--- title: "The Real Behind-the-Scenes Life of a Mumbai Makeup Artist" description: "Ever wonder what life is like for a Mumbai makeup artist? I’m showing you the real behind-the-scenes of my MUA journey, from fashion weeks to bridal makeup classes." canonical: https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/makeup-hair-academy/behind-the-scenes-the-real-mua-life last_updated: 2025-09-29 --- # The Real Life Behind the Makeup Chair Tribe Verified · Based in Kandivali, active across Mumbai By [Nikita Dave](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio) · Classes at studio in Kandivali West, Mumbai · ₹10K Per Student / Course (estimate) Part of [Makeup & Hair Academy](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/makeup-hair-academy). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/makeup-hair-academy/gallery) People see the glam, but I see the early alarms, the heavy vanity kits, and the Mumbai traffic. This is what it actually takes to be a makeup artist. ## Photos and videos - [Video: The reality of being a makeup artist. It's not all luxury; it's long hours and hard work to make your day beautiful.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c7515241-f746-4658-b997-f4a1cf4fc273) - [Video: This is what 99% of a destination wedding looks like for an MUA. But that 1% of fun with my crew makes it all worth it.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1070940d-2f4b-499c-8ca9-6be80c87afbe) ## About Behind The Scenes: The Real MUA Life Being an MUA isn't just about picking the right shades. It is about managing 20kg vanity kits while navigating Mumbai traffic, handling sudden weather changes during destination weddings, and keeping a bride calm when things go off-script. When you book me or join my classes, you aren't just getting an artist or a teacher; you are getting someone who knows exactly how to handle the chaos so you don't have to. There is a massive difference between what you see on Instagram and what actually happens on the ground. When I show you the behind-the-scenes reality of my day—whether it's rushing from a fashion week gig on my scooter or prepping for a wedding in Kandivali—I want you to see the professional dedication involved. ### Why the grind matters My philosophy is simple: if I can handle the stress of a live fashion show or a last-minute destination wedding delay, I can handle your big day without breaking a sweat. Makeup is about more than just aesthetics. It is about logistics, timing, and problem-solving. ### What I teach in the studio I bring this exact 'real world' approach to my academy in Kandivali West. Many courses teach you the theory, but they skip the messy parts. In my Professional Diploma and Masterclasses, I teach you how to manage clients, how to build a kit that doesn't break your back, and how to stay calm when the timeline gets tight. We cover: * **Practical Kit Building:** Learning the difference between expensive branding and what actually works on Indian skin. * **Speed & Efficiency:** How to get professional results under pressure. * **Client Management:** Handling expectations and building confidence, not just applying foundation. Whether you are looking to hire a makeup artist who has 'seen it all' or you want to start your own journey in this industry, you need someone who knows the reality of the work, not just the filter. ## About Nikita Dave I’m Nikita, a Mumbai-based artist who believes makeup is just the final touch to your natural confidence. Whether I’m rushing to a fashion week gig or teaching a student at my Kandivali studio, I keep it real and focus on what actually works for Indian skin. [See all of Nikita Dave's services](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio) ## More from Makeup & Hair Academy by Nikita Dave - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/makeup-hair-academy/featured) - [Learn With Me: Diploma & Masterclasses](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/makeup-hair-academy/learn-with-me-diploma-masterclasses) - [Bridal Transformations & Looks](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/makeup-hair-academy/bridal-transformations-looks) - [Creative Hairstyling: Tutorials & Inspiration](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/makeup-hair-academy/creative-hairstyling-tutorials-inspiration) - [Festive Glam: Navratri & More](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/makeup-hair-academy/festive-glam-navratri-more) - [Celebrity & High-Fashion Projects](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/makeup-hair-academy/celebrity-high-fashion-projects) - [Inclusive Beauty: For Every Skin Tone & Type](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/makeup-hair-academy/inclusive-beauty-for-every-skin-tone-type) - [Quick Tutorials: Pro Makeup & Draping Tips](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/makeup-hair-academy/quick-tutorials-pro-makeup-draping-tips) - [Our Lookbook: Glam & Traditional Styles](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/makeup-hair-academy/our-lookbook-glam-traditional-styles) ## More services by Nikita Dave - [Celebrity & Photoshoot Makeup](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/celebrity-photoshoot-makeup) - [Bridal Makeup & Hair](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/bridal-makeup-hair) - [Special Occasion Makeup](https://mytribe.in/nikitas_bridal_studio/special-occasion-makeup) ## Similar work from other experts - [Life Behind the Makeup Chair in Navi Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/ngsmakeover/makeup-hair-artistry-training/my-life-as-a-makeup-artist) by Neeha Gada · Makeup & Hair Artistry Training · Training at Neeha Gada Salon & Makeup Studio in Nerul East, Navi Mumbai - [Behind the Scenes: My Makeup Process & Vlogs](https://mytribe.in/iqramakeovers_academy_studio/bridal-makeup-hairstyling/behind-the-scenes-my-process-mini-vlogs) by Iqramakeovers · Bridal Makeup & Hairstyling · Travels to venues across Mumbai Metropolitan Area - [My Journey and Behind the Scenes](https://mytribe.in/rubywooo_mua/makeup-hair-styling-academy/my-journey-behind-the-scenes) by Ruby Wooo · Makeup & Hair Styling Academy · In-person classes at Borivali, Mumbai - [Behind the Scenes: My Makeup Artistry Process](https://mytribe.in/makeup.by.khushboowadhwani/special-occasion-event-makeup/behind-the-scenes) by Khushboo Wadhwani · Special Occasion & Event Makeup · Travels to venues across Mumbai and Jaipur - [Behind the Scenes: My Makeup Process in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/makeupbypoojashahh/special-occasion-makeup-hairstyling/behind-the-scenes) by Pooja Saboo Shah · Special Occasion Makeup & Hairstyling · Travels to venues across Mumbai; Available pan-India for events - [Behind the Scenes: My Makeup Vlogs & Transformations](https://mytribe.in/makeup_by_afsha/bridal-makeup-hair-artistry/behind-the-scenes-vlogs-transformations) by Afsha Ansari · Bridal Makeup & Hair Artistry · Travels across Mumbai; Visit studio in Madanpura ## Book To book Nikita Dave, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hey%20Nikita!%20Saw%20your%20BTS%20page%20on%20mytribe%20and%20loved%20the%20honesty.%20I%E2%80%99m%20interested%20in%20your%20makeup%20courses%20%E2%80%93%20can%20you%20share%20the%20details%3F)