Top makeup artist- Namrata Soni and Cory Walia

A detailed description of the top makeup artists in India- Cory Walia and Namrata Soni

Source: https://www.uk-international.com/

Cory Walia

Cory Walia, from Karnataka, Indiana, began a unique path to the beauty industry. He leaped and left the family business when he was in his late twenties to pursue his dream of becoming a makeup artist. He received his training in Los Angeles, which contributed to his unique mix of the best of Western techniques with Indian sensibilities. As soon as Walia landed in Mumbai, he was recognized for his eye for detail and enhancements to people’s natural beauty.

Nonetheless, he adds elements of modernity to the classic looks to keep them elegant but fresh. The vintage glamour combined with modernity gives a distinctive feel in his creativity.

Celebrity Collaborations

Cory Walia has had the pleasure of collaborating with some of Bollywood’s most recognized stars over the years.

• Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: A former Miss World, and Bollywood star, Aishwarya has had a long-standing relationship with Walia. Cory’s creativity has allowed him to create looks that will ensure Ms. Bachchan looks stunning and graceful on the red carpet.
• Sushmita Sen: Sushmita was the 1st Indian Miss Universe. While working with Cory Walia, they transformed Sushmita’s looks for her participation in the competition, making some amazing transformations.

Collaborations with Famous People

• Aishwarya Rai Bachan: A past Miss World and Bollywood star, Aishwarya has had a longstanding association with Walia. Cory’s artistry and explore original designs that will guarantee Ms. Bachchan looks astonishing and graceful on the red carpet.
• Sushmita Sen: Sushmita was the first Miss Universe from India. Partnering with Cory Walia, they re-imagined her looks while she was a contestant for the title, achieving some incredible transformations. The make-up assisted in capturing extraordinary moments in Miss Universe that pushed Dilli to an international forefront.
• Lara Dutta: Another Miss Universe, Lara worked with Cory Walia when she was crowned Miss Universe and he has continued to work with Lara for subsequent pageants. Cory’s make-up has captured Lara at her most exquisite and also created memories for each event. Cory Walia has also worked with many television personalities and models to work on collaborations beyond these very well-known individuals in the industry.

Bridal Makeup Expert

Cory Walia has consistently built a reputation as one of India’s most sought-after bridal makeup artists. His bridal looks showcase a seamless balance of traditionalism and contemporary, as he offers a guarantee that each and every bride looks amazing on her wedding day.

Advocacy and Inclusion

Outside of his creative projects, Cory Walia is a strong advocate for inclusion in beauty. He was honored the ‘Rainbow Warrior Award’ at the 2022 Kaashish International Film Festival in Mumbai for recognizing and elevating the LGBTQ community, and especially the trans community, to a professional level of beauty and wellness. His passion for inclusion is evident in his belief that beauty is beyond gender and identity.

Education

With the importance of sharing knowledge, Cory Walia has been asked to facilitate many of his workshops and masterclasses around India. These workshops are to educate future makeup artists, brides and makeup enthusiasts with an education and knowledge of the process of makeup artistry. It is within these workshops that he shares knowledge, evidence and education to ensure that the next generation of makeup artists continues the legacy of excellence that he is known for.

Legacy and Influence

The influence Cory Walia has made in the world of makeup is immeasurable. His work continues to grace the covers of leading fashion magazines and makeup artists, who are just starting their careers and are commonly imitating him in the process, employing his techniques as a base of their styles, ensuring that he has built notoriety across the globe.

In conclusion

Cory Walia’s journey, from being a small-town business owner to becoming a celebrated makeup artist in Mumbai, is informed by passion, hard work, and an inherent gift for artistry. He has built his mark in the beauty industry as a makeup artist who blends a love of classic beauty with contemporary and trendy styles, and brides and celebrities adore him for it. While his breadth of experience and technical expertise are admirable, it is his devotion to inclusivity and education that will leave a legacy that represents more than just makeup artistry. Cory Walia embodies timeless elegance and innovation in a beauty landscape that is, forever evolving, and we are fortunate he shares his gift with all of us.

Celebrities they have done makeup on

• Dhoom (2004)
• Fashion (2008)
• Aks (2001)

Namrata Soni Makeup Artist

Namrata Soni is a renowned makeup artist who has received many accolades in the film industry. She has exceptional style and has reached her audience through multiple channels , from magazine covers to feature films.

According to her: “I’m all about using the right products in the right places to highlight a person’s best features and natural beauty.”

She studied at one of the best makeup artistry courses in India- the Delamar Academy of Makeup London, and specializes in prosthetic and casualty makeup. She has featured in top magazines in India, including Vogue, L’officiel, Elle, Harper’s Bazar, Wallpaper magazine, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Femina, Maxim, and many more…

She has earned many accolades in the film industry

• Harper’s Bazaar India Women of the Year Award (2024) – Honored as the Makeup Artist of the Year for her exemplary work in the beauty and wellness industry.
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award – Recognized for her significant contributions to the Indian film industry, especially in the field of makeup artistry. She has provided invaluable contributions to the top makeup artistry courses in India
• Vogue Beauty Awards – Recognized for her unparalleled work in the beauty industry
• Vogue Industry Super Hero – Recognized for her innovative and influential work in the beauty industry.
• Elle Beauty Icon – Recognized for her exclusive status and impact on beauty trends in the industry and the Indian makeup scenario
• Femina Women of the Year – Recognized for being a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated Indian beauty industry.
• Cosmopolitan Makeup Artist of the Year – Recognized for articulate skills and makeup artistry in the makeup industry
• International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Award – Awarded for best makeup artistry in the field of “Om Shanti Om,” particularly for her age makeup or covering techniques.
• IIFA Nominations – Recognized as the Best Makeup Artist for her outstanding works in films like “Aisha” and “I Hate Luv Storys.

Her signature styles include

• Natural and Radiant Glow

With emphasis on flawless, dewy skin using soft foundation and highlighter. She has a minimalist approach that elevates natural features to a new, attractive level. She often pairs soft, neutral tones

• Glamorous Bollywood Look

She is known for exceptional makeup of bold looks with smoky shadows, eyeliner, and fuller lashes. Accompanying it, she focuses on contoured cheeks and highlighted high points alongwith rich, vibrant red, berry, or plum lip colors. The styles are perfect for red carpets and fashion shows

• Bridal Perfection

She is known for delivering a soft romantic look, having warm undertones, and extensive intricate eye work with shimmer and signature touches

• Editorial & Avant-Garde

It involves experimental makeup looks for photoshoots, runways, and fashion alongwith creative use of colors, textures. She focuses on the right highlighting of facial structures through her works

• Age-Transforming Makeup

She blends prosthetics, contouring, and foundation to achieve de-aging transformations

• Signature Lip & Eye Pairings

She is known for perfectly balancing eye-lip combinations along with giving a polished finish