#BazaarWomenInFocus: Savleen Manchanda is redefining what Indian glamour looks like, one flawless face at a time
From red carpets to runways, Savleen Manchanda’s makeup artistry celebrates beauty in its most authentic form.
In the world of beauty, Savleen Manchanda’s name is synonymous with modern, effortless glamour. As one of India’s most sought-after make-up artists, she is behind some of the country’s most memorable red carpet and campaign looks. From Kareena Kapoor Khan’s bold elegance and Sara Ali Khan’s soft-glam radiance, to Sonam Kapoor’s statement beauty moments and Natasha Poonawalla’s first Met Gala appearance, she is the name behind it all.
Her artistry lies in the balance—the perfect blend of minimalism and impact. Manchanda’s approach to beauty isn’t about transformation; it’s about amplification. Every face she touches tells a story—one of confidence, individuality, and quiet power.
At Harper’s Bazaar India’s Women of the Year 2025 awards, Manchanda was honoured for pushing boundaries constantly, yet being grounded in authenticity. Her speech was emotional, witty, and deeply personal—a heartfelt reflection of someone who has built her dream one brushstroke at a time.
As she received the award from actress Janhvi Kapoor, she said, “This is surreal, first of all, to get an award from one of your favourite muses, and I don’t know when I’ll get it again, so I have a speech ready, bear with me. Thank you, Harper’s Bazaar, for this incredible honour for something that has truly been my greatest passion and, honestly, my best therapy. I used to imagine this moment, and today, I get to live it."
She went on to say, "I want to start by thanking my parents for letting me dream freely, for never once asking me to be realistic and for always standing behind every version of me, from chaos to confidence. To my friends, you’re my backbone, my sanity and the only people who understand my last-minute cancellations. Thanks for being my hype team and for knowing I love you even when I am too busy to text back."
"Now, to some people who really shaped my journey: Mohit Rai, you are the reason I came to Mumbai. You trusted my craft more than I ever did, and for that, I owe you a lifetime supply of good glam. Rhea Kapoor, thank you for recognising my talent from Instagram, refining it, and constantly pushing me to be better. Honestly, your taste level scares me and inspires me. Purnia, for supporting my minimal makeup aesthetic and pushing my name into rooms full of opportunity, I’m forever grateful. To my incredible team, we did this together. And finally, to all my muses. Every single face I have ever been privileged to paint. Thank you for trusting me with your beauty, for sharing your stories, and letting me live my wildest glitter-filled dream. This one is for you!" she concluded.
Manchanda’s journey, from a young dreamer to one of India’s most influential beauty creators, is a story of relentless belief, hard work, and heart. Her success is built not just on talent, but on empathy and connection.
Whether it’s a bare, luminous skin look or a high-glam editorial beat, Manchanda’s artistry always carries her signature touch—understated yet unforgettable. In her hands, beauty becomes both a celebration and a conversation, one that continues to inspire an entire generation of artists and dreamers.
Also read: #BazaarWomenInFocus: 'Icon of the Year' Zeenat Aman is still setting her own rules
