Roop Cafe

Beauty Look of the Week

2009-08-10T11:55:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-10T06:01:00.001-04:00

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

2009-08-08T14:49:00.007-04:00

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

2009-08-06T23:20:00.007-04:00

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

2009-08-05T19:05:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-05T19:00:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-05T14:08:00.005-04:00

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

2009-08-05T12:00:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-08-04T21:52:00.005-04:00

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??!

2009-08-04T21:37:00.004-04:00

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

2009-08-04T21:07:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-04T20:58:00.005-04:00

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

2009-08-04T20:04:00.008-04:00

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"

2009-08-04T19:35:00.006-04:00

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

2009-07-30T22:14:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-30T20:44:00.003-04:00

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

2009-07-29T20:20:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-27T20:23:00.005-04:00

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

2009-07-27T08:06:00.002-04:00

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

2009-07-22T20:39:00.002-04:00

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

2009-07-21T21:19:00.006-04:00

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

2009-07-20T20:00:00.001-04:00

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

2009-07-02T16:55:00.007-04:00

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

2009-07-01T09:59:00.001-04:00

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

2009-06-29T18:53:00.011-04:00

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

2009-06-27T17:00:00.001-04:00

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

2009-06-25T10:18:00.000-04:00

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

2009-06-24T14:10:00.001-04:00

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

2009-06-18T22:49:00.006-04:00

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

2009-06-16T20:21:00.007-04:00

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

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lip Gloss in Rose Sugar

2009-06-14T23:13:00.009-04:00

Did you ladies get anything from the online Bobbi Brown sale last week?! One of the things I picked up was the Shimmer Lip Gloss in Rose Sugar.

Rose Sugar is a super, super shiny gloss in a sheer silvery pink tone. The shimmer is fine so you don't have to worry that your lips resemble a disco ball. As for the color, the website describes Rose Sugar as a rosy pink but to me, it comes out mostly clear with a hint of color. It probably looks a little more rosy on fairer skin tones.

I have mixed views on the lip gloss. On the one hand, I heart how super shiny the gloss is. I can practically see my reflection when I put it on!! I do, however, wish the color was a teeny more pigmented, more pink and then I'd be sold. And the one thing that annoys me about the gloss is how sticky it is - living in the Windy City, I can't walk more than a block with half my hair sticking to my lips!!

Here's a lip swatch - what do ya think?

Pros:

Super shiny
Nice, neutral shade for summer
Tackiness helps the gloss stay on longer than most glosses
Sophisticated shimmer

Cons:

Tiny tube compared to a lot of other department store lip glosses
Not much pigmentation compared to lip glosses by MAC or Dior
Really tacky gloss - my hair kept sticking to my lips!!
Not a steal at $20

25% Off MAC Cosmetics!!!

2009-06-14T23:05:00.004-04:00

Here's a little treat for you ladies this week!! I know a lot of you are huge MAC fans and from June 16th to 18th, you can get 25% of all MAC Cosmetics online!!! Just enter SUMO at the checkout.

Now here's a little hint - sometimes if you let your local Nordstroms know about a makeup sale like this one at MAC, they will honor the sale and give you the discount themselves. I did this for Bobbi Brown's sale last week, got the 25% off and didn't have to worry about paying extra for shipping!!

Cover Girl Perfect Blend Eye Liner

2009-06-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

I generally like switching from black eye pencils to dark brown in warmer months so I can have definition around the eyes without a harsh look. I decided to bust out my MAC addiction and explore the eye pencil offerings of some drugstore brands. I have tried L'Oreal's Le Grand Kohl before, which I know and love, but seeing as Cover Girl is making a mark these days with its Lip Stains and other products developed by Pat McGrath, I thought I'd see what CG had to offer.

I picked up the Cover Girl Perfect Blend Eye Liner in Black Brown, a dark chocolately brown. On one side of the pencil is the actual color and on the other side is a sponge tip for blending. The pencil goes on very smoothly with little dragging. The color is perfect and no matter how much I layer on, my eyes don't look harsh or tired. The sponge tip is awesome if you apply liner less than precisely as you can just use the tip to soften the line and straighten it out.

The one downside is durability - perhaps because of the smooth texture, the color tends to fade away after a couple of hours so I tend to reapply if I wear the CG Liner to work and need to go to an after work event.

Pros:

Soft texture makes for smooth application
Sponge tip including for blending
Cheapo eye pencil at around $5, great for the girl that runs out of eye pencils practically every month (me!)!

Cons:

Gets slightly smudgy after a while (similar to MAC Eye Kohls, in fact)
Only lasts a couple of hours

MAC Just a Pinch Gel Blush

2009-06-07T14:23:00.007-04:00

I'm on a roll when it comes to lip and cheek stains this spring/summer. First it was the Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tint that I reviewed last week and now it is MAC's Just a Pinch Gel Blush.

The Just a Pinch Gel Blush is part of the Rose Romance Collection. It is a gel blush housed in a tiny pot that you can either dip your finger into or dip a brush into. The color can be described as a bright, juicy cherry red color!! But if you're afraid of brights, don't let that stop you from buying this great product. Although it is pigmented, I haven't once applied it and ended up looking like a clown. Instead, it adds a nice bright flush to the cheeks and really wakes up my skin.

The MAC makeup artist used a stippling blush to apply the blush to my cheeks but I prefer using my fingers. Using fingers is easier to control the amount of product and to blend the product than a brush. I just stick my middle finger in (remember to wash your hands!), rub a little product on, and tap tap tap the gel blush onto my cheeks and blend.

So how does MAC Just a Pinch Gel Blush compare to the Bobbi Brown Tint, you ask? They are both tints but a little different. Go for the MAC cheek stain if you want your blush to be a brighter and more noticeable or if you really need to wake up your face in the mornings, like I do! The BB Tint is more suitable for a natural, working out type flush and the color Blackberry as I mentioned is a little more sophisticated and suitable for night than the bright cherry of Just a Pinch.

Pros:

Gel texture is extremely smooth and blendable
Very pigmented so a little goes a long way
Love, love, love the bright cherry color
Even looks nice on the lips as a lip stain
Instantly brightens up the face

Cons:

Ain't cheap at $19.50
Like most cheek stains, it only lasts a few hours before you need to reapply although I think it lasts a little longer than the BB Tint due to greater pigmentation
A little messier since it comes in a pot as opposed to a stick or pen.

L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

2009-06-01T17:15:00.000-04:00

L'Oreal jumped on the "green" bandwagon and introduced its EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System recently. The system is targeted at color treated hair which requires special care. The shampoos and conditioners don't have sulfates, contain natural botanicals and are 100% vegan. The line is meant to prevent color-stripping and dryness that occurs with sulfates. The EverPure line comes in Moisture, Smooth and Volume for varying hair types.

Now, I've never colored my hair but I wanted to try the Moisture line to see if it had any effect on the hydration in my curly, moisture-challenged hair. I was a bit surprised to see that the shampoo still lathers even though the sulfates have been removed. The ingredients that cause the lather are apparently derived from plant oils (such as coconut and palm oils).

The Moisture shampoo cleanses well, doesn't dry my hair out and I like the gel-like consistency. The thick conditioner moisturizes quite well - the texture reminds me of conditioners from higher-end lines. While I wouldn't say it was the most phenomenal haircare I've tried, it certainly does its job.

Since my hair isn't colored, I couldn't tell you personally whether it preserved hair color well but from the online reviews, it seems as though women really like it for color-treated hair.

Pros:

Very thick, moisturizing conditioner - texture of a body butter
Shampoo till lathers without the sulfates
Conditioner rinses away without leaving any heaviness or residue
One of the few hair lines without sulfates
Price is right at about $7 each

Cons:

For those that are sensitive to scent (like me), the shampoo has a slightly musky smell - a little too strong for my taste
The term "pure" in the name is a little misleading - 99% of packaged shampoos or conditioners we buy are going to have some degree of chemicals

Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tint

2009-05-31T16:49:00.005-04:00

Summer is the time to layer on sheer washes of color due to the intense heat and humidity. And cheek stains or tints are the way to go to add a hint of color instead of piling on the powder blush.

Bobbi Brown has come out with the Sheer Color Cheek Tint, a cute little twist-up tint that you can throw in your bag when you need to brighten up a bit. The tint comes in 6 colors - the best colors for darker skin tones are the Sheer Blackberry, a plummy pink, and Sheer Raspberry, a brighter mauve pink.

The Sheer Blackberry, in my opinion, is especially well suited for desi skin tones because it exactly mimics the flush you get from working out. The Sheer Blackberry also looked really pretty on my lips - sort of like a Clinique Black Honey color.

To apply, either dab it on the cheeks directly OR rub the color on fingers and then apply it on the cheeks.

I would have loved to provide a swatch on my cheeks but my camera is behaving badly - you'll just have to try it out on your own!

Pros:

Dual purpose - can use it both on cheeks and lips!
Very natural flush
Sheer texture makes it difficult to screw up
Bright, summer-ready colors

Cons:

Slightly sticky
Very small tube for $22 but I believe it will last a while
Color doesn't last more than a few hours (but this is typical of stains or tints)

20% of Smashbox Cosmetics!!

2009-05-28T15:17:00.004-04:00

Today and tomorrow (May 28th and 29th), Smashbox Cosmetics is having a 20% sale off of all of its cosmetics (except Curtain Call cosmetics and other cosmetics purchased via other offers). If you've never tried Smashbox and want to, here's your chance to get some discounted makeup!

Even though its not as hyped as other brands, I've found Smashbox Cosmetics to be completely wearable with some very pretty colors. I really liked the Fall 2008 Wicked Lovely Collection, especially the Sweet Lip gloss. Popular products include Photo Finish Foundation Primer and Lip Enhancing Glosses. Products that I have my eye on are the Double-Ended Eye Brightener and Cream Liners.

All you need to do to get the discount is enter the following code, FFSB9, when you purchase products through the Smashbox website.

Steal the Look: Aishwarya Rai at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival

2009-05-27T20:22:00.004-04:00

Wow! So you ladies certainly had differing opinions on my last post on Angelina's makeup at Cannes - some of you were "eh" just like me while others couldn't disagree more and loved her makeup!! Well, I love a little debate so keep the comments coming, whatever your view! : )

I'm guessing most of you, though, will like the steely, smoky gray eye look that Aishwarya pulled off during one her days at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. Reader "a" requested this look and I have to agree, her makeup looks very pretty. I also like the sleek low ponytail, a departure from her usual long waves.

To get the look:

Eyes: Pat on a concealer all around eyes to even out skin tone. Line the upper lashline and lower waterline with a black pencil like MAC Eye Pencil in Ebony (you'll go over the line again later to intensify). Sweep a shimmery mid-tone silver shadow such as MAC Eye Shadow in Silverthorn all over lids up until the crease. Apply a bit of silver shadow along the lower lashline. Line the upper lashline and lower waterline again with black kohl pencil. Go over the upper lashline with black liquid liner such as MAC Liquid Liner in Boot Black. Apply tons of black mascara to make eyes pop.

Cheeks: Sweep a dusty rose blush such as NARS Blush in Mata Hari from apples of the cheeks to the ear. Blend well.

Lips: Apply a silvery pink lip gloss such as MAC Lustreglass in Flusterose to the lips.

I Hate Angelina Jolie's Cannes Makeup!!!

2009-05-21T21:37:00.005-04:00

I know, "hate" is such a strong word but I seriously dislike Angelina Jolie's makeup at the Cannes screening of Inglorious Bastards. I realize that there are some people out there who rail at the fact that she usually wears same and simple makeup and a wardrobe of mostly black, but sometimes, you gotta stick with what works.

Its great to see Angie switch it up a bit with a bright pop of red lipstick but there's something that's not working for me here. Its not the lipstick color itself - its the red lipstick paired with a nude - pink dress (the colors of which do not seem to compliment each other), the red lipstick paired with a mostly sallow complexion and the red lipstick paired with a lighter hair color.

