Beauty Look of the Week

Hi ladies!! Well, in case you have the Monday blues here's a little poll to distract you - you've seen some of the best beauty looks from last week - now vote on your favorite!!

Vanessa Hudgens' Makeup at the Bandslam Premiere

Vanessa Hudgens pulls off the smoky eye-sultry look just as well as she does the girl next door look at the premiere of her new film, Bandslam.


Vanessa's smokey eye look is courtesy of a shimmery charcoal shadow - I like MAC Eye Shadow in Knight Divine. She skipped the blush in favor of a little bronzer and then went for a pale pink lip gloss - try Chanel Glossimer in Brilliance.

Milla Jovovich at The Getaway Premiere

I haven't seen Milla Jovovich in a film in a while (The Fifth Element might be the last one) but there's no doubt about it, she hasn't aged at all in the last decade. Here she is, out displaying a gorgeous beauty look at The Getaway premiere.

Milla wore a shimmery taupe shade all over the upper lids (note the round shape below) and to line the lower lashline. But what's really making her face glow is her stunning coral lip color - try NARS Lipstick in Niagara for a similar lippie.

Michelle Trachtenberg at the NBC/Universal All-Start Party

I get so into Gossip Girl that somedays, I forget actress Michelle Trachtenberg's real name and just think of her as Georgina. Anyone else here a big GG fan?? I can't wait until the new season!!

Anyways, on to Michelle T's makeup at this particular event. To put it simply, she looked amazing. But really, its no surprise. If you take a look at an archive of her photos from the last year or so, her makeup is always, always flawless.

In this particular instance, Michelle coated her upper eyelids with a light gold shadow, lined her lower lashline with a golden bronze shade and then did a thick line of black liquid liner on her upper lashline, stopping just outside the outer corners of her eyes. A light dusting of pink blush and a juicy watermelon colored lip color finish her look. I really love that watermelon shade - it really brightens her whole face. Try Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick in Watermelon for a similar shade.*

I wonder also how she keeps her face so porcelain...she must wear some major SPF and a hat at all times. I practically tan whenever I even think of the sun.

*edited

Pooja Kumar at the Bollywood Hero Premiere

For those of you not familiar with her, Pooja Kumar is an American actress who stars in the Bollywood Hero miniseries along with Neha Dhupia. And like Neha, Pooja wore an inspiring beauty look at the premiere of the miniseries this week.

Pooja stuck to cool colors to complement her pink and silver one shoulder dress - a smokey blue-gray eye with inner corners highlighted, a rose pink blush and a subtle rose pink lipstick. Try NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Underworld for a similar smokey eye. Use the dark blue shade all over the lids and to line the lower lashline and use the silvery shade in the inner corners.

Neha Dhupia at the Bollywood Hero Premiere

There is a new Bollywood themed miniseries that will be airing on the Independent Film Channel in the U.S. this weekend - Bollywood Hero. It is about an American comedian (Chris Kattan from SNL and Night at the Roxbury fame) who goes to Bollywood to become a leading male actor. Anyone have IFC?? I don't, but I want to see this!

Neha Dhupia, who stars in the film, attended the premiere of Bollywood Hero this week. This is one of Neha Dhupia's best beauty looks that I have seen in a long time...gone are the overprocessed locks and layered foundation.

Instead, Neha went for defined eyes that aren't too heavy, luminous skin, peachy bronze cheeks and a nude lip. Try a peachy bronze blush like NARS Blush in Amour for a similar look. I like her hair as well - the middle part gives a more casual air and the tousled waves are premiere perfect.

The Times UK Best of Beauty List

The Times Online UK began its annual 100 best of beauty list last week. I just love best of beauty lists to see if there is anything I am missing out on!!

So far, here are its 25 Best Cosmetics and 25 Best Skincare Products with the Times Online commentary for each product. Some of these I agree with while some I am baffled with!! I don't understand how Maybelline Great Lash consistently makes these lists - I just don't love it. On the other hand, I love the NARS Multiple, Benefit's Benetint and Shu Uemura Pressed Eyeshadows. And now I can't wait to try the Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer and the Ila Face Oil - I have heard great things about both!

