Top 10 Professional Make Up Artists in India

Makeup isn’t just an art—it’s a powerful tool that transforms faces, tells stories, and builds brands. Whether it’s Bollywood red carpets, fashion runways, or bridal extravaganzas, India is home to some of the best makeup artists who have not only mastered their craft but also shaped beauty trends across the globe.

So, if you’re dreaming of contouring cheekbones for the stars or perfecting that dewy bridal glow, this blog is your one-stop guide. We’ll introduce you to the top 10 professional makeup artists in India, share how you can enter this glam world, and give you insights into a professional makeup artist course. Happy reading!

List of Top 10 Professional Makeup Artists in India (2025)

From Bollywood red carpets to luxury bridal stages, India’s top makeup artists are the magicians behind the glam. These beauty trailblazers don’t just follow trends—they create them, one flawless look at a time. Here’s a look at the best professional makeup artists in India who are transforming faces—and the industry—with their signature styles.

1. Namrata Soni – The Queen of Dewy Glow

Namrata’s iconic ‘no-makeup’ makeup look changed the way Indian brides approach beauty. Her bridal tutorials are a hit among aspiring artists and influencers alike.

Signature Style: Radiant skin, soft glam, and bold lips.
Notable Clients: Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Sara Ali Khan
Achievements:

• Founder of the Namrata Soni School of Makeup & Hair
• Created viral bridal and editorial looks
• Known for her editorial work with Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar

Namrata is the go-to artist for brides who want to look effortlessly glowing. Her clean skin-focused techniques are considered revolutionary in Indian bridal makeup.

2. Mickey Contractor – The OG Bollywood Makeup Maestro

He’s not just a makeup artist—he’s a Bollywood legacy. Mickey’s timeless looks have graced generations of Indian cinema icons.

Signature Style: Soft matte skin, kohled eyes, and seamless blending
Notable Clients: Kajol, Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor
Achievements:

• Director of Makeup Artistry at MAC Cosmetics India
• Over 30 years of experience in Bollywood
• Introduced custom Indian skin tone shades with MAC

Mickey’s work is iconic—he’s known for defining the “Bollywood glam” look in the 90s and early 2000s and continues to influence generations of artists.

3. Daniel Bauer – The Bridal Perfectionist

Daniel’s work is where precision meets passion. From destination weddings to magazine covers, his makeup style always steals the spotlight.

Signature Style: Flawless airbrush base, defined brows, modern contour
Notable Clients: Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma
Achievements:

• Founder of Daniel Bauer Academy
• Has worked in over 50 fashion weeks across the world
• Preferred makeup artist for celebrity weddings

From destination weddings to magazine covers, his makeup style always steals the spotlight. Whether it’s an airbrush finish or a classic matte look, Daniel customizes every bride’s look to suit her skin, style, and story—something you’ll understand better once you explore the different types of bridal makeup that brides are choosing today.

4. Elton J Fernandez – The Editorial Trendsetter

Unafraid to experiment, Elton blurs the line between makeup and art. His Instagram is a goldmine for those who crave bold, fashion-forward ideas.

Signature Style: Bold eyes, experimental color, edgy glam
Notable Clients: Aditi Rao Hydari, Kalki Koechlin, Shraddha Kapoor
Achievements:

• Beauty ambassador for brands like Maybelline and Nykaa
• Regular contributor to Elle and Grazia India
• Hosted makeup tutorials for Vogue India

Elton’s signature is all about drama. From neon lids to graphic liners, he redefines beauty with fashion-forward boldness.

5. Ojas Rajani – The Drama Queen of Makeup

If you love theatrical glam and unapologetic beauty, Ojas is your muse. Her dramatic lashes and glitter play redefine bridal makeup for the bold.

Signature Style: Dramatic lashes, glitter lids, full-coverage bridal glow
Notable Clients: Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen
Achievements:

• Specializes in transgender beauty and drag makeup
• Trained under Hollywood makeup artists in the US
• Popular choice for extravagant Indian weddings

Her makeup is loud, luxurious, and unapologetically fabulous—perfect for brides who want to stand out and slay.

6. Meenakshi Dutt – The Bridal Game-Changer

From pageants to palettes, Meenakshi has built an empire in bridal beauty. Her transformations are often described as magical—and they go viral for a reason.

Signature Style: Sharp contours, vibrant lips, classic Indian bridal glam
Notable Clients: High-end Delhi NCR brides and beauty influencers
Achievements:

• Former Miss India finalist turned makeup expert
• Owns luxury makeup studios in Delhi and Gurgaon
• Trained over 2000 students through her academy

Meenakshi has made a name for herself with North India’s elite bridal clientele. Her transformations often go viral on social media.

