New Year's Eve Party Makeup : A Shimmery, Just Enough Bold Look

One of my biggest makeup resolutions for 2011 is to go all out with makeup. Though I feature numerous bold looks here on my blog, I hardly take the time out to try them all in real life. So this year things are changing and I shall get bolder! Catch the look on Vogue India here !


To kick start my resolution I have decided to try a big wing look for the party tonight. There is going to be a lot of dancing and I don’t want my shadows vanishing before midnight. The best choice for these long nights out is M.A.C pigment. Pigments have a great staying power and come in all kinds of freaky bold shades - just what I need !

To balance out the drama of a big wing, I chose a girly pink, Fuchsia pigment and purple, Grape pigment with a bit of sexy almost black, Deep Blue Green pigment. Topping it all off with some glitter - M.A.C Reflects Transparent Teal Pigment shall give my eyelids the wet shimmery look.

Checkin if the colors blend well together - yes they do !

To get the big ‘ol wing on the corner with the shadows, I stuck a piece of scotch tape on the outer corner at an angle. Then I proceeded to apply the colors. In the end I simply pulled it out and voila – a big ol wing is born!


Tonight, my cheek bones shall get higher with bronzer and lips sexier with a deep fuchsia - Three Custom Color Specialists Lipstick, Santorini. Some clear gloss and I shall be done! Think any cute boy will notice ? How about the lawyer boy ? Think I'll get to dance with one of em ? Don't know who lawyer boy is ? You probably are not on twitter...

What are you wearing to the party this New Year’s eve? Make it bigger and bolder girls – let the nude, barely there trend end with 2010. Bring them colors out, yo !




Love,
Indian Girl

M·A·C+Mickey Contractor Collection : Photos & Informaion Preview

Yippie !! Its almost here - Releasing January 6th , 2011 ! I want all the lipsticks and lipglasses. Eyeshadows - I am not too sure of.

"Who is Mickey Contractor, and why can’t about a billion people live without him? The answer involves breaking out into song and dance, because long before Glee, Mickey made the dashing heroes and exotic enchantresses of Bollywood Cinema into the famous faces throngs of fans want to look like. As M·A·C’s Director of Makeup Artistry for India, he’s more than an icon to a glamorous Eastern audience – he has mentored in-the-know Artists around the world for over three decades. These exclusive collections of Mickey’s musts are all about natural skin tonality and total performance, in addition to colour with a touch of exotic cine-magic. Foundation, Concealer, Prep + Prime Finishing Powder, goddess-gorgeous Eye shades, Lipstick, Lipglass and Blush, with his favourite brushes to star in your own big Bollywood hit."




Eye Shadow
Saffron - Deep coral caramel (Satin)
Rani - Bright fuchsia with soft pink pearl (Frost)
Marvel - Deep purple with soft pink pearl (Frost)
Oomph - Forest green with soft gold pearl (Veluxe Pearl)
Suggested Retail Price $14.50 US / $17.50 CDN

Eye Shadow X 4 - Athma
Folie - Reddish-plum brown (Satin)
Carbon - Intense black (Matte)
Jaan - Light neutral with soft gold pearl (Lustre)
Vivah - Brown with gold pearl (Lustre)
Suggested Retail Price $36.00 US / $43.00 CDN







Fluidline
Ivy - Bright green (Frost)
Siahi - Deep turquoise blue (Frost)
Suggested Retail Price $15.00 US / $18.00 CDN

Lipglass
Flesh - Dirty nude brown
Lust - Soft muted pink
Suggested Retail Price $14.50 US / $17.50 CDN


Lipstick
Yash - Deep neutral (Matte)
Mehr - Dirty blue pink (Matte)
Gulabi - Bright fuchsia (Amplified)
Mocha - Peachy yellow-brown (Satin)
Suggested Retail Price $14.50 US / $17.50 CDN




