There is an audience watching with rapt attention as Namrata Soni picks up a brush, and sweeps it across the cheeks of a model seated in front of her. 2026 marks 26 years since the celebrated make-up artiste first picked up a brush, beginning a career that has spanned films, editorial spreads, brides and weddings, co-founding makeup brand Simply Nam and teaching thousands of students through her make-up academy.

“There are very few of us in the world who find what we love to do and eventually start getting paid well for it,” she laughs. “And I feel very lucky that I wake up every day, and get to make someone feel beautiful. I think that’s very rare, and it has been incredible,” says Namrata. While Namrata’s film credits include Om Shanti Om, Aisha, and Khoobsurat, she is especially known for her long-standing association with actor Sonam Kapoor, having been behind several of her memorable Cannes appearances and big fashion moments.

In Chennai, Namrata led a make-up masterclass as part of Phoenix MarketCity’s Beauty Xperience, an immersive festival for beauty brands, enthusiasts and creators earlier this month. The audience at her masterclass, and the crowds at the festival, were a clear indication; of how beauty, once relegated to the glam, glitzy and the famous, has now become a part of our everyday lives, finding its way into our homes and our handbags.

Nearly two decades on, Namrata acknowledges the rapid evolution of the beauty industry, and says that the creative landscape has undergone significant change. “The kind of shoots we used to do, the events, the make-up and hair…everything was so different. In the past, everybody was willing to experiment and try something new. Now, with social media playing such a huge factor and people having so many opinions, I think people have gotten very scared of what they want to try and choose to play it safe. I can probably think of a couple of people who maybe want to do something different, that too only if it is photographed well,” she says.

While she has consciously chosen to step back from films, Namrata says she has her hands and schedule full with brides (she is gearing up to jet set to Lake Como for a wedding soon), masterclasses at her make-up academy, and working on new products for her make-up brand Simply Nam.

After working on over 15,000 faces across a 21-year career as a make-up artiste, Namrata says it felt only natural to launch her own brand in 2021, with Hanna Strömgren Khan, who incidentally was one of her brides.

“As a make-up artiste, I realised we were always looking to the West to pick up products. When I started this brand, I was very clear that I want to make something that works for our climate, our tones, and our skin color in India,” Namrata says.

Their upcoming launch, a mascara, is one that has her immensely excited. “It is very special, and perfect for our country,” she says.

Moodboard musings

With an increasing number of brides making a beeline for celebrity make-up artists for their big day, it isn’t uncommon to see clients walk in armed with celebrity references, eager to recreate popular make-up looks. Pinterest references and Instagram reels can create an avalanche of inspiration, of course, but Namrata says that while they can serve as useful references, it is also important to set realistic expectations.

“It is good to have an opinion, but remember to trust your make-up artiste. It is also important that you choose a make-up artiste who specialises in the kind of make-up you want; be it light, soft, dewy or bold,” she adds.

We ask her about her favourite make-up trends for 2026, and something that she thinks needs to retire. Referencing the ongoing Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet appearances, Namrata says she loves glowy make-up. “Skin looks like skin, and I think that is great. I am however not loving the very cakey, powdery make-up that seems to be catching on these days,” she says.

She also points to how eye make-up has increasingly become boring and dull. “As Indians, we have beautiful eyes. Where is the kajal… and where are the liners? When you represent India on the red carpet, I would expect to see people play around with this and make their eyes stand out even more.”

Namrata harkens back to the Cannes red carpet in 2013, and brings up a look she created for Sonam Kapoor which she ranks among her top favourites through her career.

“We did a gorgeous liner and a berry lip. And she was wearing a beautiful Anamika Khanna sari with a nath in her nose. The look embodied India on the red carpet for me, and over a decade later, people still bring it up,” she smiles.