Vimi Joshi on M.A.C and Her Aspirations

It's difficult to think of anyone that exudes the M.A.C philosophy better than professional make-up artist Vimi Joshi. It is therefore not surprising that she is the ambassador for the international make-up brand for the Middle East and India. Joshi, originally of Indian descent, fulfilled her childhood dream at last year's IIFA Weekend where M.A.C did the makeup for all the Bollywood stars who performed. "It was a great honor to be part of the IIFA Awards this year and the year before to lead and direct an entire make-up team during the event," enthuses Joshi. "We had 42 make-up artists from around the world come to Dubai and Yorkshire to support this event."

Crazy moments
She went on to describe the electric atmosphere behind the scenes. "It took a lot of preparation and planning to organize the artistry backstage. There was so much going on at the same time in different locations." "We had a few crazy moments but that's to be expected." Joshi, whose career in the make-up industry has spanned over a decade, has worked on many celebrities from Hollywood and Bollywood. "They really are some of the most amazing and down to earth people."

More experimental
With such a wealth of make-up knowledge I couldn't help but wonder if there was one make-up product Joshi couldn't live without? "M.A.C Smolder Eye Kohl and Ornamental Lusterglass. I am also addicted to Zoom Lash Mascara in Zoomblack, it has an incredible effect on your lashes." Joshi lights up from within when I mention her unique role in the Middle East and India. She is currently in and about the UAE, where she resides, conducting self-help make-up and beauty classes for local women. "It's important for women in this region to keep an open mind when it comes to make-up." Her main advice: "Try and see yourself in different ways and be a little experimental."

Step forward
"The women in this region are very comfortable wearing heavier make-up. It a part of the culture to wear lots of make-up and it is encouraged by their friends and their family. The good thing is to see how willing they are to modernize their make-up." Encouraged by the positive responses to her make-up classes, Joshi continued, "They are slowly moving towards their own skin tone and having their foundation more blended and using techniques to contour and highlight their skin, as opposed to using a full coverage foundation that is much lighter than their natural skin tone."

Practice makes perfect
Joshi is not only a great ambassador for M.A.C but an inspiration to any budding make-up artist. "If anyone is contemplating a career in the make-up industry, I say go for it! It's an incredible career. Learn as much as you can from people that inspire you. And lastly, practice, practice, practice!