Men's Editorial Makeup and Grooming
From clean, raw grooming for campaign lookbooks to experimental, avant-garde makeup for high-fashion shoots. I collaborate with teams to build looks that fit the narrative.
A powerful editorial shot for designer Amesh Wijesekera against the Mumbai skyline. I kept the model's long hair natural and the grooming minimal to fit the authentic, cross-cultural theme.
A conceptual shoot with a male model, featuring sleek, styled hair and a clean base. The focus here is on the creative use of props and lighting.
A full-length shot of a male model in an avant-garde, deconstructed knit garment. The look is completed with dramatic winged eyeliner and a sleek, wet-look hairstyle.
An atmospheric shot of a male model with vibrant blue hair. This shows my ability to work with bold, unconventional hair color for high-impact editorials.
For this Amesh Wijesekera campaign, I worked with the model's natural long hair and provided minimal, clean grooming to create a raw and authentic look.
A nighttime shoot where the grooming is subtle and clean, ensuring the focus remains on the designer's hand-knitted vest and the moody atmosphere.
Another shot from the same series, showcasing natural, understated grooming that complements the artisanal fashion.
A shot featuring two male models. I provided consistent, natural grooming for both to create a cohesive look for the campaign.
A wide shot where the natural hairstyles and minimal makeup on the models allow the colorful clothing to stand out against the dark backdrop.
This image from the Amesh Wijesekera shoot highlights the natural hair texture and clean skin, fitting the campaign's documentary style.
About Men's Editorial & Grooming
When we collaborate on editorial sets, I pay close attention to skin texture and hair movement. Whether it is a sleek, wet look for a runway feel or minimal grooming to let artisanal textiles stand out, I adapt the kit to the light and the garment. I perform constant monitor checks to manage shine and flyaways, so the raw footage needs less retouching in post-production.
My Approach to Editorial Grooming
Men's editorial grooming requires a balance between technical precision and creative intent. It is rarely about masking features; it is about enhancing the structure or deconstructing it to fit a specific aesthetic.
Precision and Versatility
For commercial campaigns, like my recent work with Amesh Wijesekera, the focus is often on an authentic, documentary feel. I use high-definition, flash-friendly products to maintain natural skin texture while ensuring there is no flashback under studio lights. This involves using lightweight bases that allow pores and texture to show, keeping the grooming 'raw' to match the mood of artisanal fabrics.
For avant-garde and high-fashion editorials, I shift into a different process. This might involve:
- Architectural Hair Styling: Using wet-look gels, wire-work, or sculptural buns to add shape.
- Graphic Elements: Applying sharp, clean graphic eyeliner or experimental pigments to create futuristic or emotive faces.
- Texture Play: Working with faux freckles, metallic finishes, or props (like the red thread series) to push the boundaries of what is traditionally expected in men's makeup.
The Collaborative Process
I do not just show up with a kit. I believe in pre-shoot alignment. If you have a mood board, I study the lighting plans, the garment textures, and the photographer's preferred color palette before I step on set. I act as an extension of the creative team, ensuring the makeup and hair evolve with the shoot as we progress from the first frame to the last.
Deepti Soste
I am Deepti, and I believe men's grooming in editorials should be as intentional as the styling. I collaborate directly with photographers and stylists to ensure the makeup elevates the narrative, whether the brief is subtle, raw, or completely experimental.
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