Mickey’s no-makeup magic

He has given Bollywood beauties such as Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra and Mallika Sherawat the subtle, nude look that many aspire to. Celebrity makeup artist Mickey shares some tips.

Make up

He has given Bollywood beauties such as Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra and Mallika Sherawat the subtle, nude look that many aspire to. Actresses Kajol and Rani Mukherji have even fought over him some years ago. Their peachy, flawless skin and glossy pink lips give the no-makeup appearance, that has become celebrity makeup artist Mickey Contractor’s trademark.

“Giving the nude look is the most difficult. It makes the actresses look gorgeous and seem as if they are not wearing any makeup at all, but there is a lot of time and effort that goes into it,” says Contractor.

Having worked on the prettiest faces in the industry, Contractor confesses that while all actresses have nice skin, “Kareena has an exceptionally good skin”.

Though smokey eyes have been in vogue for some time now, Contractor says, “Smokey eyes has a lot to do with how we dress. It’ll never go out of fashion in India. It looks best in black and brown, but any two close colours can be used for it.”

He adds, “The trick is to have no sharp lines. The two eye shadows have to be smudged together, even the eyeliner. The kohl pencil must be applied on the waterline, both above and below. Also, there is no restriction on the use of colours.”