Powder Blush
Gana - Bright white gold (Frost)
Sur - Dirty rosie brown (Satin)
Suggested Retail Price $18.50 US / $22.00 CDN

Coral Corrector / Yellow Corrector
Coral: Slightly dirty coral / Yellow: Banana yellow
Suggested Retail Price $21.00 US / $25.00 CDN

Select Moisturecover Concealer
NC23
NC43
NC44
NC45.5
Suggested Retail Price $16.50 US / $20.00 CDN
Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation
NC41
NC43.5
NC44.5
Suggested Retail Price $26.00 US / $31.00 CDN
Brushes
219 - Pencil Brush
Suggested Retail Price $24.50 US / $29.50 CDN
Brushes
239 - Eye Shader
Suggested Retail Price $24.50 US / $29.50 CDN
Brushes
116 - Blush Brush
Suggested Retail Price $32.00 US / $38.50 CDN
Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder
Suggested Retail Price $22.00 US / $27.00 CDN

Love,
Indian Girl

Estee Lauder India Introduces Pure Color Gloss

Estée Lauder introduces the next generation of color with high-impact glosses that drench lips in enviably chic shades. A special collaboration of six fashion-forward shades by Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux folds into the irresistible collection of bold, juicy hues and subdued neutrals, redefining color for lips. Experience a collection of rich attitude and saturated color by Estée Lauder.


30 BOLD, SEDUCTIVE SHADES

* Exclusive True VisionTM Technology wraps pigments in a crystal-like coating to provide intense, brilliant color and shine
* A subtle to high-impact color palette ensures a shade for all skin tones and desirable lip looks
* Smooth, even pigments impart a soft, fullness to the lips
* 30 sleek shades of natural nudes, edible berries, seductive reds and sensual plums

3 LUXURIOUS FINISHES

* From a soft satin shine to an energetic sparkle, these three distinct finishes glide onto the lips to draw maximum attention.

SHINE: Color-true pigment polymers deliver an ultra shiny, glossy finish

SHIMMER: Finely cut pearls provide a mirrored shine with fierce shimmer

SPARKLE: Super high-shine fused with high-powered metallic sparkle for the most dramatic look

INFINITE MOISTURE

* Vitamin C and Vitamin E moisturize and help protect lips
* Multi-functional humectants enhance lips’ emolliency and moisturization leaving lips immediately soft and hydrated
* Over time the condition of the lips improves, feeling and looking younger and healthier

LIGHTWEIGHT, COMFORTABLE TEXTURE

* Non-sticky, non-tacky formula leaves lips beautifully cushioned
* The new flexible, precision applicator delivers the perfect opacity in an even and fluid application
* Exclusive signature fig scent

Tom Pecheux’s Collection of Shades:

Nude Rose, Plum Desire, Red Tango*, Coral Fantasy*,Perfect Nude* Fuchsia Fever*
*Limited Edition

Suggested Retail Price: INR 1210

AVAILABLE AT:
Estee Lauder,
2nd Floor Palladium Mall,
Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel
Mumbai - 400013
Phone 02243473773

Winter Skin Woes & Remedies - Melvita Jojoba Oil For A Dry Face

"Its winter and my skin is extremely dry , flaky and ashy. It almost has a wrinkled look to it. Help !"

Mails have been flowing in with these same words. Truth be told you guys are echoing just exactly what I've been dealing with. In this mini "Save My Skin" series I'll put together a bunch of easy solutions to winter skin woes.

First up - Dry Face

The skin on my cheeks have been especially dry. That and the space between my brows.
Very dry. So I've had to make some changes to accomodate the drier me.

Hence, I've got a new member in my skin care army - jojoba oil.

Joe - joe - bah ! (Not !)

After hearing plenty news on how jojoba oil ( actually a wax !) is very similar to the sebum on our skin, which in turn makes it very easy to be absorbed and very effective, I convinced myself to give it a try. But really, like I needed a reason. Its all natural, been a beauty secret for ages and is readily available !

