A makeup artist plays a vital role in enhancing people’s appearances, personality and confidence. Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India caught up with one of the ace MUA, Avleen Bansal, Head Trainer, Make-up Studio to get an insight into the nuances of formal training in makeup.
Makeup is undoubtedly an art. Though every art form has its genesis in creativity, it only comes to life and perfection when the foundation of basics is solid. The same applies to makeup. While as a makeup artist, one would love to let their creativity run free, following some basics will only enhance the beauty of the work. Avleen Bansal, Head Trainer, Make-up studio, throws light on the first set of nuances of formal training that can enhance the path and careers of makeup enthusiasts. Avleen also let us in on her creative processes and favourite trends.
Here’s the excerpt from the interview.
Tips to up your game as a MUA:
When people look at social media pictures and trends and think they can easily replicate the same look on themselves or someone else. That is a mistaken mindset. People need to realise what we see on social media is mostly edited and retouched.
Further, makeup is not ‘one-size-fits-all. When you wish to try something on yourself or your clients, remember every person is different. You need to study the skin of the one sitting in front of you, and according to their skin and features, you need to plan their makeup. One should not simply run behind the trends and copy them entirely. Different products, techniques, and colours work for different people.”
Suggestion to enthusiasts who want to learn the art of makeup:
Firstly, there is no age bar for learning makeup. The industry is open for one and all. I believe anybody can learn this art if they have an artistic bend.
Secondly, practice and practical knowledge are of utmost importance. One cannot be a MUA by watching YouTube videos or looking at makeup looks on Instagram. You need to join an academy and take formal training. Additionally, one needs a mentor because they are the ones to guide us when we go wrong, correct us, and teach us better.
Third, formal training helps in acquiring product knowledge which is an important basic. Keep exploring different brands and different products, and keep experimenting. But yes, only experiment in your practice sessions and never on your client.
Makeup is an art, but it has a set of rules. Where does Avleen Bansal lean— towards the rules or the creative bend of her mind?
I am an artistic person. I never go blindly by the rules. Mostly, I don’t plan my look. Whether it’s for a show or any other event, I go with the flow. I look at my model, the garment she is wearing, and the colours in front of me, and I go accordingly.
And, while teaching as a MUA, the only thing that should be in your mind is when you are catering to some audience or you are doing some training session, it should be informative to your audience. They should always learn something new.
Favourite makeup trends from 2023:
In 2023, I love the under-painting technique. Let me explain what it is. As per under-painting, you conceal, do blusher and contour first. Then on top, you apply the foundation. It gives you a very natural effect. Sometimes, when you first apply foundation and then apply contour and blush, it looks like a second layer on the skin. But, with the under-painting technique, the finish is natural. I love to teach and talk about this trend.
And the second trend that I like is creating a very soft focus effect on the face using powders. Once you apply the foundation, you use different tones of setting powder to create a dimensional effect on the face. For example, you can use a very light colour powder for the under eye. You can use a powder two to three times darker than your skin to contour your face. And then for the entire face, you can use something very close to your skin. All this is with the loose powders.
One makeup trend wish was gone:
“To name one, I don’t like those heavily structured and sculpted eyebrows.”
