Behind stunning celebrity photos and iconic movie scenes, is the subtle work of makeup artists.
Essentially, makeup artists use different techniques and products to match myriad skin tones, that enhance your face and create flattering unforgettable looks. With so many people looking forward to re-creating such looks, it is a highly specialized and responsible job.
Here are seven celebrity makeup artists to look out for makeup inspiration and who have created looks that rule our hearts.
1. Namrata Soni
Having completed her professional makeup course from Delamar School of Makeup, London, Namrata Soni became famous for her luminous skin-like makeup look.
She is the one behind Deepika Padukone’s quintessential look in Om Shanti Om and Sonam Kapoor’s iconic dark lipstick and liner look at Cannes.
2. Arti Nayar
Assam-born Arti Nayar is famous among celebrities like Katrina Kaif, Parineeti Chopra, and Sara Ali Khan, having styled various looks for them.
She considers Sonam K Ahuja to be her muse. Her movie ‘Neerja’, was Arti’s first independent project.
Arti regards Namrata Soni to be her mentor, as she wanted to do more skin-oriented work with a natural approach to makeup, and Namrata helped her push her limits.
3. Mickey Contractor
A favourite with celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Aishwarya Rai, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Neeta Ambani, Mickey contractor is often referred to as the one-man glamour machine who is credited with putting India on the global makeup map.
Hailed as the guru of makeup in Bollywood, it is his work of art that has us swooning over characters in prominent films like Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kal Ho Na Ho, Don, Mohabbatein, and even Angrezi Medium.
4. Cherag Bambboat
He is the first one to have collaborated with international pop icon Lady Gaga. He has worked with a list of celebs that includes the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and American dancer Lauren Gottlieb.
This lawyer-turned-celebrity makeup artist is globally renowned for his airbrush makeup technique.
5. Sandhya Shekhar
Makeup artist of Deepika Padukone, Sandhya has readied her for various events like Cannes and MET Gala. She also did her wedding makeup.
Sandhya has worked with various fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, GQ etc…
6. Lekha Gupta
No one aces the ‘No-Makeup Dewy Look’ as Lekha Gupta does.
Having trained under the legendary Cory Walia, and worked on renowned faces like the Kapoor sisters, Madhuri Dixit, and Kiara Advani, Lekha Gupta left her professional career in finance to pursue makeup in 2009.
She believes that in order to succeed in this field, one needs to be original, patient, and passionate, and creating your own niche is crucial.
7. Puneet Saini
She has worked on films like Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Raazi, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Gully boy. She has been a personal makeup artist for Anushka Sharma and is the one behind her unforgettable wedding look.
She is also responsible for Alia Bhatt’s no-makeup looks at various award functions and shows.