25 Best Cosmetics

Soap & Glory Arch de Triumph shaping and highlighting crayon A two-in-one pencil with one end of brow colour, and the other a highlighter to use under the brow. There are also handy eyebrow-shaping templates on the back of the pack.

Ruby & Millie i-writer These pens deliver metallic liquid colour with precision, so can be used as an eyeliner or for a more dramatic flash of eye colour.

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF15 Invisible and weightless, meaning that once applied, it looks like your skin, not like foundation.

Maybelline Great Lash mascara Maybelline does many great mascaras, but this is the best. It never clumps, lasts ages and is also available in waterproof.

Givenchy Mister Eyebrow fixing pencil A new discovery for the Times team, this pencil controls unruly eyebrows with wax that won’t leave stickiness or a visible sheen.

Essie nail polish Nothing beats Essie for long-lasting polish — up to three weeks on toes! Available in more than 280 shades, from subtle nudes to bright neons.

NARS The Multiple Can be used on eyes, cheeks, lips and body to provide colour, shimmer or highlighting. Available in 12 shades.

Clinque Quick Blush A must-have for anyone who applies make-up on the go. The nifty design of the twist-out brush makes application simple and mess-free.

YSL Everlong waterproof mascara A high–performance, hi-tech mascara that is able to stand up to humid weather, swimming and (of course) crying.

Guerlain Météorites Powder for the face These coloured balls all play a different role: pink for a warm glow; green to diminish redness; gold and silver for highlights and mauve to attract light. Creates a soft, fresh radiance.

Chanel Mat Lumière long-lasting luminous matte fluid make-up A wonderfully lightweight foundation that gives brilliant coverage without a “caked-on” look and lasts for hours.

By Terry Light Expert This nifty foundation brush not only delivers a flawless complexion but plumps out hollow areas and smoothes wrinkles, leaving a brilliant texture to the skin.

Rimmel London Moisture Renew lipstick This lipstick comes in 16 great shades and cares for your lips with three super-moisturisers, vitamins and an SPF20 sunscreen.

Benefit bene tint rose-tinted lip & cheek stain Give cheeks and lips a rosy sheer glow with this cult liquid product from Benefit. Smudge-proof and waterproof.

Body Shop Flawless Skin Protective Concealer The zinc oxide contained in this concealer battles impurities, while baobab oil encourages the regeneration of skin cells.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm Start your routine with this hero product. Tightens skin for a more youthful appearance and keeps make-up fresh all day.

Prescriptives Custom Blend Lip Gloss Create a bespoke lipgloss from a vast array of base shades, pearls, finishes and flavours. Vitamin E and skin conditioners leave lips silky smooth.

Estée Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti- Oxidant Moisturiser SPF15 This light moisturiser is a perfect summer alternative to foundation, with a sheer, “one shade suits all” illuminating tint and the fresh smell of cucumber.

Shu uemura Pressed Eyeshadow These singles come in four textures (matte, pearl, iridescent and metallic) and a whopping 110 different shades. All are moisturising and long lasting.

MAC make-up brushes With more than 40 types of soft-yet-firm brushes, MAC is constantly updating its range to accommodate suggestions from make-up artists around the world.

Barry M kohl pencil Soft, smudgable pencils for dense colour. There are 20 different shades, from white (apply to the lower lid for wide eyes) and classic black to the pastels pictured here.

Giorgio Armani fluid sheer The ten available shades can be used for various effects. Gold tones give a fabulous glow under make-up, lighter shades highlight and pinks add radiance.

Laura Mercier Bronzing Duo A long-wearing two-tone bronzer for a golden sheen and radiance in one. Formulated with French “cashmere” talc for a silky soft, sheer application.

Chantecaille Lip Definer A water-resistant lip pencil that gives soft, smudge-free matte colour. Designed to avoid a ring-around-the-lips effect.

25 Best Skincare Products

Liz Earle Sunshade Face Protector This non-greasy SPF protects the face all day after just one application.

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve A no-nonsense product that helps to protect hands.

Weleda Wild Rose Body Lotion A light but hydrating body lotion that leaves skin supple, toned and smooth.

Boots Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum Apply under moisturiser. Skin feels noticeably tighter after application.

