I am a self-proclaimed makeup expert but despite my lofty beliefs, I often rely on secrets spilt by professional makeup artists to help me perfect my art. Not only are they trained professionally, but years of experience dabbing foundation and creating iconic makeup looks on different eye shapes, skin colours and textures means that they have knowledge that is useful. Meera Bhandari is one such makeup artist who has caught our eye lately. One look at her Instagram feed will show you that she enjoys exploring the beauty and challenges herself with bridal makeup.
We sat down with her to have a conversation on all things beauty.
ELLE: When did you begin your makeup journey and how did you enter this field?
Meera Bhandari (MB): I began my journey as a makeup artist in 2017. If I’m being really honest, I never wanted to become a makeup artist professionally. My love for makeup ensured I found my way towards this. Right after I was done with college, I ended up becoming a flight attendant and learnt professional makeup. That’s when I truly fell in love with the artistry. Since then I’ve been a part of this industry, growing and learning something new every single day.
ELLE: What are some beauty trends you believe will stand the test of time?
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MB: Beauty is an industry that is so dynamic, there’s a new trend almost every day! It’s very exciting to see the creation of new trends based on what products and techniques beauty lovers are enjoying. I feel like smudged eyeliner is a trend that will always remain in style, even 20 years from now. It’s a versatile trend that can be shaped depending on how you enjoy it. Some people enjoy keeping it minimal even with smudged eyeliner, some people love going all out by incorporating colour into it. So that’s one trend I believe will always be around. Another trend that I think will stay is a dewy base, gone are the days when people enjoyed a matte base. It’s all about making your face glow all the time!
ELLE: Name a few beauty products you don’t leave the house without?
MB: I never leave my house without applying sunscreen, as cliched as it sounds. I like using multifunctional beauty products, such as a lip and cheek tint, so I always have that on me. Whenever it’s hot and humid, I let my skin breathe as much as possible. I also always keep a refreshing facial mist handy so that I can refresh my face whenever it needs it.
ELLE: Since summer is upon us, could you give us a few beauty tips to ensure your makeup is sweatproof?
MB: My only tip for summer makeup is always to apply less product, no matter what product we’re talking about— skincare or makeup. The more product you will apply, there will be more chance of it creasing and sweating. Next, always apply a silicone-based primer that can smoothen your pores and prevent you from sweating excessively. Another tip would be to keep some blotting paper handy to dab over the shiny areas of your face. Setting your makeup with a pressed powder helps mattify it and stay intact for prolonged hours. Additionally, don’t forget to lock in your makeup with some setting spray!
ELLE: A celebrity you would love to work with, and why?
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MB: I really want to work with Alia Bhatt. Her passion for acting is inspiring in more ways than one. I also enjoy her minimalist beauty choices that often showcase a radiant base, flushed cheeks and a pop of colour on the lips.
ELLE: Tell us about a beauty look that you’ve enjoyed creating.
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MB: I personally can’t choose one look when it comes to this. I feel that each makeup look I’ve created is better than the previous one. This has only been possible because I’ve stayed true to my art and practised. Every individual I meet has a certain taste when it comes to beauty, but being a versatile makeup artist has allowed me to explore naturally radiant makeup and even glamorous makeup.
