Make-up Trend: Violet Eyes

Celina Jaitley electrified the runway with her bright purple eye makeup. Instead of going for a full-blown smoky eye, the actress toned it down by accentuating just the lids of her eyes.

Keeping makeup light near the inner-eye area brightens your face. Line eyes with a shimmery lavender pencil. Then use a thin eye shadow brush to dab deep violet shadow along the outer half of your upper lid (upper and lower), focusing powder on your outter v, and then flick it for a cat-eye like effect

Rec: Estee Lauder Pure Color eye shadow in Amethyst

Make-up Trend: Enhanced Cupid's Bow

Nothing says "Kiss me!" like a pair of full lips. When you have a perfectly accented cupid's bow, your sizzling pucker does the flirting for you. So enhance your lips, like Katrina Kaif did.

Use a flesh-toned lip pencil, draw a "V" in the dip of your upper lip, then rim the rest of your lip line. Next, highlight the inside of the "V" using a brightening pencil. Apply gloss and prepare to kiss and tell.

Rec: Benefit Cosmetics Cupid's Bow Lip Shaper

Make-up Trend: Contoured Features

You don't need to be a sculptor to chisel your features. Adding a few subtle shadows in the right places gives you angles that make your bone structure look elegant and defined.

Stroke a face powder two shades darker than your skintone along the sides of the bridge of the nose (from below the eyes to the tip) using an eye shadow brush.

Rec: M.A.C Sculpt and Shape Powder in Warm Light/Definitive

Make-up Trend: Smudge-Proof Black Eye Liner

After a couple hours of reveling, even the highest-caliber waterproof eye liners can migrate. To get stay-put black liner, take a cue from Shilpa Shetty.

Smooth an eyelid primer along your lids, which creates a smooth surface for liner to cling to. Dip your liner brush into Paula Dorf Transformer solution (a fluid that makes powder shadows semi-permanent). Dab the brush into shadow and press the brush into your lash lines using firm strokes.

Rec: Paula Dorf Transformer

Make-up Trend: Icy Eye Shadows

Irridescent white-pink touches highlighted eyes and lips. These pale, shimmery hues have the right amount of color and gleam.

• For Fair Skin: Girlactik Beauty Chic Shine in Starlet Pink (1) and Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eye Shadow in Vanilla (2).
• For Medium Skin: Dior 1 Couleur Powder Mono Eyeshadow in Blooming Pink (3) and Bourjois Mini Dose de Nacres Eyeshadow Powder in 4 (4).
• For Dark Skin: N.Y.C. New York Color Sparkle Eye Dust in Opal Sparkle (5) and Shiseido The Makeup Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow in Rose Tulle (6).

Source: Allure

Make-up Trend: Indigo Liner

Deep blue liner is a fresh alternative to standard black. The rich color is vibrant, but less harsh.

• For Fair Skin: e.l.f. Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Midnight (1) and CK Calvin Klein beauty Eye Definition Defining Eye Pencil in True Navy (2).
• For Medium Skin: Benefit Kohl Pencil in Royale (3) and Givenchy Magic Khôl Eye Liner Pencil in Indigo Blue (4).
• For Dark Skin: Korres Eyeliner Pencil in Blue (5) and Max Factor MAXeye Liner in Jean Jacket (6).

Source: Allure

Make-up Trend: Yellow Eye Shadow

Bright primary colors are so in for clothes right now, but you should diffuse them for your makeup. Pastel yellow is too full force, distracting and unflattering.

One word: Cream. Straight yellow powder can look chalky, so look for a cream shadow you can easily spread and control.

Rec: M.A.C Paint Pot in Cash Flow, layered with M.A.C Eye Shadow in Chrome Yellow

Make-up Trend: Budge-proof, Slip-proof Under Eye Concealer

Not all concealers were created equal. Facial skin requires a dry, stay-put formula, but the creepy skin under our eyes needs a little extra hydration along with the right mix of pigments to counteract purplish, green under eye bags. Not to mention masking hefty bags.

Brighteners mask under eye puffiness, while creamy yellowish pigments hide deep circles. Benefit Erase Paste wraps these helpers into one potion. Tap the product into the inner corners and below your lower lashes with your ringer finger, and watch your fatigued bags vanish before you can blink an eye.

Rec: Benefit Cosmetics Erase Paste

Make-up Trend: Stay-Put Red Lipstick

We've all been there: toilet paper on our favorite stilettos, spinach in our teeth, zipper open on our jeans. But lipstick on the teeth doesn't need to be added to this list. Swipe on your favorite red and flash that smile all day long!

