As summertime draws near, approximately a month from now, celebrated makeup artist Kirin Bhatty highlights a popular beauty trend that’s gaining momentum: achieving a fresh, plump-lipped look.
She says, “I believe that everyone looks glamorous throughout the year these days, so I plan to embrace the natural sun-kissed look of summer and spring. As a result, I’ll be adapting my makeup accordingly.
Bhatty excels in celebrating sun-kissed complexions and creating polished looks, as evidenced by the prestigious roster of clients such as Auliʻi Cravalho (star of Moana), Geraldine Viswanathan, Jenny Slate and others.
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Bhatty is known for enhancing natural tan skin and creating stylish looks, with an impressive clientele that includes Auliʻi Cravalho from Moana, Geraldine Viswanathan, Jenny Slate and more.
The makeup artist, beaming with pride, hailing from a brown background and with roots traced back to Pakistan, understands firsthand the challenge of ensuring elegance for women of color. She expresses this importance in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, stating, “It is crucial that anyone who occupies my chair feels entirely pampered and well-cared for.
She recounts, “When I started out as a makeup artist, there wasn’t much diversity in shades or products available. I recall being one of the few artists who could work on all skin tones, and models would eagerly wait their turn to work with me.
With stars’ grand events like premieres and awards shows within reach, the makeup artist adopts a “strategy that highlights your innate beauty.” She recently chatted with THR over Zoom, sharing her top red carpet looks, tips for flawless lipstick application, and trailblazing as a makeup artist of color in the industry.
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Why did you go into makeup artistry?
My path has been intriguing, as it seems opportunities present themselves when they’re meant to. Following my English degree from Berkeley, I had dreams of becoming a writer and ventured into magazine work. However, I soon discovered that my passion lay elsewhere – on film sets. A series of fortunate events unfolded, including meeting my mentor, Lori Taylor, who remains one of my closest friends and guides to this day.
Under her mentorship, I delved into the artistry behind film sets in Los Angeles, which ultimately led me into the world of celebrity. Since L.A. is home to our entertainment industry, it made sense for me to find my footing here. I believe that a touch of magical thinking is essential for an artist, and this belief has been my compass throughout my journey, leading me to where I am today.
Your makeup style is both casual and elegant, and achieving the perfect balance between a ‘natural’ and ‘glammed-up’ look requires a unique artistic skill.
As a gamer, when I’m stepping onto the virtual red carpet, I aim to shine yet feel authentic. My approach to beauty is all about accentuating my unique features, not transforming them. Instead of mimicking a different look, I prefer to bring out the best versions of myself.
Where do you draw your inspiration to create your looks? Walk us through that process.
In my work, I often find myself inspired by the clients sitting before me, primarily because I believe in accentuating their inherent beauty. By fostering a connection with each client, I strive to ensure they leave feeling not only fantastic but also confident enough to recreate the look themselves without my assistance. While I possess the expertise and techniques to create various styles, I never want them to feel like I’ve transformed their face entirely. Instead, I always seek inspiration from the individual in front of me to deliver a personalized and authentic result.
Given the vast array of individual characteristics and cultural differences among us, how do we respect and embrace each person’s uniqueness?
As an artist, the work we do involves a great deal of intimacy since we’re physically close to your face. In our lives, only a few people come that close – think of mothers and significant others. Being granted access to someone’s personal space carries a lot of emotion. It’s a deeply connecting experience, one that isn’t suitable for everyone who values their personal space. This line of work requires a strong affinity for people because it is so reliant on human interaction.
Converse in a familiar manner with your clients as you forge a connection; remember, it’s more than just friendship – they entrust you to breathe life into their aesthetic vision.
Building a strong connection with you means a lot because it’s not only about ensuring you shine for any upcoming occasion, but it’s also about sharing moments when we’re not at our best – perhaps feeling down or bloated, or dealing with tough times like heartbreak or pregnancy-related adjustments. We’re there for all these experiences, and that’s what creates this bond. To me, being an artist is about serving others. It involves nurturing and providing your utmost, not just through my artistic abilities, but also by using the best materials available. In essence, it’s about empathy, care, and dedication.