Ila Face Oil for Glowing Radiance A deeply moisturising face oil made from biodynamic ingredients.

Lancôme Flash Bronzer Idiot-proof face bronzer that quickly develops an even, natural, sunkissed glow.

Dr Frances Prenna Jones Formula 2006 This multi-tasker smoothes lines, evens out the complexion and increases collagen production.

Trilogy CoQ10 Booster Capsules This easily portable, nourishing skin treat is great for parched skin or during cold weather.

Darphin Gentle Eye Make-up Remover This lotion removes all traces of eye make-up without leaving an oily residue.

Barielle Total Foot Care Cream A super-conditioning formula that softens calluses while moisturising chapped areas of the feet.

Alexandra Soveral Midsummer Dew Body Oil A blend of essential oils that leaves skin feeling nourished and doubles up as a body scent.

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Face Cream Skin is stronger, healthier and looks more youthful after using this cream with its patented technology.

The Organic Pharmacy Self-Tan This chemical-free formula gives a very natural colour. Smells fresh, not cloying.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturiser SPF 15 An easily absorbed moisturiser with antioxidants and an in-built SPF.

Shu Uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil An oil-based cleanser that rinses off with water, effectively removing all make-up and impurities.

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess SPF 30 This cream is light, glides on easily and has an exotic, beachy scent.

Green & Spring Revitalising Light Bath Oil This invigorating bath oil smells divine and hydrates skin beautifully.

Crème de la Mer Eye Concentrate Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Skin feels quenched.

Guinot Fresh Radiance Exfoliating Peel-off Mask Draws out impurities without fuss.

YSL Rinse-off Instant Foam Radiance Revealer Foaming cleanser that rinses off easily to leave skin fresher and brighter.

Jurlique Biodynamic Beauty Night Lotion A lightweight, easily absorbed lotion that helps to even out skin tone.

Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel This clear gel zaps spots without drying out the area around the infection.

Spiezia Lemongrass and Marigold Body Scrub An invigorating body scrub with essential oils, so there’s no need to moisturise after use.

Natura Bisse Soothing Balm With Organic Aloe This cooling balm is great for sunburn and is deeply moisturising.

Suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser An organic cleanser that also exfoliates your face without being abrasive.

Redken Real Control Overnight Treat Night Recovery Treatment

Although most hair stylists recommend a deep conditioning treatment for hair if you use heat tools or color hair, I never ever seem to have enough time to take the time to apply a hair mask, wait the requisite 10-20 minutes and then get back in the shower to wash it out. That's why I love overnight treatment products for hair where you can just slap it on, go to bed and maybe or maybe not wash it out the next morning.

And that's why I love this new overnight treatment I found - Redken Real Control Overnight Treat Night Recovery Treatment. The treatment is formulated to renew and repair dense, dry and sensitized hair while you sleep.

I actually don't wash it out the next morning and instead treat it as a leave-in conditioner. The great part about it is that it doesn't leave my hair greasy like some leave-ins do. Instead, this product provides my hair with the moisture it needs and makes it feel way softer and more manageable in the morning when I wake up. An added plus this summer is that it has doubled as a great frizz-fighter.

Pros:

• Leaves hair moisturized, soft and less frizzy
• Help define waves and curls
• Doubles as a leave-in conditioner
• Doesn't leave hair greasy

Cons:

• Paid $17 for only 3.4 oz - wish it came in a bigger bottle for that price

Vote on Your Favorite Beauty Looks of the Week!

A little known fact about me is that I love taking polls and voting on ridiculous things...and then comparing my vote against others opinions. I know, I'm a dork!

I noticed that there are plenty of fashion blogs that have look of the week polls so I thought, why not do a Beauty Look of the Week poll here at Roop Cafe? So I'll be posting select beauty looks during week and at the end of the week I will put up a poll so Roop readers can vote on their favorite looks. So indulge my love and vote!!

So far today I've posted the gorgeous makeup and hair looks of Freida Pinto, Sienna Miller and Miranda Kerr. If there are any other looks you love this week that I miss, be sure to let me know! With my job, I don't always get a chance to sort through all the photos out there.

Can't wait to see which looks you guys love!

Celina Jaitley Goes for A New Bob??!

