perhaps just concealer and compact, liquid blush, a touch of skin illuminator, mascara and a lip colour,” said Kolkata-based makeup artist Reshmi Chakraborty.
Madhumita Bhattacharya, consultant dermatologist at Fortis Hospital Anandapur recommends a gentle cleanser, lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30.
For a full day of pandal-hopping
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Long hours outdoors can expose the skin to sweat, dust, pollution and humidity. The trick is to prepare the skin well without layering on too many products.
“For a full day of outings, the focus should be on longevity. I would spend a little more time on skin prep, but still keep it lightweight. Use a long-wearing base in thin layers, waterproof or sweat-resistant eye makeup, a long-lasting liquid blush and a subtle skin illuminator,” said Chakraborty.
Bhattacharya advised, “Carrying blotting tissues to dab away excess sweat and oil rather than repeatedly applying compact powder. Reapply sunscreen during prolonged outdoor exposure, particularly after heavy sweating.”
Poulomi Roy, CMO of Joy Personal Care, added that consistency is key. “Sticking to a basic skincare routine amidst the festive hustle and bustle helps keep your skin fresh and radiant,” she said.
For late-night pandal-hopping
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Evening outings offer room for a more glamorous look, with defined eyes, extra blush and a touch of illuminator. However, Chakraborty cautions against adding too many layers to make makeup last longer. Thin layers and strategic setting work better in humid weather.
Once home, remove makeup, sunscreen, sweat and dirt with a gentle cleanser, followed by a lightweight moisturiser. Bhattacharya advised avoiding harsh scrubbing and excessive exfoliation after a long day.
Short on time? Refresh, don't rebuild
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For quick touch-ups, Chakraborty recommends blotting excess oil before applying concealer, liquid blush, illuminator and a fresh coat of lip colour.
Her golden rule for Pujo is simple: “Refresh, don’t rebuild.” A few strategic touch-ups can revive your look without making the base heavy or cakey.