Thursday, July 7, 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Make-up Trend: Two-Tone Eye Shadow

On the latest issue of Verve, Chitrangada Singh looked every bit of a diva. Make up artist Mickey Contractor rimmed her eyes in black liner, then followed with a wash of citrusy gold liner on the bottom lashline. Next, he layered icy turquoise and silvery gray-green shadow along the crease, extending the colors, to wing them slightly. The effect was sculpted and dimensional, but still lighthearted thanks to the splash of color.

Rec: tokidoki Cromatico Eyeshadow Palette in Mozzarella

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Hair Trend: Twisted Bun

To try Sonam Kapoor's famous Cannes hairstyle, follow these easy steps, on either side of your head, roll back the strands along your hairline, adding more hair as your work your way backwards, just like you do with a French braid. (Tuck in a few pins if you find the twists are heavy and tipping forwards.) Wrap the two twists into an untidy bun and secure with pins and elastic. This style isn't meant to look prim, so don't worry about asymmetries or imperfections.

Rec: Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin

Courtesy: Instyle

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Make-up Trend: Simple Smoky Eyes

Sonakshi Sinha usually favors playing up her lips on the red carpet, but fon the cover of the latest issue of Vogue India, her makeup artist Mickey Contractor turned it up a notch. "I chose a combination of jet black shadows to bring out her gorgeous dark brown eyes," he said. Mickey started with a layer of long wear gray shadow, winged on the corners topped with a few swipes of a creamy black formula. "I lined her top lashline with kohl liner, then coated her lashes with black mascara for a feathery effect." Simple and stunning.

Rec: M.A.C Wonder Woman Eye Shadow Quad in Lady Justice

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's New L'Oreal Commercial

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's new commercial for L'oreal Paris Excellence Creme.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Make-up Trend: Dramatic Eyes & Lips

Usually it's a beauty no-no to pair dark lips with anything other than clear, flawless skin. But on the latest issue of Verve, Deepika Padukone's makeup artist Mickey Contractor helped the star get it exactly right, combining a matte burgundy lip with dramatic lashes and bronzy shadow. The brown and gold shadow make Deepika’s beautiful brown eyes radiate, plus, the lips tie the look together. The reason the two elements didn't compete? The absence of dark shadows like black and gray. By using warmer tones and just a touch of natural shimmery cheek color, the focus stayed on her gorgeous skin, eyes and lips.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Make-up Trend: Frosty Pink Lip Gloss


You know summer is close on the horizon when make-up gets angelic and icy tones. Take Sonam Kapoor's look on the latest issue of Marie Claire India. Frosty finishes used to have an '80s stigma, but thanks to warm undertones, the look is romantic and flirtatious. If you want to try a similar look, keep the rest of the makeup on your face matte and subtle—here, Sonam paired her gloss with a flat but rosy blush and simple, mascara. That way, the iridescent tone avoids looking costumey.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Make-up Trend: Magenta Lips

In the pages of the latest issue of Filmfare, Shraddha Kapoor made a fittingly bold statement with magenta pink lipstick. Skintone is key when selecting a punchy shade—what may look clownish on someone can be just right on someone else. Always try lipstick on your lips—not the back of your hand—and remember to account for the natural pigment of your mouth, which can shift a lipstick formula a few shades in either direction.

Rec: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Damned

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Friday, May 20, 2011

Make-up Trend: Maroon-Burgundy Nail Polish


Funky new nail polish shades are always fun, but there is something to be said about returning to classic, flawless hues. Take Freida Pinto's burgundy tone at the amFAR Cinema Against Aids Gala at Cannes. The shimmery gold cocktail dress was sweet with an edge and the dark burgundy went perfectly with the tones of the dress. The reddish jewels picked up the gold in the dress and the clutch beautifully.

Rec: Sephora By O.P.I Nail Color in What's Your Point-settia?

Monday, May 16, 2011

Make-up Trend: Coral-Orange Lips

Orange lipstick may sound frightful, but one glance at Sonam Kapoor at the Chopard Party at Cannes will change your mind. Thanks to coral undertones, the shade isn't harsh or garish, and it feels playful when contrasted with a white dress. If you're experimenting with a new hue, top it with a swipe of gloss. The added shine is more forgiving than a strict matte finish.

Rec: L'oreal Color Riche Lipcolor in Volcano

Sonam Kapoor's Cannes 2011 Make-up Breakdown (Face Chart) & Backstage Pics


Sonam's makeup was inspired by David Bowie, highlights on the eyes. The eyelids are dresses in a copper-burgundy and gold mix. joined by a line of black eyeliner. You get a totally feline look. To soften it up a bit, choose a fairly mellow bronzing blush for the hollow of the cheeks and a gold nude for the mouth. The result is a glamorous, feminine and very sensual look.

