For over two decades, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has reigned supreme at the Cannes Film Festival, not just as a global ambassador of Indian cinema but as a beauty icon whose makeup looks have become as anticipated as her couture ensembles. Whether she’s channeling old Hollywood with sultry smokey eyes or turning head with unexpected pops of colour, Aishwarya’s beauty evolution at Cannes is a testament to her fearless approach to fashion and makeup.
Aishwarya made a grand entrance at Cannes with Devdas promotions, draped in a golden Neeta Lulla saree. Her makeup was a celebration of Indian heritage– dramatic kohl-lined eyes, a striking bindi, and softly tinted lips. It was the beginning of her Cannes legacy, wrapped in tradition and elegance.
Keeping her love for Indian wear alive, Aishwarya chose a neon green Neeta Lulla saree. Her beauty look? Shimmery lids, glossy lips, and defined brows, radiating youthful charm. Yet, this bold appearance stirred controversy. Critics slammed the designer, prompting Neeta Lulla to respond: “There were some 47 outfits that went with her for the whole festival… Somewhere, I guess what happened was possibly time, possibly because of different collaborations… I really don’t know what happened there.”
This year marked a bold shift– Aishwarya stepped out in a white cut-out gown by Neeta Lulla. Her makeup mirrored the Western aesthetic: contoured cheeks, smoky eyes, and nude lips. While heavily critiqued, this look was a turning point in her Cannes fashion story, ushering in a new era of red-carpet glamour as the face of L’Oréal.
Aishwarya embraced minimalism in a chic Gucci gown and an Armani floral number. Her makeup followed suit– barely-there blush, soft lips, and subtle eyeliner brought her natural features to the forefront. The overall effect was timeless, polished, and effortlessly feminine.
A romantic vibe took over as she wore pieces by Giorgio Armani and Roberto Cavalli. Makeup artist Val Garland crafted her look with glowing skin and soft pink tones. Products like the Freshwear Foundation in Golden Beige and Color Riche Matte Lipstick in 666 – I Win gave her an enchanting, dreamy finish.
In an ivory Cavalli gown, Aishwarya returned to the classics. Her makeup was a masterclass in neutral sophistication– peachy lips, defined brows, and a clean, radiant base.
Wearing a silky Elie Saab gown, she stunned with smoky eyes and nude lips. Her hair, parted to the side and styled into a sleek low ponytail, tied it all together. As Aishwarya described it herself, the goal was a “fresh and beautiful makeup look to complement the gown”– and she nailed it.
In a Sabyasachi saree, Aishwarya’s makeup was intentionally soft– muted tones, smoky lids, nude lips, and an elegant low bun. It was the perfect balance of understated yet opulent.
Soft glam reigned as she wore Elie Saab once again. Smoky eyes, nude lips, and a gentle blush played up her natural features– though she also surprised with flashes of bright blue and gold on her lids, showing off her experimental edge.
Making a radiant return after motherhood, Aishwarya glowed in Elie Saab. Luminous skin, softly defined eyes, and petal-pink lips became her winning combo. She embraced bolder eyeshadow shades while keeping the rest of her look clean and fresh.
Her makeup took a daring turn– smokey, sultry eyes, chiselled cheeks, and nude lips created a powerful look that matched her teal Gucci gown. Sleek waves and sculpted brows added even more drama to this glam renaissance.
This year, Aishwarya brought the heat in a gilded Roberto Cavalli gown. Her beauty look? Total Hollywood glam– red lips, bronzed cheeks, long lashes, and cat-eye drama using a mix of dull gold and brown shadows. A coral blush popped on her cheeks, and voluminous waves sealed the deal.
She turned heads in emerald Elie Saab, offset by a rich marsala lip, metallic eyes, and glowing skin. Deep burgundy tones and cascading waves made for a lush, romantic beauty moment.
Living a real-life fairytale in Michael Cinco, she kept her makeup whimsical– shimmering eyes, rosy cheeks, and a soft pink lip. Straight, centre-parted hair added elegance without stealing attention from her gown.
Aishwarya went edgy in a metallic gown and bolder makeup– winged liner, chiselled cheekbones, and a muted lip gave her a sharp, space-age chic vibe.
In a feathered fantasy ensemble, she let her eyes do all the talking– yellow eyeshadow, exaggerated eyeliner, and full lashes. The lips stayed nude with a hint of shimmer, balancing the bold eye game with grace.
