From nestling dreams in the pristine hills of Dooars to styling and grooming some of the well-known names in the entertainment industry, celebrity makeup artist and stylist Shilpa Jain has grown from strength to strength and continues to add new feathers in the cap.
Growing up in the lap of pristine beauty, Shilpa Jain was surrounded by colourful flowers and sprawling tea estates of Dooars and Assam. It was nature’s bounty that inspired her to dabble with vivid colours. Her parents, siblings and friends role played as models, letting her explore her childlike imagination. From keenly watching the makeup and costumes in films in her childhood to styling some of the biggest actors in Hindi cinema today, celebrity makeup artist and stylist Shilpa Jain has come a long way. Her proficiency in makeup, styling and grooming makes her the most coveted names in the industry. Growing from strength to strength, she continues to add new feathers in the cap. The latest being her second graduation from the London Academy of Freelance Makeup.
Here’s an exclusive interview with the celebrity makeup artist and stylist whose infectious smile and affable persona instantly puts her clients to comfort.
You are the recipient of Best Celebrity Makeup Artist in India 2017 award by Wedding Mantra magazine. Do walk us through some of your other milestones thereafter.
Over the past few years, I have done numerous destination weddings. I have also held various workshops and training sessions on makeup and grooming across India for students in finishing schools, aviation crew members, hospitality staff, employees of multinational and ladies clubs among others.
You have worked across media platforms such as TV shows, commercial ads, movies, fashion shows… Which is the medium you enjoy the most?
Each medium has its own challenges. Basically, they are all canvases which allow me to showcase my talent and makeup creativity. I was the makeup artist for the lovely actress Revathi, who was the anchor of the Telugu version of Big Boss. I have also done several art films, fashion shows, ad films and photo shoots for big brands and also social causes such as PETA. I have always enjoyed the various challenges and learning that each of these medium has to offer. Undoubtedly, meeting and working with different directors, photographers, choreographers, actors and models is a joy beyond words.
What inspired you into this profession? Was this something you knew you would pursue since childhood/teenage?
As a makeup artist and styling professional, I understand the importance of dreams and mine began as a little girl in the scenic tea estates of Dooars and Assam. We were surrounded by colours all around in the form of flowers in our sprawling lawns and I would sit for hours looking at the nature’s bounty and their vivid colours. I remember dabbling with colours and often had my hapless parents, siblings and friends role playing as models while I coloured their faces with whatever came to my childlike imagination.
Films always inspired me and I watched the detailing of makeup and costumes with a close look. It’s been a long journey since then where I worked as a television newsreader, actor both for films and theatre, jewellery designer, banker, wellness professional and in the hospitality industry and eventually began pursuing into something where my heart was. I continue to study makeup even now and have just done another graduation from the London Academy of Freelance Makeup.
From Anil Kapoor to Jacqueline Fernandez, you have worked with a host of big names in the Hindi film industry. How has the journey shaped?
It’s been a beautiful journey for me and I look at every opportunity that came my way with gratitude. I have had the privilege to work with some of the big names in the industry and have shared some memorable moments with many of them.
What’s on your plate these days?
I’m mostly focussing on my study of holistic wellness and the use of natural colours for makeup and beauty. You will hear some exciting news on that front very soon.
I’m also enjoying trying out low calorie recipes and doing various DIY projects at home.
Over the years, there’s been a significant transformation in women and men’s expectations from how they wish to present themselves. Would you substantiate with your experience?
I believe people’s understanding of looks, personal style and grooming have undergone a sea change. To a large extent, it’s thanks to cinema and television. People have also realized that fitness plays a major in well groomed looks. It warms my heart to see so many women approach me for tips and guidance on their grooming, make up and wellness routines. I have had women come up to me at airports and remind me of an article they read or a workshop of mine they attended. So, in that respect there is certainly a lot more openness and acceptance today and people are willing to work hard and achieve results. Having said that, I must however admit that much work still needs to be done on holistic management of our emotional selves but we are making great progress there as well.
Given the COVID crisis, our lifestyles have undergone a major change. Our homes have become more compact and multifunctional than ever before (read living room-cum- boardrooms). It’s all about quickly getting ready for Zoom calls while you are still in your tracks. What’s your makeup mantra for this new normal?
The basics of sleep, hydration, exercise, skin care and watching what you eat remain the same. Being locked down in our homes is in fact an opportunity for all of us to take a look at ourselves in the mirror. It’s given us a chance to let our skin breathe and follow a home remedy skin care regimen. The results show and the compliments you get fill you up with positivity and this positivity is wonderfully infectious.
I make it a point to state this in all my online workshops and my one-on-one sessions: All of us must start a diet plan and a moderate exercise plan that suits our fitness levels and medical conditions, if any. We must also start taking care of our skin and hair. Trust me, once you start, your family will follow. If we can meet and chat on Zoom calls, why can’t we share our knowledge, workout together, inspire and push each other to look and feel better. I guarantee you that, once the elders start, the children will follow. We must collectively make an endeavour to emerge from this lockdown as a much stronger individual – stronger mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Tips for Online Meetings
- Minimalistic makeup is all that we go for during our zoom meetings as this is the new normal.
- Keeping your skin supple and glowing helps a great deal.
- Touch it up with a sheer gloss, tidy hair and voila! You are ready for the video call.
Contact:
096522 34000