In general, I don't think the color of that dress is doing anything to brighten up her complexion. In fact, I think she would have looked amazing with the lip color if she wore an all black or white gown and kept her very dark hair. But there's something about this that just adds 10 years to her look - she appears tired, not vibrant.

If You're Shiny and You Know It, Blot Your Face!!

2009-05-20T17:44:00.006-04:00

I've probably prayed for really, really hot weather about 3,000 times in the last four months of disgusting Chicago weather. And then it happens - the heat and humidity set in, you start sweating, your face becomes an oil slick and you want to destroy every photo taken of you with said oil slick. Even celebrities aren't immune from "shiny face" - check out Padma L.

At least its only Padma's forehead that is shiny - my pet peeve is a shiny nose!! Sometimes just cleansing and toning don't cut it in the summer. So here's how to enjoy the summer without feeling like you have a Crisco mask on:
Blotting Papers

When you're shiny and you know it, whip out some trusty blotting papers to reduce the reflection. There are a ton of brands of blotting papers out now so you don't have to spend a fortune on these disposable products. Simply take a sheet of paper and press to your forehead and nose. Whether or not you get glee from looking at the sheet afterwards to see how much oil you picked up is, well, up to you! Repeat with a clean sheet if necessary. The glamour factor with blotting papers though is probably a zero - its a little weird so keep the action in private areas such as a restroom rather than blotting in public.

1. Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets - 50 sheets for $5.29

2. Shu Uemura Blotting Paper - 40 sheets for $12

3. Shiseido Pureness Oil Control Blotting Paper - 100 sheets for $17

4. NYX Blotting Paper - 50 sheets for $3

5. Brown Paper Napkins - $0

The NYX blotting sheets are a bargain at $0.06 per sheet but if you prefer to go high end, the Shiseido sheets are $0.17 each and you get a 100 - most likely enough to last you the whole summer.

If you're a true recessionista, you may want to more about option #5. That's right, brown paper napkins double as blotting papers and I know a few people that swear by these, particularly the ones in Starbucks. And since there's a Starbucks on practically every corner of this country now, if you forget your regular blotting papers feel free to stop on by and steal some napkins to pretty yourself up.

Blotting Powder

Now if you're so oily that blotting papers aren't going to do anything but disintegrate once they touch your face, consider purchasing blotting powder. In my opinion, blotting powder isn't ideal because you're probably tacking on makeup on top of makeup which will give you a more matte look. However, if its a necessity, consider some of these options:

1. MAC Pressed Blotting Powder - $21.00

2. IMAN Perfect Response Oil Blotting Powder - $14.99

I've used and loved the MAC Pressed Blotting Powder. Its very light and somewhat translucent so you don't need a perfect skin tone match. And I never found it to clog my pores, only provide a light veil to stop the oilies.

25% Off Becca Cosmetics!!!

2009-05-19T12:24:00.003-04:00

This recession/depression/repression (is it over yet??!!) is doing all of us ladies a favor by dragging down retail clothing prices but high end makeup costs never ever seem to budge, right? Well, today's your lucky day!!

Becca Cosmetics, which is known for its beautiful but natural makeup colors (think along the lines of Bobbi Brown rather than MAC if you've never tried the line), is having a 25% deal on its entire collection through the Daily Candy. Popular items from Becca include its Luminous Skin Color, Beach Tint and Glossy Lip Tint.

All you have to do is enter this code DCBECCA09 at checkout!

Happy shopping!

The Golden Girl is Baaack!

2009-05-19T09:35:00.000-04:00

The Spring/Summer 2009 trend of the season is shine! Both silver and gold are now a girl's best friends. So, bring on the dazzle as you brighten your day with a little shimmer or should I say...a lot of shimmer.

To play up the metallic look, the makeup should be modest with a little pizzaz around the eyes. Try not to overdo it and check this look out! The bright eyes with copper, pewter and gold are all blended into the other, yet the lips are a subtle pale pink. Or I think just choosing one of these eye brightening colors that matches a tone of metallic you are wearing - shoes, dress, etc. will really 'Wow!' the crowd.

Eyes: Sweep the eyelid area with a cream shadow in a light, neutral color sparingly to add staying power for your metallics. Try Givenchy's Prismissime Mat & Glow - Sunny shades which has the perfect match for the bronze on the eyelid and gold on the browbone. This shadow compact also lets you blend a matte shadow with the metallic to tone it down if necessary. Then for the platinum punch add a little Heavy Metal shadow by Lorac's Multi-Platinum Palette to the inner corner of the eye extending up to the brow and add a little shimmer to the lower lid for balance. Then apply the Dreamy shadow to the outer corner, again extending to the brow. Finally apply Lancome's Defincils black mascara to upper and lower lashes to finish the eyes. These are all available at Sephora.com (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P218907&categoryId=B70)
Lips: Try a pale pink or neutral color for the lips to really make sure the eyes steal the show. A great lipstick with a subtle shine is Sephora brand Rosy Mad which gives a soft pink shimmer to the lips or for a more matte look try Lorac's Babydoll cream lipstick.

Cheeks: The cheeks should have just a light wash of color looking as natural as possible. Laura Mercier's new Second Skin Cheek Color in Rose Petal fits just the bill for the summer heat.

Skin: Impeccable skin that again has a light hand and a matte finish is essential. Try DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation in a shade that matches your skin tone.

Most importantly remember to have fun with metallics and play with some colors like metallic blues, greens and even pinks!

We're Alive!!!

2009-05-18T23:56:00.005-04:00

Hi ladies!!

Sorry, for the lack of posts in the last week and a half. We've both been traveling with hectic schedules. New posts to come up this week!!

KG & GM

New Makeup Brushes at a Bargain

2009-05-06T11:45:00.019-04:00

It has been a couple years since I even thought about my makeup brushes. But recently, I noticed that my blush brush had become a little stiff and no matter what color blush I applied, they all kind of looked the same. Well, after a little research, I know better than to let so much time pass by. Here's what I learned about makeup brush maintenance:

The beauty experts recommend replacing brushes about once every year if possible and cleaning them once a month. Gently wash them with a clarifying shampoo or even baby shampoo, Woolite or dishwasher liquid. Then squeeze out excess water by laying them down flat between a towel and let it air dry. There are also some cleansers specially formulated to clean brushes which sometimes contain disinfectants or alcohol to help dry the bristles faster. These can be purchased online at Nordstrom.com - the one by MAC seems to be a popular choice.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/

Once the bristles grow really rough or start falling out, it's time to throw the brush away. Also, sharing make up brushes may lead to infection so make sure they are replaced or cleaned more frequently, especially ones that are used around the eyes or lips. Storing the brushes in a roll-up bag with separate slots instead of throwing them in with other makeup helps them stay clean longer as well.

Now that I had a refresher on how to maintain my brushes, I decided to purchase some new ones. I knew that I didn't want to spend a lot of money. However, there are some fantastic all natural brushes made of sable or goat hair that do last a long time if they can be maintained well. With a coupon from Ulta in hand, I visited their store while on vacation. As I walked around, I noticed they had several lines on sale but the real find was their clearance section. I found a fairly good quality Ulta blush brush on sale for $5 and even an eyebrow brush for $2.50. I love a good sale. And they even have some that are earth friendly made of bamboo and Taklon bristles http://www.ulta.com/ulta/

One other tip I have is to make sure each brush passes the Triple test: 1) Feel the brush on the back of your hand. If it's soft and light, buy it. If it's stiff, forget about it. 2) Brush your hand again going back and forth with the bristles and see if any strands fall out. If they do, don't buy it as the hairs are probably not glued very well. 3) Finally, pull some on some of the bristles lightly. Again, if the strands fall out, it is loosely glued so don't buy it.

I'm not sure if every Ulta store has a clearance section but hopefully the one near you does.

Steal the Look: Ujjwala Raut's Makeup from Michael Kors Fall '04

2009-05-05T16:49:00.002-04:00

Reader Divya asked us to do a makeup breakdown of one of Ujjwala Raut's looks from my Roop ki Rani post on the model. This look is from the Michael Kors Fall 2004 - true to most of Michael Kors' looks, the models had bronzed, rich looking skin.

To get the look:

Eyes: Apply a shimmery seashell pink eyeshadow such as MAC Eye Shadow in French Cuff all over the lids up until the crease. Apply a shimmery white shadow such as MAC Eye Shadow in Phloof! in the inner corners. Lightly line eyes, top and bottom, with a black eye pencil. Finish with black mascara.

Cheeks: Apply a rust colored blush such as MAC Mineralize Blush in Lovejoy or a deep bronzer along the perimeter of the face.

Lips: Apply a bit of highlighter in the upper "v" of the lip - you can use a slight bit of the shimmery white shadow used above on the eyes). Apply a sheer pink lip gloss such as MAC Tricolour Lip Gloss in Just Dessert to the lips.

Wet Bronze Eye Look

2009-05-02T17:00:00.001-04:00

This is a wet bronze look I did for a friend's birthday party last night...instead of just applying a bronze shadow dry to the eyelids, I applied the shadow wet for extra shine on the lids.

What I used:

YSL Touch Eclat #4 to prep my eyelids

Lorac Bronze Shadow applied wet all over eyelids

Lorac Spice Shadow applied wet in the outer corner of eyes and along lower lashes

MAC Smolder Eye Pencil along upper lashline and lower waterline

Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara

I combined the wet bronze look with pink blush and a slightly glossy light pink lip - when it warms up a little, I think I might go with a more hot pink lip!

Roop ki Rani: Ujjwala Raut

2009-05-02T09:00:00.006-04:00

Ujjwala Raut is one of the few Indian models who has graced the runways in both India as well as New York, Paris and Milan, solidifying her status as a truly international model. She won the Femina Look of the Year in the Miss India Pageant in 1996 and was among the Top 15 finalists in the Elite Model Look of the Year contest.

Ujjwala has walked for fashion shows such as Yves Saint Laurent, Roberto Cavalli, Hugo Boss, Cynthia Rowley, Diane von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabanna, Betsey Johnson, Gucci, Valentino, Oscar de la Renta and Emilio Pucci. She also has walked at the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show.

Ujjwala has been the face of ads of Dolce & Gabbana, Gap, H&M and Roberto Cavalli. In 2004, Ujjwala was the face of Yves Saint Laurent cosmetics, probably the first South Asian model to be the face of a major cosmetics company.

Ujjwala has been on a number of magazine covers such as those of Elle India and Femina India. And I remember when I saw Ujjwala in an editorial in U.S. Marie Claire a few years back - definitely very cool!!

Ujjwala took a short hiatus from the runway to start a family but it seems like she might be back to the runways!! She modeled for Spring 2009 shows like Gottex and at Lakme India Fashion Week for the Autumn/Winter 2009 shows.

Check out this video interview of Ujjwala on modeling from Ripe TV - it has some great clips of her on the runway.

I tried posting a slideshow of Ujjwala's pics on here but it didn't work out so well, so below are more photos:

Pro X, Olay's New Miracle Cream

2009-05-01T14:14:00.000-04:00

Post-pregnancy and dealing with toddlerhood - my skin is definitely not doing so well. So, when I recently came across the Olay Pro X line's starter set of day cream, night cream and eye cream, I was pretty excited to try it out. Overall, I thought the products were decent and worked well. However, I'm not sure about the younger looking skin in 28 days. Here's a quick breakdown:

Daytime Age Repair Lotion

http://www.olayprofessional.com/ageRepair.html
The lotion was good during the day - it absorbed quickly into my skin, didn't feel greasy and provided a matte finish which is perfect with/without makeup. However, I wish the SPF was slightly higher (it has SPF 30) - with a honey ethnic complexion, I tan so easily and can even get burnt sometimes.

Night Hydra-Firming Cream

http://www.olayprofessional.com/hydraFirming.html
This cream did fulfill what it promised - it moisturized really well. Although, I'm not a big fan of night creams because when I go to sleep, I like my face to feel really clean but somehow this one did not bother me as much. I have only used this for about a week so we'll see if my skin glows in a few more weeks.

