Kanikka Tandon Making A Mark

Meet Delhi-based make-up artist, Kanikka Tandon, who has set the standard high with her top-notch skills and quality of service. Tandon calls the shots at her eponymous studio and juggles bridal make-up, editorials and shoots, to name a few. She shares her journey with Salon India

- Shivpriya Bajpai

How did you get started in make-up artistry?

I loved painting and playing with colours, as a child. I was curious about my mother’s vanity box and used to explore the products, whenever left alone. Soon, I started doing my own make-up and was always complimented by friends and family. Once, we were attending a cousin’s destination wedding and few of my relatives wanted to get their looks done by the bride’s make-up artist. It did not work out as the artist was busy with the bride. So, they approached me to do their make-up. Everyone loved my work and convinced my husband to push me take it up full time. I enrolled into Pearl Academy of Fashion in Delhi and completed Fashion Media and the make-up course. I topped the batch and started freelancing for editorial shoots with magazines. I pursued advance make-up courses with Madonna’s make-up artist, Tiffany Saxby. After gaining enough experience, I launched my studio in Punjabi Bagh, Delhi.

What was your first big break?

It has to be Wills India Fashion Week in 2011. I was selected among the 20 makeup artists for designer Rajesh Pratap Singh. I was an opportunity to work on internationally acclaimed models including Carol Gracias, Rachel Bayros and Michelle Innes.

Did you have a mentor?

I was mentored by Ashima Kapoor in makeup and Esther Kinder for hair. However, there are many people who have inspired me and continue doing so.