About The Artist

Senior Artist Vimi Joshi

is a self-confessed “global nomad” whose style is infused with a rich and eclectic range of global cultures. She is also the director of makeup at the Bollywood Oscars (known as the IIFA). Born in Africa, into a very traditional Indian family, she grew up in England before moving to Dubai where she now works as M·A·C’s Senior Artist for the Middle East and India. “My inspiration comes from these cultures that are so in contrast with each other.” She tells us. “I find my inner peace and balance through meditation, yoga and makeup.” Read on for Joshi’s top tips on using colour and creating the perfect base.

Bollywood Babylon

“My earliest makeup-related memory was watching my mother apply her makeup in her Indian sari and seeing her transform into this glamorous woman. Against the perpetual greyness of England, I spent many hours of my childhood watching Bollywood films and relishing the colours, dance sequences and costumes. It is therefore such an honour to be directing the makeup for the IIFA. The entire event takes place over three days and we sometimes do over 300 makeups on the day of the awards show. The event is watched by almost a billion people once it is aired.  The makeup is very colourful, dramatic and glamorous to co-ordinate with the elaborate outfits and jewellery”

All About That Base

“The first M·A·C product I owned was Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in C6. This was the first time I had ever used a foundation and I felt really cool that it was a M·A·C product and would show it off to everyone! The colour and coverage was perfect. These days I also really like Mineralize Foundation SPF 15, it makes the skin look healthy, creamy and dewy and is the perfect foundation to condition and nourish your skin.”

Eyes Baby

“Dubai women are very passionate about makeup. They enjoy experimenting with colour and texture but the eyes are always heavily lined with kohl. I’d recommend using Smolder Eye Kohl – this really is a must-have product for lining and defining the eyes. Use it in conjunction with Zoom Fast Black Lash, which is the ultimate mascara for the ultimate lashes. For lips I always recommend Burgundy Lip Pencil, which is really well suited to Middle East and Indian skin tones. It provides beautiful coverage and lasts for a really long time.”