Eye Restoration Complex

http://www.olayprofessional.com/eyeRestoration.html
Finally - an eye cream that seems to work...not! All of you moms of toddlers know what I'm talking about when I say I have bags and black circles (note the black and not dark). Even though now I'm getting a decent night's sleep, all those sleepless nights are catching up with me. I was praying that this eye cream would do the trick. Alas, I'm here to let you know that for me, no such luck :( But on the bright side, the cream is great for under makeup and does absorb well similar to the day cream.

But here is the catch - if you're like me and worried about some of those ingredients, especially when a toddler is trying to kiss Mamma's face twenty times a day, I wouldn't get this. The big one that caught my eye was Triethanolamine (TEA) in the day cream. So onward we go to find the fountain of youth!

Giorgio Armani Sheer Lipstick in 21 Bordeaux

2009-05-01T07:00:00.001-04:00

Have you ladies ever tried Giorgio Armani cosmetics? I view this cosmetics line as the "strong, silent type" - it doesn't necessarily make a huge splash in beauty news like MAC with its infinite number of collections but nevertheless delivers some great products.

One of my favorite GA products is the Sheer Lipstick in 21 Bordeaux. In fact, I almost done with this lipstick since purchasing it about a year ago and I can't believe I haven't blogged about it yet. Well, apologies for keeping this beauty gem a secret!!

One of the reasons I love this product is its amazing ability to be worn in a multitude of situations - day or night, at casual or more formal events. In addition, the texture of the Sheer Lipsticks is one of THE best I have tried hands down - hate matte lipsticks? Then try the GA Sheer Lipstick because the more your wear it, the more glossy and shiny the application. Just check out the photo above, which could easily pass as a gloss swatch! In fact, the GA Sheer Lipstick line reminds me a little of Clinique's Almost Lipstick line which is a cross between a lipstick and gloss.

As for the color that I love - 21 Bordeaux - well, I don't really find it that Bordeaux at all due to the sheer application. Its more of a sheer berry on me and as I build it up on my lips, the color gets a bit redder. The color is SO flattering on my skin tone that I wear it to work, the grocery store, out to dinner, out for drinks, to brunch...well, you get the idea! Here's some more of the pros (and very little cons):

Pros:

Awesome, glossy texture - perfect for spring and summer when you want a lighter, more sheer lipstick
Packaging is matte black and sleek
Contains a bit of shimmer, nothing overboard
No need for precise application
Super moisturizing
21 Bordeaux is a very flattering color for desi skin tones
Its so sheer you can also layer it on cheeks for a multi-tasking product - I do!

Cons:

The color is a teeny bit hard to build because the texture is so glossy but that's not necessarily a completely bad thing!
Pricier at $25

Let me know if any of you have tried the other colors in the GA Sheer Lipstick line and what you thought!!

Lakshmi Menon in Vogue India May 2009

2009-04-30T17:02:00.001-04:00

I love Lakshmi Menon's cover of Vogue India May 2009 - her hair, the statement necklace and the color of that dress!! I read somewhere that the color Lakshmi is wearing (sort of a coral pink) is the hot color for summer. Now if only Vogue India would start putting some other great Indian models on the cover!!

Below, check out the scans of Lakshmi's editorial in the May issue. The shot below of Lakshmi in a long white dress just makes me want to take a vacation!

Q&A with Donna Maggi from Nioxin

2009-04-30T15:41:00.002-04:00

Remember the Q&A session I did with Chicago based hair stylist Daniel Cerda? Well, here is a shorter Q&A session with Donna Maggi of Nioxin, where I asked her some of the questions on hair fall and achieving shine. Donna worked on some of the hair styles at the Fall 2009 New York Fashion Week. Donna touches on a good point in her answers which is to treat your scalp well, not just our hair, since that is where new hair growth occurs.

RC: I'm in my late 20s and I've noticed a lot of hair fall recently as have my friends. What is the cause, how do we prevent additional hair fall and what do we do to stop current hair fall?

Donna Maggi: Hair Loss has many causes including diet, stress as well as hormone changes. Let’s go through a check list. First, ask yourself if you have a well balanced diet. Are you experiencing a sudden weight loss or weight gain? Is there any stress in your home life or work? Do you have any health issues or do you take any medications? These things can all affect the condition of your hair including hair loss. Genetics can also play a part. Do you have a family member with thinning hair either on your mother’s or father’s side of the family?

Additionally, the environment can contribute to thinning hair. Do you protect your scalp from the sun or swim in chlorinated water? Do you frequent the gym? Over blow-drying the hair (heat damage) i.e. blowers, flat irons, curling irons, hot rollers can damage the hair. And a typical sign is if you see a lot of hair in your brush?

Ways to help: Use products that can care for the scalp first and the hair. Cleansing is very important. Try Nioxin’s 3 part System to care for the scalp skin where the hair begins. Use a wide tooth comb when hair is wet to protect the hair. When the hair is wet it is most fragile and likely to break. I like to think of the hair as fibers of silk. You would be very careful with a silk garment and would not be using anything harsh. The same thought can be applied when caring for the hair. Cleansing the hair after a workout is very important for removing any toxins from the scalp skin. We are all familiar with skincare for our face. This is skincare for the scalp. You simply cleanse, restore and activate with Nioxin’s three part system. Using styling products that can build up on the scalp and hair is not a good thing. Nioxin’s styling products can help address these needs. Try Nioxin’s Bliss Thermal Protector before you use heat for great protection.

RC: Imagine your model has a mass of thick, black curlyish hair that absorbs light like a black hole (this is me). What do I do to achieve shine on a daily basis with my natural texture without the grease?

DM: Most models use a lot of products to make the hair do something that it can never come close to doing naturally. Start by cleansing and gently removing all of the product build-up on the hair and scalp to create an optimal scalp environment. Next you need to restore moisture and resilience to the scalp and hair with Nioxin Scalp Therapy. Then activate the scalp and hair with Nioxin Scalp Treatment. Now that the hair is ready to style, use Nioxin styling products which do not contribute to the “grease” factor. A lot of people think that oil equals shine, but that is not the case at all. Oil is not moisture; in fact it clogs the hair follicle and makes the hair feel greasy. It is very important to apply products in a layering effect, which will help evenly distribute the products. I believe in order to achieve the best look, start with just a little and add more to achieve the desired style.

Hello Beauty Buffs!

2009-04-30T07:27:00.007-04:00

I am so excited to be here! When my lil' sis asked me to be a part of her beauty blog, I was thrilled. In fact, when I first heard that she was writing in a beauty blog, I wasn't surprised...she has some amazing talents and her knowledge of beauty products over the years has far surpassed mine. Who would've thought?

Ever since my adventure into my Mom's makeup collection at eight years old, giving myself and friends a makeover has always been a fun hobby of mine. Over the years and now that I'm a Mama for a 15-month old baby boy, there are more important things for me to consider when purchasing my beauty products than just colors and trends. So hopefully, I'll bring a slightly different perspective to Roop Cafe by discussing more natural products that actually work or ones that don't have as many yucky toxins! Look forward to having you all read up and your comments:)

Max Factor Vivid Impact Lip Color Swatches

2009-04-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

Here are my swatches for the four lipsticks I tried from the Max Factor Vivid Impact Lip Color line!! In the picture above, the lipsticks from left to right are 28 Rose Rage, 8 Sweet Tart, 36 Ablaze and 52 Romp.

52 Romp - Romp looks very purple in the case but its actual finish is an iridescent purply-pink. The color and the finish remind me of the '80s era but I still think the color is very pretty. This color would look best on dusky to darker toned ladies (for reference, think of the skin tone ranges of Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Joy Bryant and Iman). This color would be harder to wear for someone with a lot of yellow or green in their skin tone, such as South Asian and East Asian ladies with fairer tones or olive skinned Latinas (think of the skin tone ranges of Gong Li, Jennifer Lopez and Kareena Kapoor). If you can wear this color, though, it sure is an attention-getter!!

8 Sweet Tart - This is a creamy, slightly chalky, bright pink with a touch of coral. This was the least favorite of the lipsticks I tried because the chalkiness did not suit my skin tone. Sweet Tart would look best on fairer skin tones of all ethnicities (think Kareena Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai and Kim Kardashian).

36 Ablaze - Ablaze was one of my favorites of the four, next to Rose Rage. It is a tomato red (with a hint of orange) with a satin finish that makes it muy caliente for the summer!! I can't wait for a really warm day to wear this lip color with a sundress!! I actually applied to color below without lipliner and it did not bleed. This lip color is the most wearable for all skin tones as I believe it would look awesome on all skin tones from the fairest to the darkest. For reference, I probably have the approximately skin tone of Lara Dutta if we're thinking Bollywood or Alicia Keys if we're thinking Hollywood.

28 Rose Rage - Rose Rage is a creamy, light rose pink shade. It is another one of my favorites of the group and can be worn day or night, for a subtle or more loud look. For day, I dab it on and pop some pink lip gloss on top. For night, I apply it heavily for a bright pink look. It would also look good a range of skin tones although maybe slight less so than Ablaze. Very dark skin tones might find it a bit chalky but I think most women of color can pull it off.

Keep in mind that the Vivid Impact Lip Color line comes in different finishes that are not necessarily indicated on the case. For example, while 28 Rose Rage and 8 Sweet Tart are cream finishes, 52 Romp has an iridescent finish and 36 Ablaze has a more satin finish. I would use the testers at your local drugstore or Ulta to determine what color and finish suits you.

Max Factor Vivid Impact Lip Color

2009-04-25T16:03:00.009-04:00

April 2009 has been a whirlwind for me...so many changes which will definitely affect my life path - hopefully for the better. All through it, there is nothing like a great makeup product to pep me up on a down day!! And for this month, Max Factor Vivid Impact Lip Color definitely brightened up my days!

I was able to try several colors of the lip color - 28 Rose Rage (a rose pink), 52 Romp (an intense purple pink), 8 Sweet Tart (a candy pink) and 36 Ablaze (an intense coral). A swatch of 28 Rose Rage is pictured below. Reader and fellow blogger Indian Girl recently asked what lip color I was wearing in a recent post and Rose Rage is it. I love this color and have been using it frequently.

For someone that is used to the quality, texture and pigmentation of high end lipsticks, I was truly impressed with the Max Factor Vivid Impact Lip Colors.

Pros:

The texture of the lipsticks is smooth and easy to apply. Even when my lips were dry, there was zero flaking.
The pigmentation of the lipsticks were a definite plus of this line because they are well pigmented. The great advantage of this is that you get more for your moolah and you can apply it as light or heavy as you want depending on the look you are going for.
There is no need for a lipliner because the color does not bleed.
There is no awful artificial smell, one of things I hate about alot of drugstore lipsticks. There is no detectable scent at all.
The price is right! Each one retails for about $8. You may also be able to find a discount through your drugstore chain.

Cons:

The only con I can think of is that the color on the lipstick case doesn't always match the actual color of the lip color. For example, the color on the case of 28 Rose Rage appears much more muted than the color on my lips.

I'll be doing another post with lips swatches of all the Max Factor Vivid Impact Lip Colors that I tried, so look out for it!!

Steal the Look: America Ferrera's Makeup at Gotham Magazine Issue Launch

2009-04-21T19:56:00.001-04:00

At the latest Gotham magazine issue launch, on which America Ferrera is on the cover, the Ugly Betty actress looked amazing with raspberry colored lips, long black lashes and highlighted cheeks. Makeup artist Linda Hay did America's face. Reader A.J. asked us to do a breakdown of America's makeup, so here it is!!

How to get America's look:

Eyes: Apply a shimmery champagne shadow such as Bobbi Brown Metallic Eye Shadow in Gold Dust all over the eyelids. Concentrate some of the same shadow in the inner corner of the eyes to really make eyes pop. Apply a black liner such as Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink to the upper lash line, making the liner thicker as you approach the outer corners of the eyes. Apply a white eye liner such as Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Pencil in Pure White to the lower waterline of the eyes. Generously apply black mascara to the upper lashes.

