Q&A: Bollywood Legend, Makeup Artist Mickey Contractor
Touted for his expert hand at the 'no-makeup' look, Mickey Contractor is a Bollywood legend. The makeup artists gave us a few tips on what the West can learn from the East and how to perfect the smoky eye.

He's a very positive energy to be around," Indian actress Aishwarya Rai says about Mickey Contractor, her favorite makeup man. Touted for his expert hand at the 'no-makeup' look, there's hardly a shortage of praise in Bollywood for the magic Contractor has been creating with his makeup brushes for over 30 years.
Contractor recently came out with a limited-edition collection for M.A.C. that serves the needs of most medium-to-dark skin tones, which has been temporarily re-issued just in time for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Toronto this past weekend. In between doing the faces of stars like Priyanka Chopra, he sat down with Marie Claire for a quick interview.
With your M.A.C. collection, you've reached a whole new level of fame as a makeup artist. How has the response been?
It was an overwhelming response. It sold out much faster than I thought. I've been reading a lot of blogs and everyone seems to have loved it and want more. What I saw in India particularly when I was in-store promoting it, was that every single customer that I have met said 'Oh I have found my concealer," or "I found my foundation," or "This is my lip color!" It's unfortunate that it's limited edition, but hopefully because it's done that well, maybe M.A.C. might consider making a few products part of its permanent collection.
What can the west borrow from Bollywood in terms of makeup?
I would say more accent on the eyes, and a few of our techniques for smoky eyes. The effect is more or less the same, it's just that we Indians are extremely dramatic. Therefore, compared to a smoky eye that my counterpart would do, I think my smoky eye would be much deeper. Makeup is a lot of give and take though. For the last 6 years I've been with M.A.C., we've always been borrowing from each other and learning from each other. It's been a great experience.
You've pretty much perfected the smoky eye look that's so big in Bollywood. What are your essentials to create that look?
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
First, and most importantly, is M.A.C. Fluidline in Blacktrack. Then Carbon and Folie eyeshadows, Zoom lash mascara, and a nice highlighter. That's all you really need.
What makeup faux pas makes you cringe?
The wrong color of foundation. Especially in our country [India], where everyone wants to look fairer for some odd reason.
-
Jennifer Lawrence Pairs a Semi-Sheer LBD With Her Rare The Row Lady Bag
This bag is a $33,000 flex.
-
Blake Lively's Kids Have Been Her \201cLifeline\201d and Gotten Through Her \201cIntense Year\201d Amid Her Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni
\201cI have to be Disneyland for them."
-
I Found Trendy Summer Shoe Styles You Need—All for Under $150
It's time for an upgrade.
-
How the 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Season 2 Stars Prepare to See Themselves Onscreen
As season 2 approaches, the cast opens up about their evolving self-image.
-
These Products Are My Secret to Dewy, Sun-Kissed Skin
Prepare to glow.
-
I'm Not Exaggerating—Pressed Powders Are an IRL Filter for My Acne-Prone Skin
Oily girls, this one is for you.
-
Meet 8 Editor-Vetted Blush Palettes That Basically Flirt for You
For that just-got-caught-staring flush.
-
Jenna Ortega Does Grungy Glam Right With '90s-Inspired Hair and Makeup
The actress was spotted in peak ‘90s-inspired glam.
-
How a Beauty Writer Has Perfected Her Morning Routine For Acne-Prone Skin
Keep the texture and irritation at bay with these editor-vetted items.
-
Selena Gomez Hosts a Master Class in Matching Your Red Blush and Red Lipstick to Your Outfit
The star was spotted looking red hot in the streets of New York City.
-
Presenting, Perfect Date Night Makeup for People Who Hate Makeup
From a beauty director who's learned all the workarounds.