With a book filled with international celebrity clients, Isha Pradhan is the go-to makeup artist based in Bangkok, Thailand. Isha began her love for makeup in her mid-twenties. She is a certified makeup artist who attained her trainings from SMA Makeup Academy in Bangkok, Thailand.

She prides herself in a combination of natural and bold elements simultaneously focusing on enhancing unique features of her clients and work according to their preferences.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in establishing yourself as a makeup artist?

Building a client base has to be the toughest. Initially, I struggled to get a paid job. I focused on building my portfolio indulging in collaborations, TFP shoots and offering free makeup services at events. To get my work noticed and subsequently land paid work, it took a lot of time and patience.           

What are some of your favorite makeup styles?

I’m not very particular, I enjoy everything I do; every second of it.

Staying on trend and being innovative is the biggest challenge as of now. Where does your inspiration come from?

I draw inspiration from a variety of places, including fashion and beauty trends, art, and nature, to keep relevant and creative. I also observe what other makeup artists are doing and attempt to add my own unique spin to it.

It’s difficult to balance a family and a profession! How would you describe your typical day?

I prioritize and plan my schedule accordingly. My work does not constrain me with a fixed schedule. I wake up super early to cup of strong coffee and make my way to the shoot location a bit early to make preparations before the client arrives. I make sure to clean my station after my work is done. Back home I get the other works done and spend my leisure time catching up with my mom, siblings and fufu. I make sure to sanitize all my makeup tools and spend the rest of the evening talking to my husband about the day.

What is success to you?                                                                           

Success to me is looking at myself in the mirror and being proud of myself for coming this far. 

Advice for young aspiring makeup artists.

Never stop learning and experimenting, build a strong potfolio that showcases your distinctive style and skills. Prioritize networking, make sure to put yourself out there and be inclusive of other artists and industry professionals. Do not follow the trend rather create your own unique style. Be patient and optimistic, quality is more important than quantity.

How is the scope for makeup artists in Nepal from your point of view?

I believe that the Nepalese makeup industry has a lot of potential for growth. With greater  access to social media, people have become more curious towards the makeup industry. Makeup is not limited to any gender or age group, it is for everyone; for every occasion. People are becoming more inclusive and choosing this field as a career choice paving the road for not just themselves but for generations to come.

What famous artists have influence you and how?

To name a few, Rick Baker, Val Garland, Dominic Skinner, Nick Lujan,  Tina Derkse, Julia Voron, Netta Szekely, Dynessa Myricks along with my teachers and Mentors Ann Sarocha, Hilde Marie Johansen, Swanti Sethi, Serena Khurana and Paiko Chan. The way all these artists present their techniques and styles, their experience throughout their life and their passion towards their work is what inspires me the most.

If you had to choose 3 essential makeup tools/kit what would it be?

It would definitely be good quality brushes, a versatile eye shadow palette and a multifunctional cream pallet.
One important beauty advice.

One important beauty advice I would give is to  research and invest in good skincare.  Prepping skin before makeup is the key to a flawless and long lasting makeup. 

Favorite makeup trend.

My favourite trend now a days I would say super dewy skin with warm under toned eyeshadow and a super glossy lip.

 Favorite celebrity makeup look you have done till date.

I can’t really place one. However, I have worked with a lot of famous models and actors here in Thailand and in Nepal.

What are your hopes for the future?

This is quite a tricky question. But I do hope that I will be working more and more, creating more creative looks in the coming time, exploring more opportunities both nationally and internationally. 

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