Deepavali is just around the corner, and with it comes the unmistakable buzz of celebration. Lights going up across balconies, WhatsApp group chats filling up with plans, new outfits being tried on in bedroom mirrors, and kitchens stocked with snacks and sweets. It’s a time when everything feels a little more joyful, a little more golden. But with that joy can come a bit of stress. What to wear, what to gift, how to decorate, and most of all, how to do it all without breaking your budget.
Here’s the good news: looking good, feeling good, and creating a beautiful space for Deepavali doesn’t have to come with a heavy price tag. With a few thoughtful choices and a little inspiration, you can absolutely get the festive feel you’re after. Whether you’re dressing up for temple visits, hosting family dinners, or just soaking up the glow at home.
Let’s break it down into three simple sections: fashion, beauty, and home.
Fashion That Feels Like You
What you wear during Deepavali isn’t just about style. It’s a reflection of tradition, family, culture, and your own personal flair. This year, the fashion mood is about effortless elegance. You want pieces that move well, photograph beautifully, and make you feel instantly dressed without being overdressed.
That doesn’t mean rushing out for an entirely new outfit. Start with what you have. Maybe a saree that hasn’t seen the light since last Deepavali, or a kurta set you usually save for weddings. You can breathe new life into it with the right accessories. That’s where the magic really happens.
Jewellery holds a special place during the festive season. It completes your look, adds a layer of richness, and often becomes the part of your outfit people notice first. Merlin Goldsmith has an eye for pieces that blend traditional design with modern touches. Whether you lean towards bold bangles, delicate pendants, or structured rings, there’s something about slipping on gold that instantly shifts your energy.
To shop smart, pick one standout piece to anchor your look. A pair of earrings that pop, a necklace that frames your neckline, or a stack of rings that feels playful. Once you’ve got your hero piece, build around it with what you already own. That way, you elevate your outfit without over-extending your budget.
And if you’re mixing high and low, like a designer blouse with affordable bottoms or heirloom earrings with a contemporary jumpsuit, even better. Style today is all about intention and confidence.
Makeup That Glows Without Trying Too Hard
When it comes to beauty, Deepavali week calls for something that feels a little more elevated than usual, but still wearable. Whether you’re heading to a gathering, lighting lamps at home, or popping by relatives’ places, a polished makeup look can carry you through the day.
Start with the base. The Singapore weather around this time is humid, so lightweight, dewy skin is your best friend. Prep with a good hydrating serum or primer, then keep your foundation or BB cream sheer. A bit of concealer where needed and a soft blush to lift your cheeks is often all it takes.
Now, the hero of the look: the lips. YSL Beauty has an incredible range of bold lip colours that make a statement without screaming for attention. Deep reds, plums, and warm corals are all festive favourites. They give you instant polish, especially when you’re short on time.
If you’re playing up your lips, keep your eyes simple. A soft shimmer, a flick of eyeliner, and mascara are more than enough. Or, if you want to go the other way, smoke out your eyes just a bit and pair them with a nude lip. The key is balance.
Set it all with a spritz of setting spray and you’re good to go for hours. Through snacks, photos, and second helpings of murukku.
And remember, you don’t need a full shelf of new products to create something fresh. One new lipstick or a festive eyeshadow palette can go a long way, especially if it’s something you’ll use beyond the season.
A Home That Feels Inviting and Intentional
Deepavali is the festival of lights, but what makes a home feel truly festive is the warmth it exudes. That comes from soft lighting, layered textures, and thoughtful little details that make your guests feel welcomed and your family feel at ease.
Start with the lighting. Replace harsh overheads with warmer options. Table lamps, fairy lights, candles, and diyas do more than just brighten the room. They create pockets of calm and comfort. Scatter them across your entryway, your dining table, and near windows. The glow they cast is what sets the tone.
Island Living is a go-to if you’re looking to add subtle but impactful home touches. Rattan textures, woven lampshades, warm wood tones, and soft textiles make your living space feel layered and lived in. You don’t need to transform your entire home. Just a few new touches, placed with intention, can do wonders.
Layer in fabrics. A throw on the sofa, some new cushion covers, or even a festive runner on your dining table. These things are often affordable and easy to rotate back into your home long after the festival is over.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of scent. A few sticks of incense, a candle with notes of sandalwood or spice, or even some clove-studded oranges in a bowl can elevate the atmosphere immediately. Scent is deeply tied to memory, and creating a signature festive smell can be just as impactful as how your space looks.
Don’t Overspend, Just Shop Smart
If you’re like most people, you want to celebrate without constantly checking your bank balance. But when the shopping list grows, an outfit here, a lipstick there, a lamp for the corner, it’s easy for the costs to quietly pile up.
This is where having a smarter way to shop makes all the difference. Atome lets you split your purchases into three equal payments with no interest. That means you don’t have to choose between getting what you want and staying within budget. You can have both.
Whether you’re shopping for jewellery at Merlin Goldsmith, beauty products at YSL Beauty, or home accents from Island Living, using Atome lets you pace your spending. You pay a third upfront, and the rest later, giving you flexibility without stress.
There’s no fine print. No credit card required. Just simple, clear payments and more control over your cash flow. Which is exactly what you want during a season that should feel light and joyful.
Deepavali, Done Your Way
So what does a well-spent Deepavali week look like?
Maybe you’re wearing a flowy kurta you’ve owned for years but paired with a bold new pendant. Your makeup feels special but not overdone. Your home smells like cinnamon and flickers with candlelight. You’re relaxed, you’re present, and you’re not thinking about whether or not you overspent on something you’ll use only once.
That’s the energy we’re going for. Beautiful, considered, and within reach.
Celebrate generously. Dress meaningfully. Shop wisely. And most of all, enjoy the moments in between. The small ones, the quiet ones, the golden ones.
