The Art of Skin Preparation: An Interview with Make-Up Artist Min Sandhu
The Art of Skin Preparation: An Interview with Make-Up Artist Min Sandhu
At MZ SKIN, we believe that radiant skin is the foundation for feeling and looking your best. Long before concealer or blush is applied, it is the canvas of the skin that determines how make-up sits, lasts, and enhances your natural facial features. This philosophy aligns closely with internationally recognised make-up artist Min Sandhu, whose reputation for creating luminous, editorial-quality looks has made her one of the most sought-after names in the industry.
For both Dr Zamani and Min, skincare and artistry are inseparable. A flawless base is not about concealing, but about revealing and enhancing, creating perfect synergy between skin health and creative expression. In every conversation with make-up professionals, one truth shines through: the most impactful make-up begins with skin that is well-prepared, well-nourished, and naturally radiant.
Meet the Make-Up Artist
To explore this further, we invited Min to the MZ SKIN office and learnt so much about her fresh, modern approach to make-up and her ability to create skin that looks as luminous on camera as it does in real life.
Min’s artistry has been sought after by some of the world’s most recognisable names. In recent years, she has worked with acclaimed talents including Daniel Kaluuya, Lashana Lynch, Stella Maxwell, Madison Beer, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Joshua, each trusting her ability to create a red carpet, camera-ready look that enhances their natural features whilst shining a light on their individual style.
In our interview, Minnie shares her go-to skin prep techniques, her backstage beauty secrets, and the creative inspirations that fuel her work. From the importance of sleep and hydration to her must-have kit essentials, her answers illuminate the synergy between skincare and make-up artistry, and why skin preparation is always the key to radiance.
The Interview
Beauty & Skincare:
What’s the first step in your skin prep routine?
To cleanse the skin has to be the first prep. Either a foamy cleanser that washes off or if I’m with a client or on set, then to start with a miscellar water cleanse. For me, the skin has to be a completely clean and blank canvas for me to build on.
One product you can’t live without in your kit?
I think my range of concealers - i feel as though if i needed to create an entire look with one type of product - i could possibly do it with my bag of concealers!
What’s your secret for long-lasting makeup?
A skin prep that is tailored to my clients skin type and a good setting powder followed by a setting spray.
How do you get skin to look fashion week ready?
I think sleep, diet and gut health are the most important things you can do for your skins Keeping well hydrated and staying away from processed foods and refined sugars. Stress management is also important. Bio hacks like red light therapy work great for the skin on a cellular level. When it comes to makeup application, skin prep is one of the most important steps. For me fashion week ready skin is fresh and it’s dewy. It’s not about overloading the skin.
Professional & Creative Insights
What made you want to become a makeup artist?
Originally, I needed a creative outlet as I was in a corporate environment, in which I felt my soul was dying a slow death! I had no real intentions of becoming a makeup artist - at the time it was just an outlet - but then I did a course for fun and realised that I would get into this amazing flow state whilst painting a face. It felt like meditation! And i wanted to continue with it and see where it took me.
Who has been your dream client so far?
I have to say, I adore all of my clients. They’re all unique and inspirational. I learn a lot about myself through the people that I interact with and even more so those that I regularly see. I believe that the people that come into my life are there for me to learn and discover more about myself.
Most memorable moment on backstage at Fashion week?
Keying the Oswald Boateng show. We had over 100 models and talent combined and I had 20 assistants. It was nuts!! But once the busyness was over - it was the most gratifying experience to see the models lined up looking incredible before they hit the runway!
Favourite look you’ve ever created?
Some of my earlier test shoots where i have been given full creative freedom have been some of my fav looks. Some of those looks were not even planned. They just happened. To be given or to create an space where I can just be in flow, and in control of my creative output is one of the most wonderful feelings and I feel as though a lot of those shoots have been my most popular amongst people.
Who inspires your work?
I feel as though everything around me inspires me. Often it is the talent/model/subject that I’m working on, their facial features, the contours of their face, their personal style, that inspire me to create something that is tailored to them. I appreciate so many different styles and sub cultures - so for me, I’m bouncing off the vibe and signal I receive from those I do makeup on.
Get to Know Min: Quick-Fire Series!
Coffee or tea? Tea
Lipstick or gloss? Lipstick
Early bird or night owl? Early bird
Favourite city for inspiration? The city I live in - London!
Go-to song while you work? Oooohhhhhhh hardest question ever! My tastes are far too eclectic and varied to narrow down to one song. It all depends on my mood!
The Takeaway
Min Sandhu has become one of the UK’s most exciting make-up artists, trusted by leading global talent for her ability to deliver luminous, camera-ready looks, from the red carpet to editorial shoots and the runway. Her philosophy aligns closely with that of Dr Maryam Zamani: the most powerful make-up begins with skin that is cared for, nourished, and respected.
By blending intelligent skincare with a holistic approach to wellbeing, Min demonstrates that artistry is not about masking but about enhancing and revealing the natural beauty of every face she touches. At MZ SKIN, we celebrate this synergy between medical-grade skincare and creative vision, where preparation becomes transformation and radiance is always the result.
