At 28, Nikita Sarkar has made a name for herself in the ever-evolving world of make-up artistry. Hailing from Kolkata, she is currently working with M.A.C Cosmetics as well as on her thriving freelance projects. She embodies the new generation of Indian artists who are not just driven by passion but also fueled by relentless discipline and a vision to shine on global platforms.
Make-up, for Sarkar, has never been just about colour palettes and brushes. “Make-up always felt magical to me. I love how it can boost someone’s confidence and completely transform a mood or moment,” she shares. It was this powerful blend of creativity and emotional impact that convinced her to take the plunge into a career where beauty meets artistry.
THE MAKEUP MASTERCLASS
Her journey took a transformative turn when she joined M.A.C Cosmetics, one of the most celebrated brands in the industry. “My time at M.A.C really polished me. It gave me exposure to global techniques, discipline and the ability to work with different skin tones and styles. The experience made me versatile and much more confident as an artist,” Sarkar recalls.
That exposure also instilled in her the professional edge needed to thrive in high-pressure scenarios, something that would prove invaluable when she stepped onto one of the biggest platforms of her career so far.
THE WORLDSKILLS EXPERIENCE
Representing India at the WorldSkills National Competition was no small feat for Sarkar. Known as one of the most prestigious and rigorous contests for young professionals, it tested not just her talent but her mental strength. “WorldSkills was intense but incredibly rewarding. My biggest learning was that creativity alone is not enough you need consistency, speed and the ability to handle pressure while still delivering your best,” she says.
All those lessons came together when Sarkar clinched the Bronze Medallion. Standing on that stage as a representative of India was both humbling and empowering. “It was one of the proudest moments of my life. Standing on that stage, knowing I was representing India, and then winning the Bronze Medallion felt surreal. It reminded me that all the long hours of hard work were truly worth it.”
CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
Behind the medal was relentless practice and unwavering dedication. Balancing creativity with strict timelines and competition rules was her biggest challenge. But Sarkar credits her mentors, countless practice sessions and above all, mental resilience for helping her succeed. A grounding backstage ritual also became her secret weapon: before every big moment, she closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and reminds herself, “You’ve worked hard for this, now just enjoy it.”
“CREATIVITY ALONE
is not enough – you need
CONSISTENCY
, speed and the ability to
HANDLE PRESSURE
while still delivering your
BEST
.”
-Makeup Artist Nikita Sarkar
THE PATH AHEAD
Sarkar has her sights set on greater heights. She hopes to keep learning, refining her craft and gaining exposure on international platforms. But it is not just about personal success, she is equally passionate about mentoring the next generation. “Eventually, I want to mentor aspiring artists and contribute to putting Indian artistry on the global map,” she says.
Her advice for young aspirants reflects the same combination of grit and passion that has defined her journey so far, “Never stop practicing and never stop learning. Be disciplined, stay consistent and don’t let criticism discourage you. Use it to instead to grow. Most importantly, be true to your style while still adapting to international standards.”
Sarkar swears by one staple in her makeup kit – a flawless foundation. She believes that once the base is perfect, every other detail of the look comes alive. It’s a philosophy that mirrors her own career, too, building a strong foundation of skills and resilience that allows her creativity to shine.
Sarkar’s journey is a testament to the magic that happens when passion meets perseverance. She has proved that artistry is as much about discipline as it is about creativity. As she continues to dream bigger and mentor others, one thing is certain, her brushstrokes are painting not just faces, but the future of Indian make-up artistry.
MAKEUP ARTIST NIKITA SARKAR
• AGE: 28
• CITY: Kolkata
• CURRENT ROLE: M.A.C Artist and Freelance Make-up Professional
• CAREER START: At 21, inspired by the magic of make-up
• BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT: Bronze Medallion at WorldSkills National Competition
• GO-TO PRODUCT: Flawless foundation as once the base is perfect, every look comes alive
• FUTURE GOAL: To gain global exposure and mentor the next generation of Indian artists