I’ve noticed my makeup oxidises on some clients after a few hours. What could I be doing wrong and how do I prevent it?
-Arpita Kamna, Bangalore
It is a myth that makeup oxidises. Makeup does not oxidise; there is no product made so far, which could oxidise on skin. This term is used by makeup artists to cover up for not choosing the correct foundation shade or not prepping the skin properly. When the correct shade of foundation is chosen, makeup will not appear oxidised. For example, dark skin tone has a lot of warmth, and using a lighter foundation will make it appear oxidised. Mixing a slight orange tone into the lighter foundation prevents it from looking grey. .
In the age of filters and photo-editing apps, how do I manage client expectations around real-life results?
-Prashant Ahluwalia, Pune
I believe it’s important to inform and educate them on the difference between filters and photo editing apps and give them the comfort zone of staying in their own skin and not caking up with makeup and looking like their own self. Tell them that if they put too many layers of makeup, they will look fake and won’t look like themselves. It’s important to look like yourself even with makeup. Having your own identity is more important than trying to achieve what is seen online.
Sometimes, I get packed with back-to-back booking, in such scenarios, how do you suggest I keep my brushes and tools hygienic and safe for all?
-Prashasti Rana, New Delhi
If you have back-to-back bookings, it is important to have multiple sets of brushes for each client. If you have an assistant, you can give this job to them. During transits, they can use rubbing alcohol or a dry brush cleaner to clean the brushes so that no infection is passed from one client to another. If you have seven to eight bookings in a day, invest in at least four or five sets of basic brushes. It gives clients a better impression that since you are opening a fresh set of brushes, the hygiene standards are very high. This further helps with word-of-mouth publicity.
I’m just starting out as a freelancer. How do I build trust with clients when I don’t have a huge portfolio yet? Also, what all decides my service pricing as a beginner?
-Sanya N., Jhansi
If you are starting out as a freelancer, initially to build trust with the clients, start with your friends and family. Offer them free makeup whenever they’re going to an event. With them, take before and after photos and take a testimonial video. Thereafter, tell them that next time you will start charging a minimal price and give them a better deal because they gave you a review. That way, slowly and gradually, you’ll be able to build up your own network and your business will start to pick up from there.
How do I approach skin prep when a client has a lot of texture or active acne? Is there a particular makeup technique or tip I must always follow for such skin?
-Shashank Narang, Pune
If a client has a lot of acne, calming the skin is very important. If the client comes a few days before the makeup, recommend an acne clarifying serum to apply for a few days to settle the acne. If it is on the same day, cleanse the face properly, use a toner, and an acne clarifying serum. Then take a tissue or a cotton muslin cloth, put some ice in it, and rub it on the face. That will settle the acne a little. Do not apply the ice directly. Then apply a moisturiser and continue with the rest of the prep .
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.