Humidity is the whole story. Once you plan for it, the rest is easy.
The Bengali bridal look asks something unusual of the skin. The chandan work on the forehead and cheeks is painted directly on the face. Fine white lines. They need a base that is set and dry, not dewy and slipping.
And Kolkata is humid for most of the wedding season. Humid air keeps sweat on the skin instead of letting it dry. That is why makeup slides here in a way it does not in Delhi.
Aiburo bhaat — home, family, food, light face. An easy day. Gaye holud — turmeric, usually outdoors. Same rule as everywhere: shade, and no scrubbing after. Biye — evening, long, hot under lights, heavy red Banarasi. This is the sweat day. Bou bhaat — the next day, often the tiredest day. Plan a lighter look and be honest about it.
A light, well-set base beats a heavy one. Heavy foundation in humidity slides in patches. Blotting papers, not powder touch-ups. Layered powder over sweat goes grey. Waterproof eye products, because Bengali weddings are long and emotional. Hair set with the humidity in mind — a smooth bun holds, open waves usually do not.
3 months before: Slow work: marks, acne, hair fall. 6 weeks before: Last deep facial. 3 weeks before: Makeup trial. Ask specifically how the chandan will be done and on what base. 1 week before: Threading and waxing.
Trial the chandan, not just the makeup. Blotting paper in the bag, not more powder. Choose a set base over a dewy one.
It can, but only with a light, properly set base and blotting through the day. Heavy foundation is what fails in humid weather, not thin foundation.
Both happen. Ask at the trial. If a family member does it, the artist needs to know so she leaves the right base for it.