Makeup trends are shifting fast—and professional MUAs must adapt quickly. From trending techniques to industry wisdom, Kanishka Ramchandani spells it out for you with insights from top experts.

This season, makeup trends are all about letting your skin breathe. Gone are the days of heavy-duty layers – skin is the new statement.

“We’re seeing a return to fresh, glowy skin with nude hues,” says Gayetri Chakravarty, National Creative Director – Makeup, Lakmé Salon. “Think ‘skinimalism’ paired with muted blush, monotone eyes and a classic liner. Product-wise, hybrid tints, skin-enhancing balms and multi-use sticks are must-haves.”

Glass skin, once a Korean trend, is now a global go-to. MUAs are opting for minimal foundation, liquid highlighters and colour correctors instead of concealers. Peachy-coral tones, mossy greens and icy lavenders are emerging as the season’s power shades.

“The trending colours in makeup today are blues, greys, turquoise and metallic shades,” says Celebrity Makeup Artist Clint Fernandes. “The techniques that are doing the rounds include dewy finishes, stains and very transparent makeup effects. Products like lip stains, foundation balms and hybrid makeup—skincare plus makeup—are in demand.”

While makeup is more dynamic than hair or nails, there are some trends that are passe. So, don’t commit these faux pas - some things are best left in the 2016 Instagram archive. Overdone brows, Instagram contouring and matte, overlined lips – bid adieu to these fads right now.

“The complete matte effect and heavy foundation trend are passé. So is makeup that looks very unnatural,” Fernandes cautions.

CLINT FERNANDES CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST

GAYETRI CHAKRAVARTY, NATIONAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR – MAKEUP, LAKMÉ SALON

“Overly contoured, cakey base makeup and Instagram brows are officially dated,” Chakravarty shares. “The heavy ‘beat’ has taken a backseat to lightweight, undetectable finishes.”

“Some of the top trends include warm bronzy complexions, and summer eye shadow shades complemented with bold, playful eye looks. Soft blurred lip lines and flesh-toned pencils are replacing harsh lip liners. Make up by Mario and Patrick Ta’s make up lines suffice all needs for these looks,” says Sapna Vaid, Celebrtiy Makeup Artist and House of Talent at The White Door.

LOOKING BEYOND BRIDAL

While bridal continues to be a lucrative niche, MUAs who diversify their skill sets invite bigger opportunities.

“MUAs should invest in editorial, red carpet, fashion week and e-commerce makeup,” says Chakravarty. “These styles are more technique-driven and current, opening doors to industry-level collaborations.”

Men’s grooming, mature skin and content-ready influencer looks are goldmines right now.

“As a makeup artist one should know all kinds of looks—editorial, fashion and even corrective makeup,” Fernandes advises.

“There’s a huge demand for digital-ready looks,” he explains. “You need to understand how makeup translates on HD cameras and phone screens.”

Whether it’s OTT glam for influencers or minimalist dewy looks for e-com catalogues, the versatility pays.

BE PROFESSIONAL… ALWAYS

So, you’ve mastered the smoky eye and own a brush kit worth a small fortune. What next? Professionalism. Here’s your cheat sheet.

DOS:

•Keep evolving: Trends shift like IG filters. Stay updated.

•Practice on all skin tones: India’s beauty is its diversity—don’t miss the memo.

•Hygiene is non-negotiable: Clean brushes = healthy skin + trust.

•Collaborate and network: Your next big break could

come from a DM.

DON’TS:

• Don’t copy-paste Instagram looks: Adapt it to your client’s face.

• Don’t ignore client briefs: Artistry is great, but listening is greater.

• Avoid filter dependency: Let your raw work speak for itself.

GROW WITH EDUCATION

Makeup education in India is evolving, but it’s still a long way to catch up to global standards. “It’s a very mixed bag,” says Fernandes. “There are very few good teaching academies and a lot more of sub-standard makeup schools with trainers who are just a hype on social media, with no real experience in the actual world of makeup—just bridal and personal makeup.” He further adds that MUAs should consistently practice their techniques and follow business ethics. It is important to train under one of the top artists in the country for at least two years, to be able to fully understand the field of makeup artistry.

“Makeup education is improving but it’s still inconsistent,” Chakravarty admits. “Some academies are industry-forward, while others still teach outdated techniques. There’s a need for stronger curriculum standardisation and more exposure to global artistry trends.”

MUAs often graduate without business knowledge—how to price, build a brand or handle contracts. That’s a gap begging to be filled. “Get more experience and be an all-rounded artist,” Fernandes recommends.

“Make up is such an art that one needs to keep practicing. What a student learns is just basics, the real education comes only while working and watching senior artists,” says Vaid. “Indian MUAs can rise by focusing on continuous learning through international masterclasses—not just YouTube tutorials,”

Chakravarty advises. “Editorial-level execution with subtlety and innovation is where the real growth lies.”

SAPNA VAID, CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST AND HOUSE OF TALENT AT THE WHITE DOOR

MUAs must also become culturally aware. Knowing how makeup works across skin tones, facial structures and global beauty norms makes you indispensable to luxury clients and cross-border brands.

MASTERING TECHNIQUE AND BUSINESS

Let’s be real—talent alone doesn’t pay the bills. Avoid these rookie errors that could be costing you gigs.

TECHNIQUE FLAWS:

• Skipping skin prep: No amount of foundation can fix a dehydrated canvas.

• Repetition of style: Each face is different. So should be the approach.

• Ignoring undertones and lighting: You’re not painting a wall—nuance matters.

BUSINESS BLUNDERS:

• Underpricing: Don’t compete with ‘cheap’— compete with ‘valuable’.

• Skipping branding/contracts: You’re not just a freelancer—you’re a business.

• Ghosting social media: If you’re not visible, you don’t exist.

“The list is very, very long,” Fernandes admits.

“With techniques, MUAs must keep practicing. In business, they need ethical practices and should train under a top artist for at least two years to understand the field.”

“Don’t talk negatively about other artists or clients - stay neutral and professional. Gossip damages your reputation,” cautions Vaid.

WIDEN YOUR HORIZON

Should MUAs participate in competitions and create collections?

Short answer? Absolutely!

“It pushes creativity, sharpens skills and builds your portfolio,” says Chakravarty. “Competitions and conceptual looks give you visibility, recognition and industry credibility.”

“To gain experience and become aware of what their peers are doing, yes—it’s important,” Fernandes affirms. From SNAP! India competition to global Instagram challenges, every contest is a platform to be discovered. Gen Z clients especially love MUAs who are artists, not just service providers.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The 2025 MUA is more than a makeup magician— they’re a trend-spotter, a business owner, a collaborator and a storyteller. The rules are changing fast, and only those who stay woke, work smart and stay true to their artistry will thrive.

So, here’s your cue: pack your kit, learn like a student, create like an artist and build like an entrepreneur. Because the future of beauty isn’t just in palettes and pigments—it’s in people bold enough to paint their own path.