Own your pride makeup look

Pride month is in full swing and the fact that Pride doesn’t have the same pompousness around it in India has not stopped people from celebrating it in whatever way they could. From walking down the streets with rainbow flags and outstanding outfits to wearing rainbow makeup and standing in solidarity with queer folks. It is all about celebrating inclusivity and diversity with Pride!

Just like every pride month, Pride of 2024 is a vibrant explosion of makeup trends that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community’s diversity, unity, creativity and resilience. Makeup enthusiasts are pushing the boundaries of self-expression with bold and inclusive looks that honour the spirit of Pride. From bright colours to sustainable products, brands are prioritising eco-friendly packaging, vegan formulas and ethical sourcing of ingredients. This aligns with the values of many in the LGBTQ+ community who advocate for a more sustainable and compassionate world.

Makeup artist Phia Pereira says that there is massive influence from shows such as Euphoria. “Those sorts of trends are still being seen especially with LGBTQ+ (the glittery and colourful eyeshadow looks, gems, wet makeup looks etc). But this year especially there’s huge amounts of the 1990’s makeup trend going on. Dark smokey eyes, a bold lip liner, and gloss. Thin brows with eyebrow piercings. Septum rings have become a staple of bisexuality, I know it’s not makeup but face piercings go hand in hand with a lot of looks,” Phia says.

The show Euphoria had a massive impact when it came to the aesthetic of any occasion be it birthday parties, graduation parties, farewell and Pride as well. But this year was massively all about welcoming the fashion trends of the late 1990s and early 2000s. People have been inspired by Pamela Anderson and the signature Asian Y2K makeup look has been the talk through and through. “As a queer person myself, I value Pride Month a lot because it makes me feel I wasn’t a crackpot or something of that kind. There are many more people like me. Fashion has been essential to me my entire life not because I think too much about how people perceive me but rather because I can express myself fully through it, without even saying a word.” says Ash Kavya Patel.

From rainbow to neon colours and glitter to gender-inclusive products and sustainable practices, this year’s Pride Month trends are as diverse and dynamic as the community itself. Whether you’re attending a pride parade, a festival or just looking to celebrate in your own way, there’s a makeup trend that can help you express your identity and join in the celebration of love, acceptance, and equality.

This year there’s huge amounts of the 1990’s makeup trend going on. Dark smokey eyes, a bold lip liner, and gloss. Thin brows with eyebrow piercings.” — Phia Pereira, makeup artist

As a queer person myself, I value Pride Month a lot because it makes me realise that there are many more people like me.” — Ash Kavya Patel, queer person