Cheeks: Apply a pink cream blush such as Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pink Raspberry to the cheekbones. Apply a shimmery highlighting blush on top of cheekbones such as Bobbi Brown Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick. It looks like Linda Hay also applied a little blush to America's temples as well which helps to slim down the face.

Lips: Line lips with a pink liner such as Bobbi Brown Lip Liner in Ballet Pink. Apply Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lip Gloss in Ruby Sugar (this is the actual gloss color used - can't wait to try it, it looks amazing on her!).

Photo courtesy of Justjared.com

Introducing Glam Mamma!!

2009-04-20T18:13:00.004-04:00

Ladies,

I am very, very excited to introduce to you a new blogger here at Roop Cafe - Glam Mamma!!
Now Glam Mamma isn't just any beauty blogger. She's very special...why, you ask?

Well, Glam Mamma is actually my older sister who pretty much taught me everything I know about beauty. If any of you have an older sister or female cousin, you may have done some of the things I did when I was little such as stealing her makeup, stealing her clothes, watching her spend hours in front of the mirror doing her makeup, and generally copying everything she did, much to her annoyance!! Funnily, as the years went by, I would sometimes find that one of my holy grail makeup items mysteriously landed in her makeup bag....hmmm.

I'm really excited to be blogging with my beauty mentor now and hope you are excited to read some great posts!

As usual, feel free to email us at GlamMamma@gmail.com or kohlgirl@gmail.com with any of your questions, post ideas or feedback!

MAC Eye Shadow in Sushi Flower: My New Favorite Blush!!

2009-04-17T18:46:00.010-04:00

Multi-tasking beauty products include lipstick that can be used for blush or hair conditioner that can used as shaving cream...but what about eyeshadow that can double as a blush??

Well, not always, but if your shadow is the right color and texture, by all means use it as a blush!

I discovered this fantastic used for shadow when I bought MAC Eye Shadow in Sushi Flower, a bright candy pink shadow, even though I rarely wear pinks on my eyes. Sushi Flower has been sitting in my makeup bag for ages and I finally realized that the candy pink would look gorgeous as a spring blush.

I tried it out and here are the results -

I love the result and can't wait to use it for the rest of the spring and summer. The Sushi Flower shadow itself a satin formulation so it goes on as a super smooth blush with very fine shimmmer.

Try it out yourself and let me know what you think! Brightly colored shadows in a range of pinks, corals and peaches will no doubt look beautiful. Make sure colored shadows are in a matte or satin formulation - definitely nothing too shimmery. Additionally, you can use a finely milled champagne or gold shadow as a cheek highlighter!

Can Astrology Determine Beauty Trends?

2009-04-16T11:23:00.005-04:00

By now, you may have heard about the Financial Times April 11th article which declared that the famed Lipstick Index of 2001, which measures economic activity by monitoring lipstick sales (i.e. crashing stocks + unemployment = more women buying lip color), has now been replaced with the Foundation Index for the current gloomy times. According to FT, sales of foundation increased in 2008 while sales of lipstick actually fell.

The theory behind the Lipstick Index, which could also be applied to the new Foundation Index, is that women are more likely to spend money on a makeup product such as lipstick or foundation rather than splurge on clothing or other luxury items.

Now, there could be a theory behind the theory that comes from...astrology?! That's right, one of my favorite astrology blogs, Wall Street Weather, poses an explanation for the Foundation Index:

"Foundation’s growing popularity is reflected in the planetary cycles of Saturn in Virgo (Sep 2007-Jul 2010)* and Pluto in Capricorn (2008-2024), as Saturn and Capricorn rule the skin. These planetary energies demand more from a beauty product than a mere pick me up. They need to provide value and a natural yet polished appearance since these energies relate to work and professional reputation.

Saturn rules time and Virgo efficiency. Foundations at all brands and price points have become multitaskers, saving money by eliminating the need to purchase multiple products. Today’s foundations contain sunscreen, moisturizers, and ingredients that claim to correct uneven skin tone. The foundation trend will continue under Saturn in Libra (October 2009 - April 2010, Jul 2010- Oct 2012) as Saturn in this Venus-ruled sign values a radiant looking complexion."

What do you think? Do you believe in astrology? Think its a plausible explanation? There has been a noticeable shift from lip gloss and bronzers on the fashion runways to a very natural, bare-skinned look during the past few seasons which is telling and fits well with the explanation. I'd also be interested in learning whether sales of skincare products have also increased in addition to foundation.

If in fact the astrological explanation is true, we're looking at a major beauty trend of perfect, glowy looking skin for the next few years which will no doubt bring in additional innovations in facial makeup and skincare!

How to Create a Braided Chignon

2009-04-13T16:51:00.001-04:00

Loose hair, cascading over the shoulders is always lovely but what about those times when you just want to put your hair up, yet still look polished?

For as long as I can remember, I have had extremely long hair past my shoulders but more often than not, I put my hair up when I need to run errands and/or get work done. And after all these years, I have finally figured out how to create the perfect chignon.

First, what is a chignon? Its basically a bun or knot worn at the nape of the neck. At fashion week, whether its in New York or Paris or fall or spring, you can bet the the chignon will be on at least a few runways because it is just so classic.

I like to add a braid to the chignon because it adds a little twist to a classic look!!

How to create a braided chignon:

1. First, make sure your hair is long enough. Hair that is to or past the shoulders is of sufficient length - the shorter the hair, the more pins you'll need and the messier the chignon tends to look.

2. Work with "day-old" hair - that is, hair that was washed the day before rather than the day of. Hair is easier to work with when it is not freshly washed. Dampen dry hair just a bit with water and if you didn't use any styling product after washing, use a bit of mousse for hold.

3. Brush or comb hair back into a low ponytail. The ponytail should be at about the height of your ears. Secure with a rubber band. Its your choice whether to part hair or leave it unparted - I prefer a side part.

4. Braid the hair from the rubberband down. Secure the end of the braid with another rubber band. For me braiding the hair, rather than twisting it up into a bun immediately, is KEY in order to tuck in all the shorter layers you might have.

5. Wind the braid into a bun. Wind the braid around the base of the ponytail around and around in a circle until you come to the end of the tail. While holding the chignon in place, put yet another rubber band around the chignon to hold it in place.

6. Secure the braided chignon with pins. Hold the braided bun in place with the "U"-shaped hair pins. For fine hair, the thin metal pins work well. If you have thick hair like mine, try the Scunci Magic-Grip Hair Pins, which you can find at Walgreens or CVS. These plastic pins withstand really thick hair without bending in half as I have experienced with the thin metal pins!

7. Set the braided chignon. Spray hair lightly with hairspray and you're done!

Steal the Look: Bipasha Basu's Makeup at Filmfare Magazine Issue Launch

2009-04-12T14:47:00.010-04:00

At the launch of the latest Filmfare magazine issue, Bipasha excelled at pulling off a natural makeup look while still looking sophisticated. Her eyes were accentuated with ultra long lashes and her skin glowed in golds.

To get the look:

Eyes: Apply a golden peach shimmery shadow such as Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Seashell all over the eyelids from lashline until eyebrow. Line both the top and bottom lashline with a dark brown shadow such as Revlon Matte Shadow in Rich Sable. Wet the liner brush slightly to make it easier to apply. Bipasha clearly has false lashes on so opt for a strip of false lashes or a super lengthening mascara such Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara in Glam Black, which I recently reviewed.

Cheeks: Achieving glowy cheeks like Bipasha's is simple. Simply pop a tawny pink blush such as Bobbi Brown Blush in Tawny on the apples and brush towards to the temples. Then pop a highlighter blush such as NARS Highlighting Blush in Albatross on the cheekbones and blend.

Lips: Apply a apricot pink lip gloss to the lips. Chanel Aqualumiere Lip Gloss in Candy Glow matches Bipasha's lip color perfectly.

Photo courtesty of Filmicafe

Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Shampoo and Conditioner Review

2009-04-11T13:09:00.000-04:00

Having blogged about Padma Lakshmi in the Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Line ads, I tried the products myself to see if my hair looked as good as Padma's in the commercial! The Nature Fusion line comes in a Moisture Balance shampoo and conditioner and a Smooth Vitality shampoo and conditioner.

I used the Moisture Balance line and was quite surprised at the results of the line. A lot of drugstore brands do a mediocre job, but the shampoo cleansed my hair and scalp well without stripping the moisture out. The conditioner, which I thought would leave my hair weighed down, actually moisturized my hair but didn't make my scalp greasy.

The consistent results for me are shiny, bouncy and moisturized hair. My hair has been significantly less frizzy and I notice a bit more shine as well. I'm actually in interested in seeing what the difference is between the Smooth Vitality Line and the Moisture Balance line since the latter does such a great job of smoothing already.

The shampoo and conditioner each retail for about $4.99.

Makeup Artist Ann Orcutt's Favorite Drugstore Buys

2009-04-10T11:23:00.009-04:00

The New York Times recently interviewed Ann Orcutt, makeup artist to celebrities, on her favorite drugstore makeup products.

While I wasn't surprised by some of her picks, there were others that I am intrigued by! For example, Orcutt likes both L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara and L'Oreal Le Grand Kohl Eyeliner Pencil, two products that I used for ages and have blogged about before. I'm not surprised she chose these staples because they are of great quality. Orcutt also recommends Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector, stating “This is practically an exact copy of the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiant Touch Highlighter, which costs about $40." As someone who is addicted to the Touche Eclat, I had to raise my eyebrows at her comparison....hmmm, I forsee a beauty battle post coming up to compare these two products!!

Here is the full list of Orcutt's cheap beauty buys:

1. Cover Girl AquaSmooth Compact Foundation ($9.79)

2. Cover Girl Cheekers Blush ($4.39)

3. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara ($7.50)

4. L'Oreal Le Grand Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Black Sable ($8.49)

5. Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eye Shadow Quad ($6.99)

6. Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Gloss ($6.99)

7. L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lip Liner ($8.99)

8. Cover Girl TruBlend Microminerals Finishing Veil ($12.99)

9. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector ($9.00)

10. Olay Foaming Face Wash ($4.49)

Freida Pinto's Lip Color in Vogue India March 2009

2009-04-09T16:33:00.006-04:00

If you read my post on Freida Pinto gracing the cover of the Vogue India March 2009 cover, you will remember that I was obsessing over her rich, wine colored lipstick. I finally, FINALLY, found out the name of the lip color. I had heard rumors of what it was on the web but I decided to ask the source - Vogue India - to find out what lippie it was, once and for all.

Geeta Rao, who is the beauty editor at Vogue India and who writes her own blog, was nice enough to answer my question in her blog. Geeta wrote:

"KOHL GIRL wanted to know the colour of Frieda Pinto’s lipstick on the Vogue cover. I wrote to Gucci Westman who did Frieda’s make-up at the New York shoot and she said it is Colorstay Liquid lipstick in Superb Sangria – I think this is Revlon’s Colorstay."

Thanks to both Geeta and Gucci!! So there you have it - the Freida's lip color is the new Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in Superb Sangria. And yes, I will definitely be running out and purchasing it and doing my own lip swatch/review, so stay tuned!!

Slow Blogging Week

2009-04-07T23:31:00.002-04:00

Hi ladies!

Sorry for the lack of posts this week...its a bad week for me but I hope to post soon once I get some other tasks cleared up. Thanks for your patience!!

In the meanwhile, let me know if there are any particular products or celebrity breakdowns you'd like me to do - send me an email or leave it in the comments!

Battle of the Drugstore Mascaras: Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara vs. Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara

2009-04-02T18:36:00.011-04:00

Given the dire state of the economy, its hard to believe that at one point in my life, I was so footloose and fancy free that I actually spent around $25 or so on my holy grail mascara - YSL Faux Cils Mascara. This mascara really did give me fake looking lashes - or so some of my girl friends said. However, about a year ago I realized what a waste it is to spend that kind of moolah on something you are supposed to throw out in 3 months anyways. Grudgingly, I gave it up and settled for a similar drugstore brand that was good, but not amazing.

