Behind the Glamour: Brides Speak Out About Discrimination and Disappointment with Parul Garg’s Bridal Makeup

Mumbai, India — In the age of digital stardom, where Instagram likes and YouTube subscribers shape reputations, the face of Indian bridal beauty has become synonymous with influencer-makeup artists. At the top of this glittering hierarchy stands Parul Garg—a name that evokes visions of flawless brides, viral transformations, and the promise of dream weddings. With over 6.3 million Instagram followers and 10 million YouTube subscribers, her reach is vast, her videos mesmerizing, and her brand a beacon for thousands of brides-to-be.

But beneath the curated perfection and viral reels, a different story is unfolding—one of unmet expectations, emotional distress, and accusations of discrimination. As more brides come forward with their experiences, the illusion of guaranteed glamour is being shattered, replaced by hard questions about professionalism, empathy, and the true cost of influencer culture.

The Allure of Perfection

Parul Garg’s social media presence is a masterclass in modern marketing. Each post showcases radiant brides with glowing skin, expertly contoured features, and makeup that appears both weightless and indestructible. The message is clear: book Parul Garg, and you too can achieve bridal perfection.

For many, the decision to invest in her services is not just about makeup—it’s about buying into a fantasy. Brides and their families often save for months, sometimes years, to afford the fees, which range from INR 50,000 for a studio session to INR 150,000 for outstation weddings, not including an additional 18% GST. The expectation is not just of beauty, but of an experience worthy of the most important day of their lives.

Cracks Beneath the Surface

Yet, as the wedding season unfolds, a chorus of dissatisfied voices is rising. Across bridal forums, YouTube exposés, and Instagram comment sections, brides are sharing stories that starkly contrast the polished image projected online.

Makeup Meltdowns

Many brides report that the makeup, touted as long-lasting and waterproof, failed catastrophically under real-world conditions. Complaints include:

Lipstick and foundation cracking within an hour—sometimes even before reaching the venue.
Patchy, cakey finishes that left brides feeling self-conscious and let down.
Makeup smearing or breaking down with tears or sweat, despite promises of durability.

One bride, who paid INR 40,000 for her bridal look, recounted,

“My makeup cracked in just one hour—I didn’t even reach the venue. Half of it was gone. She ruined my wedding day.”

Such accounts are not isolated. Dozens of reviews echo similar frustrations, with some brides claiming they had to redo their makeup or hide from photographers during their own celebrations.

The Price of Prestige

The fees associated with Parul Garg’s services are significant. A typical bridal session at her Delhi-NCR studio costs INR 50,000; an onsite wedding session, INR 100,000; and for outstation bookings, up to INR 150,000—plus GST, hairstylists, and retouching. For many families, this is a major expense, justified by the promise of top-tier artistry and flawless results.

Instead, several clients say they were attended to by junior artists or assistants, not Parul herself, despite paying premium rates. One bride shared,

“I paid for the senior artist—but a three-year-experienced junior did my makeup… she didn’t even verify her work. You’re getting done by a junior artist at her studio. They are pathetic.”

The underlying sentiment is clear: influencer status does not always translate to personalized, high-quality service.

Discrimination and Favoritism: The Designer Lehenga Divide

Perhaps most troubling are allegations that Parul Garg and her team discriminate based on a bride’s attire and perceived social status. Multiple testimonials describe a clear bias toward brides wearing expensive designer lehengas or high-end jewelry, with better service and attention given to those who fit the “Instagrammable” mold.

One review stated,

“Their behavior is extremely unprofessional. If you judge clients based on finances, nobody deserves that rude attitude or harassment.”

Another bride lamented,

“If you invest so much money in your special day, you don’t expect discrimination based on your designer lehenga—or rude staff.”

These stories suggest a troubling culture of favoritism, where the promise of equal service is undermined by superficial judgments and the pursuit of social media content.

Rudeness and Control: When Clients Become Content

Beyond technical flaws, many brides describe interactions with Parul Garg and her team as rude, dismissive, and controlling. Several recount being pressured into signing waivers that allow their photos and videos to be posted online—sometimes despite explicit requests for privacy.

