She has been on the ramp and behind the ramp too. Her affair with the
brushes has lasted for more than twenty years now. Meenakshi
Dutta, celebrity make-up artist who has worked on faces like
Neha Dhupia, Amrita Rao, Bipasha Basu, Indrani Dasgupta and
Fleur Xavier to name a few, was a former model doing ramp shows and TVCs. What
started as a mere interest to look good went on to become a career. With her own
studio called Makeovers, a one-stop station for all things beautiful and
relaxing, she plans to take over the world of make-up. Here, she chats about her
journey, beauty trends , what’s in her bag and more...
How has your journey been from a model to a make-up
artist?
Normally, you would hear of a model becoming an actress
however, I took a route less travelled. Modelling during those days was not a
good career option and coming from an over-protective family I knew that I had
to respect the sentiments of my parents. I opted for a ‘safer’ life, got married
and had kids. Once I was well-settled I knew that I could be a professional
make-up artist as I used to do touch-ups for fellow models like Gracy Singh,
Shefali Talwar before. I knew where to use what and that was considered big in
those times. I thought it was best to take this talent forward to make the most
of it.
What according to you are make-up must haves?
For daily
wear, it would have to be a good base that matches with our skin tone. We, as
Indians always ignore the importance of a base. A dry, clean blush to highlight
the cheeks is another must-have. Then there’s the usual, mascara and kajal as
nothing does more wonders to the eyes!
Name a celebrity who is always good with make-up and one you
would call a disaster.
When it comes to glamorous make-up its Rekha;
I believe she’s very adventurous, trendy and experimental when it comes to
make-up. Next, would be Bipasha Basu who gave the world the joy of winged
eyeliners. I hated the way Madhuri Dixit looked in her prime years, the make-up
was caked and quite a disaster! Vidya Balan is taking her TDP image too
literally with just red lips at every do. She could do nudes, browns or even
mauves too.
What are the top three make-up trends this
season?
This season, nude is out and it’s all about colour. I’m
thrilled because as a make-up artist it’s so much more fun to splash around
colour as compared to the dull browns and nudes. Colours like neons, peaches and
cranberry make for good lip colours. Also, matte is making a big come back which
is great as I think it’s feminine yet sexy. Thick, false lashes are trendy and
glamorous. So, play with colours in matte finish while your lashes are all
curled up!
What’s in a make-up artist’s handbag?
I have a MAC
concealer, Lancome mascara, Chanel liquid foundation, Christian Dior blusher and
a Loreal eyeshadow and eye-pencil. I mix-match the branded products as every
brand has something lovely to offer!
How has bridal make-up changed over the years?
More
than bridal make-up I think the way I apply make-up for brides has undergone a
tremendous change. From being loud, brash and very glittery it has become subtle
just good enough to highlight the special features. Make-up in general is
not about being subtle or loud, it’s just about being right.
If you were to bust one make-up myth, what would that
be?
It would have to be that make-up is not for everyone. Ladies,
make-up is for everyone! Depending on the shade, features we just have to try
different styles to highlight the best features.