An illustrious personality In the field of make-up, Anu Kaushik is a celebrated make-up artist to the stars known for her naturalistic take on make-up. Keeping luminous and glowing skin as her top priority, she focuses on bringing out the true beauty and radiance while ensuring you look like yourself. After three decades in the field, Anu's portfolio ranges from creating beauty looks for runway shows to make-up in Bollywood films, bridal make-up, and being a celebrated artist to the stars. Anu Kaushik shares her stories, secrets, and more with DLF Promenade.
What is your make-up mantra?
It has always been - make-up is you, only a little better!
With facemasks becoming fashion? hottest fashion accessory, how have make-up trends changed?
The pandemic has brought a lot of self-awareness in general, and it? always good practice to aim for good skin first rather than covering flaws under layers of make-up. To begin with, sheet masks especially serum-infused sheet masks and face tools like Gua Shas, jade rollers and ice globes have become an integral part of skincare. While sheet masks help to hydrate the skin, face tools instantly make your skin look uplifted while soothing the skin and setting the base for flawless make-up.
How does one perfect make-up under a mask?
Well-hydrated skin is the key to protect your skin under a mask. Products like hydrating make-up mists go a long way to achieve supple skin. They are good to start and finish your make-up routine as it keeps your make-up on for longer.
Next, invest in a good concealer that works to cover spots and especially conceals the under-eye area, the most visible feature with a mask. Shifting the focus away from the covered areas under a face mask, opt to include more eye make-up products and light serum foundations than full coverage foundations for a flawless look. Instead of powder blush, use cheek and lip tints. Even if you use stay-on lipsticks under your mask, just dab away excess by pressing a tissue paper. Finally, to finish the look, don't forget to set the powder so that the mask does not leave patches on your face.
Tell us your thoughts on men and make-up? Share three must-haves for men trying their hand at make-up for the first time?
Men's beauty is definitely on the rise! Being in the make-up industry I have always been exposed to men's make-up. It is not a new phenomenon for me as all models and actors do wear make-up, but in general everyday life, or for special occasions quite a few men are still not comfortable wearing make-up. However, many of them are interested in make-up.
Three must-haves for beginners trying their hands at make-up are:
Smoothening primer or pore minimiser that helps to give the skin a smooth texture
Concealer for spot correction, under eyes, or for discoloration of the skin
Brow grooming gel to keep brows tamed and groomed
One celebrity you love to work with?
I have been fortunate to work with almost all my favourite Bollywood personalities including Aishwarya Rai, Sonam Kapoor, and more. But when it comes to a dream celebrity, a Hollywood star I would look to work with is Meryl Streep. She is my childhood favourite and it will be a dream come true if I get a chance to work with her!
What make-up faux pas makes you cringe?
One make-up flaw that makes me cringe is unnatural fake lashes that are not chosen as per the shape and size of the eye. The wrong choice in lashes can end up looking like fans on the eyes!
Make-up mistakes to avoid?
I always advise everyone to match the colour of the foundation with their skin tone.
Choosing a lighter shade than your natural skin tone makes the make-up look unnatural and ashy.
Make-up can lead to acne in hot and humid weather. What can one do to take care of their skin?
Since the weather conditions are already hot and humid, oily skin is a concern. I would suggest avoiding oil and cream-based products. Instead look for water-based make-up products like moisturising gels, aromatic skin mists, and skin tints. Further, never sleep with make-up on because this can clog the pores. So be sure to cleanse well to remove every trace of make-up thoroughly before going to bed.
From Bollywood to runway shows, what style of make-up do you enjoy the most and why?
As an artist, I love every genre of make-up. But the closest to my heart is doing fashion editorials, as we establish trends and there is scope for freedom of creativity! However, for me, bridal make-up means being a part of someone's most important day and that gives me great satisfaction. The same way going through a script and creating looks for a lead character and seeing it on the big screen gives another high.