Make-Up Week: An Influx Of Creative Make-Up Talent Under One Roof

by Shrutee K/DNS

Mumbai:The Professional Beauty Group called it a wrap on the first edition of Make Up Week (MUW). Hosted at 18.99 Latitude Banquets at Kamala Mills, Lower Parel in Mumbai, on the 25^th and 26^th of March, 2019, MUW had a carefully curated agenda that was aimed exclusively for professional make-up artists in India. UK-based celebrity make-up artist, Armand Beasley curated both days of MUW, effortlessly connecting the performing make-up artists on stage to the eager audience by explaining the nuances of make-up, and facilitating Q&A with the artists. First up for MUW was Zorain Khaleeli of Zorains Studio, who focussed on understanding the science behind make-up.

A seasoned prosthetic artist from Bollywood, Amod Doshi of Ovi Academy demonstrated his skills by creating an evil-faced character live on stage within 60 minutes! He commented, “I am happy to be part of MUW as it is the first ever show that has given such a good platform for prosthetic make-up.”

Next, Sanah Hassan from Kryolan Paris demonstrated one of the latest global trending looks whilst giving out important tips on application techniques. Sharon Knuiman from Makeup Studio Amsterdam demonstrated make-up using the Pantone colour of the year – Living Coral. She created a stunning red carpet look on a model using varying shades of coral and improvising on the smoky eye look.

The final session for the day was an interaction with the man in charge – Armand Beasley. He was questioned and cross-questioned by Kanishka Ramchandani, Digital Editor, Professional Beauty, on what it takes to be a brand ambassador. “If you want to grow as a make-up artist, you need to market yourself correctly, use social media to your best advantage. Collaborations with hairdressers, fashion stylists and others are a good way to expand your network,” he pointed out.

While the sessions were in progress, MUW was also hosting professional make-up brands and academies such as Presenting Partner Makeup Studio, Powered Partner, NYX Professional, Kryolan, Proarte and Nykaain the brand showcase area. Apart from the brand booths, the exhibition area also had a demo zone for make-up academies. During the first half on Day 1, make-up maestro Marvie Ann Beck and her team demonstrated trending looks while interacting with the visitors. Post lunch, trainers from Asha Hariharan Academy created wearable looks on their models. Day 2 at MUW opened with a livewire session by Armand Beasley, an eco-conscious artist, using cruelty-free products. Sessions by Strafford Braganza and Saloni of NYX Professional, Sharon Knuiman of Makeup Studio and Amisha Salunke of Amisha’s Academy were met with an enthusiastic response from the audience. Day 2 at the academy zone played host to MUD  in the first and second half of the day, respectively.

The day as well as MUW concluded with a panel discussion curated and moderated by Asha Hariharan, Founder – Asha Hariharan Academy and Beyond the Fringe salons. The panel comprised Geeta Roy, fashion influencer and ex-Editor of Vogue; RafiqueSayed, fashion and film photographer; Clint Fernandes, celebrity make-up artist; Shie Lobo, ace fashion runway choreographer; Ritoo Jha, Editor, Beauty Launchpad; and Priyanka Karunakaran, model, actor and Kingfisher Calendar girl. These experts discussed at length the nuances of building a professional career as a make-up artist and creating a wide spectrum of looks – from the red carpet to editorial.

The first edition of Make Up Week concluded with a felicitation ceremony. Seasoned artists such as Ambika Pillai, Cory Walia, Clint Fernandes and Vipul Bhagat were felicitated for their contribution to the industry. Make-up veteran from the South Indian film industry, Pattanam Rasheed, was bestowed with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his invaluable contribution to India's make-up and film industry. “The make-up industry needs such an event as make-up artists in India need to grow and learn more,” said Pattanam. Delegates and visitors took away with them immeasurable knowledge about makeup trends and good business contacts. “I love the idea of a Make Up Week. I have been looking forward to attending such an event,” said Puja Chudasama, Makeup Director, Vipul Chudasama Academy, and a delegate at MUW.  Speaking about the success of the maiden edition of the Make Up Week, Vikas Vij, Director, IDEX, said, “We are overwhelmed with the response MUW has received from the make-up fraternity. Brands, academies, artists and new comers to the field have all enthusiastically welcomed MUW. They have been yearning for this kind of an event to take place in India. We are happy and proud to be the first movers and we are looking forward to coming back with a bigger and better edition of MUW in Delhi later this year before returning to Mumbai in 2019.”