Get Cold Pressed & Organic Oils

I tried the jojoba oil ($19) by Melvita. Its cold pressed &100% organic. It is always recommended to get cold pressed, organic oils because heat extraction process destroys all the good stuff in oils making them rancid, useless and sometimes even dangerous to one's health. Always look for some color in your oils. If your oil is 100% colorless, means all kinda nasty things have been done and added to it. Stay away from those.
Fun facts about Jojoba

- The plant can live anywhere from 100 - 200 years !
- Unlike coconut oil, jojoba oil remains a liquid even in winters.
- Does not oxidize or become rancid easily. Has a very stable shelf life. ( Most nut oils like Almond oil, turn rancid easily hence must be stored carefully in a cool dry place. )


Jojoba-ing

I've been jojoba-ing for almost two weeks now and I really wanna say my skin is smoothtastic. But that's not entirely true. My skin is definitely doing much better than what I started out with. The redness is 100 % gone. It doesn't itch anymore nor is it flaky. About half the dryness has gone but some remains. I realize its a slow process but I am willing to continue with it because when I have it on my face , my skin feels fantastic ! The oil is very light and gets absorbed pretty easily. Jojoba is also considered safe for use on acne prone skin and is one of the most popular oils among ardent followers of the oil cleansing method. It is naturally non-comedogenic.

Plenty More Oils To Try , Yo !

I love the packaging of Melvita oils. They come in a comfortable pump model which can be locked - very important for liquids ! The brand also makes many other organic products from butters to moisturizers and organic sunscreens. On my list next is some of their butters and more oils. I like that these oils are priced fairly - most are under $20. And they have a nice description on what each one is effective at. Some like Sisybrium - I've never heard of but am dying to try !

If you have a winter skin care tip, share em !

Love,
Indian Girl

Its Christmas Time !

PS : Unfortunately the last 20 or so comments got deleted but thankfully I had read them all ! Thank you for all your wishes ! Hope you had a wonderful time as well !

Hayden Panettiere Inspired Christmas Makeup Look : How To ?

Clichés exist for a reason and that is why no matter how many times you’ve done reds at Christmas you must continue doing it! There just isn’t a better color for Christmas, yo!

This year I am taking inspiration from Hayden Panettiere. I have always admired her makeup which on a regular basis is very soft and mostly nude save for a few smoky eye days. However this golden / red appearance of hers had me dying a whole another death over its gorgeousness. Though the red lips might look like the obvious star of the show – its not. The real star here is the adequately warm, clean skin. Get it right and the rest will be a breeze

Face:

This is how I plan on recreating the look. Start off with a clean moisturized face. Its winter and I need something a little heavier than my trustee Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. So I’ve been reaching for Olay Total Effects Cream.

Follow it up with a liquid foundation – Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation with a wee bit of highlighter mixed into it – Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion, Glow. Apply concealer and then run the highlighter over your eyelids, under your brow bone and along the bridge of your nose. Keep everything in moderation.

Eyes:

Makeover them brows. Tweeze out the extras and shape them with some powder shadow – Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit.

We’re going in the reverse order for this eye look. Start off by applying mascara or adding false lashes. Now with an angled eyeliner brush add some black matte shadow along the outer half of you lash line. Smudge it out gently. This adds drama and makes your lashes look lush !

Cheeks:

Contour your cheeks moving upwards and towards with a matte bronzer – M.A.C Beauty Powder Smooth Harmony. Follow with a sheer shimmer blush – M.A.C Peach Twist. Now dab a bit of the highlighter on the outer corner of your eye / on top of your cheek bones.

Lips:

Line and fill your lips with a red lip liner - Chanel Le Crayon Levres, Rouge. Stay within your natural lip line. Follow this with a satin red lipstick – Chanel Rouge Coco, Gabrielle. Dab some highlighter on the bow of your lips.

How’s that for a stunning you!