Enter Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume Blasting Mascara. The first time I tried Lash Blast, about 6 months ago, I knew it was possible that I may never go back to the YSL. It gave my lashes a equally long and voluminous look as the YSL mascara and well, was faux looking. And it was so cheap! And then, funnily, other drugstore brands must have viewed Lash Blast's success and started producing lengthening + volumizing mascaras similar to Lash Blast....for example, Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Mascara. When I tried on Colossal Volume a month ago, I was equally giddy with the results and I KNEW a battle of the drugstore mascaras was ON.

Maybelline Colossal Volume Mascara in Glam Black

Colossal Volume has a traditional bristle brush, thick and layered in the middle and tapered towards the end. The formula is generally good although I noticed it is slightly drying to my lashes, especially in comparison to the Cover Girl Lash Blast.

The separation and length provided by the Colossal Volume was fantastic - look at the photo immediately above for evidence. The photo was taken right after I had applied several coats to my lashes and I did not even comb out my lashes. Yet my lashes look close to perfect, at least in my opinion!

The packaging is a fat, bright yellow tube. Some people might be bothered by the fatness of the handle but I did not find it uncomfortable to use. It retails for around $6 but you could likely get it for less with drugstore deals.

Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black

Cover Girl Lash Blast departs from the traditional bristle brush standard and uses a spiky rubber bristled brush instead. As a result, the feel of the application is much smoother and softer than a traditional bristle brush.

The formula is thicker and less drying than the Colossal Volume. While the length and volume the mascara produces is amazing, it doesn't yield as good of separation as the Colossal Volume. Notice in the photo above how my lashes tend to stick together a little bit more than in the photo of the Colossal Volume Mascara. I generally don't care about separation as long as my lashes are lengthened and volumized but this might be an important point for some of you ladies.

Lash Blast comes in a fat orange tube and the handle is enormous. Again, a lot of people might prefer a more dainty handle but I didn't mind it at all. It retails for around $7.50 but you can likely get a lower price through drugstore deals.

WINNER: Its a TIE!! Really, I could not pick between the two because they were both fantastic! So how to decide between the two when you are at the drugstore?? Pick the Maybelline Colossal Volume (in the photo above it is on the left) if you want super long lashes that are well separated. Pick the Cover Girl Lash Blast (in the photo above it is on the right) if you want more volume to go along with your very long lashes and like a rubber bristle brush.

Steal the Look: Kareena Kapoor's Makeup in Jab We Met

2009-04-02T13:43:00.003-04:00

Roop Cafe reader Anshu asked us to do a breakdown of Kareena Kapoor's subtle makeup in Jab We Met. Have you seen this film with Kareena and Shahid (made in the pre-Kareena + Saif days)? If not, go see it! It came out a while ago but it is actually one of the better Hindi films I have seen in a while...its nothing serious, just a typical Hindi film with a cute romantic comedy storyline - great for those times you want to watch a movie where not much analysis is involved!
Anyways, the makeup breakdown is from Kareena's look in the song Nagada Nagada - I posted a YouTube video of the song below- enjoy!!

To get the look:

Eyes: Although the entire look is subtle, Kareena's eyes are the focus. First, apply a shimmery peach tone shadow such as MAC Eye Shadow in Arena all over the lid up until the crease. Be sure to choose a shimmery peach that is slightly darker than your skin tone so that the color pops out, as in the above photo.

Apply a shimmery beige shadow such as MAC Eye Shadow in Bisque that matches your skin tone from crease to the brow. Blend colors together where they meet. Apply a dark brown shadow such as MAC Eye Shadow in Tempting in the crease to contour the eyelids and blend with the peach shadow. Use a smudgy black eye pencil such as MAC Eye Khol in Smolder to line top and bottom lashlines. Also apply the black eye pencil to the lower waterline.

Cheeks: Apply a light dusting of peachy tan blush such as MAC Blush in Peachtwist to the cheeks. Light application to simply wake up your complexion is key - there is no bronzed effect here!

Lips: Line lips with a nude lip pencil to give the illusion of fuller lips. Apply a pinky nude lipstick such as MAC Lipstick in Jubilee to the lips.

Is Society's Beauty Obsession Affecting Young Girls?

2009-04-01T23:09:00.007-04:00

Newsweek released an article this week entitled "Generation Diva: How Our Obsession With Beauty is Changing Our Kids." The frightening premise of the article is that our society's beauty obsession has seeped into the youngest generations making little girls grow up way too fast and in turn, hurting their self-esteem. As examples, Newsweek cites the TLC reality show "Toddlers and Tiaras" (Have you seen it? Sooo weird!) as well as market research reports that the age of ladies using cosmetics is decreasing at an alarming rate.

The article is pasted below. What do you think of the premise of the article? Tell me in the comments!

I mostly agree with the article's theory that society is creating little divas by being too focused on image. My parents definitely did not approve of a face full of makeup, hair coloring (even to this day!) or leg shaving when my sister and I were growing up. Yet take a turn at your local mall and you'll notice little girls with makeup, highlights, the works!! The main negative I see in this is that the age that the girls are at should be the time to really focus on school to build self-esteem - rather, as one mom in the article points out, school is not much of a priority for her daughter.

Its very sad but the one point I will bring up is that at least little ladies of today are in a society where we are more aware of bringing diversity to beauty images whether or not we are fully diversified. I hardly ever saw women of color in magazines when I was in grade school besides an odd editorial with Naomi Campbell. Now we are a bit more lucky that players in the beauty world are beginning to understand that they can't sell their product without appealling to a wider audience. I'm not trying to justify the fact that beauty companies are pushing their products to the tween set but at least there is a positive.

Generation Diva
How our obsession with beauty is changing our kids.

There's a scene in "Toddlers & Tiaras," the TLC reality series, where 2-year-old Marleigh is perched in front of a mirror, smothering her face with blush and lipstick. She giggles as her mother attempts to hold the squealing toddler still, lathering her legs with self-tanner. "Marleigh loves to get tan," her mom says, as the girl presses her face against the mirror.
Marleigh is one of many pageant girls on the show, egged on by obsessive mothers who train their tots to strut and swagger, flip their hair and pout their lips. I watch, mesmerized by the freakishness of it all, but wonder how different Marleigh is from average girls all across America. On a recent Sunday in , I stumble into a spa that brands itself for the 0 to 12 set, full of tweens getting facialed and glossed, hands and feet outstretched for manis and pedis. "The girls just love it," says Daria Einhorn, the 21-year-old spa owner, who was inspired by watching her 5-year-old niece play with toy beauty kits.

Sounds extreme? Maybe. But this, my friends, is the new normal: a generation that primps and dyes and pulls and shapes, younger and with more vigor. Girls today are salon vets before they enter elementary school. Forget having mom trim your bangs, fourth graders are in the market for lush $50 haircuts; by the time they hit high school, $150 highlights are standard. Five-year-olds have spa days and pedicure parties. And instead of shaving their legs the old-fashioned way—with a 99-cent drugstore razor—teens get laser hair removal, the most common cosmetic procedure of that age group. If these trends continue, by the time your tween hits the years, she'll have spent thousands on the beauty treatments once reserved for the "Beverly Hills, 90210" set, not junior highs in Madison, Wis.

Reared on reality TV and celebrity makeovers, girls as young as Marleigh are using earlier, spending more and still feeling worse about themselves. Four years ago, a survey by the showed that, on average, women began using beauty products at 17. Today, the average is 13—and that's got to be an overstatement. According to market-research firm Experian, 43 percent of 6- to 9-year-olds are already using lipstick or lip gloss; 38 percent use hairstyling products; and 12 percent use other cosmetics. And the level of interest is making the girls of "Toddlers & Tiaras" look ordinary. "My daughter is 8, and she's like, so into this stuff it's unbelievable," says , a Brooklyn social worker. "From the clothes to the hair to the nails, school is like No. 10 on the list of priorities."

Much has been made of the oversexualization of today's tweens. But what hasn't been discussed is what we might call their "diva-ization"—before they even hit the tween years. Consider this: according to a NEWSWEEK examination of the most common beauty trends, by the time your 10-year-old is 50, she'll have spent nearly $300,000 on just her hair and face. It's not that women haven't always been slaves to their appearance; as Yeats wrote, "To be born woman is to know … that we must labour to be beautiful." But today's girls are getting caught up in the beauty maintenance game at ages when they should be learning how to read—and long before their beauty needs enhancing. Twenty years ago, a second grader might have played clumsily with her mother's lipstick, but she probably didn't insist on carrying her own lip gloss to school.

New Methods, Old Message. Why are this generation's standards different? To start, this is a group that's grown up on pop culture that screams, again and again, that everything, everything, is a candidate for upgrading. These girls are maturing in an age when older women are taking ever more extreme measures, from Botox to liposuction, to stay sexually competitive. They've watched bodies transformed on "Extreme Makeover"; faces taken apart and pieced back together on "I Want a Famous Face." They compare themselves to the overly airbrushed models in celebrity and women's magazines, and learn about makeup from the girls of "Toddlers & Tiaras," or the show's WEtv competitor, "Little Miss Perfect." And while we might make fun of the spoiled teens on MTV's "My Super Sweet 16," these shows raise the bar for what's considered over the top.

A combination of new technology and the Web, is responsible—at least in part—for this transformation in attitudes. Ads for the latest fashions, makeup tips and grooming products are circulated with a speed and fury unique to this millennium—on millions of ads, message boards and Facebook pages. Digital cameras come complete with retouching options, and anyone can learn how to use Photoshop to blend and tighten and thin. It's been estimated that girls 11 to 14 are subjected to some 500 advertisements a day—the majority of them nipped, tucked and airbrushed to perfection. And, according to a University of Minnesota study, staring at those airbrushed images from just one to three minutes can have a negative impact on girls' self-esteem. "None of this existed when I was growing up, and now it's just like, in your face," says Solomon, 30. "Kids aren't exempt just because they're young."

What that means for kids in the long term is effort and money washed down the drain each night, along with the remnants of a painted face. It's constant, and exhausting. I should know: at 27, my daily maintenance regimen takes at least an hour, and I own enough products to fill a large closet, not to mention a savings account. I have three shades of tanning lotion and $130 Crème de La Mer face cream I use so sparingly it defeats the purpose of having it, and 34—I counted this morning—varieties of lip balm, gloss and tint. I have hair wax and cream, a balm that's made of latex, surf spray for when I want that weathered look, and grooming cream to get rid of it. And I haven't even started to look at the anti-aging products yet.
This is what the 11-year-olds of the world have to look forward to—times 10. Eight- to 12-year-olds in this country already spend more than $40 million a month on beauty products, and teens spend another $100 million, according the NPD Group. This trend seems unaffected by the tanking economy: cosmetic surgery procedures dipped slightly last year, but cosmetics sales have increased between 1 and 46 percent, depending on the product, according to the Nielsen Co.

Forever Out of Reach. There's no evidence to prove that women who start primping early will primp more as they get older, but it's a safe assumption that they won't slow down. And what that means, say psychologists, is the evolution of a beauty standard that's becoming harder to achieve. New statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery show that cosmetic- surgery procedures performed on those 18 and younger have nearly doubled over the past decade. , the society's president, says that nearly 14 percent of Botox injections are given in the 19 to 34 age group—and while his trade group doesn't break down those ages any more specifically, he's seen a significant increase in the younger end of that group, seeking treatments as preventative. "I think what we've done is level the playing field, in that someone who may not have had great exposure to these things before—say, on a farm in Iowa—has the same options available to them," says Gold, who runs a private practice in Great Neck, N.Y. "Thomas Friedman has written how the world is flat economically. Well, it's getting flatter in terms of aging and appearance, too."

But if the world is flat, and impossible standards have become ubiquitous, can a person ever be satisfied with the way they look? In Susie Orbach's new book, "Bodies," the former therapist to Princess Diana argues that good looks and peak fitness are no longer a biological gift, but a ceaseless pursuit. And obsession at an early age, she says, fosters a belief that these are essential components of who we are—not, as she puts it, "lovely add-ons." "It primes little girls to think they should diet and dream about the cosmetic-surgery options available to them, and it makes body the primary place for self-identity."

