Q&A

Get your skin and makeup related queries answered by our expert International Makeup Coach and Educator Manisha Chopra.

Many of my clients ask for fashion hair colours like blue, green or silver. How do I creatively blend these shades to suit Indian skin tones and still look salon-worthy?

-Meghna Raut, Bengaluru

Radical or crazy hair colours can clash with our skin tone, so the best is if we can use these colours at the mid lengths and or the ends. Balayage, Foiliage or tipping techniques work best when using these colours. .

Monsoon season brings in a lot of frizz complaints. What are some creative styling or finishing techniques I can use to deliver long-lasting results even in humid weather?

-Ishita Dey, Kolkata

During the monsoon season, opt for styles like braids, half braids and French twists. You can also try different heights of ponytails along with some front styling. This way, you can easily avoid frizz. Also, use a drop or two of anti-frizz serums that’s lightweight, use a paddle brush which has rubber as the base of its bristles to style your hair and avoid using combs.

Clients often come in with mismatched makeup pegs, like Western looks on Indian features. How do I creatively reinterpret global trends to suit Indian complexions?

-Ritika Arora, Ludhiana

One must always stay true to the colour tone, facial features and bone structure. Makeup should always be customised as per the personality sitting in your chair. It is not about copy-pasting any look. So, make the changes accordingly and convince your clients about the changes by explaining them thoroughly. Use those images as inspiration, not recreation.

I struggle to maintain a signature style while also delivering exactly what the client wants. How do I balance personal creativity with client demands, especially in haircuts?

-Shravan Deshpande, Nagpur

I think a good way is to take the client’s demand as a direction for any haircut or even colour. If you can agree on a certain level or percentage of how closely you’ll go to the client’s request and inform them of this, it helps ensure you’re on the same page. Every person has a different hair texture, face shape, and, of course, their profession also matters. It’s also important to make them aware that the reference they show is often a complete makeover with a well-shot picture. During the consultation process at the beginning, explain all these factors before coming to any conclusion.

How do I approach makeup for mature skin creatively without making it look cakey or overly contoured, especially during wedding or party bookings?

-Zoya Khan, Ahmedabad

Makeup for aged skin is all about prep. Apply the makeup only after the CTMS routine and after hydrating the skin enough. One of my favourite hydrating products is Dead Sea Oil-Free Hydrator from SeaSoul cosmetics. It will make the skin glow, and you will need fewer layers of makeup. Avoid powder or compact on aged skin as it cracks and settles in fine lines. In makeup, less is more. The lesser the layering, the better the skin will look, and makeup will stay longer too.

How do I creatively work around sparse or uneven facial hair when doing beard designs or grooming for men who want sharp, clean looks?

-Rahul Joshi, Dehradun

Laser hair reduction is a very good process to remove unwanted hair on the face, if any. Men with thin beard growth can also use a kajal pencil or mascara to fill up gaps, as that gives you sharper lines in no time.

MEET THE EXPERT

Manisha Chopra is an international Makeup Coach and Founder of Seasoul Cosmetics and Kerasoul Cosmetics. Having worked a decade each in the beauty industry in Australia and India, she has mentored Miss India contestants, worked with famous Bollywood celebrities such as the late Sridevi and Janhvi Kapoor. She teaches makeup at reputed salons like Enrich, Naturals, Bounce, Mirrors, YLG and many others.

To participate in Ask Our Expert and get your questions answered by Manisha Chopra, message your query to @pbhjindia on Instagram or email to afrin.idex@gmail.com.

*Questions have been edited for clarity and length.