Source: Courtesy

With the wedding season at our doorstep, many a panicked bride is wondering whom she should throw herself at the mercy of, to get that perfect, glowing look on her special day. Many are wondering if the parlour she has chosen will turn her into an unrecognisable Caucasian version of herself. To come to their rescue, a unique, talented make-up artist is waiting at her own home with quiet, comfortable surroundings and friendly words to calm their nerves.
Lopa Rahman, known for her magic touch that brings out the best in every bride's features, is not just a beautician, she is also a fashion designer, a painter and an interior decorator-- facts very few people know about her. “
I went to Dhaka University to study Economics, but because of the session jams and inconsistencies, I left after two years,” says Lopa, while describing the variety of subjects she has taken interest in. “After that, I went to London to study fashion designing and merchandising at American College in London."
She eventually completed her BA degree at North South University, studying Marketing. “Before I started at NSU, I used to practice my designing and used to have sales for clothes, I had some exhibitions,” she says. “I also did pattern cutting and bedspreads which people hadn't done here before. I started exporting abroad to a niche market, and also supplied my work to places like the Sonargaon Hotel.”
During this time, she also took up an interest in interior décor. “I would do things for family and friends and finally my father-in-law got me into Berger to do a course for a year,” she says. “I love doing renovations, especially on a low budget. I'm now working on a 7 floor house, two duplexes and a few uplifts,” says Lopa.
Her passion for making people beautiful however was there from a young age, “My mother is very beautiful and when she would dress up and do her make-up and I would watch her in awe,” says Lopa. “I would draw brides from the age of 6 or 7 and put emphasis on the eyes,” she recalls. “I have no institutional training, but from a young age I would experiment on my friends and cousins with my mother's make-up. So that's where my interest came from.” When more and more people saw her work, which she did free of cost at the time, her family and friends urged her to take it up professionally.
What makes Lopa an attraction for many brides is that she uses the best products and gives each bride individual time and attention. “I buy all the make-up I use from abroad,” she says. “I think to be a successful make-up artist one must be able to study a person's face and personality. Every face is so different there is no way to group them together.”
The atmosphere at her place is also very relaxed unlike a typical parlour environment. “I love my work so much I give my 100 percent attention to each bride,” she explains. “I listen to the bride because it's her special day so I want her to feel comfortable with me and believe in me and take her opinions into consideration. I also give advice about skin care when asked and lighting at the venue which is very important.”  As for appointments which usually need to be done at least a year in advance, Lopa is more flexible. “I ask people to book me at least a few months in advance, but if I am free I take on appointments at a very short notice.”
Lopa believes that each bride is uniquely beautiful. “As soon as I put the veil/ghumta on a girl, people's expectations of her change-- she becomes for that night, a bride. A soft smile and a calm, pleasant demeanor makes the bride all the more beautiful,” she believes.

To contact Lopa Rahman you can email her at:
lopa2000@hotmail.com