Mickey Contractor Speaks to Vogue India

Make-up guru Mickey Contractor is the A-list and Bollywood's darling but his essential everyday make-up tips are perfect for every woman who wants to look her best.

On using foundation
Foundations that are too light can make you look chalky; they won’t make you look fairer. The trick is to match foundation to your neck, and not the back of your hand. Foundation can oxidize and make your skin look dull and gray, so try it for a day before you buy.
Mickey's Favorite: M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid

Blend, blend, blend
Not blending make-up properly is a common mistake. When foundation looks blotchy, it means it hasn’t been blended well. Foundation that’s blended well looks natural and has a clean finish. Apply moisturizer first: on the face, particularly under the eyes, and down the neck. When you apply foundation next, it blends easily and looks natural. Use the right tools: either a foundation brush or sponge. Don’t wear too much or too little; always start with less, and if you feel you need more, apply a second layer and blend towards the ears, neck, and hairline.
Mickey's Favorite: M.A.C Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15

Think holistically
Pay attention to little details: nails, eyebrows, skin and hair. If your hair isn’t washed, wear it up; if your brows are messy, take a few minutes with a tweezer; if your nails are broken, file them down. As for skin, there should be a daily regime – the minimum is cleanser and moisturizer.
Mickey's Favorite: M.A.C Green Gel Cleanser

Source: Vogue India

Make-up Trend: Cream Blush

As the mercury starts to rise, blush might wear out during the day. Rather than submitting to melting makeup, try cream formulas. The sheer, weightless wash of color they impart on skin lasts for hours.

To get a soft glow like Malaika Arora Khan, lightly swirl two fingers over your blush. Then tap fingers along your cheekbones and gently blend downward.

Rec: Revlon Cream Blush in Berry Flirtatious

LFW Part 2: Make-up Artists Tell Us How To Achieve Runway Looks

Suneet Varma

Jojo and Yatan tell us how we can achieve Suneet Varma’s "traditional Japanese" look:

• Apply dramatic eye liner (M.A.C Boot Black Eyeliner) and red lipstick (M.A.C Russian Red Lipstick) for rosebud mouths on an otherwise neutral canvas.
  
  
• Since you're going for strong eye and lip make-up, you might not need blush at all. Use liquid tint (M.A.C Improper Copper Cream Color Base) instead. Go gradually, patting a bit on and blending it out; liquid tints stain the cheek with colour, and the intensity is hard to reduce once it's on. They also dry fast, so you have to blend quickly.