Sweekriti Dahal

Sweekriti Dahal, a makeup artist and student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, who has an eclectic and colorful style in her looks. With work featured in both magazines and music videos, her work looks stunning both behind the scenes and in the final products. Shei has been involved in her school’s magazine, Blush, doing makeup for editorials since as far back as 2019 and she continues to grow her client base.

photographer: @nafisahs.photocollection
model: @hv.challenger
stylist: @zakkaij
hair: @kira.not.kiera

How long have you been into doing makeup?
I have been interested in makeup ever since I was a kid. I remember playing around with my mom’s makeup on myself and forcing my cousins to let me give them makeovers. Over time it became something I experimented with whenever I had free time from school. Now it is something that I have  pursued not just as a hobby, but also a career.

Do you personally use expensive brand makeup or the drugstore kind?
Personally, I use a decent mix between both expensive and drugstore brands. For base products I use more expensive brand makeup, but, overall, I’m a heavy drugstore brand connoisseur. I’ll use more expensive products when it comes to skincare and the face.

creative director & stylist: @monb0n
model: @analiesehardon
photographer: @shotzbyallie
videographer: @mmagggiiee
makeup artist: @sweekriti.mua
nail artist: @_mean_queen_nailsandtattoos_
styling & set assistant @nadiaadamss

What is the difference between the two?
Nowadays drugstore brands have been stepping their game up when it comes to their products, so it is getting harder to spot the difference. As opposed to the ‘brand’ itself, ingredients are more important when it comes to products that someone is putting on their face. However, the biggest difference is the branding itself; when you use a high-end product it adds a glamorous touch to your beauty routine. Either way both of them are adequate.

Did you always have a creative mind or did t you develop what you do over the years?
I have always been creative. My earliest memories are of playing dress and experimenting with art supplies that I had. I’ve gotten better at executing my creative ideas into real life. I’ve always had an interest in fashion, photography, art, music, and just anything that lets me express myself.

What’s your favorite project you’ve done thus far?
I flew to Nepal this past summer to collaborate with Nepali rapper/singer: Lil Buddha aka Sacar, for his music videos and this has been my favorite project I’ve done thus far. I led the creative direction, styling, and makeup. The theme was sci-fi and it involved creating our own versions of ‘aliens’ through makeup and clothes. We invented our own characters and the production of the music videos was unique to our team. The best part was being in my home country, doing what I love, and meeting amazing talented creatives along the way. The entire project was exciting and I learned so much.

What’s your favorite part about doing makeup?
I love making people feel like their most amazing selves. I find it amazing that when collaborating with other creatives, we are able to create a mood board and fully execute our vision into something so original and profound. Makeup is definitely a large part in bringing all of these ideas together. I never leave a set without feeling proud.

Do you look up to any makeup artists?
Yes, currently I am obsessed with IsaMaya French’s work. Her techniques are so innovative. She does a lot of runway looks for high fashion brands, and I’ve always admired how avant-garde her work is. She also has her own beauty brand, and I adore her use of out of the ordinary packaging.

Left:
creative Direction/Stylist: @brianna.who
creative Assistant: @intrinitycaudd
photography: @sethclash
hair: @salsabilsonline
BTS: @milandeleilani
Right:
model: @themyiah_lee
designer: @vivmoonl
stylist: @victoria.panzella
photographer: @mayalouisphoto
hair: @kira.not.kiera
makeup: @sweekriti.mua
pa: @annannputtithanasorn
@irwing.trejo@jadevisions

What colors do you  like to work with the most? Dark shades or more colorful shades?
I prefer working more with colorful shades because when it comes to my own personal style, I tend to lean towards darker shades, and I’ll stray away from anything too colorful. This gives me the opportunity to gain some versatility within the realm of makeup.

How would you describe your makeup style in your work? Is it similar to how you do your own makeup?
When it comes to my own work, I gravitate towards unconventional makeup looks and have fun creating looks that aren’t so traditional. I love implementing different elements that aren’t typically used. For example, flowers and feathers. My go-to makeup looks usually aren’t super experimental, I tend to stick with specific looks for myself.

Do you have a favorite fashion trend right now?
I’ve been loving how everyone has been incorporating bows and lace into their fashion, as well as beauty looks. Ribbons are such a fun and creative final touch with which to accessorize with. My personal style is fairly dark and edgy, so it’s cute to add a girly feel to my outfits.   

Do fashion trends influence how you want your makeup to look on a person? Why or why not?
Fashion and beauty have always gone hand in hand. Currently, trends from the 90s and early 2000s are back. For example, I love thin, skinny brows; this is nostalgic for me. I find myself looking at editorials from these eras for inspiration to create my own distinctive looks, whether it be myself or a model.

Left:
photographer: @al.y
creative direction: @brandonwoelfel @al.y
model: @brianna.who 
Right:
photographer: @sethcorcuera 
clothing & creative direction by @brianna.who
assistant: @erezyn

What’s your skincare routine consist of?
My skincare routine consists of using the Anua cleansing oil to remove any makeup. Then I go in with the La Roche-Posay hydrating gentle cleanser, the Corsx Snail Mucin essence, and Topicals faded skin serum for my dark spots and discoloration. For a  moisturizer I use the Dr. Jart+ ceramidin skin barrier moisturizing cream. For any breakouts I am experiencing I use the INKEY List succinic acid acne treatment or the Hero Cosmetics pimple patches and rescue balm. Lastly, for lips I use the INKEY List tripeptide plumbing lip balm and the Laneige lip mask.

What products would you recommend for people who want to get into doing makeup professionally?
The most important thing is to prioritize hygiene and ensuring everything you're using on other people has been disinfected. Products such as the Cinema Secrets makeup brush cleaner and an antibacterial makeup spray will help keep everything clean. Lastly, a good makeup case is great for organization. Ultimately, artists have their own setup according to their organizational preference.

Do you prefer going all out or keeping it minimal in your personal makeup looks?
I definitely love going all out with my makeup looks whenever there is an occasion. Of course, I still have my daily minimalist makeup looks as well.

Why did you decide to pursue being a makeup artist?
In high school I realized I loved doing makeup, and it’s something I was really talented at, so I started posting my work on Instagram, and started doing makeup on other people. It just happened so naturally; this was something I was meant to do.

What makes you the happiest when it comes to your work?
Working with other people, in general, makes me the happiest. It always feels nice to work with a team and create something beautiful together.

Social Media.
Instagram: @sweekrltl

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Sweekriti Dahal
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Madison Cannella, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

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