A lot of hair postings today!! I admit it, I spend a lot of time thinking (and obsessing) over own hair.

Maybe I am totally out of it, but I was totally surprised to see this pic of Celina Jaitley sporting a bob!! Its definitely a departure from her sexy, sultry, long-haired mane. On closer inspection, though, it looks like her long hair might just be tucked under - its hard to tell. In any case, I'm not sure I like it on her as it kind of makes her look like she's 10 years old. Perhaps if it was styled differently it would look better.

I'm also not a huge fan of her makeup - the peachy tan eyeshadow which matches the peachy tan blush which matches the peachy tan lip color kind of just makes her face look muddy instead of monochromatic.

Miranda Kerr's Makeup at the David Jones Fashion Show

Miranda Kerr probably doesn't need any help in the makeup department to help her look gorgeous. A little black eye liner rimming her waterline and baby pink blush and lip gloss go along away to make her look stunning but sweet.

The black eye liner and baby pink blush/lip gloss combo is one of my favorites when I'm in a rush because the contrasts look so great together.

Sienna Miller's Simple Winged Eye

Sienna Miller is on a roll lately with pretty but simple looks during her promotion of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra film. At this particular event, Sienna wears liquid eyeliner on the top lashline that has been smudged slightly and with a small flick at the outer edges of the eyes. Her bare face and pulled back hair really display her eyes and natural beauty.

Even Models and Actresses Have Really Bad Hair Days

Even supermodels have bad hair days as Elle MacPherson showcases at a recent event. I realize she (or her hair stylist) was probably going for a beachy, carefree look but it ended up just looking stringy and dry on the ends. Even my hair looked better than this today. In "real life," Elle has much more beautiful hair than this!

Then there's Preeya Kalidas, star of the musical Bombay Dreams. Sure she's not a supermodel, but that is no excuse for this combed over, pinned on the side (I don't even know what to call it) do. When my hair isn't cooperating, I just put it up. Preeya would have looked beautiful in a sleek chignon, IMO.

Freida Pinto's New "Lob"

I have missed seeing Freida Pinto's inspiring beauty and fashion looks since the end of the 2008-2009 awards season. So it was a treat to see photos of her again from a Slumdog Millionaire screening event at the Somerset House in London this past weekend - and even more of a treat to see her debut a flirty new "lob" (long bob for anyone not familiar with this new hair style).

I love this new hair style on Freida. The curled in shape of the lob frames her face beautifully and it still manages to look fresh and young. I can't wait to see what else she does with this new style!!

As for makeup, Freida went for a rose-toned lip color, curled lashes and a slightly glossy bronze shadow. A slight gloss over the eyeshadow adds a little nuance to a regular bronze eye look - try a little Vaseline or clear lip gloss over regularly applied powder shadow or create an eye gloss by mixing the Vaseline or clear lip gloss with crushed eyeshadow first. Or try Paul & Joe's Eye Gloss in Murmur, a smoky brown.

Diane Kruger's Scarlet Lips at the Inglourious Basterds Berlin Premiere

Growing up, I always heard that one must never mix red and pink for fear of clashing the two colors. Guess Diane Kruger has shown that rules were made to be broken because she looked absolutely stunning in a pale pink dress and creamy, scarlet lips.


I'm not sure I could ever pull off a shade like that, but it so beautiful, I might have to try one day (or, likely night). Any guesses on what the shade is? I'm inclined to think its a Chanel, since the woman does love her Chanel - maybe Chanel Lip Colour in Lover?

Makeup Artist Kay Montano on Thandie Newton's Red Carpet Look

Some of you ladies know what a huge fan I am of Thandie Newton's beauty looks - no matter what the event, she just glows! And so I was excited to find this fairly simple video of Thandie's makeup artist, Kay Montano, explaining how to get Thandie's red carpet look from the premiere of "W." The premiere was a while ago but the look is so classic and pretty natural - you can replicate it in any season.

Kay used the following products to get Thandie's look:

Eyes: Chanel Ombre d'Eau Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow in Seashore, Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Smokey Eyes, Chanel Ecriture de Chanel Automatic Liquid Eyeliner in Noir, Exceptionnel de Chanel Mascara in Smoky Noir

Lips: Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Ming

Deepika Padukone's Side Braided Style

I spotted this super cute hair style on Deepika today!! Its one of the many styles from an dance item number she is doing for an upcoming film.


