Make-Up is something that’s so intrinsic to women. It is our armour, our pick-me-up and a form of self-expression. We look to ramps, beauty magazines and blogs for reviews, trends and ideas to try out. There are certain make-up artists who have changed the way we have looked and treated it. Some have created beauty empires while others have become consultants for brands so that women can primp and pout with much ease. Here are 4 make-up artists you should definitely keep an eye out for and know about.
François Nars:
He’s been the man behind the cult cosmetics, Nars. Born in France, Nars first started working in Paris until a Vogue editor told him to move to New York. It is there that he gained fame for his artistry working with Versace and Anna Sui, for which he shaved off an eyebrow of supermodel Kristin McMenamy. He also worked closely with music icon Madonna for her controversial book, Sex. He first launched his make-up collection in 1994 with simple, minimal black and white packaging. François also photographs his ad-campaigns and writes the copy. Aside from that, he’s an accomplished author; he’s published 4 books on photography.
Words to live by: Don’t be too serious; it’s only make-up.
Bobbi Brown:
Bobbi Brown founded her cosmetics empire on 10 brown lipsticks, that by her own admission, said she expected to sell within a month – only it exceeded expectations and sold out the same day. Starting out in theatrical make-up, she moved from Boston to New York. Along with a chemist friend, she created these 10 shades of lipstick and named them Bobbi Brown. The rest is history- her empire grew and in 1995, the Estee Lauder group of companies bought her company, but she still remains on as creative head. Bobbi tries through the medium of make-up to empower women. She launched the Pretty Powerful series where real women get a chance to feel empowered thanks to make-up.
Words to live by: Knowing what you can do at any given time to look and feel better is pretty powerful.
Pat McGrath:
Entirely self-taught Pat McGrath has an impressive roster of clients. She’s wielded her magic backstage at Lanvin, Dior, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. Pat was exposed to make-up owing to her mother who loved all things fashion, she got her first break with i-D magazine. Since then she’s worked closely with some of the best photographers, brands and models in the industry. She’s been awarded the Member of the British Empire and serves as creative head for brands such as CoverGirl, Dolce & Gabbana cosmetics, Armani cosmetics and Max Factor. She’s been dubbed by Vogue as one of the most influential make-up artists in the world.
Words to live by: Creativity is your best make-up skill, don’t be afraid to experiment.
Mickey Contractor:
Mickey Contractor’s career has spanned over 35 years and he has earned the distinction of being Bollywood’s most in-demand make-up artist. Currently, he is the Director of Makeup Artistry, MAC India and has clients ranging from Aishwarya Rai to Madhuri Dixit-Nene and he’s worked his magic onscreen for Kal Ho Na Ho giving Preity Zinta’s character Naina a fresh, dewy look while for Chalte Chalte, he introduced a smokey eye to Rani Mukherjee. He’s even released his own MAC line that was formulated specially for Indian skin tones.
Words to live by: Always moisturize your skin before applying makeup. It makes for smooth application of concealer and foundation.