Help your favorite red stay in place all day and night by pressing an oil-absorbing face powder sheet against lips. Then use a second sheet to set the part of your lips that's closest to your teeth by slipping it slightly in the mouth and pressing down. That way you cover all angles.

Rec: Nars Perfecting Powder Sheets

Cory Walia on His Favorite Bengali Beauties

"Naturally, there's an adorable, charming princess and a fierce, energetic tigress hidden inside every Bengali girl!" says make-up guru Cory Walia. Cory talks animatedly about the Bengali beauties he enjoys working on that include: Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, Bipasha Basu, Sushmita Sen, and Konkona Sen Sharma. "Their creamy skin, thick, dark hair, almond eyes weave magic around you," he says.

Kajol

• Her looks: Her sensitive eyes and broad smile are the best parts of her face. Her eyes light up her face and make it look beautiful, whether she wears make-up or not. Her prominent nose and high cheek-bones need some special attention. Her skin is dusky, but clear. Clear skin is always easy to work with.
• Make-up mantra: Less is more for Kajol. Light, matte shades and neutral looks suits her dusky skin.
• Tips: If you have dusky skin, make sure you always use a foundation in the same shade as your skin tone, don't go light. Lip colors in earthy tones look better. Use sparkly or light eye liners carefully, opt for earthy browns, greens, and black. Test them out before purchasing.
• Recs: M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid; M.A.C Eye Shadows in Bamboo, Soft Brown, and Charcoal Brown; M.A.C Technakohl Liners in Brownborder, Jadeway, and Graphblack
  
  

Rani Mukherji

• Her looks: Her face has the typical Bengali qualities - it's round, with big eyes, a prominent nose, slightly chubby cheeks that give a fuller look. Her hair has a slight wavy texture, which she prefers straightened out.
• Make-up mantra: If you have Rani's brown eyes, be careful of the shades you wear on your face. For example, all pastel eye shadows won't work with light eyes.
• Tips: For a round face, you need to focus on a single feature to define it. If you are highlighting eyes, leave the rest of the face alone. If it's your cheeks, keep the rest of the face subtly covered.
• Recs: M.A.C Eye Shadows in Woodwinked, Mulch, and Espresso
  
  

Bipasha Basu

• Her looks: Her eyes are the most exciting part of her face. They are a perfect almond-shaped, tapering towards her temples. Her high cheek bones and sultry pout add sultriness to her face. Her face is sculpted well. You can do a lot with her face.
• Make-up mantra: Very sultry, sexy
  
• Tips: For a glow on your skin, eat a lot of proteins. Fish and mustard oil in your diet can work wonders for your skin. Apply bronze and gold shimmer powder. Use the shimmer on the apples of your cheeks, nose and forehead for a glamorous look. Lastly, Bipasha's look can't be complete without thick rim of kohl around your eyes. Outline your eyes first and then darken the lines.
• Recs: M.A.C Iridescent Loose Powder in Golden Bronze; M.A.C Eye Kohl in Smolder
  
  

Sushmita Sen

• Her look: Her look is Hollywood-esque. Her face is thin and a little sallow, but her sharp features make up for it. The best part is her hair. She has silky hair that has a lot of volume.
• Make-up mantra: If you have an oval, thin face like Sushmita, make sure you stick to subtle make-up. Deeper shades will make your face look thinner and over done.
• Tips: You will never catch Sushmita in very dark lip colors. Neutral or earthy tones suit her lips. Condition your hair well to maintain the sheen. More so, if your hair is colored or treated. If your eyes are not too big, go easy on kohl. Simply define your eyes with a liner.
• Recs: M.A.C Lipstick in Taupe and Spirit
  
  

Konkona Sen Sharma

• Her look: It's simple. That sums it. She never wears pretentious shades or loud accessories. Even her make-up adheres to the girl-next-door look. It's always refreshing to look at her.
• Make-up mantra: For an ever fresh look, keep your face scrubbed clean.
• Tips: Always take off all your make-up before you sleep. Wear minimal layers of make-up during the day. Nude and glossy lip colors make you look dewy and fresh.
• Recs: M.A.C Tinted Lipglass in 1N, Underage, Viva Glam 5
  

Make-up Trend: Blue Eye Shadow

Contrary to popular myth, there actually IS a blue eye shadow for everyone. If you have fair skin or light eyes, choose a powder blue or aqua. For deeper skin tones and eye colors like Sameera Reddy, opt for a sheer indigo or royal blue.

