The Lady With the Magic Wand

Intro:  Her natural ability to not only make her stars look beautiful but feel beautiful has made her a favourite amongst Bollywood fraternity. Makeup Expert- Namrata Soni is quite a hit with the stars. Kavita Shyam finds out in a tete a tete…

You never get a second chance to leave a first impression. And here’s a woman who helps the celluloid stars or the industry’s topnotch in films, advertisements or magazine covers to make a lasting impression! While working behind the scenes is often considered a thankless job, makeup expert Namrata Soni, is content being behind the scenes, adding glamour to the reigning stars for almost a decade now.  She has used her magic touch on Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, SRK, Sonam Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Preity Zinta, Tabu, Malaika Arora Khan, Salman Khan, Shruti Hassan, Arjun Rampal to Asin the list is endless. An interview with the woman behind the beautiful damsels we admire on screen, the stunner herself makeup expert- Namrat Soni.

Today’s woman is busier than ever. What is the easiest/quickest way to turn a day/work look into something that works for a night out?

It is very easy to transform, just make sure you have a kohl pencil, red lipstick, eye curler, mascara, BB cream or a tinted moisturizer. Simply splash some water, dab BB cream for a dewy look and apply red or orange lip colour even dab a little on your cheek for a flushed look, curl your lashed with a curler and a mascara and you are good to go!

You’ve done such beautiful work on so many celebrities. Who have you not worked on that you’d like to get into your chair?

Kareena Kapoor I’d say! She is a classic beauty, simply stunning so I’d like to work on her.

What’s your beauty philosophy? How do you transform the plain into perfectly pretty?

Every woman is stunning; you just have to find the right features to highlight and focus on natural beauty. On a beautiful blank canvas, I create a look that suits the personality of the person. I talk to my clients and understand them before working on them.
My simple logic is not to go eye heavy or lip heavy, focus on one not both.

Who have been your creative influences throughout your makeup artistry career?

Sonam Kapoor, Kevin Aucoin, besides of course my mother and grandmother as I grew up seeing them deck up beautifully well. It’s a dream come true now to work on beautiful faces!

Is having the opportunity to create your own line of products your dream ever?

Yes, I am working on it. In about two years or so I should be out with my line of beauty products.

What can the west borrow from Bollywood in terms of makeup?

They can emulate the fact that we have 50-80 costume changes, music in our movies. They have already borrowed our baking technique in makeup.

What makeup faux pas makes you cringe?

Dark lip liner especially maroon, it just does not work.

Who would u like to give a makeover in the industry?

Nobody actually! Each has their individual style which suits them. I think everyone should be who they want to be or who they are; I am no one to judge!

The art of make-up is…

To find the beauty within you!

Favorite stars in the film industry…

I adore Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Salman Khan, SRK, Kajol, Madhuri Dixit, Sushmita Sen to name a few. The list is way too long.

Top beauty and hair trends for the season would be? Even bridal trends for the season?

I’d say British English Rose lip is in trend, dark eyes and dark lips. Indian skin tones look good with softer smoky eyes in grey or brown instead of black with wine or burgundy lip hues. And most importantly stick to your comfort zone.

For hair use a lot of accessories, flowers, low messy buns at the nape of your neck look great.

Your most favorite makeup & beauty tip? Any sage advice for the women out there, some that you also that give to the stars?

Be willing to try something new, I advice everyone.

Tell us something about a star that we dint know, a beauty/makeup or hair care secret?

Lisa Haydon has a skincare line from her mother. Sonam Kapoor uses a lot of natural products and face masks or de-tanners for her skin. Each of them has their own go-to product to look after themselves.

Any advice to all the budding makeup experts out there?

Be patient; be true to who you are!