Have you ever wondered what goes into creating the stunning looks of your favourite celebrities? We often go gaga over our beauty icons, but behind every iconic look is an expert who crafts it. Lekha Gupta is part of Kiara Advani’s celebrity entourage and the woman behind her clean, It-girl look. In an ever-evolving industry, Gupta stands out for consistently delivering something fresh, while holding her foundations firmly in place. Case in point: at the end of 2021, the ‘clean girl’ TikTok trend had garnered two million views, but Gupta had been perfecting it for a decade.
We asked her about her top beauty secrets, must-have makeup products and the experience working in the industry.
Tira: Hey, Lekha! We admire the dewy, glowy makeup that is synonymous with your style. Jumping right in, can you give us the scoop on how you achieve it?
Lekha Gupta: So, no points for guessing; skin prep is my hero. Cleansing, toning, moisturising is a must before I begin and I’m particular about it. I also use a gua sha on my clients for a light, quick face
massage which helps in reducing any kind of puffiness and improves blood circulation. This is followed by serum or an elixir, at times, and sunscreen. After this, I spray a hydrating mist and wait for a
while before I start applying the base.
Tira: Are there any makeup hacks you use during the process?
LG: My most-used hack is underpainting. It’s a no-foundation look, a makeup trick that I think works well and gives a natural, uniform complexion.
Tira: Who is your favorite makeup icon of all time?
LG: It’s JLo. I just love the way she warms up her skin; on her face and body.
Tira: What would you say is your biggest makeup pet peeve?
LG: When the tightline is not lined while doing a kohl-eyed look and a little skin shows through below the lash line despite eyeliner—that's my pet peeve.
Tira: It’s festive season. We’d love to know what’s on your beauty moodboard for this year.
LG: This year I’m inspired by goth, glam aesthetic. Think graphic liners and bolder lips.
Tira: What makeup product is your ride-or-die?
LG: I love Lancôme’s Hypnose mascara.
Tira: We also want some real, behind-the-scenes fun. Can you share a memory of working with Kiara on the sets of Tira’s House Party?
LG: The camaraderie between us is what makes working together special; and we always have fun while working together. We start with discussing each of her looks with great passion. Kiara likes to get majorly involved in creating different looks and she will often share references of how she wants to look herself. I love that.
Tira: Okay, it’s time for some quick hacks. What’s your expert advice on the following makeup problems:
1. My foundation always looks cakey.
Use less, especially in summers. And use light, water-based formulation. Avoid touch powdering to avoid creases and cakey-ness.
2. My blush disappears by noon.
Try using a cream blush first, then layer it with a similar colour powder blush. Spray a makeup fixer for longevity.
3. My mascara always smudges.
Use waterproof mascara; and always remove excess with a spooly to avoid smudging and clumping.
Tira: What’s your take on the following:
1. Perfectly plucked-out arches or fanned-out, laminated brows?
Fanned out!
2. Matte lips or glossy lips?
Matte.
3. Clean girl makeup or mob wife?
Clean girl, always.