Unless you test a shadow in a store, it's hard to gauge the degree of pigmentation in a formula. If yours reads too deep on your lids, remove it and apply off-white powder shadow first.

Rec: M.A.C Eye Shadow in Flashtrack

Vogue India's (April) Beauty Must-Haves

April's Must Haves:
Aqua Tint

Lakme Tropical Island Nail Polish 024

Kama Ayurveda Pure Rosewater

Versace Eye Shadow Duo V2026-00

Azzaro Blue Charm Eau de Toilette

Dior Bronze Self-tanner Natural Glow Face

Bobbi Brown Surf and Sand Eye Palette

Estée Lauder Amber Bronze Cool Bronze Loose Powder

Yves Saint Laurent 'Mosaic Eye Palette'

Aromatica Shower Gel

L'Oreal Paris Glam Shine Holographic Lip Gloss in Caramel

Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean Body Shimmer with Puff

Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Shock High Shine Perfecting Glosser

Inglot AMC Eye Shadow in Shine

Guerlain Terracotta Sunkissed Bronzing Veil

Image Courtesy: the Fashion Spot

Amrita Arora's Beauty Breakdown by Subhash Vagal

A Sparkly Gaze

If you recall, a few days ago I blogged about Kareena loving her silver liner. Here's Amrita's version, give your eyes a silver lining with a little shimmer. There are two ways to achieve this look. You could line your eyes with a silver pencil (Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Gunmetal), just draw a line all the way around and lightly smudge with a smudge brush. Or, cover your lids with a nude eyeshadow (M.A.C Eye Shadow in All That Glitters), and then lightly dust your lower lid with some shimmer powder (M.A.C Iridescent Loose Powder in Silver Dusk). "You could just let the shimmer fall on your cheeks for a wispy, dreamy look, " says Vagal (the make-up artist). Add some false eyelashes (M.A.C Lash in 21), and apply two coats of mascara (M.A.C Plush Lash Mascara) to make your eyes stand out. To make sure you don't draw away attention from your eyes, opt for a sheer or nude lipstick (M.A.C Slimshine Lipstick in Ultra-Elegant).

A Radiant Visage

Nothing screams super-sexy more than a glowing, healthy complexion. For a natural glow that's pearly and luminous, try a liquid illuminator (Benefit High Beam). It highlights your face with subtle light-reflecting particles. To help the illuminator go on smoothly, first exfoliate with a homemade facial scrub. Blend sesame oil with fine brown sugar, work this paste on to your wet skin in an upward circular motion, and rinse, "The key to this look is to make sure you blend the illuminator for a sheer effect," says Subhash Vagal, celebrity make-up artist. Apply moisturizer (Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15) and pat some concealer (YSL Touche Eclat) to cover under-eye circles. Finally, dab illuminator all over like you would if you were applying foundation.

Sultry Lips

Nothing can be a bigger turn-off than chapped, peeling lipstick. So make it a ritual to dab lots of lip balm (M.A.C Lip Conditioner SPF 15) before you begin. To copy Amrita's bare look, line your lips with a nude-colored lip pencil (M.A.C Cremestick Liner in Honey B). And follow it up by brushing a shiny gloss in a sheer shade (M.A.C Tinted Lipglass in Chai) over your pout. "Stay with the mellow mood by dusting your cheeks with a subtle blush (M.A.C Powder Blush in Honour), and opting for a bronze eye shadow (M.A.C Eye Shadow in Bronze) on your upper lids," says Subhash.

A Glowing Body

Show some skin this season. And in keeping with summer, make sure it gleams. "To get an all-over body shine, first apply some moisturizer (Kiehl's Creme De Corps Body Lotion) on your back, shoulders, and arms," suggests Vagal. The using a flat buffer brush (M.A.C Brush in 183), dust some shimmer powder (M.A.C Iridescent Loose Powder in Golden Bronze). Don't worry if you miss a few parts. You can also use a shimmery lotion (Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer) or mix a sparkly eyeshadow or bronzer with your regular body lotion and apply.

Clint Fernandes Gives us Four Different Looks

Boho Chic

To create a boho chic look, line the eyes softly and use lots of mascara. Moisten lips with lip balm and then fill them in soft pink.

