As a makeup artist to the stars, Namrata Soni not only can cook up a killer smokey eye and glitter lip, but she’s also a master of skincare. We caught up with her just in time before all the wedding mayhem to ask her a few pressing questions about the essentials every bride-to-be should have in her kit.

Natasha: Let’s start off with the importance of having a bridal beauty kit… Can you talk us through some of the basics a bride-to-be needs?

Namrata: Having a bridal kit is very important because every bride before and after her functions needs to look the part. It is very important to have a good foundation, a BB cream (or a tinted moisturiser), loose powder or compact powder. A peach or pink blush to keep your cheeks looking rosy and fresh. If you have dry skin, I’d recommend using cream blush and if you have oily skin I’d use a powder. You can also mix highlighter with your foundation to give your face a lovely glow. Or you can use a powder highlighter on the bridge of your nose, your cheekbones and on your cupids bow. I think a lash curler is a great, great tool to keep as well. An amazing lash curler and mascara can change your life. If you like to experiment with your eye makeup, a palette of 5-8 eyeshadow colours is a must—It’s a fun way to really dress up your eyes. Now of course, a kajal pencil is needed. A nude, red and pink lipstick. You can mix and match between the shades to get a rose-bitten lip. A travel-sized sunscreen and good eye cream is must to use every day! Also, I feel like it’s essential to include a razor as it gives you smooth skin whenever required.

Source: MAC Cosmetics

Natasha: You mentioned to keep a good kohl eye pencil in the kit, so how can a bride-to-be change up her usual eye makeup so she can really stand out?

Namrata: The best way of standing out is by using a coloured pencil. Today colours like indigo blue, forest green, gold, bronze, they all look amazing on Indian skin tones. You can do a soft kohl eye with a bronze eyeliner… Or a soft glitter eyeliner. You get glitter gel liners in the market now. So I’d say just keep it plain and simple by adding lashes with mascara  will really make you stand out. These colours also blend in very well with the kind of outfits you’d be wearing for the functions.

Estee Lauder Stay-in-Place Eyeliner

Natasha: What can you tell us when it comes to skincare? And how can one prep/take care of their skin in the coming months before their wedding?

Namrata: The first thing I tell my clients is to never go for a clean-up 3 months before your wedding. As a lot of people are prone to breakouts. If you absolutely need to, then do it a few months before so that your skin has time to heal. Also, go to a dermatologist and start a good skincare regime… Start your day off with a glass of hot water. Ice your skin after a hot shower, it closes your pores and keeps your skin looking tight. Definitely use a good moisturising cream or serum. Now for your body, the best way of getting rid of the dead skin and the fuzz is by shaving. I prefer using the Gillette Venus razor because it’s got a moisturising, aloe vera laden strip which is great for any skin. Use it with either a foam or even hair conditioner to get a close shave.

Gillette Venus
Gillette Venus

Natasha: We all know that makeup removal is a crucial step, but how can one take care of their skin after having used a remover or wipe just to really maintain good complexion?

Namrata: See, honestly never use a makeup wipe. Because it’s a litlle harsh for your skin. Use a cleansing oil or a good makeup remover. You can also splash your face with water and use a cleansing lotion and moisturiser.

Natasha: Brides-to-be are usually in a lot of stress, which causes them to break out. What’s your secret tip for covering up a sudden pimple or mark?

Namrata: You need to have a really good concealer in your kit. The best way to cover a spot or a pimple is with a concealer!

Want more MUA tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments below!

This post is in partnership with Gillette Venus.