The body, of course, cannot carry the weight of that—and these days, body dissatisfaction begins in grammar school. According to a 2004 study by the Dove Real Beauty campaign, 42 percent of first- to third-grade girls want to be thinner, while 81 percent of 10-year-olds are afraid of getting fat. "When you have tweens putting on firming cream"—as was revealed by 1 percent of girls in an NPD study—"it's clear they're looking for imaginary flaws," says Harvard psychologist Nancy Etcoff.

Which can lead to very real consequences—and a hefty debt. A lifetime of manis and pedis could cover four years at a public university; hair and face treatments would pay for a private college. "I think it's a very interesting time for girls, in that what we all grew up believing—that you have to play the hand you're dealt—is no longer true," says screenwriter Nora Ephron, who has written often on women and beauty. "In some sense, you really can go out and buy yourself a better face and a different body."

If tweens can be convinced they need to spend to perfect their already youthful skin, it's hard to imagine what they'll believe at 40. And with all the time they'll spend thinking about it, it's even harder to imagine all they're missing along the way.

via Newsweek.com

Roop Cafe Giveaway Winner: Sothys Desquacrem and Spicy Shower Gel

2009-03-31T23:20:00.004-04:00

Thanks to all the Roop Cafe readers that entered the Sothys giveaway for the Desquacrem and the Spicy Shower Gel!

And our winners are......

DALIA H. - Sothys Desquacrem

Anntje - Sothys Spicy Shower Gel

Congratulations (I sort of feel like a game show host!!) to our winners and looking forward to hosting more giveaways!

Jemma Kidd Makeup School Iridescent Eye Silk Crayon

2009-03-30T22:50:00.005-04:00

Hi ladies! Sorry for the delay in my posts...I was out of town this weekend and the travel became more hectic than I thought - but I am back now!

I did a little bit of makeup shopping on Saturday and found a great product that I wanted to share with you - its the Jemma Kidd Makeup School Iridescent Eye Silk Crayon. Quite a long name!!

I have a love of all types of eye pencils (you already probably got that from my pseudonym) but I especially love chubby eye pencils. Of all the chubby eye pencils I have tried, the Jemma Kidd Iridescent Eye Silk Crayon is one of the best I have tried!!

First, the Crayon has a fabulous texture. Just like the name implies, it literally glides on, very softly and almost like silk. There was absolutely no tugging at all during the application. The texture is great if you want to line eyes or if you want to smudge the product into the eyelid like a shadow.

Second, the Crayon comes in a range of extremely pretty colors that are especially well suited to spring - Mercury (silvery white), Jade (jade green), Amethyst (royal purple), Tigers Eye (very dark brown) and Ocean (turquoise).

I tried on both the Tigers Eye and Amethyst. Tigers Eye was a great everyday color that went on easily and was smudgeable. As for Amethyst, I am recommending this shade to all you brown-eyed ladies out there!! Sorry, I tried finding a pic of the Crayon in Amethyst so you could see it but I could not find anything. Regardless, my friends loved the color on me and it really made my brown eyes pop.

So if you are looking for a great new eye pencil in something other than boring black, the Jemma Kidd Iridescent Eye Silk Crayon is a must have, especially in the Amethyst shade!!

Battle of the Drugstore Hair Mousse: Aussie Instant Freeze Sculpting Mousse and L'Oreal Vive Pro Glossy Curls Mousse

2009-03-24T20:11:00.012-04:00

Another product battle!! I love writing these posts that suss out the differences between two seemingly similar products!

Those of you with wavy or curly hair that need some hold to define your style without the crunch factor should try using hair mousse this spring rather than a gel (save it for the summer) or a cream (which tends not to have hold). Coating your strands with a bit of mousse is a good way to keep the frizzies at bay especially during those April showers. So which drugstore mousse won when I ran my experiment?

Aussie Instant Freeze Sculpting Mousse

Don't you love it when something you have very little expectations of suprises you?! When I grabbed this Aussie mousse at the drugstore, I was really just in need of a basic mousse that delivered hold. Well, this mousse delivers that and more. First, while there is hold with this product, there is surprisingly no crunch factor despite the term "freeze" in the name - I was left with soft, yet defined curls. Second, and a plus factor, is that I felt that the product moisturized my hair better than a lot of styling products that I have used in recent months. As a result, my hair looked shinier than normal while retaining some body.

Ingredients: Water , Isobutane , Polyquaternium-4 , Propane , Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract Australian White Ginger , Prunus Serotina Bark Extract Wild Cherry , Humulus Lupulus Extract Hops , Propylene Glycol , Fragrance , C9-11 Pareth-8 , DMDM Hydantoin , Disodiium EDTA , Panthenol , Citric Acid

L'Oreal Vive Pro Glossy Curls Mousse

I almost always get tricked by packaging of beauty products - I was almost certain that the gold-tinted exterior of the L'Oreal mousse would result in better hair results than the Aussie mousse. Boy, was I wrong! Now, to be fair, the L'Oreal product was not bad -just mediocre. I found that it did not provide as much hold as I would have liked and it did not provide much moisture - in fact, it had a tendency to dry out my hair like a hair gel. And I'm always disappointed when the name of the product does not match up to the results - no glossy curls here unfortunately!

Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Isobutane, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Propane, Phenoxyethanol, Triacetin, Polyquaternium 4, Aminomethyl Propanol, PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Polysorbate 20, Methylparaben, PEG 40, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat protein, Amodimethicone, Linalool, 2 Oleamido 1, 3 Octadecanediol, Quaternium 87, Trideceth 12, Limonene, Citronellol, Alpha Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxyisohexyl 3 Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Cetrimonium Chloride

THE WINNER: Aussie Instant Freeze Sculpting Mousse

Roop Ki Rani: Madhubala

2009-03-22T20:00:00.003-04:00

Finally, the first installment of the Roop ki Rani beauty icon series...Seeing as this blog was started by two desi women, I had to start with a desi beauty icon - the incomparable Madhubala.

Aishwarya Rai may be dubbed "The Most Beautiful Woman in the World," but even today Hindi film actress Madhubala is widely regarded as possibly the most beautiful actress that Bollywood has produced. She starred in a number of Hindi films in the 1950s and 1960s, including Basant, Mahal and the ever famous Mughal-e-Azam.

Interestingly, in the 1950s, Madhubala attracted attention from Hollywood. U.S. filmmaker Frank Capra had proposed a meeting to discuss Madhubala's welcome into Hollywood although her father was against this and thus ended any hopes for her in Hollywood.

Here is a You Tube video of one of the most renowned songs from Mughal-e-Azam...her dancing is just amazing!

In the present, Madhubala still ranks at the top of polls and surveys as one of the most popular Hindi film actresses ever, most likely due to her ability to change characters in her films so convincingly, from courtesan to heiress to village girl. Wikipedia states that no other vintage Hindi film actress has as large of a video sharing presence on You Tube as Madhubala.

Although our image of Hindi film of the past is a conservative one, Madhubala actually broke some barriers by portraying western and even vamped up characters in her films - a bold move in India back in the 1950s!!

Sadly, Madhubala's love life wasn't without conflict and she passed away at a fairly young age due to illness.

As for her beauty looks, Madhubala pulled off the traditional kajal lined heroine just as well as the red-lipstick'd siren. Her eyebrows were well defined for facial expression, similar to the Hollywood actresses of her time. Her hair was often put up or into braids depending on her role, but with noticeable curls framing her face.

Notice in her photos that a white liner was often used to line the lower waterline to make her eyes look larger. This is a trick that was used back in the old days and even now to draw attention to the eyes! For Madhubala's films, however, this trick was especially significant where emotions and expressions were sometimes only conveyed through the eyes rather than through body language.

Biography info via Wikipedia

Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain

2009-03-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

I've been dying to try the Pat McGrath-created Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain and the Walgreens by where I live finally stocked the stains. As proof that women are gaga over this product, every single one of the lipstain products was gone when I stopped by the Walgreens with the exception of one lipstain in Bit of Blossom.

Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain comes in bright markers with a felt tip. At first it was a little weird to apply what looks like a magic marker to the lips but the lipstain is so easy to use, I quickly got over it.

To apply, simply take the marker and outline lips first and then go over the line with your finger to rub it in a bit. Then, fill in lips with the marker until all areas of the lips are filled in. Press lips together and you're done. Above is my lips, one coat of the Cover Girl Lipstain and below is two coats of the Cover Girl Lipstain.

After applying the stain, you can either wear it alone, apply lipstick or a colored lip gloss to kick up the color a bit or apply a clear lip gloss for a more natural look. The stain is a bit drying so if you're used to using gloss, like me, you might want to try a bit of gloss on top for moisture. Below is the Cover Girl Lipstain with one coat of berry lipstick.

Like other stains, Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain is great for women who would like to try bright lip colors but are wary of trying anything too opaque in texture. Plus, there is no need to worry about embrassing smudges on your teeth with this.

Roop Cafe Giveaway: Sothys Desquacrem and Spicy Shower Gel

2009-03-21T12:57:00.010-04:00

Happy Saturday, ladies!! To start off the weekend on a great note, Roop Cafe will be doing its first giveaway!!

The giveaway is for French skincare brand Sothys' Desquacrem and Spicy Shower Gel. There will be 2 winners - one winner will receive Sothys' Desquacrem and the other winner will receive Sothys' Spicy Shower Gel.

For this giveaway, simply list a comment in the comments section with your email address or email me at kohlgirl@gmail.com and we will select the two winners at random! This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only (sorry, I know I have some great readers outside of the U.S. as well so I will work on this for future giveaways). The giveaway will close at midnight on Sunday, March 29th!

Desquacreme is a deep pore face treatment that has clarifying and astringent active ingredients to help eliminate persistent deep impurities, including sebum trapped in skin follicle, and to help create a radiant complexion. It comes in the form of an emulsion and is meant to be used after regular cleansing to remove impurities without the harshness of an exfoliant. More importantly, Desquacrem has gotten consistently great reviews on Makeupalley for being able to remove blackheads and other clogged pores. Price: $30 for 1.69 oz.

Spicy Shower Gel is a cleansing amber gel with spicy hints that leaves the skin soft and delicately scented. Per the website, the gel "contains a high concentration of natural active ingredients derived from essential oils which gives exceptional effects on the body, mind and soul. The power of essential oils such as Cinnamon, Cardaman, Ginger, Cloves, Mandarin and Nutmeg, work its way through the layers of the skin providing it with moisture, improving skin’s elasticity, increasing the suppleness of the skin and creating a protective film to the skin, whilst maintaining a sensational aroma which energizes the body and mind…." Price: $24 for 8 oz.

Padma Lakshmi in Ocean Drive Magazine February 2009

2009-03-19T21:06:00.008-04:00

For any Padma Lakshmi fans out there, the Top Chef hostess graced the February 2009 cover of Miami based Ocean Drive magazine. The photos and poses aren't particularly ground breaking...I would have loved to see a outdoor setting like Kareena's Harper's Bazaar cover, but Padma looks pretty and the clothes are nice and spring-y!

via Ocean Drive Magazine

TIGI Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo

2009-03-18T20:19:00.005-04:00

I'm not normally an advocate of not grooming oneself, such as skipping a shampoo. However, there are circumstances, such as running late or being lazy (both of which factor heavily in my life), when you are entitled to exit your home with slightly less than clean hair.

So, then, what to do about hiding your less than clean hair from the masses?

In a conundrum one night when I was due to meet friends in a measly 20 minutes, I grabbed a can of TIGI Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo and sprayed it on my roots. And magically, my greasies disappeared with a few sprays!

To use, basically shake the can, position it a few inches away from your head, and spray onto your roots. The product comes out slightly whitish but once you run a brush or fingers through the hair, the product disappears.

For me, the results of the product were fantastic. Any oiliness at my roots disappeared instantly. Also, the dry shampoo has a slightly flowery smell which helps mask smoke smells. The product does mattify the hair a bit so you lose some shine at the roots, but hey, its better than greasiness!