Girly and Fun

Matte the skin, leaving highlights on the cheekbone. Use a light neutral eye shadow with a frosty finish, add a thin line of eyeliner on the top lid only. Enhance the eyes with mascara. Remember to keep the eye make-up in fresh tones and not too overdone. Fill the lips with moisturizing lipstick in light terracotta. Use a soft peach blush to warm up the skin.

Femme Fatale

Use a bronzing powder and a rich apricot blush for that sun kissed look. On the eyes, use a
metallic bronzey color and kohl and a highly reflective frost/glitter pigment. Fake single lashes open the eye further. Remember to keep a minute of drying time between the two applications. Use a bronze metallic lip color. Use a lip liner for dark colors to first draw t he lip line and then fill in. Remember to use the same shade in the lip pencil as the lip filler.

Classy and Sophisticated

To give a sharper look, use a rose blush to add to a more seductive feel. Use a deep brown shade, accentuating the eyes with liquid eyeliner—thin on the inside corners, going thicker towards the outside, and heavy mascara. A deep shade of plum, highlighted with frosty gloss on the lips looks great.

Make-up Trend: Nude, Glossy Lips

As the mercury rises, our skin requires a bronzey summer update. And to complement a sun-kissed complexion, it's also time to swap lip glosses. Choose a tube with golden shimmery flecks instead of silver-based shine.

To get a high-shine pucker like Katrina Kaif, apply a coat of shiny nude gloss over your regular formula.

Rec: M.A.C Lustreglass in Instant Gold

Video Feature: Clint F and the Perfect Summer Daytime Look

With summer right around the corner, make-up guru, Clint Fernandes shows us the perfect summer look. This look is extremely soft, and pastel-like. My favorite part of the video was how fresh the model ended up looking. Watch the video here.

Make-up Trend: Bronzy Accents

Bronzer on cheeks and lids, brows brushed up, peachy-nude lipstick. This gives the skin a healthy look, as well as totally keys you into spring and summer.

Rec: Yves Saint Laurent Palette Pop

Pratima Skincare & Spa

Paging through the latest issue of Instyle, I found an advertisement of an Ayurvedic Skincare line called Pratima. This Ayurvedic line was founded by Dr. Raichur. This led me to google her line. This is what I came up with, Dr. Raichur is a chemist, botanist, doctor, Ayurvedic Physician, and a best-selling author. But, what's her biggest accomplishment? She pioneered the modern field of Ayurvedic health and beauty care. Within her research and studies she developed her one-hundred percent ayurvedic, herbal skincare line.

Skincare

Soothing Lotion, Vata Body-Balancing Oil, Neem Rose Face Sunscreen SPF 30

This skincare line boasts of: cleansers, essential skin oils, moisturizers, facial masks and eye treatments. Added to the list she also developed a body care line which has products like cleansers, body oils, and bath oils/salts. But, by far the best part of her line are her treatment products targeted specifically for people with the following problems: acne, aging, cellulite/stretch marks, discoloration, eczema/psoriasis, rosacea, and fungus.
Pratima also has a fan following that includes the likes of Molly Sims and Alicia Silverstone.

Spa

Founded in the late-1970s by Dr. Pratima Raichur, this spa treats skin from the inside out, recognizing that thoughts, habits, meals and stress levels are all important. The quiet space includes a couple of treatment rooms, small waiting area and Raichur's office for one-on-one consultations. First-timers should arrive a bit early to fill out a questionnaire and have their dosha determined.

Raichur and crew have seen clients through every skin issue from excema to ulcers by using internal and external herbs, spices and oils. The rice/milk/saffron scrubs, Abhyanga massage and neem/essential oil face rubs are amazing.

Her spa menu includes facials, face treatments, body massage, body treatments, herbal waxing, mind and spirit relaxation methods, and health and wellness methods

Call in at 212.581.8136 to schedule an appointment!

Make-up Trend: Plum Lips

Plum lipstick and liner (don't blend; clean edges are key with bold color). The plummy tones really bring out the rest of the features of your face and also make your teeth look whiter.