Love,
Indian Girl

M.A.C - A Tartan Tale - Holiday 2010 Collection

M.A.C, A Tartan Tale is now available in India ! Its a mega collection. Too many choices ! How is a beauty addict to remain sane amid this color ? On a side note, I'd like to see the display for this one !




Do you hear the bonny bagpipes on the moors, or Johnny Rotten and the Sex Pistols? One in each ear? We’re telling a slightly twisted Tartan Tale to celebrate holiday 2010, in all its posh, punk, ancestral, anarchic, noble and naughty glory. and to bring in 2011...

Royal and raunchy, colours and patterns collide, fantasies come true, punk faeries take flight, with poetic new looks for Eyes to gaze long upon Glamora Castle : Dazzleglass Creme like Radiant Jewels; Lipstick kisses from The Faerie Glen; Black Swan Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner; Family Crest Pigment; My Highland Honey from the heather in Powder Blush; Sexy Style Clan Nail Lacquer; and forever Zoom Fast Black Lash mascara, for the Dark Prince, or Princess.

Enter A Tartan Tale, and be transformed

LIPSTICK

Cut a Caper Mid-tone peachy pink (Lustre)
The Faerie Glen Pale neutral pink (Lustre)
Deepest Wish Deep creamy reddish brown (Amplified)
Full Fuchsia Bright blue fuchsia (Amplified)
Courting Lilac Sheer lilac mauve with soft gold pearl (Glaze)

DAZZLEGLASS CREME

Radiant Jewels Dark sparkly magenta
Soft Dazzle Mid-tone peach pink with gold pearl
Passing Fancy Bright orange coral with soft pearl
Lightly Prancing Light peach with gold pearl
Gone Romancin’ Mid-tone lavender with multi-dimensional pearl

EYE SHADOW
Golden Crown Light gold with bronze tartan striping
A Wish Come True Dirty mauve with bubblegum pink tartan striping
Follow Your Fantasy Mid-tone peach with chocolate tartan striping
Enviably Fun Grass green with dark green tartan striping
Semi-Precious Aubergine with chocolate tartan striping
Glamora Castle Dark grey with teal tartan striping

PIGMENT

Later Black with transforming purple pearl (Frost)
Moonlight Night Blackened teal with teal pearl (Frost)
The Family Crest Blackened bronze with bronze pearl (Frost)

ZOOM FAST BLACK LAS

Deepest black

PEARLGLIDE INTENSE EYE LINER

Petrol Blue Deep navy with pearl
Black Line Black with gold pearl
Undercurrent Teal with pearl
Black Swan Black with pearl
Lord It Up Bronze with pearl

POWDER BLUSH

Her Blooming Cheek Very bright iridescent blue pink (Satin)
My Highland Honey Bright coral with soft gold pearl (Satin)

NAIL LACQUER

Sly as a Fox Creamy mid-tone russet/burnt red (Cream)
Style Clan Dark taupe with red pearl (Frost)

EYE KITS

6 Dashing Lassie Eye Shadows

Once Upon a Time Metallic vanilla (Veluxe Pearl)
Bronze Copper penny (Frost)
Buckwheat Frosty medium brown (Frost)
A Dashing Lassie Metallic milk (Frost)
Magical Mist Metallic taupe (Lustre)
Showstopper Dark brown (Matte)

6 Beauties Play It Cool Eye Shadows

Heather Belles Dark charcoal/carbon (Satin)
To the Ball Dusty lavender (Satin)
Hold My Gaze Medium Grey (Frost)
Magic Moor Purple grape (Veluxe Pearl)
Altered State Blackened plum (Veluxe Pearl)
Silverwear Metallic lavender (Frost)

6 Twists of Tartan Eye Shadows

Vainglorious Metallic maroon (Frost)
Rolled Gold Gold (Lustre)
Lady’s Prance Clay (Matte)
High Spirits Shimmer avocado (Frost)
Bows & Curtseys Metallic hunter green (Satin)
Set To Dance Dark royal blue (Matte)

