TÊTE-À-TÊTE WITH MAKEUP ARTIST AKGUN MANISALI
Brought up in Istanbul and London, makeup artist Akgun Manisali has made Mumbai home for the past one year. With over 14 years of experience, he has made a name for himself as an editorial and campaign makeup artist, doing countless covers for international publications such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, Elle, Magazine Antidote and global campaigns with super models such as Adriana Lima, Natasha Poly, Cameron Russell, Arizona Muse, Hana Jirickova and more. Recently, he shot with the pretty Alanna Pandey who’s the muse for Manish Malhotra Haute Couture Makeup exclusively with MyGlamm.
MyGlamm has collaborated with India’s ace designer Manish Malhotra to present a line of designer makeup collection. The collection is inspired by vintage elegance and redefines effortless glamour as urban classics in form of high-shine lipsticks & lip gloss, eyeshadow palettes, blush & highlighter sticks, and nail lacquers. It’s all about unapologetic glamour, confidence and urban panache which suits the modern woman.
Manisali has worked with names like Selma Hayek, Gillian Anderson, Bianca Jagger, Manolo Blahnik, and Shirley Bassey and for music videos of Mel C, Basement Jaxx and Vengaboys. After studying cosmetology at London School of Beauty and later, makeup at Cinema Makeup School in LA, Manisali’s big break came in the year 2012 when he got a chance to participate in the project called “Fashion Meets Art” organised by the British Fashion Council. His work was highly appreciated and eventually he got to design looks for fashion shows such as Vivienne Westwood, Amanda Wakeley, Stephen Jones.
Inspiration came early in form of his mother. “This makeup obsessed, and perfectionist woman had a huge impact on me. Growing up with such a glamorous person with good taste gave me a taste of glamour. Later, it was the American makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, who shaped today's makeup world. I am also into architecture, modern art and club culture. Things I like in my daily life inevitably inspire me”, quoted Manisali.
We caught up with the international makeup artist Akgun Manisali for some beauty chit-chat.
Q. Tell us about the upcoming makeup trends - what will be big in 2019?
Berry lips, flushed cheeks, soft metallic eyeshadows, healthy glowing skin is the trend for the coming season. Pop of colour, shimmer around the eyes, highlighted cheeks are also big for 2019.
Q. As a makeup artist, do you also follow fashion closely? How closely is fashion related to beauty?
I specialise in fashion, editorial, advertising and campaigns. It is mandatory for me to follow fashion closely. There are global trends almost every season. Makeup and beauty trends are closely related with colours and textures of the garments.
Q. What were your favourite beauty trends from 2018?
The ‘no makeup’ makeup look, nudes, and earthy tones were my favourite trends from 2018.
Q. What are the trends you are excited about?
Smoky eye makeup with different colours rather than black. Tones of purple, warm browns, gold, etc. on the eyes. "Smoky" is the name of the technique and is often confused with only black blended well around the eyes.
Q. What would you say is an all-time classic look?
Defined eyes, nicely groomed eyebrows, curled lashes, flawless skin with statement red lips. You can't rush this look. It has to be perfect. You must choose the right shade of red for this timeless, classic look.
Q. What is that one beauty product you can't work without?
Although it is a tool rather than a product, but I can't do without an eyelash curler. As for product, I would say cream highlighter.
Q. As you know today's woman is busier than ever. What is the easiest/quickest way to turn a day/work look into something that works for a night out?
Because of the light changes, you should intensify the colours of your day look for the evening look. Eyeshadow pallets are handy for that reason. Deeper tones, bit of shimmer around the eyes. More on the cheeks and on the lips. More highlights where it is needed.
Q. An important beauty advice for women?
Look after your skin, enhance it rather than covering it with thick foundation and powder. And please don't be afraid of eyelash curlers. Nothing is more mesmerising than nicely curled lashes with a coat of mascara.
Q. What is the biggest challenge makeup artists have to face?
Too many opinions and unrealistic expectations!
Q. Is there any trend that you absolutely love or would love to see brides leave behind?
I love dewy finish skin look. Not a big fan of matte, powdered look.
As for brides, I strongly advice to be careful on highlighting the brow bone. Too much shimmer on this area registers as sweat when pictures are taken. Semi-matte light colours are best to highlight this area.
