On Sonic Sarwate’s first day in make-up school, over a decade ago, all the students were asked to create a look. While most went for a gold and pink combination, he chose to go with blue and silver. “My instructor told the class that I would never be a make-up artist,” says the global senior artist at MAC Cosmetics, who was clearly ahead of his time. Now, he has worked on runway shows featuring such eclectic looks in London, New York, Paris and Milan, among other places, and for designers such as Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli.
His mother and sister never had to worry about their hair and make-up — even as a youngster, he would style them out of an innate interest in fashion. Formerly a designer, Sonic says that he used to create entire looks and not just clothes. “I found styling so much more interesting as the results were instant, so I decided to make the switch,” he says. In the city to demonstrate the Spring Summer 2015 trends, Sonic explains that the four looks that are popular this season have been inspired by what the 70s represent — fun, freedom and parties — but in a modernised way. “There has been a shift in the way make-up is being perceived. It’s not only for the runway; designers want relatable looks to go with their collections,” he says, adding that it has become so simplified that there are fewer steps in getting make-up on models for a runway show.
More people wear make-up on a daily basis now than ever before, as it is barely noticeable, says Sonic. When it comes to trends, he considers them more of a guideline than a hard-and-fast rule to be followed for the season. “What you want to do is absolutely up to you; put trends together and make your own unique style,” he says.
And so in his demonstration, he already has the model prepped to show the Enlightened look (see box), and proceeds to add a bright cherry-red lipstick that makes her instantly party-ready.
He says, “Make sure to fill in your lip with lip-liner so that it does not look odd if your creamy lipstick is gone in a while and you can’t touch it up.” Choosing a bright lip colour that works for your skin tone and matches your personality is also important. The same goes for smoky eyes, he says. “Blacks, blues, browns and greys can be used to open up the eyes and make them look bigger. Dark and matte colours push back the eye, and light frosty ones bring them out. Those with deep-set eyes should just apply on the upper lids to get the best effect.”
When it comes to blush, Sonic says that one should choose a colour that already exists on your skin. The best way to figure this shade out is to pinch your cheek and pick the colour closest to it. Another way is to match it to the natural colour of your lip. Using the right texture can also make a big difference: if you’re not very good at blending, use a cream blush; it’s softer and blends easily. A big fluffy brush used to apply powder blush works wonders, as he shows, gently patting the model’s cheek with some colour that makes her cheekbones pop.
“It’s all about using intelligence to pick up these trends and adapt them without following them blindly. With a climate like ours, it is always best to think of how make-up will look half an hour later. It should be used strategically — depending on climate, need and skin type,” advises Sonic.
For the summer, his mantra is “Moisturise! It’s important to keep your skin hydrated. And use long-wear make-up that can withstand a bit of sweat.” In your touch-up bag, carry blot films, compact and lip colour. “They’re the quickest way to looking fresh in an instant.”
