This trend has since been embraced by many.
From smoky eyes that smouldered on screen to voluminous hairdos that reigned supreme, Bollywood has long dictated beauty trends in India and beyond.
Whether a vintage siren’s winged eyeliner or a Gen Z starlet’s glass skin glow, these 10 hair and makeup looks rewrote the beauty rulebook.
Each era brought its icons, each frame its fantasy.
These beauty moments didn’t just define style. They shaped cultural identity.
Get ready to swoon, screenshot, and maybe even recreate them!
Aishwarya Rai’s Winged Eyeliner & Brick-Brown Lips
A minimalist yet captivating aesthetic characterised Aishwarya Rai’s 1990s makeup.
Her signature look featured a precise winged eyeliner that accentuated her almond-shaped eyes, paired with brick-toned brown lips, a shade that became synonymous with her style.
This combination exuded elegance and sophistication, setting a beauty benchmark for the era.
Her makeup was often complemented by sleek, straight hair, adding to the polished look.
This style became a defining feature of ’90s Bollywood glamour, influencing countless fans and makeup enthusiasts.
Deepika Padukone’s Minimal Glossy Skin
In Bajirao Mastani, Deepika Padukone showcased a regal beauty with her minimal, glossy skin look.
The emphasis was on a luminous complexion, achieved through subtle highlighters and a dewy foundation, creating a ‘lit from within’ glow.
Her makeup was kept understated, allowing her natural beauty to shine through.
This understated yet radiant appearance redefined beauty norms, promoting natural skin over heavy makeup.
Her hair was styled in soft waves, enhancing the ethereal quality of her look.
This style has since become a benchmark for bridal and festive makeup, symbolising grace and elegance.
Kareena Kapoor’s Graphic Eyeliner
Kareena Kapoor’s portrayal in Asoka introduced Bollywood to the bold graphic eyeliner trend.
Her sharp, defined eyeliner added a modern twist to traditional beauty, making it a staple for those seeking a dramatic eye look.
This trend has since been embraced by many, solidifying Kareena’s status as a beauty icon.
Her hair was styled in a sleek, middle-parted manner, complementing the boldness of her makeup.
This look became synonymous with confidence and modernity, influencing beauty standards for years to come.
Rekha’s Regal Glam
Rekha’s performance in Umrao Jaan epitomised classic Indian beauty.
Her look featured bold brows, heavy kajal, glowing skin, and deep lip colours, embodying a timeless elegance.
The addition of sindoor and traditional jewellery further accentuated her regal appearance, setting a standard for bridal and festive makeup.
Her hair was styled in traditional updos, adorned with flowers, enhancing the cultural richness of her look.
This portrayal remains a benchmark for classic beauty in Indian cinema, revered for its authenticity and grace.
Sridevi’s Blush & Colour Pop
Sridevi’s makeup in the late 80s and early 90s was characterised by bright blush, electric eyeshadow, and vivid lipstick.
Her fearless use of colour brought a playful and irresistible charm to her on-screen appearances.
This bold approach to makeup encouraged fans to experiment with vibrant hues, influencing beauty trends for years.
Her hair was often styled in voluminous waves, adding to the dramatic effect of her looks.
This period marked a shift towards more expressive and colourful beauty aesthetics in Bollywood.
Bipasha Basu’s Winged Eyeliner
Bipasha Basu’s love for winged eyeliner became a defining feature of her beauty repertoire.
In Race, her razor-sharp wing accentuated her strong features, creating a sultry and confident look.
This style has remained a favourite among makeup enthusiasts, highlighting the power of bold eyeliner in defining one’s gaze.
Her hair was styled in sleek, straight locks, emphasising the sharpness of her makeup.
This look became synonymous with boldness and sophistication, influencing beauty trends for years.
Sonam Kapoor’s Red Carpet Revolution
Sonam Kapoor elevated Bollywood beauty to international standards with her red carpet appearances.
Her sharp winged liner, bold matte lips, and statement hairstyles showcased a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles.
Sonam’s fearless approach to fashion and beauty has made her a global style icon, influencing trends worldwide.
Her hair was often styled in intricate updos or sleek, modern styles, complementing her bold makeup choices.
This period marked a significant shift towards more global and couture-inspired beauty aesthetics in Bollywood.
Priyanka Chopra’s Smoky Kajal Look
In Billu Barber, Priyanka Chopra’s smoky kajal look added an element of sensuality to her appearance.
The smudged kajal on both lash lines created a sultry, emotive gaze, making her eyes the focal point.
This style has since become a go-to for those seeking a dramatic and alluring eye makeup look.
Her hair was styled in loose waves, enhancing the softness of her overall appearance.
This look became synonymous with mystery and allure, influencing beauty standards for years.
Madhuri Dixit’s Starry Look
Madhuri Dixit’s portrayal in Devdas showcased a starry-eyed look with bronze eyeshadow, kohl, wispy eyelashes, and rust-red lips.
This combination exuded a sense of nostalgia and romance, setting a high standard for period drama makeup.
Her hair was styled in traditional updos, adorned with decorative pins, complementing the grandeur of her look.
Her portrayal remains a benchmark for classic beauty in Indian cinema, revered for its authenticity and grace.
Alia Bhatt’s “Soft Glam” Look
Alia Bhatt stands at the forefront of Gen Z’s influence on Bollywood beauty, perfectly embodying the era’s “less is more” philosophy.
Her soft glam look, often seen on red carpets and in films like Raazi and Dear Zindagi, is a masterclass in effortless chic.
Dewy skin, barely-there blush, feathered brows, and a muted nude lip define her signature aesthetic.
This look signals a shift away from dramatic transformations toward subtle enhancement, celebrating natural features rather than masking them.
Alia’s makeup usually begins with a lightweight, skin-like foundation that allows her freckles and texture to show through, a refreshing embrace of authenticity in a world dominated by filters.
Her eye makeup is delicate: warm browns or peach tones lightly smoked out on the lids, paired with curled lashes and a touch of mascara, open up her gaze without overwhelming it.
The lips, often in hues of mauve, cinnamon, or pink beige, give a polished but approachable finish.
Her hair, too, aligns with Gen Z’s penchant for low-maintenance beauty.
Whether styled in soft beachy waves, a slicked-back bun, or a casual half-updo with face-framing strands, her choices feel modern yet accessible.
The emphasis is on texture and movement, hair that breathes rather than holds.
What makes Alia Bhatt’s look iconic is how it resonates with the values of a new generation.
Her makeup choices speak to individuality, mental wellness, and sustainability, highlighting cruelty-free brands and minimalist routines.
As a Gen Z icon, she redefines Bollywood beauty not through spectacle but through sincerity.
Her rise marks a cultural pivot: the age of curated imperfection and understated glam has truly arrived, and Alia is its leading face.
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