Behind the Scenes: Makeup on Set
Get a glimpse into my process, from the first layer of skin prep to the final touch-ups before the camera starts rolling. This is where the creative energy of the team comes together.
A candid look at my makeup station and process. Here I am applying body makeup and ensuring the model's skin is glowing and even-toned for a beauty shoot.
A moment captured on set just before the final shot. This shows the finished makeup look, featuring radiant skin and a high-fashion hair updo, ready for the camera.
Final touches on a traditional, rustic-themed look. I created a flushed, sun-kissed effect on the cheeks and nose, adding freckles to complete the character makeup.
A behind-the-scenes shot from a beauty editorial. This shows the model in position, with my graphic purple eyeliner look ready for the photographer's direction.
This video shows the full process on a commercial shoot, from applying lipstick and final hair touch-ups to the model posing for the final shot in a glamorous setting.
About On Set: Behind the Scenes
On a busy commercial shoot, the real work happens between takes. I don't just apply makeup and walk away. I am the one watching the monitor, fixing flyaways, checking for shine under studio strobes, and handling those rapid 20-minute transitions between looks to keep the photographer's momentum going.
Working on set is a different beast compared to bridal or personal makeup. You are managing a look that has to survive under high-intensity lights for eight to ten hours without melting or causing 'flashback' in photos. My process is built around communication with the DOP and the photographer.
If I am working on a catalogue shoot, my focus is 'Polished Raw'—skin that looks like skin, even when zoomed in for high-res e-commerce. When it is an editorial shoot, I am experimenting with graphic liners, bold colours, or gloss textures that catch the light specifically to match the mood board.
I am always checking the monitors, managing foundations that handle studio heat, and coordinating with the hairstylist so we do not trip over each other. Whether we are shooting in a studio in Andheri or out on location in Goa, my kit is packed for versatility—heavy-duty setting sprays and prep techniques that handle both studio lights and long days. The best shots come from when we are all vibing on set. If you are a photographer, brand, or agency looking for a makeup partner who understands the rhythm and pressure of a shoot, let's talk.
Sanjib Majumder
Makeup is life for me, plain and simple. I love the energy of a busy set, whether it's fashion editorials or commercial shoots, and I'm always looking for that next collaboration with photographers and stylists.
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