We constantly look up to our favourite celebrities for makeup, outfit, and style inspo, isn’t it? But we hardly realise what goes behind in creating looks that later become iconic and get bookmarked for our future references.
Going back in time, since the time the Indian film industry came into being, the role of makeup and hair artists has been inevitable in designing a character and its look. We are talking about legendary artists like Deepak Sawant and Pandhari Juker who worked their magic on actors like Amitabh Bacchan, Rajesh Khanna, Madhuri Dixit, and Juhi Chawla ever since they stepped into the industry.
Times have changed – with advanced and innovative products and beauty tools – and the role of makeup and hair artists has also evolved. However, they have become an indispensable part of the industry. We are looking at the artists who have created a niche for themselves in the industry and are the names behind some of the statement looks that became popular. Here’s our lowdown on the celebrity makeup artists in India you must follow if beauty excites you.
1. Mickey Contractor
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It won’t be wrong to say that he’s one of the most sought-after celebrity makeup artists in India. From actors like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kajol, and prominent personalities like Neeta Ambani, he’s behind some of the most iconic beauty looks in Bollywood movies. Evergreen red lips, kohl-rimmed eyes, and strong brows are the three elements that define his style of work.
2. Namrata Soni
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Pop-glam and everything that comes with it, Namrata Soni’s feed looks like she can be on both ends of the spectrum – minimal and OTT. Namrata doesn’t shy away from experimenting but keeps it minimal to suit the look of the character in the best way possible. Sonam Kapoor’s go-to artist, you should follow her for some of the life-saving makeup tips.
3. Daniel Bauer
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When it comes to the list of celebrity makeup artists in India, Daniel Bauer is one artist who puts a lot of emphasis on matching the personality of the person with their looks. Capable of shelling out editorial masterpieces with his experience, Bauer has created several iconic looks for celebrities like Katrina Kaif, including her wedding look.
4. Mehak Oberoi
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Soft glam is her style. Chic looks achieved by enhancing the natural features of the face defines her flair of work. Mehak, who has been a part of the industry for over a decade now, is the go-to artist for celebrities like Alaya F, Shanaya Kapoor, Malaika Arora, and Gauri Khan. Editorials, brand campaigns, and makeup tutorials, Mehak puts up relevant content on her feed to keep her followers informed on beauty tips, tricks, and products.
5. Lekha Gupta
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Editorials, brand campaigns, and the regular on-screen work, Lekha Gupta is a celebrity makeup artist who’s known for her clean skin, and natural-looking makeup looks. She works with prominent personalities like Parineeti Chopra and Kiara Ali Advani, creating looks that are edgy yet wearable. You must follow her to know how to lift the face while keeping the skin makeup minimal and fresh.
6. Sandhya Shekhar
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Bold, out-of-the-box, and edgy, Sandhya Shekhar’s craft is not dictated by beauty textbooks. Her choices are fearless and she doesn’t go by the rule of trends. A bold lip with fluffy strong brows seems to be her MO, and we’re all here for it. She likes accentuating one feature while keeping the rest breezy and clean.
7. Puneet B Saini
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A list of celebrity makeup artists in India is incomplete without Puneet! Bringing relevance into her work with hints of pop culture, her looks are always ‘red carpet ready’. She is known to design looks that are fresh and interesting, and she finds a way to break the monotony in the looks with similar characteristics.
8. Arti Nayar
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With a pop of colour here and there, Arti designs quirky looks. The best part about following her feed on social media is that she puts up video content frequently to show how she achieved a particular look.