Besides being great for extending a blowout or other hairstyle for one more day, the Dirty Secret dry shampoo would be great for updos where you need a little bit of texture to make the style "hold."

I paid around $18 for Dirty Secret dry shampoo but I found it here for a little more than $16.

Lakshmi Menon in Dazed and Confused Magazine April 2009

2009-03-17T11:46:00.014-04:00

Lakshmi Menon hits the April 2009 cover of Dazed and Confused magazine. The use of bold colors and gold and bronze metallics against the solid colored background creates a really stunning editorial, in my opinion.

From a beauty perspective, Lakshmi works the gold monochromatic look well. To get Lakshmi's gilded eyes, apply a white gold eye shadow such as MAC Shadow in Femme Fi or Nylon to the eyes (apply wet, for additional drama).

Guerlain "Kiss Kiss" Lip Swatches

2009-03-16T21:31:00.009-04:00

I recently had the privilege of trying some samples of Guerlain KissKiss lip products...normally, the Guerlain counter isn't my first pit stop when I go beauty shopping but I have to say that I really enjoyed the texture and colors of the KissKiss products - and I love the name!

Here are four of the products I tried:

KissKiss Stick Gloss 940 Vanilla Beige - This actually felt like more of a lipstick than a gloss so I would dub it a "cream" gloss which comes in a tube. The color pay off was quite good and it was super moisturizing.

KissKiss Maxi Shine Lipstick 621 Cherry Shine - You can't tell from the photo, but in real life, Cherry Shine looks like the same exact color as the ruby red slippers in the Wizard of Oz. It is a really beautiful color that would look great on all skin tones.

Guerlain KissKiss Gloss 865 Rose Tentation - A pretty pink gloss but with pigmented lips, I think this was too light for me. The texture was great though.

Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick in 523 Exces de Rouge - And finally, this product was without a doubt, the most fire engine red lip color I have ever worn! Sephora describes it as a "berry red" but on me, it was definitely a fire engine red. This product would take some serious confidence - it was fun to wear at home but I don't know if I could pull it off outside the confines of my home! The texture was superb though and I can't wait to try the other colors.

Q & A with Sebastian Hair Stylist Daniel de la Cerda

2009-03-12T15:18:00.002-04:00

I imagine that one of the best things about being a model or actress is having access to the best hair stylists and makeup artists in the business at your fingertips. How amazing would it be to call up a beauty whiz when you have a bad hair day or an unsightly blemish?

While celebritydom just wasn't my destiny, I few weeks ago I had the chance to send my own urgent beauty questions on all my hairy issues straight to Daniel de la Cerda, member of the Sebastian Professional Stylist Team at Fall ’09 New York Fashion Week. Daniel worked on the Charlotte Ronson and Diego Binetti shows, to name a few, and below, spills the beans on how to replicate similar looks, some hot products from Sebastian and how to get your hair in shape.

Daniel is senior stylist at the Robert Jeffrey Salon in Chicago so if any of you are in town and need a hair overhaul, consider stopping by to see him!

Charlotte Ronson

Roop Cafe: I love the look at Charlotte Ronson but a major issue women face in putting hair up into sleek ponytails or updos are those pesky baby hairs and flyaways that make the hair look less than smooth. However, when I apply a shine serum or hairspray to the hair, it just gets greasy. What do you recommend?

Daniel de la Cerda: To get rid of pesky flyaways I'd recommend a few things. First, apply a small amount of Sebastian Professional Trilliant to dry hair and flat iron only what is going in the ponytail. Be sure to apply spray to even the shortest hairs around the hairline. Sebastian Professional Trilliant will protect against heat and enhance your hair’s shine factor. Then once the hair has been tied back, hold Sebastian Professional Shine Define hairspray about 6-8 inches away and apply for finishing touches. If you feel there is not enough shine, you can also use Sebastian Professional Halo Mist to finish.

RC: Without a doubt, within a few hours of putting my hair up in a ponytail or bun, it begins to loosen and unravel. What's the best way to make the style last for more for than a few hours?

DC: For a longer lasting ponytail and/or bun try the following. First, make sure to use a boar bristle brush on dry hair to help with a smoother finish. Again, pre-smoothing with a flat iron or flat brush can help. Sebastian Professional Shine Define hairspray can assist in the final stage as a finishing tool. It’s not greasy and will give you a flexible, brushable hold.

RC: Tell me about how the Trilliant Spray works. What makes it superior to other shine spray and thermal protectants?

DC: Sebastian Professional Trilliant is superior to others because of its technology. It has a three-part ratio that protects hair against heat while applying condition. It also provides light body to the hair and has amazing shine. It’s fabulous for retouches and great for blowouts and hot iron work. It’s a very versatile product!

Diego Binetti

RC: How did you curl the hair at the Diego Binetti show? Do you recommend using a small barrel iron or curlers?

DC: For the Diego Binetti show we first applied a liberal amount of Sebastian Professional Mousse Forte to damp hair and blow dried. Once dry, small sections of hair were curled around a small barrel curling iron. Sections (especially around the hairline) were over-directed for maximum lift and sprayed with Sebastian Professional Shaper Zero Gravity hairspray. Once curled, the hair was let down and pushed back to create a messy look. We also changed the part of each model’s hair based on their individual faces. The hair was then tucked under and pinned to create a "bob effect" within the shape. Pieces were left a bit messy to create an ethereal affect and a more modern finish. Some asymmetry was used for added visual interest.

RC: I have pretty curly hair to start with. Let's say I just don't have time to blow dry out and then curl. Can I achieve a similar look starting with my natural texture and if so, how?

DC: To create a similar effect on naturally curly hair, simply apply a little Sebastian Professional Whipped Crème. This will define the curls and create separation. Do so on dry hair and push back the curls to create an interior cushion. Start to pin the hair for support and tuck the ends under. Finish with Sebastian Professional Re Shaper or Shaper Zero Gravity hairspray to finish the look and apply Sebastian Professional Halo Mist for soft shine.

General Questions:

RC: I'm in my late 20s and I've noticed a lot of hair fall recently as have my friends. What is the cause, how do we prevent additional hair fall and what do we do to stop current hair fall?

DC: Hair loss can come from a number of things. It can stem from genetics, which is generally called alopecia. If the hair is coming out excessively contact your local dermatologist. Stress can be a factor in losing hair as can the porosity and condition of the hair. Over-processed hair can become brittle and therefore break off.

DC: For some rocking curls with no grease follow these simple steps. Apply some Sebastian Professional Whipped Crème to damp hair and work the product around small sections first. Try to twist each section in different directions to create movement. Lay the curls down and be sure not to disrupt them. Follow up with a diffuser and dry the hair. Make sure not to run your fingers through the hair until hair is almost dry. Also, remember to lift the hair at the crown and around the hairline to create volume at the base. Once the hair is dry, start to separate the curls with your fingers and lift for fullness. If you feel you'd like more shine apply Sebastian Professional Halo Mist and Sebastian Professional Shaper Zero Gravity hairspray to hold.

Also, check out this video of Daniel at New York Fashion Week!

Steal the Look: Kareena Kapoor's Makeup at Amrita's Arora's Wedding Reception

2009-03-08T11:52:00.004-04:00

Is it terrible that I'm doing a post on Kareena Kapoor's makeup look at Amrita Arora's own wedding reception?? I'd have to say its Kareena's fault for looking like a bride herself at her good friend's wedding. Isn't Kareena's lengha stunning? Typically one to stick to a simple makeup look, Kareena went for a dark green eyeliner to complement the subtle green tones in her outfit.

To get the look:

Eyes:

Apply a champagne shadow such as MAC Shadestick in Shimmersand all over the lids and blend up towards brows.

Line eyes with a dark green eye pencil such as Christian Dior Crayon Eyeliner in Precious Green or L'Oreal Pure Pigment Shadow Stick in Mesmerizing (I prefer the Dior pencil as the latter is not as dark) from inner corner to outer corner of eyes, top and bottom. The line should be fairly thick like Kareena's but make it proportionate to your eye shape and size. Also, make sure edges are not too harsh by blending with a sponge tip.

Line the lower waterline with a black eye pencil such as MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder.

Finish with a generous coat of black mascara.

Cheeks:

Lightly apply a candy pink blush such as MAC Blush in Dollymix to apples of the cheeks.

Lips:

Apply a rose pink lipstick such as MAC Lipstick in Sweetie to lips. Finish with a candy pink lip gloss such as MAC Cremesheen Glass in Melt In Your Mouth.

This is also a great look for those desi ladies searching for a way to add color to their makeup when they attend desi weddings without going over the top.
Images of Kareena via Santabanta.com, Filmicafe.com, Indiaglitz.com

London Fashion Week '09: Vivienne Westwood Red Label

2009-03-06T14:23:00.001-05:00

The makeup artists at Vivienne Westwood Red Label didn't just stick with one look for the show. Instead they created a few different looks inspired by girls in high school cliques. The lips in the look far below were shockingly pink and reminiscent of 80s makeup.

MAC Products used:

Face:

Studio Sculpt Spf 15 Foundation

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

Eyes:

Feline Eye Kohl - rimming top and bottom lashlinse and smudged

Prolash Mascara in Coal Black - multiple coats on top and bottom lashes

MAC Products used:

Face:

Studio Sculpt Spf 15 Foundation

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

Lips:

Girl About Town Lipstick - applied as an opaque layer to lips

Ever So Rich Cremesheen Gloss

London Fashion Week '09: Roksanda Illincic

2009-03-06T14:22:00.000-05:00

At the Roksanda Illincic, the elongated, graphic eyes - in purple, not black - stole the show. Cheeks were slightly contoured and lips were completely blanked out.

MAC Products used:

Eyes:

Painterly Paint Pot - applied in a sheer wash over the lids and lower lashline.

Omega Eye Shadow - blended over the eyelids.

Brun Eye Shadow - buffed into the crease and along the lower lashline.

Pro Burnt Burgundy Pigment - extended in a long oval shape past the outer corners.

Plushblack Plushlash Mascara

Studio Sculpt Concealer - combed through browns to pale out the natural color.

Face:

Studio Sculpt Spf 15 Foundation

Strada Blush - applied as a contour under the cheekbones

Prep + Prime Translucent Powder - blended onto cheekbones as a highlight.

Lips:

Myth Lipstick

London Fashion Week '09: Richard Nicoll

2009-03-06T14:21:00.000-05:00

Pretty, girly makeup complemented the lady-like threads at the Richard Nicoll show.

MAC Products used:

Eyes:

Quite Natural Paint Pot - blended into the crease of the eyelids and smoothed down toward lids.

Seed Pearl Eye Shadow - blended onto lids close to the lashline and swept up toward the brow to soften and diffuse the paint pot color.

Taupe Eye Pencil - blended smoothly along the lower lashline.

Lingering Brow Pencil

Face:

Studio Sculpt Spf 15 Foundation

Nude Cream Colour Base - blended into skin under cheekbone

Strobe Cream - touched onto high points of the face in a sheer layer

Lips:

Summer Fruit Lip Pencil

Shy Girl Lipstick

London Fashion Week '09: Nicole Farhi

2009-03-06T14:20:00.000-05:00

At Nicole Farhi, the MAC makeup artist described the makeup look as "irreverant innocence, 1940s, beautiful dewy skin and a sinful mouth." The deep berry lip color that the makeup artists achieved is gorgeous and doesn't require too much precision. Based on all the looks from London, it looks like lips are going to be a big focal point again this fall.

MAC Products used:

Eyes:

Pro Gloss in Copper Walnut with a touch of Red Reflects Glitter - blended from lid to brown and patted across the eyes with fingers

Skin:

Moistureblend Foundation

Lips:

Dark Purple and Sin Lipsticks - pressed into lips with fingers for a dark stain

London Fashion Week '09: Giles

2009-03-06T14:18:00.001-05:00

At the Giles show during London Fashion Week, the extreme red lips of the models were a spotlight in the midst of darker toned clothes. The MAC makeup artist wanted the makeup to appear undone compared to the structured look of the clothes.

MAC Products used:

Eyes:

Clear Brow Set - Combed up through brows.