It looks like her hair was given a deep part, then very loosely french braided with chunks of hair on both sides of the part, then braided or twisted together to the end and finally wrapped with a yellow ribbon. Now its not the type of style you'd wear to work obviously but its a nice change from the standard ponytail on the weekend, out shopping or to the beach.

The only thing I think I would change to this style would be to have wrapped in metallic (gold, silver or bronze) cord or ribbon rather than the yellow - its a little too matchy matchy for my taste, but oh well, I suppose its for a Bollywood film.

Sienna Miller's Mussed Up Ponytail at the GI Joe Premiere

Sometimes Hollywood beauty can be annoying because its too perfect...sometimes you gotta love British beauty for exactly the opposite reason - British ladies like Kate Moss, Thandie Newton and Sienna Miller have an edginess and uniqueness all their own.

I love this ponytail Sienna wore at the GI Joe premiere. I love the volume on top, sleekness on the side and the fact that it looks like she didn't try too hard.

My hairstyling skills are subpar when it comes to putting my hair up....it looks like she might have pinned up some of the hair on the crown but I couldn't find a pic of the back. Anyone have any clue how she did this?!

Lemon Juice - a DIY Remedy for Blemishes

If you have regular blemishes, you know how frustrating it is to try to figure out what is causing these nasty little spots. Lately, with my skin, its not regular pimples that have been appearing...its these tiny little whitehead types that are making the surface of my skin less than ideal. And because these are not regular pimples, my usual zit zapper medicine is not as effective on these bumps. Luckily, I figured out a great skin solution and best of all, its costs practically nothing!! What is it?


Lemon juice. That's it, just a few drops of lemon juice, nothing else.

I had read in passing that the citric acid of lemon juice, applied topically, has properties that to clear up stubborn blemishes. I imagine that citric acid of lemon juice is somewhat like alpha hydroxy acids in sloughing off dead skin cells. I applied the lemon juice with my fingers (or alternatively you can do it with a cotton ball) and let sit for a few minutes. Then I applied my regular night cream on top. When I woke up the next morning, the bumps had cleared up and my skin was noticeably softer.

A few things you should know about applying lemon juice -

• It does have a slightly tingly and itchy feeling, so I let it sit for only a few minutes and then apply cream on top to soothe the skin.


• Don't apply it everyday - like an AHA, too much is not a good thing. I apply it once every 2 or 3 days.


• Don't apply it during the day as the citric acid will leave your skin very sensitive to the sunlight. Be sure to apply sunscreen the next day.


• Don't apply it next to open wounds or cuts - the acid will cause severe stinging! The same goes for really severe acne - the acid will just exacerbate the redness.


• It is best used on oily, blemish prone skin since the lemon juice tends to dry out the skin.

Gorgeous Two Toned Eyes at Luli Fama and Cia Maritima 2010 Swim

Check out these gorgeous, two-toned eye looks at the Mercedes Benz Swim 2010 fashion shows that were in Miami last week (yeah, I had no idea there was a whole fashion week dedicated to swimwear either). The NARS Eye Shadow Duos and L'Oreal HIP Eye Shadow Duos are pretty awesome for the two toned look as they have bright, contrasting colors in interesting combinations.

At the Luli Fama show, models sported a shimmery dark purple shadow on the upper eyelids and an electric blue lining the bottom lashes. Try NARS Eye Shadow Duo in Demon Lover for this striking look that is perfect for nighttime.

Then, there is the teal-on-top, lime green-on-the-bottom eyes at the Cia Maritima show. I normally don't do my eyes up in such bright, peacocky colors but this I love!! Luckily, we have (hopefully) several more weeks of summer to try this pretty look out!

It looks pretty simple to do as well. The teal color is used to line the top lashline and is winged out. Then the lime green shade is dabbed along the lower lashline. Try the L'Oreal HIP Bright Eye Shadow Duos in Riotous - the darker color is a little duller than the teal, but overall the shadow will work.

