And we are back with our Makeup Artist Series! This time, meet Noida (Delhi-NCR) based freelance makeup artist Anjum Bhardwaj who is known for her talent and love for colors in the entire bridal circle
Anjum Bhardwaj is undoubtedly one of the best makeup artists Delhi-NCR has. She is talented, creative and most importantly enjoys doing makeup. Anjum is known for the versatile makeup looks and variety of styles- ranging from modern to minimalist to traditional as well as unconventional. Let’s find out a bit more about her experiences while doing makeup for brides and celebrities!
1. What is a day in the life of Anjum like?
Well! Each day is exciting as I love what I do. I am fortunate to have a job that I enjoy so much. Makeup products, equipment, colors, makeover, makeup training, sharing tips and tricks of makeup and hair, makeup tutorials, shoots, weddings, client consultation are all a part of my life and I look forward to each day. 
2. Have you always been a makeup artist? Did you have another career(s) before doing makeup full time?
I was always fascinated about makeup and did want to take it up as a profession. After I finished my studies all I wanted to do was to pursue makeup artistry, but didn’t get a positive response from my family. Since, at that time this profession was looked down upon, moreover, people were not even aware of it. I did succumb to the non-approval and carried on with my studies. After working for various companies as a training manager, I started working for my father, a security agency for almost 5 years, looking into trainings. Then in 2009, I finally decided to pursue my passion. I did a course of makeup artistry and hairstyling from Pearl Academy of Fashion and ever since then there has been no looking back.
With over 6 years of experience in the beauty industry, my work has featured across fashion and lifestyle magazines such as Hello, Smart Photography, and Vogue to name a few. My collection of work includes TV, theatre, editorials, fashion shows & events, bridal advertising etc. I have also worked as a Course Leader of Fashion Media Makeup at The Pearl Academy of Art, Design and Fashion.
3. What is the difference between applying makeup for a TV/film shoot and applying makeup for a bride?
I have rich makeup experience in both- TV and Films and the hardcore bridal world, so I can only say that yes, there is a difference.
For TV/ Films, the technology in terms of the camera being used etc. makes a lot of difference and understanding all that is crucial. For example, HD (high-definition) cameras can be very unforgiving and every flaw gets captured on the camera. So, the artist has to use HD makeup and blending is essential. Lights used in television studios are quite bright so that also alters the makeup in front of the camera. Shine control is another important point to remember. The skin has to look as matte as possible. Face contouring – nose, jawline, cheekbone and forehead is mandatory for TV or else the face looks flat. The skin tone and makeup applied has to match perfectly. Too much makeup also shows on camera. So the artists need to be mindful of all that.
For bridal makeup, depending upon the client’s choice, wedding ensemble etc., one gets to decide the makeup and hair. Usually the clothes and jewelry are quite shiny and brides like bright makeup for that. Dewy skin, bright lips or dewy skin with bright smokey eyes is a preferred choice. Makeup also has to be long lasting and water proof.
4. Tell us a bit about your most memorable experience while working for a celebrity/client?
This takes me back to my TV days when I was working for a news channel. Every now and then movie stars would come for promotions of their movies. I remember meeting John Abraham in the green room where I had to do a touch up for him. I froze out of excitement but I had to stay calm. Sports section would have a lot of cricketers coming in. My fondest memories are of the legend Kapil Dev, who would always ask me to color his mustache black with a kajal pencil and told me to make him look younger.
Indian weddings are big on emotions and most of the time- I get blessings by parents, grandparents for dressing up their daughters so well. Many a times, one just becomes a part of the family and the wedding. Thank you notes, personal messages, emails from the clients really make the experience worthwhile.
5. How well do you think you have been able to strike a balance between your work life and personal life?
I think when you are proud and passionate about what you do, you look forward to each day with excitement and zeal to work. When you make people feel good and confident about them, then your work becomes your love and life. Missing a few family functions and parties with friends does not matter. Having said that, I do feel I have managed to balance my personal and professional life.
6. What do you think about Indian beauty industry and how has it changed over a period of time?
There has been a tremendous change in the beauty industry over the last 7 to 8 years. And the change is extremely positive for all the people working in the industry. Growth of the beauty industry has been enormous with a growth rate almost 3 times in the last 5 years. I think this drastic change is due to the awareness, increase in purchasing power, branding and promotions, easy availability, quality, accessibility and a lot more. Since there is a huge demand, so is the supply. And with an annual growth in the Indian beauty and cosmetics markets estimated to remain in the range of 15-20 percent in the coming years, twice as fast as that of the US and the European market.
7. How would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other makeup artists?
Client consultation is of utmost importance to me, especially when it comes to designing a look for my client. It is not just about makeup and hair, but I need to understand the outfits, jewelry, theme, face structure, tone, eye shape, hair color, hair texture, texture, taste in makeup of the client. It is imperative to understand and treat every client as an individual and make them feel comfortable in whatever look is designed for them.
I think all artists have their unique style and I respect that. Having said that- my signature style belongs to minimalist theme. I like to enhance the features; makeup should look natural and most importantly my client needs to be comfortable sporting that look. But again this varies from client to client (basis their preference).
8. What are some common beauty mistakes that women make?
Honestly it is all about the right attitude and the way you a carry a look. There are a no rules to makeup but a few things should be kept in mind while selecting and wearing makeup.
Firstly, stick to your own skin tone. Never go for a foundation or base color lighter than your own skin tone. Foundation is applied only to make your face look flawless and even and not to look fairer or lighter. A light foundation color looks very artificial and grey making makeup appear ashy.
Understand your eye shape and type and then apply eye makeup and eyeliner. For example someone who has deep set eyes, and does a black smokey eye, it doesn’t work for them as it will make the eyes appear even more deep set. Similarly, someone with droopy eyes should do winged eyeliner to create an illusion of a lifted eye and so on.
All beauty products have an expiration date. Always use products within their shelf life. Another way is to also smell the product. Foul smelling, clumpy product should be discarded immediately. Not only is this important from hygiene point of view but also for health and safety reasons.
All the makeup and hair equipment like makeup brushes, hair brushes, sponges, beauty blenders etc should be thoroughly shampooed, cleaned and dried properly once in 15 days, else it can cause bacteria build up.
Most important is taking off the makeup. There is a common myth- makeup spoils skin etc. which is not true. Infact, good quality and branded makeup (like mineral makeup) is good for your skin. But what is not good for your skin is not taking off the makeup properly. A good cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine are a must before and after makeup.
9. Who are some people that have inspired you throughout your career?
My inspiration and stimulation for the craft of makeup comes from makeup artists like Kevyn Aucoin and Bobbi Brown.
10. What advice would you like to give to someone who is aspiring to be a makeup artist?
Looking at the growth of the beauty and wellness industry, the scope for makeup artists is immense. There is definitely a lot of demand for trained and skilled professionals in the areas such as- TV, films, editorials, retail, salon and spas, training and more.
What makes an artist different is the entire approach towards the job. One needs to have a style of their own. At the same time one needs to be versatile. Thorough knowledge- both practical and theoretical is a must on the subject. A good portfolio is important. And lastly, be yourself and create your own style.
To get in touch with Anjum Bhardwaj, please send an email at anjum_bhardwaj@hotmail.com; Visit her website by clicking here. And don’t forget to visit her Facebook page!
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