“She was extremely rude and bossy. She made me sign an agreement despite me asking not to post my photos and videos,” one bride recalled. “When I mentioned this, she spoke in a very harsh manner and pressured me to remove no-photo and video clauses. She insisted, saying, ‘this is my work and I want to upload it.’”

Others felt their preferences were ignored, with requests for natural looks or lighter makeup dismissed in favor of the artist’s signature style—optimized for likes, not the bride’s comfort.

Sensationalism and Social Media

A recurring theme in complaints is the sensation-driven approach to content creation. Brides and models report being asked to perform or pose in ways that felt staged or intrusive, with some alleging that even intimate adjustments—such as blouse straps—were filmed for the sake of viral engagement.

“They do it very intentionally. Viewers don’t object because they’ve signed the agreement saying it’s content—so many brides realize later they are uncomfortable with it,” said one reviewer.

Such practices blur the line between genuine service and content production, raising questions about consent, transparency, and the ethics of influencer marketing.

The Machinery Behind the Mask

Critics also allege that Parul Garg’s team employs digital marketing agencies to manage her online reputation—paying for positive reviews, suppressing negative feedback, and carefully curating her digital persona.

“All the positive reviews are paid. She has hired a digital marketing agency for PR and promotions and review management,” claimed one observer.

While there is no direct evidence to confirm these claims, the volume of similar complaints and the aggressive removal of negative comments on social platforms have fueled skepticism among potential clients.

The Real-World Cost: Broken Trust and Lost Memories

For the brides who feel let down, the consequences go far beyond cosmetic disappointment. Weddings are deeply emotional, once-in-a-lifetime events, and the memories—good or bad—last forever.

“My confidence was shattered,” said one bride. “I spent months planning my look, only to feel ugly and uncomfortable on my big day. No one should have to go through that.”

The sense of betrayal is compounded by the high costs and the public nature of the disappointment, with many brides feeling that their most precious moments were compromised by a focus on social media optics rather than genuine service.

Lessons for Future Brides

As stories of disappointment circulate, future brides are becoming more cautious and informed. Key lessons from those who have gone before include:

Demand transparency: Insist on meeting the artist who will actually perform the makeup, and clarify roles and responsibilities before booking.
Clarify privacy terms: Request written agreements about the use of photos and videos, and stand firm on privacy preferences.
Assess product quality: Inquire about the brands and types of products used, and, if possible, schedule a trial session before the wedding.
Read independent reviews: Look beyond curated social media feeds—search forums, bridal communities, and independent review sites for honest feedback.
Budget wisely: Remember that big names do not always guarantee better results; sometimes, local artists with strong reputations deliver superior experiences.

What Parul Garg Must Address

At the time of writing, Parul Garg has not issued an official statement regarding these allegations. However, the volume and consistency of complaints suggest a need for serious introspection and change. To restore trust and protect her brand, she must:

Invest in quality control: Ensure that senior artists oversee every bridal session and that standards are maintained across the team.
Respect client preferences: Honor requests for subtle looks or privacy, and treat every client with equal care and respect.
Rework consent forms: Make the distinction between service and content production clear and allow clients genuine choice.
Foster professionalism: Train staff to uphold courtesy, empathy, and discretion at all times.
Encourage honest feedback: Welcome both positive and negative reviews as opportunities for improvement.

Conclusion: Beyond the Hype

Parul Garg’s rise to fame is a testament to the power of digital media, but her current challenges highlight the risks of influencer culture when authenticity is sacrificed for aesthetics. For brides, the lesson is clear: do your research, ask hard questions, and prioritize your comfort and happiness above social media trends.

For the industry, these revelations are a wake-up call. The true measure of a makeup artist—or any service provider—is not the number of followers or the gloss of a viral reel, but the lived experiences and memories of real clients.

As more brides choose to share their stories, the hope is that the industry will evolve—placing empathy, transparency, and genuine artistry above all else. Because a wedding day is more than a photo opportunity; it’s a milestone that deserves care, respect, and joy that lasts long after the makeup is washed away.