Neutrogena Light Night Cream

In an attempt to align my spending habits with the rest of the world in this unending rec-freaking-ession, I decided to give up my beloved Shiseido day and night moisturizers. I just realized that I have never actually blogged about these Shiseido products and well, I feel too guilty too blog about them now because they are so expensive, so let's just move on, shall we?

Anyways, its a HUGE deal for me to give up Shiseido because I've been using those moisturizers for more than a decade (i.e. since I was in my late teens). When I decided I needed to switch to a drugstore brand, I didn't know where to start...so I went back to Neutrogena, i.e. the brand I used through most of my teen years before I started using Shiseido.


While I'm generally attracted to flashy, shiny packaging, I ended up choosing the Neutrogena Light Night Cream as my night moisturizer, which is housed in a very plain white and blue container. Well, don't judge a book by its cover!

The cream is certainly light, like its name, somewhat fluffy, but not so light that I find myself applying it in layers so that my face is hydrated. Only one small dollop is all that it takes to make my face look nice and smooth. Its perfect in the summer because it moisturizes but I have never woken up with a greasy face. The plain packaging has also grown on me - its like the simple creams that your mom or grandma used to use back in the day.

The Light Night Cream doesn't claim to brighten, get rid of wrinkles, walk your dog, do your dishes or anything else except be a good night cream. Its no frills, simple approach is actually kind of refreshing and best of all it works.

Pros

• Light and airy texture
• Smooth application
• Non-greasy effect
• Doesn't clog pores
• Retails for approximately $13

Cons

• Seriously, none that I can think of, unless you like fancier looking packaging

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In Conditioner

Um, yeah, its been a while since my last post. I don't have an excuse except for the fact that I needed a break. I just haven't been home that much to blog but I take that as a sign that I am enjoying the summer, right?!

Having been out and about in this summer heat has actually allowed me to put some beauty products to the test. Especially hair products that claim to moisturize and control frizz.

For example, after some success with Frizz Ease Creme Serum Overnight Repair Formula, I had high hopes for John Frieda's Frizz Daily Nourishment Ease Leave-In Conditioner. I liked the idea of a conditioner in a spray bottle that I can use to touch up dry parts of my hair (like the ends) this summer when the heat and humidity begin to parch my tresses.


My grade? I can't say I loved this spray-on leave-in. In theory, it could be moisturizing. But when I spray it on dry hair and let it soak in, I end up getting patches of oiliness in my hair where I have applied the product. I don't know, maybe I am not spraying from far enough?!

I had better luck with this product when I used it as a post-shower detangler. When my hair was towel dried and damp, I sprayed it on and combed it through with nary a tangle. It was a nice effect, but just not what I was looking for in a product. As a result, I recommend this product for women with fine hair that don't need help in the frizz department but could use a light detangler. If you have thick, coarse hair like mine, this product is too light for us and just won't cut the frizz.

Pros

• Spray on application so don't worry have to getting hands messy
• Pleasant scent
• Great detangler
• Good for thin or fine hair
• Doesn't weigh hair down
• Good deal at around $6

Cons

• Inconsistent application
• Does little to battle frizz and poufiness once hair is dry
• Bad for thick/coarse hair

Misleading and Just Stupid: Priyanka's Chopra's Sunsilk "Thick and Long" TV Commercial

Oy vey. I came across this TV commercial for Sunsilk "Thick & Long" hair products starring Priyanka Chopra today and the ad just irked me beyond belief! I always used to roll my eyes at the Pantene Pro-V hair commercials where the models' hair was digitized to perfection but the Sunsilk commercial is even more stupid, in my opinion.

Not only does the hair in the commercial look totally fake, but Priyanka Chopra doesn't even have really long, really jet black, really silky pin straight hair like that! And she hasn't had that kind of for years!! Instead, P.C. wears her hair dyed brown, sort of wavy and I can tell her hair type is somewhat thick and coarse, like many desi women.



Talk about misleading advertising. My mom once saw a similar hair commercial starring Lara Dutta and kept blabbing about how beautiful her hair was. Rolled eyes then, roll my eyes now. Yeah, maybe in some alternate universe I will get hair like that JUST from using shampoo and conditioner!! - Does Sunsilk really think that adverts like this are the way to go? Wouldn't a more realistic ad starring Priyanka with her normal, everyday hair sell products as well?