Rec: M.A.C Lipstick in Odyssey

Katherine Heigl's 27 Dresses' (Indian Bridesmaid) Make-up Breakdown

Courtesy: Make-up Artist Linda Grimes

Skin: Dr. Hauschka Day Cream; Crème de la Mer Eye Balm
Primer: Napoleon Perdis Pre-Foundation Skin Primer
Foundation: Clé de Peau Color Control Foundation in Teinte Naturel Blanc, mixed with Teint Naturale Crème in I10, O20, and B20
Concealer: Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige; Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage No.1; Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat
Powder: Clé de Peau Face Powder (loose, a soft rose); Dr. Hauschka Face Powder (loose, pale yellow); Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Blush/Cheeks: Vincent Longo Water Canvas Blush in Savannah Fresh; Stila Convertible Color in Peony and Petunia

Eyes: Paula Dorf Eye Primer; Chanel Intensities in Prunes; Givenchy Prismissime in Sweet Chocolate; Dior Five-Color Eye Shadow in #970 Stylish Move
Eyeliner: M.A.C Fluidline in Dipdown and Blacktrack
Lashes: Shu Uemura Lash Curler; N.Y.C Curling Mascara in Pearlized Black; Shu Uemura Individual Flare Eyelashes from mid to outter corner, five clusters on each side and the upper lid
Brows: Paula Dorf Brow Duet in Blonde

Lips: Fresh Lip Pencil in Gypsy Rose; L'oreal Color Juice Gloss in Grape Soda; Dr. Hauschka Lipgloss in Rose Quartz

Make-up Trend: Cherry Lips

This color makes it look like you've been biting your lips, rub a ruby pencil on fingertip and patted the color on. This matte stain—like the one you get from sipping red wine—is a softer way to wear red.

• For Fair Skin: Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine Lipstick in RD 165S (1) and Almay Ideal Lipcolor SPF 17 in Red 255 (2).
• For Medium Skin: Nars Lipstick in Manhunt (3) and Elizabeth Arden Exceptional Lipstick in Simply Red (4).
• For Dark Skin: Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick in Lover (5) and Cover Girl TruShine Lipstick in Cranberry Shine (6).

Source: Allure

Interview with Make-up Artist Clint Fernandes

I know I have made you guys wait so long to post this. I apologize, as Clint was busy with different projects as well. But, finally the most awaited interview is here! First and foremost I would like to thank Clint from the bottom of my heart, you are the best! Thank you for being so generous and answering my bajillion question interview. ♥ Ladies, show Clint how much we heart him!

• What surprises you most about working as a makeup artist?
  People who don't have the right features to be photogenic still feel that make up would make them beautiful!
  
  
• Could you name a few actresses you have worked with, and share their beauty secrets? Any favorite faces you absolutely love working with?
  Malika Arora drinks loads of water throughout the day, as a result her skin is Flawless. I love working with Katrina Kaif and Laila Rouass they are simply beautiful, make up just becomes a compliment to the face here and not the center, which is nice.
  
  
• Where do you find your inspiration?
  Everywhere, literally EVERYWHERE.
  
  
• What feature do you love to accentuate?
  Eyes, lips and cheeks, also the skin.
  
  
• Do you love working any specific brands or lines? Could you came some of your favorite products?
  Shiseido Eye Shadows and Foundations; Chanel Mascaras, Foundations, and Lipsticks; Avon Focus Kohl Eye Liner and Lip Products, Shu Uemura Blushes.
  
  
• Could you share your three beauty tips you could not live without?
  Clean your skin constantly from time to time, use a sunscreen under make up or by itself ALL THE TIME, drink lots of water.
  
  
• What are some make-up brushes you can't live without? Which brands do you use?
  Nothing of the sort, I use a varied set of completely different brands, as long as the quality is good the brand does not matter.
  
  
• What made you choose make-up artistry as a profession?
  Because it's very easy.
  
  
• What are your steps for the perfect, flawless, natural look?
  Cleanse the skin first prep it with a bit of moisturizer and follow with a very light liquid foundation, use a concealer where needed and set with a light translucent powder. Use a soft blush on the apples of the cheeks and dust a light bronzer on the outer edges of the face. for the eyes keep the shadow on the lid natural and caramel, accent the socket with a darker brown and the outer corners of the eyes with the same shade of brown to lift the eye gently. Finish with mascara and the lips with a transparent tinted gloss.
  
  
• Could you give us a few make-up products that suit desi skin tones?
  All the products i mentioned above in 'my favorites' list are functional even on desi skin tones.
  
  
• How does make-up help define a woman's personality?
  Surely.. it does reflect how she feels inside. and also her personality or rather the personality that she wants to project.
  
  
• How would you define true beauty?
  Children.
  
  
• What is a quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or nighttime face?
  Changing the lip color to something more dramatic does help change the look a lot. Also using some heavy liner with kohl can make it look different.
  