Sonam getting ready for her debut at Cannes 2011!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sonam Kapoor Cannes 2011 Day 5 Make-up

Her hair was styled in an updo with a curly bouffant top.

Her enchanting smoky eye makeup, by the L'Oreal France makeup artist Rie Omoto, included L'Or, L'Or, L'Or gold eyeshadow and highlighter riding right upto her thick and arched eyebrows; and silver eyeshadow on the inner corners of the eyes and under the lower lashes.

The look accentuated and emphasized her chiseled features rather than the color itself.  Nude lip gloss, fuchsia blush and gun metal nail polish rounded her mesmerizing looks.  Explaining the use of gold, Rie said, "Gold is a transformational color that can take a woman from day to night and back again by simple adjustments in its application and blending."

Friday, May 13, 2011

Aishwarya Rai Cannes 2011 Day 2 Make-up Breakdown (Face Chart)


"A duo of blue and gold eye shadow highlights her incredible eyes and enhances her Giorgio Armani Prive sheath. A touch of color is all her mouth and cheeks need." Karim Rahman

Aishwarya Rai Cannes 2011 Day 1 Make-up Breakdown (Face Chart)

"Piercing eyes, highlighted with lovely gradation on her eyelids and enhanced with plenty of mascara." Karim Rahman

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Aishwarya, Freida & Sonam's Looks at Cannes 2011

 L'Or L'Or L'Or Look # 1

  L'Or L'Or L'Or Look # 2

 L'Or L'Or L'Or Look # 3

 L'Or L'Or L'Or Look # 4

Actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and Freida Pinto will be given new looks by internationally renowned make-up artists as they walk the Cannes Red Carpet this year. From May 11-22, L’Oréal Paris, official make-up artist of the Festival for 14 years, will introduce its first dream team of three make-up artists: Karim Rahman, Billy B and Rie Omoto.

They have created the new ‘L’Or L’Or L’Or’ make-up Collection especially for Cannes, which will be used to design exclusive make-up looks for all the spokeswomen present at the Festival including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and Freida Pinto.  Aishwarya will be sporting interpretations of the ‘L’Or L’Or L’Or’, look by Karim Rahman as she walks the red carpet with Aimee Mullins, Gong Li and Ines de la Fressange on Wednesday.

“Gold is something that inspires me to create an opulent, luxurious, bold make-up look. This is the perfect theme for Cannes and perfect for the strong personalities of the L’Oréal Paris spokeswomen. I want to bring out all their radiant, luminous sensuality,” said Rahman.

Rie Omoto will be creating the L’Or, L’Or, L’Or, look for Sonam Kapoor using gold to highlight, accentuate and emphasize the actor’s features rather than the color itself. Sonam will be walking the red carpet on May 15 with Fan Bing Bing. Rie Omoto said, “Gold is a transformational color that can take a woman from day to night and back again by simple adjustments in its application and blending.”  Freida Pinto’s ‘L’Or, L’Or, L’Or’ look created by Billy B will reflect her radiant beauty as she attends the amfAR dinner and after party on May 19. “Gold is flattering; it reflects light beautifully and makes you immediately luminous and radiant. Gold can be and really should be considered a Classic like the famous and timeless Little Black Dress,” said Billy.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Smoky, Purple Eye Shadow

A smoky eye doesn't always have to be black and gray. Take Shraddha's version on the cover of Adorn Magazine. A dash of black shadow pulled across the lid and upwards at the corner is innocent with just a touch of vamp. An allover wash of bluish-purple finishes the dark but striking look. FInish the look off with highlighting your inner corners and brow bone with a pearly white shadow.

Rec: Tarina Tarantino Floriculture Palette

Friday, April 29, 2011

Make-up Trend: Smudgy Eyeliner

On the latest issue of Vogue India, Katrina Kaif looked grungy chic with smudgy eyeliner all around her eyes. Smudging the line after you apply it can work to create a lived-in feel, but is also difficult to perfectly execute. Next time you try the look, dip a cotton swab in eye makeup remover and gently dab it along your top and bottom lashlines. Then top with liner, allowing the outward flick of the cat-eye shape to line up with the tail of your eyebrow. The remover step may seem counter-intuitive, but makeup artists swear it's a fail-safe way to create a diffuse, nonrigid line.