6 Reelers & Rockers Eye Shadows

Carbon Dark carbon (Matte)
White Rabbit Shimmer white (Frost)
Melt My Heart Metallic silver (Veluxe Pearl)
Gaelic Gold Metallic gold (Veluxe Pearl)
Crown & Sceptre Metallic copper (Veluxe Pearl)
Family Treasures Metallic bronze (Veluxe Pearl)

LIP KITS

Happily Ever After Lip Kit

Cheers All Around Bright candy pink (Frost)
To Joy Medium pink (Frost)
Endless Fun Sheer frosty pink (Gloss)

A Fabulous Fantasy Lip Kit

Storybook Ending Raisin (Lustre)
Imagine This Pinky beige (Amplified)
Heroic Tale Sparkle flesh tone (Gloss)

FACE KITS

A Triumphant Blush Face Kit

Melba Soft coral peach (Powder Blush)
Peachtwist Golden peach (Sheertone Shimmer)
Smooth Harmony Neutral mid tan (Beauty Powder)

Hark the Heraldry Face Kit

Dame Sophisticated blue/pink (Powder Blush)
Plum Foolery Faint dusty plum (Sheertone Shimmer)
Oh So Fair Pale pink (Beauty Powder)
LIP AND EYE BAGS

Vain and Glorious Lip Bag

Lustre Lipstick in Mellow Mood Sheer pink
Dazzleglass in Baby Sparks Sparkle baby pink
Lip Pencil in In Synch Light pink

Dazzle the Lads Lip Bag

Cremesheen Lipstick in Timeless Medium rose
Dazzleglass in Moth to Flame Sheer neutral beige
Lip Pencil in Lingerie Dusty rose

’Tis Noble To Give Viva Glam Lip Bag

Viva Glam Lipstick in Viva Glam V Neutral pink with pearl
Viva Glam Lipglass in Viva Glam V Neutral pink with pearl

Noble Knights Lash & Line Kit

Fluidline in Blitz & Glitz Black
Pigment in Teal Bright metallic teal
Zoomblack
209 Brush

Violet My Love Lash & Line Kit

Fluidline in Macroviolet Dark grape
Pigment in Violet Bright metallic purple
Zoomblack
209 Brush

BRUSH BAGS

Sweep Me Off My Feet Sweep & Define Brush Collection 29SE, 190SE, 212SE, 227SE, 275SE
A Lady & Her Tricks Buff & Line Brush Collection 168SE, 187SE, 209SE, 219SE, 252SE
She’s Got It All Apply, Define & Line Brush Collection 194SE, 204SE, 224SE, 266SE, 275SE

5 Sassy Pink Lassies Lipglass

Sassy Lassy Bright pink fuchsia
Fab Fun Pale crystal pink
Frozen Dream Medium pink rose
Electro Lush Medium mauve
The Wee Coquette Naked neutral pink

5 Sassy Coral Lassies Lipglass

Tad Saucy Pale muted pink
Jest for Fun Peachy blossom pink
Pretty Quick Bright coral
Mimmy Bright pinky coral
Hearts-a-beatin’ Pale raison

5 Sassy Neutral Lassies Lipglass

Scottish Lilt Peachy beige
Spirits a’ Flying Pale gold
Stealing Kisses Glossy spice
Girls At Play Plumy brown
Bright & Perky Classic bronze

5 Warm Thrillseekers Pigments/ Glitter

Reflects Glitter Peachy/ orange glitter sparkle (Glitter)
Gilded Green Mint ice cream (Pigment)
Gift O’ Glamour Pale metallic pink (Pigment)
Gold Mode Peachy gold shimmer (Pigment)
Most Darling Medium brown shimmer (Pigment)