7. Shaan Muttathil – The Glam Guru

Shaan’s brushes have touched some of Bollywood’s brightest stars. His work exudes luxury, shine, and that elusive celebrity glow everyone wants.

Signature Style: Smokey eyes, luminous finish, celebrity glow
Notable Clients: Jacqueline Fernandez, Huma Qureshi
Achievements:

• Brand collaborator with Huda Beauty and Kay Beauty
• Known for soft-focus celebrity photoshoots
• Travelled globally with Bollywood film crews

Shaan’s work makes headlines for all the right reasons. His knack for delivering consistent red carpet glam is what keeps A-listers coming back.

8. Arti Nayar – The Minimalist Maven

Arti proves that subtle can be stunning. Her calm, effortless style is especially loved by Gen Z celebrities and fashion editors.

Signature Style: Soft brows, peach tones, feather-light finishes
Notable Clients: Sonam Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Radhika Apte
Achievements:

• Former assistant to Namrata Soni
• Known for viral no-makeup makeup looks
• Popular choice for editorial, OTT and fashion events

Arti is adored for her clean and elegant style. She’s especially loved by younger celebs for enhancing natural beauty without heavy layering.

9. Bianca Louzado – The Elegant Artisan

Known for her royal bridal clientele, Bianca is a true class act. Her understated, timeless makeup style is perfect for destination weddings and red carpet affairs.

Signature Style: Natural glam, skin tinting, subtle eyes
Notable Clients: Lara Dutta, Bipasha Basu, the brides of the Ambani family
Achievements:

• Celebrity bridal specialist
• Featured in Vogue, Brides Today, and Hello Magazine
• Known for destination wedding makeup in Europe and, UAE

Her looks are timeless, with an emphasis on elegance over excess. Brides who want sophistication with a touch of glamour swear by Bianca.

10. Sandhya Shekar – The Editorial Minimalist

Sandhya is where fashion meets finesse. Her less-is-more approach has redefined celebrity beauty on the global stage.

Signature Style: Dewy skin, earthy tones, organic textures
Notable Clients: Deepika Padukone, Freida Pinto
Achievements:

• Frequent collaborator with fashion designers like Sabyasachi
• Her makeup has featured on global red carpets (Cannes, Met Gala)
• Ambassador for international beauty brands like Estée Lauder

Sandhya’s style is best described as “skin first.” She is a master of letting your features shine through light touch-ups and minimalist magic.

These artists not only shape faces, but set trends. Want to be the next name on this list? Scroll down to find out how to become a professional makeup artist with the right training and exposure.

How to Become a Professional Makeup Artist for Celebrities

Breaking into the celebrity circle takes more than skills—it takes consistency, a strong network, and a personal brand.

Tips to get there:

• Assist celebrity makeup artists in understanding the fast-paced nature of the work
• Be available and punctual—celebs have tight schedules
• Join fashion shows, ad shoots, or film sets as a trainee
• Build a strong beauty professional makeup artist Instagram bio showcasing editorial, fashion, and red carpet looks
• Collaborate with stylists, photographers, and influencers

How Much Do Professional Makeup Artists Make in India?

This depends on your niche, location, and experience. Here’s a ballpark:

High-end bridal artists often charge ₹30,000–₹1,00,000 per session. And if you’re working with celebrities, rates go much higher depending on your popularity.

How to Find a Professional Makeup Artist Course Near Me?

A quick Google search with ‘professional makeup artist course near me’ should help. But if you’re unsure where to begin, check out this helpful guide on how to choose the right makeup artist course for you — it breaks down what to look for in terms of curriculum, duration, and career outcomes. Make sure to choose the right institute that aligns with your:

• Certified curriculum
• Hands-on training
• Career support & industry exposure
• Transparency in professional makeup artist course fees

Pearl Academy’s Fashion and Celebrity Makeup Certificate Course teaches you how to create different types of makeup looks, use the right types of makeup brushes, and work confidently with various types of makeup products. You’ll learn industry secrets, backstage techniques, and how to work with diverse clients and skin types.

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Final Takeaway

Whether you’re following the footsteps of Namrata Soni or dreaming of launching your own makeup brand someday, investing in the right training, building a strong Instagram bio, and networking with the best in the business is your shortcut to success. Get your professional makeup artist certificate, flaunt that visiting card, and let your brushes do the talking!