  
• What advice can you offer women on how to best choose the right colors for their face?
  One needs to go into a store to test all the colors on themselves. Though the rule is:
  
  • fair skin tones- cool colors to mid tone
  • wheatish/olive skin tones- mid tone to warmer colors
  • darker and dusky skin tones- warmer colors.
  
  
• What is the most important make-up tip we all should consider?
  Remove all traces of makeup after you get back home. and don't over do the look when getting out. Less is more.
  
  
• What is the best way for a woman to improve her overall beauty?
  Exercise to flush the skin of all its toxins, detox regularly, cleanse the skin regularly and keep your beauty products in a cold place if you keep them for a long time like a refrigerator.
  
  
• What are the current make-up trends for 2008?
  The glam bohemian look is very in for summer, it would continue until winter, its glamorous and super chic.
  
  
• How much art is actually involved in make-up application?
  Depends if one wants to be creative then there is some art involved or it can be very functional.
  
  
• What are some beauty essentials for women on the go?
  Compact, mascara, long stay lip color, light blush.
  
  
• What's the worst thing a woman can do to her face?
  Not clean it after a long day.
  
  
• What do you think are best/worst trends in the make-up industry right now?
  None really, its only after the time has past that we realize that some trends could have been improved on, thats why they come back years later.

Reader Questions

• Aarti, i♥makeup reader: What face primer would you recommend? I use the M.A.C Prep + Prime Skin one but from close, it looks like I rubbed glitter on my face!
  M.A.C Prep + Prime is better for professional work rather than everyday use, it can be a bit heavy with pigment and also look a bit off in regular light. Use a light moisturizer like Clarins Lotion SPF15 or Shiseido The Skincare Day Moisture Protection SPF 15 PA+ - Regular.
  
  
• Aarti, i♥makeup reader: What lipstick & blush would you recommend for darker skin tones like Bipasha Basu/Malaika Arora?
  Shiseido and Avon have some very nice tones and shades for darker skin tones. Also they keep the lips moist and supple. My favorite one for dusky tones is Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in Vicious Apricot.
  
  
• Kaya, i♥makeup reader: What tinted moisturizer do u recommend?
  Use a regular moisturizer that suits your skin.. if you want it tinted mix a couple of drops of your color foundation into it.
  
  
• Kaya, i♥makeup reader: What bronzer do u recommend?
  NARS Laguna and Casino Bronzing Powder
  
  
• Kaya, i♥makeup reader: What is the look this spring/summer?
  The glam bohemian look is in. Dusky warm glamorous for day and night, use a lot of color this summer.
  
  
• Kaya, i♥makeup reader: Should bronzer be worn right now currently even if it's not hot?
  Not in the day if it is too humid. it can make the skin look streaky.
  
  
• Kaya, i♥makeup reader: What foundation in general do u recommend?
  Chanel foundations are great for the skin.
  
  
• Kaya, i♥makeup reader: What is the best light-weight concealer on the market? Which concealer would you think is compatible with M.A.C Select Tint?
  There is a huge market out of the mac stores it would be nice to actually try them all out. Sephoras around the world has some great cosmetics in a super wide range...As for the product you've mentioned i don't know about it as i don't use it, Looking for the best concealer for you would mean to try and test several in the market as each would react differently to your skin type and lifestyle. Chanel Vitalumière Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup SPF15 is great for light wear use. Prescriptives too does a wide range of personalized foundations.
  
  
• Sophia, i♥makeup reader: What is the no makeup look?
  The natural non color look is the no make up look.
  
  
• Sophia, i♥makeup reader: How can I carry off the no make-up nude look? What products would u recommend for it?
  Neutral eyeshadow, mascara, concealer and compact, natural lip color and gloss.
  
  
• Sophia, i♥makeup reader: I'm 16 what foundation is best for suited for my skin?
  None. You are way to young to use foundation. At 16 your skin is very good. use a compact if you feel that your skin gets too oily.
  
  
• Sophia, i♥makeup reader: Are YSL mascaras good?
  Yes.
  
  
• Sophia, i♥makeup reader: Which concealer, in your opinion is better YSL Touche Eclat or M.A.C Concealer??
  YSL Touche Eclat
  
  
• Aishwarya, i♥makeup reader: What is a good foundation (brand name, shade) for wheatish skin?
  Chanel Vitalumière Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup SPF15, you need to go to the store and test the shades to your skin tone.
  
  
• Aishwarya, i♥makeup reader: What tips would you give for peeling, dry skin?
  Visit a skin specialist.
  
