Glamour, Grit, and Grace: Reshu Malhotra’s Journey to Becoming Bollywood’s Beauty Icon
Dubai-based celebrity makeup artist, blogger, and entrepreneur, Reshu Malhotra has carved out an illustrious career that spans over a decade. Known for her impeccable makeup skills and her ability to transform brides into visions of elegance, she has also worked with some of Bollywood’s most famous faces. From being the makeup partner for prestigious events like IIFA, Miss India UAE, and International Fashion Week Dubai, to founding her beauty lounge in Dubai, Reshu’s journey is a remarkable tale of passion, hard work, and dedication. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the life of Reshu Malhotra, exploring her journey, inspirations, and the secrets behind her success.
Reshu Malhotra’s career as a makeup artist began with a simple yet profound goal—to make people feel beautiful and confident. “When I first started, I was driven by a passion to enhance natural beauty, not mask it,” Reshu shares. “Dubai was becoming a fashion hub, and I saw a lot of potential. But there were also challenges, competition was fierce, and I had to prove myself.”
Her dedication to her craft soon paid off. Reshu’s expertise as a makeup artist is most evident in her work with brides. She has a unique ability to enhance the natural beauty of every bride, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication that sets her apart. “Every bride has a vision of how she wants to look on her big day, and my job is to bring that vision to life, to create a look that resonates with her personality, her style, and the essence of the day. It’s a deeply personal experience, and I’m honoured to be a part of it.” Reshu explains.
Reshu has been the creative force behind numerous brand ad campaigns and has graced the pages of publications worldwide, including features in CNN Marketplace and prominent magazines and newspapers in the Gulf and globally.
Reshu Malhotra has been recognized as the official makeup partner for prestigious red-carpet events like the IIFA Fashion Show, Miss India UAE, International Fashion Week Dubai, and the Great Women Awards. Her accolades include nominations as the Best Asian beauty blogger in the region and listings in the “Super 100 Women Achievers from India, Middle East & Africa.”
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work on some amazing projects and collaborate with some of the biggest names in the industry, and each collaboration is a new opportunity to learn and grow, and I’m always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible in makeup,” Reshu says.
Reshu Malhotra has collaborated with famous personalities including Jacqueline Fernandez, Manushi Chillar, Urvashi Rautela, Rakulpreet Singh, Kalki Koechlin, Ileana D’Cruz, Lisa Ray, Divya Khosla Kumar, Shriya Saran, and many more. Her skill in crafting personalized styles for every celebrity has established her as a highly sought-after figure in the field.
“Working with celebrities is always exciting, and each celebrity has their unique style, and it’s my job to enhance that while ensuring that their makeup reflects their personality and the image they want to project. It’s important to ensure that each look is unique and not duplicated.” Reshu reveals.
Reshu emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication with her celebrity clients. “It’s a collaborative process, and it’s all about making sure the client feels comfortable and confident in their look,” she says.
Reshu Malhotra solidified her impact in the beauty and fashion industry by founding “The Artist Beauty Lounge” in Dubai a decade ago. This beauty studio serves as proof of her skills and dedication to enhancing beauty. The lounge is now a top spot in Dubai for all makeup and beauty needs.
“Starting my beauty lounge was a dream come true, I wanted to create a space where beauty enthusiasts could come and feel pampered, where they could experience top-tier services in a luxurious yet welcoming environment. The lounge is more than just a business to me, it’s a reflection of my journey, my passion for beauty, and my commitment to helping others feel confident in their skin.” Reshu shares.
But Reshu’s entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there. She creates beauty and fashion content for reputable brands and is in great demand. Looking to the future, she dreams of opening her makeup academy to teach aspiring makeup artists her expertise and skills.
“Skincare is the foundation of good makeup, I always tell my clients that taking care of their skin is essential. A proper skincare routine, cleansing, exfoliating, toning, moisturizing—is key to achieving a radiant, healthy complexion. Hydration and sunscreen are also non-negotiable.” she explains.
She is a strong advocate for natural beauty and believes in enhancing one’s features rather than covering them up. “It’s all about embracing your skin’s authentic radiance. Lightweight foundations, soft blushes, subtle contouring, and lots of mascara, are my go-to products for a timeless, elegant look.” Reshu says.
With over 260k followers on social media, Reshu Malhotra is more than just a makeup artist, she is an influencer and a mentor to many aspiring artists. Her exceptional editorial shoots, bridal work, and collaborations with Bollywood celebrities have established her as a top makeup artist influencer.
“Social media has been an incredible platform for me to connect with beauty enthusiasts worldwide. I use my platforms to share tips, tutorials, and insights into the beauty industry, but more importantly, to show that with hard work, passion, and creativity, you can achieve your dreams.” Reshu reflects and concludes.