Rec: Stila Onyx Kajal Eye Liner

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Make-up Trend: Crimson Red Lips

At the Louis Vuitton Celebration for this month's Glamour covergirls Freida Printo added color with red lips with a black and white outfit. If you want to try crimson, but are afraid of it looking messy the second you leave the house, prep by exfoliating your lips and topping them with balm. Let the balm absorb for five minutes before applying the lip formula—it prevents feathering and provides a smooth base for the lipstick to adhere too. And always apply red shades just inside your natural lip line. The color is bold enough without exaggerating the shape of your mouth.

Rec: M.A.C Red Lipstick

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Priyanka Chopra's Make-up Favorites via The New York Times Style Magazine

Thank you to Meena Ansari, (my blog's biggest fan) for this article.

Priyanka Chopra, won both Miss India and Miss World in 2000, at the age of 17. Soon after, in 2002, she began her Bollywood career with the The Hero. She now shoots about four movies a year, among many other projects. She’s not afraid of a 20-hour work day — or junk food. I recently got to share a few beauty moments with her.

T Magazine: I am a huge fan of eyeliner. First off, I want to know about kajal kohl. Is it always a cone shape? How is it applied?  
Priyanka Chopra: The cone-shape kajal is actually Arabic. With that, a woman closes her eye on on the tip and runs it back and forth along the rim. Traditional Indian kajal kohl comes in a long, slim box. A woman takes her fingertip, rubs it into the kohl and applies it directly to the rim of her eye. It also has eye-brightening ingredients in it, such as eucalyptus. Modern-day Indian women don’t use it very much, though. They use pencils.

T: I suppose a pencil is a bit neater than having black fingertips. What pencils do you like?  
PC: M.A.C Teddy Eye Kohl, a bronzy brown, is my favorite. I usually smudge that into Armani Smooth Silk Eye Pencil in Black. But the most magical is the M.A.C. black liner in a pot, in Black Track. I apply this to the inner rim of my eye with a firm brush, and it doesn’t move at all. It never irritates my eyes. It is great for swimming, rain or crying scenes.

T: I’m checking out your everyday makeup now. The colors meld into your skin tone beautifully, the way natural looking makeup should. What do you rely on to create this effect?  
PC: I must have my Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Honey. There are so few that are yellow enough for my skin. I apply that where needed and then M.A.C. Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in NC43. My favorite blush is Nars Orgasm Blush. My lips are usually M.A.C. Spice Lip Pencil, or a Laura Mercier Mulberry Lip Stain. Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara is a must.

T: I know threading is of Indian origin. Is that how you keep your brows in such lovely shape?
PC: Yes. Threading is wonderful! It stays clean for a week. So it lasts longer that plucking.

T: Are you into yoga or any ayurvedic practices?
PC: No, not really.

T: What about your diet?
PC: I love junk food! The pizza in Bombay, where I live, is so good. French fries are like my soul food. Great to cure the blues. I also like Indian food, but not the healthy kind.

T: You would never know it looking at your skin, it’s so clear and smooth. How do you take care of it?
PC: No. 1, I have good genes. But it’s also very important to drink a ton of water. I think it’s the best way to keep it moist from within. It also cleanses all the toxins out of your body, helping your skin look clearer. At night it’s essential to remove all makeup and dirt thoroughly. You must let your skin breathe and regenerate.

T: What products do you use at night?
PC: Usually, Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover, followed by Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri Pure Detoxifying Cream Cleanser or Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel. I use Garnier Vital Restore Night Cream. For eye cream, Strivectin works best for me.

T: Are there any fragrances you are loving right now?
PC: I’m a huge fan of Jo Malone fragrances. Especially, Lime Basil & Mandarin and Vintage Gardenia. Sometimes I switch off and go with Dolce and Gabbana The One.

T: Any secrets to achieving your silky, shiny hair?
PC: Most come from the kitchen. Beer and egg are great for the hair. Yogurt is excellent for helping with dandruff. And in India we do a lot of warm coconut oil deep-conditioning treatments. Massage coconut oil directly into scalp. This way it gets to the root, so the hair grows in healthier. For puffy eyes, I like to freeze any kind of steeped tea bags. Let them sit a minute, so they’re not too cold, before placing on the eye area. You’ll see an instant difference.

T: Do you have any comfort items in your bag?
PC: My fragrance, Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil and Dentyne Ice gum. I always have some sort of candy in my purse … did I mention how much I like sugar?

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Make-up Trend: Bright Pink Lipstick

On the latest issue of Elle India, Lisa Haydon dared to wear a juicy fuchsia lipstick, in key with the spring/summer color blocking trend with purple and yellow. When you're selecting an edgier hue, don't consider a swipe on the back of your hand an adequate test-drive. Instead, dab it on your fingertip, where the skin is closest in color and texture to your actual lips.

