‘Make-up Artist is a well-recognised and respectable profession now’

Taruna Sharma

Inspired by her mom, who worked in the advertising world, Arti Nayar took up the path she was most attracted to – that of a make-up artist. The fact that her mother supported her whole-heartedly and no one else opposed her decision, helped her pursue her passion.
“My mom always taught me to be independent and work hard towards my goals. Without the encouragement and support from my family, I would not have reached where I am today,” says Nayar, who moved to Mumbai for her graduation at St Xaviers from Kolkata. Later, she worked at Mac for two years before branching out on her own. “I was very lucky to have a mentor in Namita Soni who taught me a lot about this world. But in the end it’s all about how much hard work can one put in,” she says.
Among the Bollywood actors she has worked with Parineeti Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor, and Anushka Sharma among others. “Each experience has been exhilarating,” says Nayar. Excerpts from an interview:

So who inspired you to become a make-up artist?
My inspiration actually came from the fact that I’ve loved movies and used to watch a lot of Bollywood films when I was young and aspiring to be a part of the industry. I was just confused aout what I wanted to do at that early stage. My mother was shooting a commercial with Farah Khan and she very kindly accepted my mom’s request for me to interact with her. I was invited to her house to speak to her and she made me realise that I’ve got a lot of interest in the looks of the character. She then introduced me to Namita Soni and she was everything I wanted in a mentor. As people say, The Rest Is History. I took her advice and did a three-month make-up course in Mumbai. After that I worked as an assistant with Priyanjali Laheri – and from her too I learned a lot

(From left to right) Parineeti Chopra, Sara Ali Khan Sonam Kapoor, a few of Arti Nayar’s clients.

What is the acceptance of make-up artists as a profession in society?
Makeup as a profession has really grown leaps and bounds since the time I started in 2009. Social media and Internet have helped it grow as a profession because of easy access to information. It’s taken as a serious profession now. But, like in all other professions, one has to be super passionate about the work, be it bridal make up, films or editorials. It is a very hectic job and time consuming too.

Do you use SFX and HD makeup? If yes, how often. If not, why?
I don’t do SFX or HD makeup but I do airbrush makeup and that’s my favorite go to Makeup style.

What are your views about prosthetic make-up?
Prosthetic makeup has a lot of scope in future and there are schools to teach the same. I haven’t been able to do a course as of now but it is in my plan for the future.

Where do you see yourself in, say, five years from now?
Five years from now I hope and wish to have my own Training Center and Academy so I can pass on the knowledge, teach and share my experiences with the young people who want to take up this career.

Please share a few make-up tips for our readers.
♦ Always prep and prime before you do your makeup. Using the right kind of prep and prime is very essential.
♦ Using sunscreen every day is very important.
♦ When applying blush, do it with a little bit of shine and always use the right brush. And, start from the center of the cheeks and move upwards to give a more uplifted look.

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