Watch the video for yourself - and let me know what you think!

Steal the Look: Aishwarya Rai at the 2009 IIFA Awards

Last breakdown in the 2009 IIFA series...Miss Rai. I've been pretty impressed with the makeup looks of the Bollywood set - on the whole, the ladies looked quite gorgeous!! At the IIFA, Ash went for glossy apricot lips with a hint of pink on the lids to tie the look together. Like Bips, Ash accentuated her eye shape with a classic cat eye.

To get the look:

Eyes: Apply a champagne cream shadow such as MAC Shadestick in Beije-ing all over the lids from lashline to brows. After the cream shadow has set, apply a shimmery seashell pink shadow such as MAC Shadow in Expensive Pink to the crease, following the contour of the eye. Apply a dark gray pencil liner along both upper and lower lashline. Flick the outer corners of the liner toward the end of the brows for the cat eye look. Finish with mascara.

Cheeks: Apply a very light dusting of coral blush such as Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush in Coral so as not to compete with the color on the eyes and lips.

Lips: Apply an apricot cream gloss such as Revlon Cream Gloss in Peachy Sheen to the lips.

Steal the Look: Mughda Godse at the IIFA Awards 2009

Mughda Godse brightened up her makeup at the 2009 IIFA Awards with sea blue shadows and coral cheeks and lips. While I'm not a fan of makeup that is too bright or garish, I think Mughda looks quite pretty here.

Get the look:

Eyes: Apply an eyelid primer such as Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion all over the eyelids. Apply a shimmery, bright ocean blue shadow such as MAC Eye Shadow in Freshwater on eyelids from the upper lashline until the crease. Apply a navy shadow such as MAC Eye Shadow in Deep Truth in the crease and along the lower lashline. Apply a black eye pencil to line upper lashline and lower waterline. Finish with black mascara.

Cheeks: Brush a coral toned blush such as MAC Blush in Melba from apples of the cheeks to the ears.

Lips: Apply a nude lip liner such as MAC Lip Pencil in Subculture to the lips. Then apply a coral toned cream lipstick such as MAC Lipstick in Ravishing to the lips.

MAC Euristocrats II Collection Review

The MAC Euristocrats II Collection, which hit stores this week, is a collection of seven lipsticks, seven Dazzleglasses and four lip pencils - just lips!!


My recommendations from the collection are:

• Milan Mode lipstick -a rosy pink shade. I initially dismissed this as just another pink and didn't expect to like it so much. However, the pigmentation was great, texture was smooth and the color brightened up my face immediately.
  
• London Life lipstick - a slightly dark rasperry shade. It is a great color for dark skin tones. Not an eye popping shade but one that works equally well for work during the day and a dinner date at night.


• Naked Paris lipstick - a plummy brown. This is a nice "nude" for dark skin toned ladies whose lips already have some pigmentation. On me, it was a "my lips but better" look. Very natural look.


• Euro Beat Dazzleglass - a very shimmery peach. The color goes on very sheer for a hint of peach on the lips.


• Rue d'Rouge Dazzleglass - a gorgeous true red shade. This was my favorite Dazzleglass shade of the collection. Without a doubt, it looks gorgeous on tan skin tones. If you love reds, you have to get this!

Now if you can ONLY get one or two items from the collection, my favorites of the collection are the Milan Mode lipstick and the Rue d'Rouge Dazzleglass. Definitely look out for this collection - its worth a check!!

Steal the Look: Sonam Kapoor at the 2009 IIFA Awards

Sonam Kapoor is all over the map these days - it seems like there's not a month that doesn't go by where Sonam isn't on some magazine cover, promoting a movie or in the Bollywood gossip columns. Seems like she's slowly but surely dethroning Deepika Padukone as the reigning princess of Bollywood!!

Sonam is one of my personal favorites of all the Bollywood beauties when it comes to fashion and beauty. In my opinion, she has pretty good taste in both fashion and beauty and is less likely than some actresses to show up at events wearing a dress that resembles drapery. At the 2009 IIFA Awards, Sonam tries out a green smoky eye which ends up looking gorgeous and not hideous.