Rec: Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick in Love Test 11

Monday, April 4, 2011

Make-up Trend: Winged Eye Shadow

Winged eye shadow was all over the Spring runways—but usually in bright summer color. Defying the colors was Anushka Sharma on the latest issue of Verve- who went with a smokier purple. To rock a similar look, prep your lids with primer to be sure the shadow holds it's flattering, flicked-out shape.

Rec: M.A.C Nocturnelle Eye Shadow

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Make-up Trend: Pastel Pink Lips & Cheeks

Glamour released three covers for the month of May, and Freida Pinto was on one of them. Her cover was themed "Goddess", and looking like every bit of one, she rocked some pastel pink lips and cheeks to go with her floral Peter Som bathing suit. To get her look, apply a pastel pink lip and cheek stain on your lips and cheeks. Stains can double as a cheek stain, and it's a particularly handy trick in the winter months. The creamy, highly pigmented formula is the perfect antidote to winter complexions—and stays put longer than powder blushes, which can easily rub off. Dab the stain on the apples of your cheeks and work in the smear with your fingertips for a naturally flush glow.

Make-up Trend: Smoky Lavender Eye Shadow

A smoky eye doesn't have to be black and gray. Take a cue from Genelia D'Souza's lavender version on the latest issue of Marie Claire India. To get her look, apply a dash of blueish lavender shadow pulled across the lid and upwards at the corner. The look is both innocent with just a touch of vamp. An all over wash of the lightest sparkly pink finishes the sweet but striking look. Genelia went with a bright coral look to keep with the color blocking theme, and a light dusting of peach blush on the apples of her cheeks.

Rec: YSL 5 Lilac Sky Eye Shadow Palette

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Make-up Trend: Springtime Make-up

On the latest issue of Vogue India, Ashika Pratt looked totally in key with spring's hottest trend: coral-orange. To get her spring look, swipe tawny coral shadow on the lid (which play up her gorgeous orange dress); dust shimmery white shadow on the inner corners of the eye for added brightness and finish off with black eye liner to keep the look sultry, but not uber smoky. Gray, brown, and black shadow can feel dreary this time of year. Instead, experiment with unexpected color combinations, which can have surprisingly uplifting results. Apply a beige nude lipgloss and bronzer with coral undertones on the cheeks to tie the look together.

Rec: Smashbox Master's Class Style Files (eyes: Shadow # 2 on lids, Shadow # 8 in inner corners; lips: nude champagne; face: mix cheek # 1 & 2 and buff on cheeks)

Monday, March 28, 2011

Make-up Trend: Matte Red Lips

On the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar India, Giselle Monteiro looked every bit the diva in a Louis Vuitton zebra printed dress. What stood out on the cover though were her matte raspberry lips that polished the look even further and popped against the turquoise of her dress. Matte formulas can look aging, but because the actress chose a bold, modern shade, the effect was entirely youthful. A dusting of beige eye shadow and plenty of black mascara added the finishing touches.

Rec: YSL Pure Colour Satiny Radiance Lipstick in 4 Rouge Vermillon

Friday, March 25, 2011

Lakmé Fantasy Collection by Gauri & Nainika Face Charts

Look 1: Sugarplum Fairy
Face
Begin by blending a suitable shade from Lakmé’s range of foundations. Next, apply the Peach Blush Cheek Artist to get that rosy blush.  Finally enjoy a rainbow like glow by smearing a bit of All Over Shimmer Gloss on the face. 

Eyes
Cover your entire upper eyelid and inner corner of your eyes with a generous doze of the Moonshine Fantasy Shimmer Liner. With a steady hand, apply a thin stroke of the Pink Crystal Fantasy Shimmer Liner over your lash line. Finally, get super defined lashes with any Lakmé mascara.

Lips
Start by giving your lips the satin smoothness of Enrich Satin Lip Color in 135.  Then add some sparkle to them with a dot of Fantasy Shimmer Liner in Moonshine.

Nails
Make a statement with a neat layer of True Wear Nail Color in 248. Top it up with a second coat, for a super intense finish.

Look 2: Snow Queen
Face
Begin by blending a suitable shade from Lakmé’s range of foundations. Next, apply the Kiss of a Rose Cheek Artist to get that rosy blush.  Finally enjoy a rainbow like glow by smearing a bit of All Over Shimmer Gloss on the face. 

Eyes 
Start by using the Pixie Dust Fairy Dust Eye shadow as a base over your entire eyelid. Add magic to beauty by applying the Indigo Star Fantasy Shimmer Liner over your upper lash line. With Moonbeam Shadow Artist Shimmer Stick, highlight your eyes by drawing across your upper lid. Take your pick from any Lakmé mascara, to get thick eye lashes.

