Aarti P has spent a decade mastering hair and makeup artistry, earning accolades and recognition from major brands. Her passion began as a teenager when makeup boosted her confidence. Now, she focuses on simplifying beauty, empowering clients with the knowledge to achieve their ultimate beauty goals.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Aarti discusses the challenges of being a South Asian makeup artist, the confidence-boosting power of makeup, and more.
What inspired you to become a makeup artist, and how did you start your journey?
I've always been drawn to the transformative power of makeup—how it enhances features, tells a story, and boosts confidence. Inspired by South Asian beauty traditions, from kohl-lined eyes to vibrant lips, I often struggled to find products that truly complemented our skin tones. That gap fuelled my passion for makeup artistry. After training at top beauty institutions, I realised the industry lacked education on diverse skin tones. This led me to launch the South Asian Beauty Collective—a platform advocating for better representation, educating brands, and celebrating South Asian beauty. Today, as a makeup artist, consultant, and educator, I work to ensure our beauty is seen, valued, and understood.
What challenges have you faced as a South Asian makeup artist, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been the industry's lack of understanding of South Asian skin tones and features. Early in my career, I noticed that many professional makeup kits lacked shades suited for deeper, golden, or olive undertones. There’s still a misconception that South Asian beauty fits into one shade range when, in reality, it’s incredibly diverse. To address this, I made education a core part of my mission, working with major beauty brands to train artists on undertone matching and cultural beauty preferences. I’ve also created spaces for our community to share knowledge and experiences, ensuring future generations feel represented and face fewer barriers.
Do you think the mainstream beauty industry has become more inclusive of South Asian features and skin tones?
Progress has been made, but there's still a long way to go. While South Asian representation in beauty campaigns is growing and shade ranges are expanding, true inclusivity goes beyond foundation shades—it requires real understanding. Many brands still struggle with South Asian undertones, creating shades that appear too ashy or too orange. The lack of South Asian professionals in decision-making roles also means our needs aren’t always prioritised. Through the South Asian Beauty Collective, I work with brands to ensure representation isn’t just a trend but a lasting commitment to inclusivity and authenticity.
How do you think makeup impacts confidence and self-expression, especially for South Asian women?
For many South Asian women, makeup is more than just beauty—it’s a cultural touchstone. From sindoor and kajal worn in tradition to bold red lipstick passed down through generations, it has always been a powerful form of self-expression. For years, South Asian women were made to feel their features didn’t fit conventional beauty standards. Today, celebrating our brown skin, thick brows, and deep, kohl-rimmed eyes is both empowering and transformative. Makeup not only enhances natural beauty but also reclaims styles that were once overlooked. Whether it’s a striking winged liner or a subtle, radiant glow, true confidence comes from embracing your look on your own terms.
What actions do you think organisations need to take to “accelerate action” and break barriers for women in leadership, especially in the beauty industries?
The beauty industry has long been shaped by a narrow definition of beauty, often side-lining diverse voices. To break barriers, true inclusivity is needed at every level. Brands must place South Asian and other diverse voices in leadership roles, ensuring decision-makers genuinely understand different communities rather than offering token representation. Investing in education and training is crucial, equipping artists to work with diverse skin tones and hair textures. Meaningful collaborations with community experts, rather than performative inclusivity, can drive real change.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Simple tips for a flawless look
Speaking about skincare prep before applying makeup, Aarti said, “Prepping the skin properly is the key to flawless makeup. I always start by hydrating with a lightweight yet nourishing moisturiser to create a smooth base. Next, I apply a primer suited to the skin type—mattifying for oily skin or hydrating for dry skin. If needed, I use a peach or orange corrector to neutralise hyperpigmentation, which is common among South Asian women, particularly around the mouth and under the eyes. Finally, SPF is a must, even under makeup, ensuring protection without leaving a white cast.”
Aarti also emphasised that the key to foundation shade matching is understanding undertones. She said, “South Asian skin can have warm, neutral, or olive undertones, and choosing the right shade means looking at how it blends into your jawline in natural light. I always recommend swatching multiple shades rather than settling for the first one that seems close. A simple trick that instantly enhances any look? A well-placed highlighter and blush duo. A golden-toned highlighter on the high points of the face and a warm peach or coral blush on the apples of the cheeks can bring a beautiful, natural radiance to South Asian skin.”
