Bharatanatyam stage makeup is bold and highly stylised designed to make the dancer's facial expressions (abhinaya) visible to audience members at the back of a performance hall. The key elements are: a full-coverage foundation or base to create an even complexion under stage lighting; dramatic black eyeliner applied as a thick line extending beyond the outer eye with a distinctive upward flick; dark eyeshadow to frame and define the eyes; bold red or pink lip colour; blush applied with a heavy hand for visible colour definition; and a red dot (bindi or pottu) between the eyebrows. Kohl is used to define the lower waterline. The overall effect is intentionally theatrical rather than naturalistic. Giri UK's Cosmetics category is expanding to serve UK Bharatanatyam students and performers.

In classical Indian dance the eyes are the primary vehicle for abhinaya (expressive storytelling) and the ancient Sanskrit text Natya Shastra describes 36 different glances (drishti) each conveying a specific emotion or narrative meaning. Because the eyes carry so much of the dance's communicative power eye makeup in Bharatanatyam Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam is the most important element of the dancer's appearance. The thick black liner extending beyond the eye corner makes the eye larger and more visible at stage distance. For Kathakali an even more elaborate eye makeup tradition exists including the application of chutti (rice paste build-up) around the eyes. For Bharatanatyam students in the UK sourcing appropriate stage makeup that stays in place under hot stage lighting is a practical consideration that Giri UK's Cosmetics category addresses.

Giri UK's Cosmetics category currently lists the Headset Patti Veni at 7 inches. While categorised under Cosmetics this is a hair ornament rather than a cosmetic product reflecting the fact that the complete stage appearance for classical Indian dance includes hair accessories as integral to the performance look as makeup. The Patti Veni is the stone-set braid ornament worn in the dancer's hair during Bharatanatyam Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam performances. The full range of Patti Veni and headset options (including the Mogu 9-inch Patti Veni and Pleet White 11-inch Headset) are available under the Dance Accessories and Indian Jewellery > Indian Hair Accessories categories at Giri UK.

An Arangetram (debut solo performance) is the most important occasion in a Bharatanatyam student's training and the complete performance look must be executed to the highest standard. Essential cosmetic items include: a full-coverage long-wear foundation matched to the dancer's skin tone; setting powder for a matte no-shine finish under stage lighting; black liquid or gel eyeliner for the precise extended line; dark eyeshadow in brown or black; bold red or coral lip colour that photographs well; blush; and mascara or false lashes. The Patti Veni hair ornament braid jewellery and full Kemp dance jewellery set are also required. UK Bharatanatyam teachers typically advise specific brands and products for Arangetram. Giri UK is building its Cosmetics range to serve these needs alongside its established dance accessories offering.

Giri UK (giriuk.com) stocks the foundational Patti Veni Headset in its Cosmetics category alongside the full range of dance accessories (Ghungroo Thattu Kazhi Shruti Box) hair accessories (Patti Veni Mogu 9-inch Pleet White 11-inch Mango Design Chudamani) and dance costume items (Bharatanatyam Practice Sarees Kemp Maatal and Chutty). As Giri UK's Cosmetics range continues to grow it is developing into one of the most focused UK sources for classical Indian dance performance supplies. For specific makeup products not yet listed the On Demand section at giriuk.com can be used to request items. Giri UK is the UK franchisee of Giri Trading Agency Private Limited.