M.A.C Senior Artist Vimi Joshi: Behind The Scenes

Lipstick and kajal are so yesterday. Makeup's now an art form that can transform you. It's governed by trends and let's admit it, Bollywood would not be half as glamorous if it were not for the magic of makeup. M.A.C Senior Artist Vimi Joshi, gives us the lowdown on the makeup secrets of her famous clientele, what it's like behind the scenes at a fashion show and what are the latest trends to adopt.

On the sets
The look in Bollywood is classic. Actors work under harsh lights and the camera misses nothing, so the makeup has to be flawless and needs touching up and refreshing often. However, most actors want to look like themselves onscreen, preferring smoky eyes and nude lips.

Backstage at a fashion show
To the untrained eye, the buzz around most fashion shows seems similar gorgeous models slip into fabulous dresses while the glitterati take their seats in the front row. But Vimi says that each fashion capital has its own unique vibe. "It really depends on which city you are in. New York is arty and there are many celebrities. London is edgier. Milan is sexy and Paris is sophisticated."

If you have been backstage at a fashion show, you will see makeup artists frantically working on models with clockwork precision. This is courtesy many trials and rehearsals. It's the entire team, comprising the designer, hairdresser, stylist and the makeup artist who work on the look. However, Vimi says that it's finally the designer's vision. She says, "There is so much creativity. Once we might be doing a geisha, the next time a Marilyn Monroe, then an Audrey Hepburn."

But it isn't all peachy when you have tired models and a stressed-out designer going hysterical. "You just breathe and pray and keep your cool. But if no one yelled, it would not be Fashion Week." she says. What also helps is that Vimi does a two-minute aromatherapy facial massage on all the models to calm them, after which they "melt in my hands".

Looks you can try out
The 80s are back with a vengeance. But you don't have to copy their makeup brush stroke for brush stroke. Be tactful and employ what is now being called Punk Couture. Vimi says, "This look is inspired by punk rockers, but is more edgy, glamorous and sophisticated. It's more punk perfection. Couture means tailor-made. So take this look and adapt it to your face." This look is all about strong eyes that scream attitude. Smudge the kajal or eye shadow to get that sultry smoky look.

To replicate the next trend, turn to the Hollywood red carpet. All the beauties strutting their stuff have perfect, almost glowing skin. For this, you need perfectly hydrated skin so use a water-based moisturiser. Pick a foundation closest to your skin tone and finish off with a light pink blush on for that sweet-girl blush and a light layer of lip-gloss. Jennifer Lopez is a great reference, as her makeup is minimal to highlight her glowing skin.

For the festive season
Festivities have begun. Navratri, Diwali and the wedding season will soon be around the corner. With every look that you change, you must make sure your makeup changes accordingly. Vimi suggests you celebrate your Indianness. "I travel around the world and Europeans are spending thousands on buying products for an ideal skin tone. Look for inspiration in the Indian textures and colors." For the festive season, mix matte and shimmer so you don't overdo either. You could have a shimmer eye shadow with a matte finish one applied into the crease of the eyelid, hence pushing forth the shimmered eyelid. Use colors from your outfit in your makeup as well.

Starry eyes: Vimi on her famous clientele

Freida Pinto: Vimi says, "I love her. I have worked with her a couple of times and she is one of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I've met. We first worked together on a photo shoot and then for the Toronto and Dubai film festivals (above). We started off with the nude look, but then got creative. She is open to new looks and ideas."

Bipasha Basu: "We did the Harper's Bazaar shoot with her in London and she was incredible. First we did a nude-gold look and then she said, 'Come on, let's get creative.' So we looked at the clothes and settled on this forest-murky-green look. Bipasha is constantly pushing the creative boundaries."

Dita Von Teese: "With her, you know you are going to be doing the pale skin and red lips; the 1950s look. But the key is that you retain her image."

Amitabh Bachchan: "He is such a gentleman. I met him backstage at an awards function. He literally needed just a touch-up."

Helen: "I love her. She is a beauty icon for India. She does her makeup herself. Helen is a beautiful woman inside out. Her makeup is more subdued and natural now."

Vidya Balan: "I see her for who she is. She is one of the most spiritually grounded women I have met. I love working with her. We actually did a green and blue look for her for a newspaper and she loved it."

Katrina Kaif: "Stunning is the only word I can use for her. How can you improve perfection? Whenever I have worked with her, it was always a very natural look."