  
• Aishwarya, i♥makeup reader: What eye shadows and lip colors suit wheatish skin tones?
  Warm shades suit wheatish/dusky skin tones the best.
  
  
• Aishwarya, i♥makeup reader: What is an easy way to apply blush?
  Smile and apply on the apples of the cheeks.
  
  
• Indian Girl, fellow blogger, and i♥makeup reader: If less is more this summer, how less is less? (make-up wise in reference to desi skin tones). Also, she adds, I just want you to tell him how much I adore him [:p] and if ever he is in USA he should ring me up so we I could extract all his knowledge of make-up from him.
  Less means less foundation and just enough concealer. Keep the colors also used under control and within a defined space. if need be reapply the color to intensify the shade.

Make-up Trend: Shiny Cheeks

Don't white teeth go a long way towards a million-dollar-smile? So why not shine the cheeks and get a smile worth a billion bucks? A truly genuine smile involves not just your mouth, but also your eyes and cheeks. And Ranbir Kapoor's sister Riddhima Kapoor captures that concept beautifully.

To get the just-right gleam when you smile, swirl a slight dusting of pale pink shimmery blush on the peak of the apples of your cheeks. To find that spot, smile big and find the quarter-size area that protrudes the most.

Rec: NARS Blush in Deep Throat

Make-up Trend: Green Eye Shadow

The best way to wear bright eye color? Buy a dual-shadow compact, put the more vivid green on your lids and right above the creases, then blend the lighter shade up to your brows so it forms a soft wash of color. Pair with black mascara and nude lipstick.

Rec: Dior Eye Shadow Duo in Diorwild

Bridal Make-up Looks

This post is for all brides to be especially Stars N Rockets! I hope I have given you a wide range of looks for you to experiment with.

Au naturel

The natural look is being opted for by a lot of brides these days, where minimal is the key. “Use fresh flowers and natural elements in the hair, along with natural tones for blushing pink cheeks and lips. The colors for this trend would be pink, peach, lemon, light orange/apricot, and caramel,” advises ace make-up artist Clint Fernandes. Consult with your make up artist before deciding on a color palette though – it all depends on your complexion, after all!

Retro power!

“Vintage style is still big, be it the ‘60s or the ‘20s look. Hints of retro eyeliner, or lips and hair used as single elements in a style, look great. Adding modern elegance with a vintage feel,” enlightens Clint. This could include anything from the curling liner look to an elaborate up-do. You could also ask your make-up artist to use kohl and give you smoldering smoky eyes in keeping with this look as well.

“Gold is very big this season... use it on the eyes, dust it on the body and use gold ornamentation in the hair. Glitter too, is very big this season. Hints of glitter on the eyes along with frosted lips look great.”

Bright is right

Let me tell you that bright colors are really in, too. Indian women have recently started experimenting with their look. The use of pure glazed color like electric violet, fresh green, or aquamarine on the eyes and the emergence of orange tones in lipsticks just goes to prove my point and looks fabulous too! However, the colors chosen should depend on your clothing, jewelery and complexion – otherwise you might just end up looking like a cosmetic factory explosion!

Shine on…

Whoever said that the world is running low on metals needs to peek into any make-up kit – metals are all the rage! “Gold is very big this season... Use it on the eyes, dust it on the body and use gold ornamentation in the hair. Glitter too, is very big this season. Hints of glitter on the eyes along with frosted lips look great. Remember that the shades of frost and glitter should compliment the skin tone and not be off-color. Use metallic shades on the lips if the skin tone is dusky. Shades of copper, bronze and rust look great on darker skin tones,” says Clint.

Tips
And lastly, some pointers from celebrity make up artist Doris Godambe…

• For a perfect eye shape, use a small brush to blend a medium tone color from just below the brow arch downwards in a semi-circle motion.
  
  
• Choose lip liner that blends easily with lipstick for that soft glossy look that looks good in photographs too.
  
  
• Use a powder foundation on the neck as well so that you don't appear to have a painted look.
  
  
• Thin and small lips look more sensuous with light lip colors while fuller lips can use deep shades.

Make-up Trend: Shimmering Platinum Silver Eyeliner

Kareena's on cloud nine over the silver lining under her eyes. Want to give your face an instant pick me up that will make you look rested and alert? Follow Kareena's lead, who creates come-hither gazes with a platinum pencil.

To get staying power (tears can wash away liner near the tear duct), line the inner corner (tear duct) of your eyes with a water-proof silver pencil. Wait a minute, then add a second layer.

