Famous Faces: Now, Anyone Can Look Like a Star

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Famous Faces: Now, Anyone Can Look Like a Star

Dubai-based makeup artist Neha Dadarkar's latest project takes everyday people and transforms them into iconic a-lister look-alikes we adore. a fascinating exploration of the power of makeup

By Karen Ann Monsy

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Published: Thu 26 Nov 2015, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Fri 4 Dec 2015, 8:31 AM

The first thing you notice about Dubai-based makeup artist Neha Dadarkar is. her makeup. (A natural appraisal, you'll agree; after all, don't we size up hairdressers by their hair, dentists by their teeth, and dieticians by their, well, widths?) While Neha's skin looks flawless, it's not because she has a ton of product on. If there's one thing clear she makes clear from the start, it is this: that "makeup should always be about enhancing your looks - not overpowering them".

The Canadian citizen (originally from India) only started practising the art about five years ago, receiving her certification from Esmod Dubai and training briefly under veteran Bollywood makeup artist Pandhari Juker. Her clientele to date includes Dior, Lakme, Fitness First, Apparel Group and, most recently, Sachin Tendulkar for Aster Medical Centre's latest advertising campaign.
For the mum-of two, the appeal in makeup lies in its power to boost one's confidence. "There's a huge difference between wanting makeup and needing makeup," she says. "If you're happy with who you are and know the right products and techniques to enhance your features, it's the perfect balance. But, first, you need to be comfortable in your own skin."

WORKING MAGIC: Neha Dadarkar believes in the power ofmakeup to transform
Neha - who hopes to someday open up her own makeup studio, as a place to offer community workshops - is a firm believer in the power of makeup to "transform". Which is why she embarked on a personal project that explores the possibility of using makeup to transform everyday people - into look-alikes of their favourite stars!
Done entirely in goodwill, from the photographer to the models, the project took a year to complete - and was far from the breeze Neha thought it would be. "Recreating pictures is so difficult because you're trying to get everything perfect, from the expression right down to the way a drape falls.
"People are always looking up to celebrities," she continues. "Perhaps, on some level, it's because they can relate to who they are or because they aspire to be like them. Either way, I thought it would be really interesting and fun for people to see that anything is possible with makeup - even looking like the stars!"
The results are on these pages for you to judge. Can you tell the difference?

 Penelope Cruz

Penelope has beautiful eyes, a treat for makeup artists. Her almond eyes are accentuated using a black kohl liner on the upper and lower lash lines, which helps to create that feline flick. Light freckles were created using a darker foundation. Her brows are known to be prominent; a nude lipshade is used to finish the look.
We were prepared for this shoot to take a day or so to complete, since we weren't working with a professional model - but Fidaa was such a natural that we got the required shot in one go!

Monica Bellucci

Dramatic eye makeup - Cleopatra-style - was the order of the day for this look. Deep shades of blue were used on the eyelids and the crease, while the eyeliner and kohl on the lower lash line were extended till the brows to recreate the famous Egyptian ruler's eye makeup. A white eye pencil was used on the waterline to open up the eyes. The foundation was flawless and glowy; and for the lips, a pink mauve lipstick was used.
I found Ksenia through common friends on Facebook, to be honest. And it took me eight months just to get in touch with her, as she was always travelling. She doesn't even live in Dubai, in fact, and came all the way from Al Ain for the shoot - which we were only able to work on this year, due to her work commitments and travel plans.

John Abraham

When applying makeup for men, the emphasis is generally on contouring and highlighting. For this look, we kept it light and natural, and focused on enhancing features, like the jaw line, to achieve a chiselled look.

Rani Mukherjee

This was a bridal look. Foundation was applied using an airbrush to create flawless and dewy skin. Rich shades of bronze and burgundy were used on the eyelids, and a black gel eyeliner was used to create the kohl-laden eyes. A glossy lipstick in natural brown was used to finish the look. Zeena is wearing a Sabyasachi. The maang tikka (hair accessory) had to be designed by putting together necklaces and a pendant.

Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor's dark kohl-rimmed eyes from the movie Kurbaan is one of the most requested eye makeup styles. Shades of greys are used on the eyelids, while the eyeliner is drawn thick and winged, lending a dramatic effect. The kohl on the waterline is smudged to create a smokey-eye look and the lipstick is a pink nude. The foundation is natural and matte, and a peach blush was used.
This shoot was the last to be completed in the series, a year since we discussed it, as it was only shot when Sonia was finally able to visit Dubai from Pakistan this year.

TAKE FIVE

Your top tips for the girl at home looking to leave in 10 minutes.
Splash some cold water on your face - it minimises pores and gives your face a lift instantly. That's what we do with professional makeup too (start with some ice.) Use a mascara and some nice lipstick; concealer is great for hiding dark circles. You just need to dab and tap and you're good to go.
Three items you'd never leave the house without.
Mascara, concealer and lip gloss.
The most gorgeous celebrity out there.
Monica Bellucci - not just because she's naturally beautiful, but also because of her personality. The confidence with which she carries herself - whether on the red carpet or on screen - always shines through.

Two celebs you would love to get into your chair.

Deepika Padukone (she's got beautiful features and would be a treat for any makeup artist to work on) and Madhuri Dixit (because she's my idol).
The most challenging makeup look.
The 'no makeup' makeup look - it sounds simple, but it is anything but!
Photography: Aziz Mahmood
Hair Styling: Serrano Garcia
karen@khaleejtimes.com 


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