To get the look:

Eyes: Apply a shimmery green eye shadow such as MAC Shadow in Swimming from lashline to crease. Apply a matte black shadow such as MAC Shadow in Carbon in the crease of the lids and in a thick line along the upper lashline using a wet liner brush - extend line out ever so slightly. Apply a black kohl pencil such as MAC Kohl Pencil in Smolder along the upper lashline and in the lower waterline. Finish with black mascara.

Cheeks: Apply a slightly shimmery bronzer such as Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Bali Brown to cheeks and blend well. Add a pop of any highlighting powder to add dimension.

Lips: Apply a light slick of peachy coral lip gloss such as Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss Compact in Coral Pink to the lips.

Steal the Look: Lara Dutta at the 2009 IIFA Awards

Lara Dutta doesn't often get accolades for her acting ability but when it comes to fashion and beauty, the star usually gets it right. For the IIFA awards, Dutta combined shimmery gray eyes with mauvey pink lips and cheeks.


To get the look:

Eyes: Apply a shimmery gray shadow such MAC Eye Shadow in Silverthorn all over the lids up until the crease. Apply a black pencil liner such as Clinique Kohl Shaper in Black Kohl into the top and bottom lashes. Finish with black mascara.

Cheeks: Apply a mauve pink blush such as MAC Blush in Breath of Plum to the cheekbones. Apply a shimmery highlighter such Benefit High Beam to the tops of the cheekbones for a bit of sparkle.

Lips: Apply a shimmery mauve pink lip gloss such as MAC Cosmetics Lustreglass in Star Nova to the lips.

Steal the Look: Priyanka Chopra at the 2009 IIFA Awards

For those of you that prefer subtle makeup to the smoky, smoldering look, this breakdown of Priyanka Chopra's makeup is for you! If Bipasha Basu is the Bollywood Queen of Smolder and Sizzle, then Priyanka is Bollywood's Girl Next Door. Priyanka's makeup always look perfectly polished, never tarty.

Steal the Look:

Eyes: Blend a shimmery mushroom brown shadow such as MAC Eye Shadow in Cork all over the lids into the crease. Apply the same shadow along the lower lashes. Apply a champagne shadow such as MAC Eye Shadow in Orb to the browbone. Apply black liquid liner such as MAC Penultimate Eye Liner along the upper lashline. Apply black mascara to top and bottom lashes.

Cheeks: Apply a rosy pink blush such as MAC Powder Blush in Ambering Rose to the cheeks.

Lips: Apply a creamy rose pink lipstick such as MAC Lipstick in Sophisto to the lips.

Steal the Look: Bipasha Basu at the 2009 IIFA Awards

I don't have satellite TV so I didn't get to catch the 2009 IIFA Awards this past weekend...from the still photos, though, it appears there was plenty of glamour, fashion, dancing and other Bollywood flashiness going on!!

First up, Bipasha Basu looks gorgeous as usual with a contoured cat eye and coral peach lips. I didn't love her blue outfit but this isn't a fashion blog, now is it? So let's continue with the breakdown!

To get the look:

Eyes: Apply a shimmery champagne shadow such MAC Eye Shadow in Femmi Fi from lashes to the browbones. Apply a matte brown shadow such as MAC Eye Shadow in Cork in the crease from inner corner to outer corner. Apply a thick black liner such as Benefit Bad Gal Eye Liner on both top lashes and bottom lashes (including the lower waterline). Using a stiff liner brush, run the brush along the black liner to straighten out the line and flick up the color at the outer corners. Finish with black mascara.

Cheeks and Face: Apply a peachy nude blush such as MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul to contour the cheekbones. Apply a gold powder highlighter such as MAC High-Light Powder in Golden Nectar on top of the cheekbones and blend with the blush. This is a very matte look so be sure to finish your face with a loose matte face powder.

Lips: Line lips with a nude toned liner such as MAC Lip Pencil in Oak. Fill in lips with a peachy coral lip gloss such as MAC Lip Glass in Lychee Luxe.


I saw this Getty photo of Bipasha and had to post it. Doesn't she look pretty in it? Stay tuned for breakdowns for Priyanka, Ash and Mughda!!

Photos via Santabanta and Getty Images