Dear Reader,

In an industry where trends move at the speed of a swipe, staying relevant requires more than just skill—it demands foresight, professionalism and relentless reinvention. This issue’s cover story is a deep dive into the evolving world of makeup— where clean beauty, digital fluency and strong educational grounding are now non-negotiable requisite. We explore what today’s makeup artists must master to stay ahead of the curve.

Equally inspiring is our cover collection featuring the iconic Antoinette Beenders, whose Astral 2.0 collection redefines hair artistry. This award-winning body of work merges AI precision, architectural symmetry and couture finesse—all rooted in a deep respect for sustainability. It’s a vision of the future, grounded in conscious creativity.

Closer home, we’re celebrating Shillong-based hairdresser Lalruattluanga, and his historic win at the Wella TrendVision Awards, which is a testament to the transformative power of competitions. Events like the Modern Barber India Challenge and SNAP! India Awards are vital arenas where artists grow, learn and shine.

As always, this issue is a tribute to the beauty professional’s bold spirit and boundless potential. Whether you’re backstage, in the salon or dreaming up your next big idea— keep showing up, keep levelling up.

The future belongs to the fearless – and on that note, I leave you to explore the stories that await you.

Kanishka Ramchandani Editor