A THING OF BEAUTY…

Celebrity make-up artist, Mehak Oberoi, believes every face tells a story. A quick chat with Analita Seth

- Analita Seth

From a conservative upbringing in Delhi to choosing a profession that’s erratic and demanding, it was perhaps karma calling for Mehak Oberoi. Making-up a face for her is no less than a creative pursuit. With deft strokes and an ability to enhance the natural, she’s the hand behind the most stunning faces in showbiz. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tara Sutaria, Sonakshi Sinha, Kiara Advani, Katrina Kaif, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Kajol, Malaika Arora… her strength lies not in the numbers but the nuances she lends to their beauty… making portraits out of pancake. Excerpts…

WHEN DID YOU REALISE THAT YOU WANTED TO GET INTO THE BEAUTY AND GLAMOUR BUSINESS?

I enrolled myself into the Pearl Academy of fashion in Delhi and learnt make-up and hair. I realised it’s something I was good at and wanted to do. As for the glamour world, I realised it was for me when I got a call from Anushka Sharma’s manager early in my career. It was the start of my professional journey as a make-up artist.

HOW IMPORTANT IS MAKE-UP WHEN PUTTING A LOOK TOGETHER?

It’s extremely essential. Your face is generally the focus point. Also, it’s not about putting a lot of make-up. It’s about the right amount for holding the look together.

HOW DIFFERENT IS AN EDITORIAL LOOK FROM A RED-CARPET OR A REGULAR OFF-DUTY LOOK?