In my bag and my kit, you’ll find a collection of wonderful items tailored for my clients. And yes, I’m particularly fond of EOS due to its high-quality, beneficial ingredients. It’s not just appealing visually, but it’s also inclusive, which makes it perfect for all skin tones – a trait that resonates with me as an artist who caters to diverse clients. Sharing such products brings great joy as they can be enjoyed by everyone, enhancing my commitment to catering well to each client equally.
How have you seen self-care transform the makeup process?
Caring for oneself is a significant part of skincare, and when they are combined, it results in something truly beautiful. To me, every element is a part of the treatment, and I’m passionate about skincare. In my routine, caring for my lips is equivalent to skincare, making it my initial step. I believe that when self-care and skincare work together, it enhances the entire emotional aspect, leading to improved appearance. Whether it’s a grand event like the red carpet or a simple dinner at home, setting an intention and going through the motions of skincare makes the experience more fulfilling.
Let’s analyze a few of your well-known appearances. One is when you were Auli’i Cravalho at the premiere of Captain America: Brave New World.
I can’t get enough of her beauty. She’s absolutely stunning. While we’re not typically fans of bold lipstick, we’re all about lip liner and a tint of balm these days. That’s my current style, and it seems to be quite trendy at the moment.
Every time, we begin by applying EOS Super Balm. We then draw a stunning black liner on both the upper and lower lips, which she usually does herself. She creates such an exquisite lip liner that I pass it to her. The Super Balm, after being pressed in and moisturizing the lips, I apply another layer to ensure it’s plump and not excessively glossy. This results in a beautifully hydrated, healthy lip with a defined liner.
Regarding Geraldine Viswanathan’s glamorous look at the Vanity Fair Oscars party, it seems the makeup remains intact, yet appears as if it’s not a flat matte finish. Could you please share your secret for creating that effect?
Taking care of skin is my top priority, and it plays a significant role during every session when someone sits in my chair. To kick things off, I always apply the Lip Super Balm first. Following this, I might use a facial mask, an eye mask, perform a facial massage, spritz several times with a mist. After that, I’ll apply a serum and a cream.
That stunning glow isn’t achieved through products alone; it requires a foundation built on careful skincare nurturing. Once we apply the foundation, let’s allow it to settle and blend with your skin for best results. The longer you keep your skincare routine going, the more effective it becomes. While we wait, we can style your hair using a mask, hot rollers, or braids, giving it time to absorb the treatment. Just like food marinating, the longer your skin soaks in the care, the more beneficial the outcome will be.
Do you often utilize makeup as a form of self-expression? Or does your approach with clients typically involve adhering to a specific style, after assessing their preferences first?
When preparing someone for dinner, I usually skip the lipstick since they might be eating or chatting, so I opt for a balm and lip liner instead, or a combination like a tinted balm and gloss. If it has to be a lipstick, I’d choose something less opaque, perhaps a sheer shade.
If someone is stepping on a rug, it’s often a suitable time to talk about lipstick shades or upcoming cosmetic trends. Typically, this discussion doesn’t occur when there’s eating or excessive talking involved, similar to discussing eye makeup or blush.
As a gamer, I often find myself stepping into different roles, and makeup serves as my virtual costume. Sometimes, I’m captivated by the stunning strawberry-inspired looks I see around, and I can’t help but wish to replicate them. Other times, I embrace a character, like becoming a Bond girl in an instant. On some days, I want to emphasize my freckles, while on others, I crave a moody, dramatic look with plenty of mascara. Makeup, for me, is like being a game designer, allowing me to create and embody the character of the day. It’s a creative outlet I absolutely love!