5 Cool Thrillseekers Pigments/ Glitter

Reflects Pearl Silver glitter with pink pearl sparkle (Glitter)
Silver Fog Light Silver pigment (Pigment)
Cheers My Dear! Pale violet (Pigment)
Softwash Grey Light purple (Pigment)
Mauvement Taupe Glitter (Pigment)

5 Smoky Thrillseekers Pigments/ Glitter

Reflects Blackened Red Cranberrry glitter (Glitter)
Naked Fleshtone shimmer (Pigment)
Jigs & Jive Naked taupe (Pigment)
Blue Brown Brown with turquoise glitter; mermaids tail (Pigment)
Dark Soul Shimmer Carbon (Pigment)

5 Naughty Little Vices Nail Lacquer

Nocturnelle Black
Asiatique Bright Cherry red
Beyond Jealous Deep forest green
Vintage Vamp Deep blood red
Vice is Nice Classic metallic gold

Love,
Indian Girl

Boys & Makeup at Gotipua Dance Performance

Hiya Ladies !

I have something a lil different for y'all and for Vogue India readers today...

Thanks to a recent event organized by SPICMACAY (Society For Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth), I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful Gotipua artists. Gotipua is a dance form native to Orissa, India and is often regarded as a precursor to Odissi the more popular dance from the state. While Odissi is performed by both male and female artists, Gotipua has traditionally been reserved for boys under the age of 14. These young boys perform acrobatic routines combined with classical dance moves all the while dressed as girls!

I got talking with the artists and eventually the topic went to makeup (it had to didn’t it). The older members of the troupe got nostalgic talking about how much time and effort went into makeup back then. A lot of words were throw in including BC powder, formaldehyde, glycerin, yellow food coloring. Nowhere around were Estee Lauder or L’Oreal. But that was back then. The tiny boys are now made up with pancake makeup and red Revlon lipstick.



Amongst all the makeup talk the longest task seemed to be the one for Kajal. Ain't as easy as going to a store and buying it; but definitely a lot more satisfying. The process began 24 hours before the performance. Earthen lamps were set up with a wick made of muslin cloth. Castor or sesame was the oil of choice. These burning lamps were then covered with a brass pot and let to burn for 12 – 20 hours. The hero here is the soot collected in the brass pot. This soot was later mixed with ghee and applied as kajal around the eyes. Imagine that!

And just in case you were wondering what they use now …its Lakme. The big fat Lakme Kajal stick is their favorite. Apparently it lasts through their rigorous performance! Must try that one y’all!

Love,
Indian Girl

Alberto VO5 Deep Nourishing Elixir Strengthening Conditioner : Review

I wish I'd found this conditioner before I chopped off my long locks.


Wish I'd used it on that fateful day when among a crowd of ...well people, I saw one cute face. I'm sure he'd have Hey - ed if it weren't for all the frizz extending out in all directions from head. (remind me to finish this story later...)


Or on that beautiful evening when ...well I don't wanna think about it. Not again. Lets just say Disaster spells it out.


Wanting to stay away from my comfort zone - Pantene, I tried out several other new shampoos and conditioners. Not one gave me the "Silky Smooth" hair Zohan promised his customers. So I did what we do when faced with a hair crisis of epic proportions - hit the shampoo / conditioner aisle and take a hard look at every single one of them. Read all the labels promising silky smooth hair. Among them the words " Deep Nourishing Elixir" popped.


Elixir, sounded very promising. So I took it and ran.


Its been raining non stop. Been very cold too. I'm stuck indoors watching bad television. But my non frizzy, flowy, silky smooth hair makes up for all it.


Oh yes it does.

And if I do get out in the cold rain , I come back in & my hair dries to a stunning finish ! No additional serum or blowdrying required !



The five vital oils - (avocado, almond, jojoba, apricot & grapeseed) control the mess and make for near perfect texture for my hair. That being said, its a very heavy conditioner made for very badly behaving hair. If you have fine hair, I'd be careful with the quantity. Too much can easily bring about the flat hair syndrome.



Overall très impressive !


Love,
Indian Girl