Rec: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On eye pencil in Dime

I♥Makeup Tagged: Hump Day Games

Makeup and Beauty Blog's Karen tagged me. These are a series of questions to get to know bloggers around the networks to get know each and everyone better. I love love love things like these so this should be fun!

Things I’m passionate about
My fiancee
Make-up
Blogging
Psychology
Reading
Working out
Shopping
Instyle every month, I read it cover-to-cover

Things I’d like to do before I die
Get married
Have children
Graduate and get my Psych Degree
Become a psychiatrist
Interview Mickey Contractor, and look into his traincase
Go skydiving

Things I say often
Luvoo
Oh Lord
Seriously?
What's up?
I can't find my lip balm
Oh really?
Awesomeness
You have got to be shi*ting me

Books I’ve recently read
Making Faces, By: Kevyn Aucoin
Lights, Camera, Masala, By: Sheena Sippy
Interpreter of Maladies, By: Jhumpa Lahiri
The Namesake, By: Jhumpa Lahiri

Songs I could listen to over and over
English
You Sang To Me; Marc Anthony
Truly, Madly, Deeply; Savage Garden
She will be loved; Maroon 5
This Love; Maroon 5
Dilemma; Nelly Ft. Kelly
All I have; Jennifer Lopez Ft. L.L. Cool J
Hindi
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Tujhe Yaad Na Meri Aaye
Tujhe Dekha
Na Jaane Mere Dil Ko Kya Ho Gaya
Suraj Hua Maddham
Tumhi Dekho Naa

What I’m listening to right now
Viva Glamorous; Fergie
Tashan's Songs

Traits I’m attracted to in my best friends
Good listeners
Kindness
Good sense of humor
Non-back biters (does that make sense?)
Loving
Caring
Sympathetic

Now I'm tagging, Indian Girl; Shona, and my readers, play this game using this:
Things I’m passionate about
Things I’d like to do before I die
Things I say often
Books I’ve recently read
Songs I could listen to over and over
What I’m listening to right now
Traits I’m attracted to in my best friends

Have fun and let me get to know you better!

LFW: Day 5 Make-up Trends

Gaba

Dark smokey eyes teamed with heavily contoured cheeks and nude lips rocked the ramp during Gaba. One thing that did stand out was that the eyes were heavy on the lids and neutral on the bottom, which made the eyes appear rounded and doe-like.
Rec: M.A.C Dual Edge Eye Pencil in Nighthawk/Front Row (Nighthawk on upper lid, smudged; and Front Row applied in waterline); M.A.C Eye Shadows in Bamboo and Espresso; M.A.C Lipstick in High Tea

Vivek Karunakaran

It was all about nudes at Vivek's show, the models' skin was kept very minimal, with a creamy matte finish. The clothes did all the talking for themselves.
Rec: M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid; M.A.C Lipstick in Myth

Deepti Toor

Deepti Toor was all about raspberry lips, muted colors on the clothes with a pop of color on the lips really balanced the look out.
Rec: M.A.C Lipstick in Craving

Allen Solly

Allen Solly's clothes did all the talking for themselves. He used bright colors as well as an occasional muted color thrown in for contrast. But, what stayed uniform throughout all the looks were the models' lips, which were painted a blue-based red, which flatters all skin tones. Soft curls, centre partings, romantic and windblown and bright lips. The look at this show was probably the best and freshest one has seen the entire week.

Rec: M.A.C Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Wendell Rodricks

Wendell Rodricks designed the Lakmé Tropical Island Collection, which was all about bright summer colors: turquoise, yellow, purple, and orange. These colors dominated the collection which were more oriented for the summers as opposed to winters. But nonetheless with summer right around the corner, we love it. The models were seen in colors like yellow, peach, beige and maroonish-brown on their eyes, tons of mascara and of course sunkissed dewy skin.
Rec: Lakmé Eye Color Quartet in Sunlit; Lakmé Face Sheer in Earth Blaze, Desert Rose, and Sunkissed

Sanjay Malhotra

Hair up high and severe, perfect for a Spanish Mantilla, silver smokey eyes, high cheekbones, layered lashes and barely there lips, the look at Sanjeev Malhotra, though lovely, was quite at odds with the theatrical face paint one would expected from a Moulin Rouge themed collection.

Rec: M.A.C Eye Shadows in Electra and Carbon; M.A.C 7 Lash and M.A.C 20 Lash

Source: Lakme