Currently, I’m in a phase where I’m focusing on a softer, more feminine look. At the moment, I’m not leaning into my dramatic, villainous style, which typically involves very defined and exaggerated makeup. Instead, I’ve been enjoying softer freckles, blushes, and similar looks. However, I might switch things up this summer and bring out my inner villain again. Since I’ve been doing a lot of pilates recently, there’s a chance you’ll see more of my body this summer, and if that happens, get ready for some dramatic transformations – we’ll be back to those defined looks then.
As we move from spring to the start of summer, could you share some of the popular makeup trends that you’re loving at the moment?
Currently, I’m quite fond of brown mascara and eyeshadow, along with a brown lip liner paired with a simple lip balm. I’ve been experimenting with my neutral shades, and I particularly enjoy the rum raisin tone. I find that browns are universally flattering for various skin tones, and there’s a wide range of browns to pick from – from delicate sable to intense, beautiful, dark cocoa. I’m really into this trend right now. Although Strawberry Girl may be past its prime, I still adore the lovely blush with the faux freckles scattered all over, which I believe is perfect for summer. It’s quite charming!
I’m genuinely thrilled about the future, as I have a hunch: matte lipsticks could be making a comeback! If your lips aren’t in top shape while wearing a matte lipstick, it can really stand out negatively. Therefore, when I don’t prioritize my lip care (something we all might neglect sometimes), I resort to using certain products to give the illusion of healthy lips. For instance, there are days when I’m hydrating like crazy and eating loads of greens, but other times, I lean on my cosmetic tricks.
We just wrapped up awards season not too long ago. Who was your favorite look of the season?
I found Geraldine and Hannah New absolutely stunning at the event, and they truly had their shining moments. Auli’i Cravalho was also a vision, and I must say, the entire experience was incredibly enjoyable. It’s been an exceptional, genuinely great award season this year, filled with excitement. I’ve enjoyed every moment of helping my girls prepare for the red carpet, and I can’t wait for all their movies to be released this year. They are definitely among my top three favorites so far in the first quarter of our year. Now, I’m eagerly anticipating what’s next and what’s to come, which is equally exciting.
Now that the awards season has wrapped up, I’m wondering if you have any fun and creative ideas for makeup looks you might want to try out as a makeup artist? I’d love to see the results!
People living in L.A., particularly those with darker skin tones, experience changes in their complexion due to the abundant sunshine. This is something I personally notice as well, as my summer skin tone differs significantly from my skin tone during other seasons. It’s an interesting transition because it affects the makeup shades we choose and other aspects of our beauty routine. However, there are some things that remain constant throughout the year, such as lip care and under-eye care. These two areas of the face share a commonality with their product requirements, as both eye creams and lip balms often have similar consistencies.
lips will be a prominent feature, cheeks will still be beautiful, there might be more use of brown mascara, and let’s not forget about skincare! Hydration, lip care, sunscreen – these are essential nowadays. I think this focus on self-care and healthy skin, hair, and lips is here to stay. After all, a healthy look is timeless.
Speak to the importance of bringing women of color looks to life, as a fellow woman of color.
Hey there fellow gamer! As a makeup artist who happens to be a woman of color, I can deeply relate to your passion for representation. Back when I was starting out, the beauty industry wasn’t as inclusive as it is today. There were limited shade options, and products that didn’t cater to a wide range of skin tones.
Remember those times? I was one of the few artists who could work on all skin tones, from medium to deep shades, and models would flock to me because they felt seen and understood. That experience gave me immense pride, but it also made me realize how crucial it is for everyone – regardless of their background or skin tone – to feel valued and included.
So, when I’m in the chair, I make sure to create an environment where every client feels taken care of, cherished, and part of something special. After all, we are all gamers in this beautiful game called life!