Lips
Apply satin on your lips with Enrich Satin Lip Color in 131. Next, dab on a small dot of the Moonshine Fantasy Shimmer Liner, to add a silver shine to your lips.

Nails
Flaunt perfect nails with a coat of True Wear Nail Color in 250. Layer a second coat to get a glossy finish.

Look 3: Goddess of Gold
Face
Begin by blending a suitable shade from Lakmé’s range of foundations. Next, dab on some Gold Dust Shimmer Bronzer all across your face for a glamorous glow that’s straight out of a fairytale.

Eyes
Add depth to your eyes by using the brown shade from Botanica Eye Color Quartet as a base. Bring on the golden look with Bronze Melt Fantasy Shimmer Liner and add Solar Dust Fairy Dust Eye Shadow on top. Finish by applying a thick line of Midnight Moon Fantasy Shimmer Liner on your top and bottom lids.

Lips
Get an intense gold lip with the smooth finish of Enrich Satin Lip Color in 132.

Nails
Score a perfect ten with intense shimmery nail color. Start with a neat layer of True Wear Nail Color in 252. Then add a second layer to get a fresh shiny look.

Look 4: Cloud Princess

Face
Begin by blending a suitable shade from Lakmé’s range of foundations. Next, dab on some Gold Dust Shimmer Bronzer on your cheeks for a glamorous glow that’s straight out of a fairytale.

Eyes
Start off with a clean line of Glimmer Blue Fantasy Shimmer Liner on your upper lash line from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner. Get a double liner effect by applying the Indigo Star Fantasy Shimmer Liner, this time under the lower lash line from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner. 

Lips
Apply Enrich Satin Lip Color in 136 for a hint of pink to finish off the look.

Nails
To tie in with the look s
tart with a neat layer of True Wear Nail Color in 247. Then add a second layer to get a fresh shiny look.




Look 5: Blue Bird
Face
Begin by blending a suitable shade from Lakmé’s range of foundations. Next, apply the Peach Blush Cheek Artist to get that rosy blush.  Finally enjoy a rainbow like glow by smearing a bit of All Over Shimmer Gloss on the face. 

Eyes
Apply a single stroke of Glimmer Blue Fantasy Shimmer Liner over your lash line. Start from the inner corner of the eye and extend outwards. Next blend the Moonbeam Shadow Artist Shimmer Stick towards the inner corner of the eyes to create a highlight. Create a duo-liner look, by carefully applying a second stroke above it with the Ingido Star Fantasy Shimmer Liner.

Lips
Smile pretty with the smooth touch of the Enrich Satin Lip Color in 133. Deepen the color with a second coat.  

Nails
Make your nails happy with a thin coat of True Wear Nail Color in 251. Intensify the color by applying a second coat.

Look 6: Wandering Butterfly
Face
Begin by blending a suitable shade from Lakmé’s range of foundations. Next, apply the Kiss of a Rose Cheek Artist to get that rosy blush. 

Eyes
Cover your upper eyelid with the green shade from Botanica Eye Color Quartet. Line the upper lid with Midnight Moon Fantasy Shimmer Liner. Intensify the color and highlight your eyes with Moonbeam Shadow Artist Shimmer Stick. Brush lashes with any Lakmé mascara to show off volume and definition.

Lips
Get color rich lips with the smoothness of Enrich Satin Lip Color in 136. Pump up the color with a second coat.

Nails
Flash those nails with a shimmering layer of True Wear Nail Color in 249. Apply another coat for a super intense finish.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Lakme Fantasy Collection by Gauri & Nainika

Gauri & Nainika's inspiration for their Summer collection was a world ruled by fantasy for their Summer 2011 collection. Bright tones, sparkles and shine meet lips washed with gold and silver, while creamy color pencils and technicolor gloss captures the colors of the rainbow on skin. From petal soft shimmery powders in bright hues to electric blue, pink and green eye color, it's magic all the way. 

All Over Shimmer Gloss

Cheek Artist in Peach BlushKiss of a Rose

Enrich Satin Lip Color in 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137138

Eye Color Quartet in Botanica

Fairy Dust Eye Shadow in Solar Dust, Pixie DustBluebell

Fantasy Shimmer Liner in Glimmer Blue, Mystic Mauve, Moonshine Top Coat, Astral Green, Indigo Star, Pink Crystal, Bronze Melt, Midnight Moon

Gold Dust Shimmer Bronzer

Shadow Artist Shimmer Stick in Astral Blue, Starry Night, Glimmer Green, Moon Beam


True Wear Nail Color in 247, 248, 249, 250