Bhumi Pednekar, Meera Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan — celebrity makeup artist Arti Nayar is a go-to name for several Bollywood divas. And when it comes glamming up this festive season, who better than her to dish out some festive makeup hacks and tips, and more.
My Kolkata got in touch with the makeup pro to pick her brain about Diwali looks with inspiration from Bhumi Pednekar’s Thank You For Coming lookbook, festive must haves for makeup and skincare and a lot more. Edited excerpts follow…
My Kolkata: You did the makeup for Bhumi Pednekar in Thank You For Coming. Can any of those looks be recreated on Diwali?
Arti Nayar: Of course! The one where she wears a Tarun Tahilaini lehenga in the song called Desi Wine is a good option.
I did not do black smokey eyes but blackish-brown smokey eyes so that the eyes looked a bit sultry. Add blush but mix with highlighter because highlighter will give you that glam factor. I did not use too many cream products because it is still a bit humid and it is easier to touch up powder base than cream base. Go for a pinkish nude hue for your lips and not brown nude because the latter does not lift the skin, and pink looks like a natural lip colour. Use black mascara and not clear mascara because that adds more drama to the eyes. I would not overdo the brows, just enhance the shape and fill in the gaps.
What are the three makeup hacks that you try on celebrities, which we can try too?
It is not really a hack but an essential step in makeup. When working with celebrities, we have long days and the makeup has to last. Hence, it is important to do your skincare before you do your makeup. Each person has their own method of skincare, but over and above that, I like to do things like under eye patches to moisturise the under eyes. Putting on hydrating sheet masks before applying makeup also helps in blending the makeup and helps it last longer.
I like using cream based prep and primer because it also acts as a moisturiser, sunscreen and a layer that you put on your skin before you start your makeup. In some regards, it also protects your skin.
Icing the face helps to deal with the puffiness, get blood rushing in the skin so you get that slight flush red in the skin.
Do you also recommend putting on masks or applying scrubs?
That is a personal choice. But let’s say the lips are a bit dry or let’s say the look has red lips — red lips do dry out if you keep touching them up. In that case, you can use a lip scrub to remove the dry skin, so that the application of lip colours is easier.
During the festive season, we tend to put on more makeup than usual. What are a few tips that you would like to share on makeup removal?
I use things like a light makeup remover if the skin is sensitive. There are some brands and things like makeup removing face towels I like using because it removes makeup and it is also soft on the skin.
What are some makeup must-haves for Diwali looks?
Men should have a concealer. Women should have a good mascara, black and brown kajal, highlighter and blush.
Three lipstick shades to be Diwali party ready?
A nice bright red, lovely polish nude and may be a deep burgundy.
What are the general focus areas to keep in mind while doing makeup?
You should curl your lashes before you put on mascara. You should never leave the house without a blush. And, always groom your brows.
One makeup essential that is actually not an essential?
The white kajal that is often put around the inner corner of the eyes or on the waterline.
This Diwali, which colours are hot and which are not?
This Diwali, red lipstick is very much in. I don’t think very dramatic eyebrows are in, and go for a subtle but sexy smokey eye, and brown kajal. Subtle highlighters are also in. The traditional and ethereal winged liner with a lovely bold lip is trending as well.