From a conservative upbringing in Delhi to choosing a profession that’s erratic and demanding, it was perhaps karma calling for Mehak Oberoi. Making-up a face for her is no less than a creative pursuit. With deft strokes and an ability to enhance the natural, she’s the hand behind the most stunning faces in showbiz. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tara Sutaria, Sonakshi Sinha, Kiara Advani, Katrina Kaif, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Kajol, Malaika Arora… her strength lies not in the numbers but the nuances she lends to their beauty… making portraits out of pancake. Excerpts…
When did you realise that you wanted to get into the beauty and glamour business?
I enrolled myself into the Pearl Academy of fashion in Delhi and learnt make-up and hair. I realised it’s something I was good at and wanted to do. As for the glamour world, I realised it was for me when I got a call from Anushka Sharma’s manager early in my career. It was the start of my professional journey as a make-up artist.
How important is make-up when putting a look together?
It’s extremely essential. Your face is generally the focus point. Also, it’s not about putting a lot of make-up. It’s about the right amount for holding the look together.
How different is an editorial look from a red-carpet or a regular off-duty look?
Editorial looks may or may not be different from the red carpet or a regular off-duty look. It depends on the lighting and the overall theme, which has been decided. It can be as simple as flaunting a clean beautiful skin or it could be be experimental.
What are some make-up trends that will never go out of style?
Few make-up trends that will never go out of style would definitely be sheer glass skin with rosy cheeks, soft-winged liners and brown and black smokey eyes. Also the signature look of the ’40s with vintage curls and winged-liners, I believe, will always be in.
Every girl should possess Bobbi Brown’s long-wear weightless foundation with SPF, a good powder compact, a lip and cheek tint, a multi-purpose brow pencil and a waterproof mascara.
A make-up trend you don’t like…
Extreme strobing and highlighting, which makes the skin look oily. It’s something I stay away from.
How different is screen make-up from what you do otherwise?
For movies, the make-up has to be extra matte. We tend to use less of it. Also, sometimes it’s the exact opposite, we tend to use a lot of it to make the look appear natural.
Of the stars you’ve worked with, who’s experimental and who sticks to comfort and basics?
The most experimental would be Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Sonakshi Sinha and Tara Sutaria. Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif and Malaika Arora like to stick to their comfort zone.
One make-up myth you want to bust…
You needn’t go with all the steps – correct, bake, contour and highlight – on the same face.
One beauty hack you learnt on the job…
When resources are limited, you can use lipstick as a blush. Also I remember being stuck once and using a Q-tip and gel liner to create smokey eyes. You just have to be on the ball with what you have.
Who in the Indian make-up fraternity always gets the look on-point?
Make-up artists like Anil Chinnappa, Puneet B Saini, Daniel Bauer and Mario Dedivanovic have done some great looks.
One recent look you admired…
Alia Bhatt’s look for Gangubai Kothiawadi by Puneet Saini. It added
to her character.
Celebrities you wish to work with…
I want to work with Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey.
Which is your favourite from your own look book?
Tara Sutaria’s look from the Bobbi Brown campaign and Sonakshi Sinha’s look from a beauty campaign would be my all-time favourites.
Who would you cite as your inspirations?
I look up to make-up artists like Scott Barnes, Alex Box and Pat McGrath. They’re all incredible at what they do.
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