It’s crucial for me as a woman of color to prioritize working with inclusive beauty brands from the get-go, as their values align significantly with my own and those I serve. I believe my clients sense this integrity too. Yes, we’ve made great strides, but there’s always room for improvement and expansion. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey, and also to serve as a guide for those who might hesitate to find their perfect shade or express their preferences. The good news is that there are numerous options available now, which wasn’t the case when I first started out. Back then, we often had to improvise using eyeliners as lip liners. It’s wonderful that phase of our story has passed, and now it’s more about affordability, inclusivity, and a welcoming environment for everyone. Partnering with EOS felt like that, and I believe every partnership should offer the same warm welcome.
When assembling a DIY kit, what strategy do you follow when picking the items? With an abundance of choices available today – such as Fenty Beauty’s extensive range of 50 foundation shades – it’s undoubtedly a more complex decision-making process.
Currently, I can provide a single solution tailored specifically for you as my client, whereas previously, I would have blended multiple solutions to create one. This is something I truly appreciate. I recall the moment when I finally discovered my perfect shade, as my undertones differ from the typical options available. For South Asian individuals like us, undertones can sometimes lean towards green and gold, but more often than not, there’s only red or yellow tones offered.
The first time I used an entire bottle of something on both myself and a client, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, someone’s finally noticed me!” Getting picked for a partnership feels like validation that brands are recognizing not just me, but the whole community of us who can effectively represent them in a public setting.
Whenever EOS selected me, I couldn’t help but feel deeply honored to be chosen as the one, rather than being number 12 or 20 on their list, or merely an afterthought. Instead, I was the first choice and they entrusted me to share knowledge about these amazing products. Seeing people of color in prominent roles has a profound effect on everyone, and for me personally, it’s incredibly impactful. On a smaller scale, every opportunity I get to participate in such events fills me with excitement and emotion, and helps drown out the voice of self-doubt that often creeps in – the imposter syndrome. I believe that as we continue to see more representation and acceptance of this kind, it will only benefit us all.
It’s incredibly inspiring! Seeing your profile was like, “Wow, this is amazing.” You’re a makeup artist of Asian heritage and a woman of color with striking features – it’s truly refreshing to see someone who represents a diverse range in the beauty industry.
As a gamer, I proudly embrace my brown identity. It’s true and it’s me. I am a brown girl, and I wear that badge with pride. Excitedly, I get to be a representation for all, something we didn’t have when I first started this journey. Now, opportunities like these are available, and I can’t help but crave more of them not just for myself, but for everyone out there.
In this period, we’re fostering self-assuredness and overcoming the inner voice of self-doubt, often referred to as impostor syndrome. This is particularly relevant for individuals of color working in fields that historically may not have been welcoming. Given our visibility now, it’s crucial that we speak up boldly and confidently about our work and contributions. Our aim should be to not just inspire others who resemble us, but also those who don’t, by seizing the opportunities presented to us and magnifying their impact significantly. This demonstration of success can serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring a broader audience.
Could you tell us about any fun backstage moments you experienced while creating those makeup looks, either for a red carpet event or an award ceremony?
Working behind the scenes, preparing artists for their grand debuts, is my preferred role as it allows me to become an indelible part of a momentous occasion. At times, these instances may seem trivial, but on other occasions, they represent the pinnacle of someone’s career or even an Oscar nomination. Some of my most cherished BTS memories include helping Auli‘i prepare for her Moana premiere in London – it was incredibly special to be a part of that event. Additionally, spending time with Geraldine on numerous occasions has been rewarding as I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her growth and transformation into a truly remarkable artist.
Later on, I had the privilege of spending time with first-time Academy Award nominee Jenny Slate prior to her gracing the Oscars red carpet. To be a part of someone’s significant moment like this is truly an honor, one that they would remember forever. It’s an incredible feeling to be involved in something larger than oneself, and it has been quite remarkable. I would describe these experiences as being associated with some of the most iconic films, Oscar events, premieres, SAG Awards, even the Vanity Fair gathering, which is always exciting because it’s a celebration. Preparing someone for the Vanity Fair party is always enjoyable since there’s an atmosphere filled with people, champagne, and all the excitement that comes with it.
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2025-05-13 01:27