Plushblack Plushlash Mascara - Applied lightly to top lashes.

Face:

Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation

Prep + Prime Loose

Luna Cream Colour Base - Blended as a sheer highlight onto the inner corners of the eyes, bridge of nose, forehead and tops of cheekbones.

Lips:

Ruby Woo and Lady Danger Lipsticks - Blended together and patted onto lips to create a soft round shape.

Kareena Kapoor in Harper's Bazaar India March 2009

2009-03-05T14:55:00.014-05:00

With Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and Vogue creating Indian editions of their magazines, I suppose it was only a matter of time until Harper's Bazaar jumped on the bandwagon.

Kareena Kapoor graces the cover of the inaugural issue and an editorial shows Kareena and her significant other, Saif Ali Khan, lounging around the beaches of some paradise that I don't have the privilege of visiting.

Kareena's makeup was done just right in rosy pink tones and her complexion is flawless. I'm SO glad the makeup team on the ed didn't bronze the hell out of her.

And perhaps all the flowy white dresses in the ed are a hint of things to come for Kareena and Saif.

Via kareenak.net

Cosmopolitan India March 2009 A to Z Beauty Bible

2009-03-04T19:30:00.008-05:00

These days, with the advent of the beauty blogosphere, I'm more likely to look for beauty tips by scrolling through sister beauty blogs rather than flipping through fashion magazines. However, reading through the current issue of Cosmopolitan India, I saw a great article entitled "A to Z Beauty Bible" that had some fantastic tips that I had never heard of before. Click on the images to read for yourself or read below for some of the highlights:

B is for Burn that Eyeliner - Does your eyeliner tug at your eyelids when you apply it? The article suggests warming up your eyeliner to make it glide on easier or for a smudgy look without a lot of work.

E is for Eye Cream - Yes, we know, we know - must use an eye cream. But the article also says that for puffy eyes in particular, gels are better than creams because they dry faster. Too much moisture in eye creams can increase puffiness. Not sure if this is true or not but I thought it was interesting.

G is for Green Tea - The article provides a great tip for a DIY mouthwash. Mix green tea and baking soda and swish!

U is for Unusual Remedies - DIY beauty works wonders when you're a recessionista. The article recommends aspirin to dry up acne, baking soda to cure dandruff and BUTTER for tired feet and dry hair. I've heard of mayo and olive oil for hair, but butter?! I might have to try this!

Z is for Zinc - While most of us realize the effects good nutrition has on skin and hair, the article recommends zinc in particular helps fight acne by regulating oil glands. Time to go stock up on this mineral!

New York Fashion Week '09: Lela Rose

2009-03-01T18:54:00.000-05:00

The makeup at Lela Rose at NYFW ' 09 showcased a refreshing burst of green on the models' eyes paired with gleamy skins and lips.

Stila products used:

Face:

Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

Perfecting Concealer

Sheer Pressed Powder

Convertible Color in Camellia on cheeks

Constellation Eye Shadow brushed over brows and cheekbones

Eyes:

Precious Pearl Palette - gold and green shadows

Kajal in Emerald and Pearl to line eyes

Smudgepot in Jade to line eyes

Lips:

Lip Glaze in Praline

Source

Steal the Look: Thandie Newton's Red Lips at the Elle Style Awards

2009-03-01T16:26:00.002-05:00

Red lips can look beautiful on a mostly bare face and pulled back hair, as Thandie showcases at the Elle Style Awards. And with that great dress, the entire look is perfectly polished. The key to great lips on ethnic skin tones is choosing a warm red, with a hint orange or brown in it (but not too brown so it looks muddy). It takes some trial and error, so be patient!

To get the look:

1. First apply concealer all over the outside of the lips. The red colored lips will draw attention to your skin, especially any blemishes, so skin should be prepped well.

2. If lips are dry, apply lip balm and blot. Red lipstick is not forgiving on flaky lips!

3. Line lips with a neutral colored lip liner. I normally don't use lip liner but for red lipstick its a must to make the look polished to make sure the color goes all the way to the edges. I used MAC Cremestick Lipliner in Beurre.

4. Dab on a warm toned, cream red lipstick to the middle of the lips only. Start with a little color and you can build if its not enough. Use a lip brush to blend the color out to the very edges of the lips. With red lipstick, unlike say a neutral color, important to use a lip brush as the color must be precise - otherwise it will look sloppy. I used L'oreal Endless Lip Color in Crimson Joy.

5. Apply a little clear lip gloss in the middle of the lips. Just a tiny bit - extremely shiny red lips are a little scary. You can also use a brown toned lip gloss to warm up the color if the lipstick you start out with is a bit too cool toned for you - don't worry the brown barely even shows up. I used Chanel Cristalle Lip Gloss in Cappuccino to warm up my lips.

Steal the Look: Freida Pinto's Makeup at the 2009 Oscars

2009-02-28T09:31:00.002-05:00

Freida's makeup look at the Oscars wasn't my favorite although I thought she looked undeniably pretty. I really, really wished Freida had bumped it up a notch with her makeup at the Oscars. She looked slightly washed out with the toned down makeup. The eyes could have been a little darker or the lips a little pinker. Regardless, here is her makeup breakdown:

Eyes:

Apply Dior 1-Colour Eyeshadow in Blooming Pink and Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Beige Massai (soft brown shade) to the eyelids.

Apply Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Night Dust (deep brown shade) along the lashline.

Apply Diorshow Mascara in Chestnut to the lashes.

Lips:

Apply Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick in Sheer Rose to the lips.

Skin:

Apply DiorSkin Nude Powder in Deep all over the skin.

Cheeks:

Apply DiorSkin Shimmer Star in Amber Diamond to the apples of cheeks and cheekbones.

Steal the Look: Natalie Portman's Makeup at the 2009 Oscars

2009-02-27T21:30:00.002-05:00

Natalie Portman's look at the Oscars was by far my favorite at the event. Here's how to steal the look:

Eyes:

Apply the pale pink shadow in Chanel Silky Eye Shadow Duo in Orient Express as a base all over the lids.

Apply the dark purple shadow in the same duo smoked around the eye on the lid and smudged in lower lash line.

Apply Chanel Intense Eye Pencil in Noir inside the eye, and lots of Chanel Inimitable Mascara in Noir-Black for thick sexy lashes.

Makeup artist Jeanine Lobell used Chanel Perfect Brows in Brun, both colors in the product, to make a strong brow.

Cheeks:

Apply Chanel Powder Blush in Narcisse, a flattering, bright pink shade, high on the cheekbones.

Lips:
Apply Chanel Glossimer in Galactic for a more pale lavender lip. I am LOVING this lip color - so flattering!

Body:

Lobell applied Chanel Sheer Brilliance in Sunkissed on Natalie’s arms, shoulders, and décolleté.

Freida Pinto in Vogue India March 2009

2009-02-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

Freida Pinto made Vogue India's March 2009 cover - in my opinion, its one of the better covers that Vogue India has done in recent months and I think everyone needs a break from the constant stream of Bollywood actresses on the covers.

I also love the old school glamour styling of Freida and the smoky brown eyes + burgundy lips. I'm dying to know the color of that lipstick she is wearing...any guesses? Perhaps a Chanel or one of the new YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks....

Its actually reminiscent of a fall cover, no? Definitely not your typical spring cover with brights and/or pastels!

Steal the Look: Vanessa Hudgens' Makeup at the Oscars

2009-02-25T21:14:00.008-05:00

I only had two favorite beauty looks at the Oscars this year: Vanessa Hudgens and Natalie Portman. I thought Vanessa's makeup was simple but somehow striking. The eyes were just sooty enough and her skin glowed and shimmered without looking like a disco ball.

Here is Vanessa's makeup breakdown provided by her makeup artist:

Face:

Apply Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers in Light to Medium to skin.

Add color to the cheeks by applying Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Blush in in Natural Apricot.

Add highlight to the cheekbones by applying Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Illuminator.

Eyes:

Apply Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes in Medium underneath the eye to get rid of any dark circles.

Apply Nourishing Eye Duo in Fairy Dust, using the darker shade in the crease and then brushing the lighter shade over the entire lid up to the brow bone.

Apply Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara in Carbon Black.

Lips

Apply a combination of two pink moisture-infused lip colors – Neutrogena MoistureShine Lipstick SPF 20 in Angel’s Blush and Sheer Luck.

New York Fashion Week '09: Tuleh

2009-02-24T22:00:00.011-05:00

The makeup at Tuleh was inspired by Parisian women in the 1930s. Soft smoky eyes and mauve lips were the main focus of the look.

MAC Products used:

Eyes:

Copperplate Eyeshadow – applied heavier toward the lash lines and diffused up toward the brows for soft smoky eyes.

Stud Brow Pencil – drawn in a thin line to elongate brows.

Face:

Face and Body Foundation – applied to the face in tones matching skin for a natural dewy look.

Lips:

Dark Side and Dark Knight Lipsticks – pressed on to the lips with fingers for a mauve stain.

New York Fashion Week '09: Luca Luca

2009-02-24T21:55:00.007-05:00

The models at Luca Luca were positively ladylike, in both clothing and beauty. I love the very dark, very precise lips on the models.

MAC Products used:

Eyes:

Lemon Chiffon Shadestick – placed along the inner corners of the eyes.

Soba Eye Shadow – blended into the crease of the eyelids and along the lower lashline.

PRO Reflects Pearl – buffed along eyelids and along the ridge of the tear ducts.

Omega and Coquette Eye shadows – combed through the brows for definition.

Black Prolash – applied to curled top lashes.

Skin:

Bone Beige Sculpting Powder – contouring the cheek bones.

Pearl Cream Colour Base – applied to tops of cheekbones as a base.

Emphasize Sculpting Powder – layered over cream colour base to highlight.

Lips:

Currant Lip Pencil – drawn along lip line then used to fill in the lips.

New York Fashion Week '09: Zac Posen

2009-02-24T14:30:00.004-05:00

One of the most unique looks New York Fashion Week was at Zac Posen. Inspired by Napoleon's first wife Joséphine de Beauharnais, hair stylist Odile Gilbert for used L'Oreal Expansion Body Activating Mousse for volume and then swept hair high into a large chignon after it was teased at the roots. Gilber then used L'Oreal Extreme Holding Spray to set the updo. Lastly, a braided headband with studs finished off the bouffant.
Makeup artist Lucia Pieroni went for a fresh orange lip on models by using MAC Morange Lipstick. Pieroni rimmed eyes with black pencil and used MAC Blackberry Eye Shadow on the lid. The eyes were finished with false lashes.

MAC Products used:

Eyes:

Blackberry and Print Eye shadows – Blended into the crease.

Print and Carbon Eye shadows – Layered and blended along the lower lash line then up and around outer corners of the eye.

Smolder Eye Kohl – Drawn along the liner rim of the lower lash line.

Shell Cream Colour Base and Clear Gloss – Blended together and then layered over shadows to add shine and depth.

Lingering Eye Brows – Applied to shape and fill in to create strong brows.

Face:

Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation – Diffused over the skin for a porcelain, matte finish.

Accentuate M·A·C Pro Shaping Powder – Swept along the cheekbone for contour.

Lips:

Morange Lipstick – Applied in a sheer layer to stain lips.

New York Fashion Week: Ralph Lauren

2009-02-24T14:27:00.003-05:00

Whenever I think of Ralph Lauren ads, I consistently think of fresh, classic beauty. And for the beauty looks at Ralph Lauren's fall 2009 show, the classic English rose beauty was the inspiration.

Makeup artist Tom Pecheux attempted to create perfect skin that was not too matte nor too shiny with a light layer of liquid foundation all over the face. He then applied highlighter to the eyelid, inner corner of the eye and the top of the cheekbones. He then applied black mascara to top and bottom lashes and applied a hint of blush to cheeks. He added a touch of bronzer on top of the blush for a healthy look. Lips were finished with a lip pencil that matched the models' skin tone.

Hair stylist Guido Palau attempted slightly imperfect chignons for the hair. He applied a thickening spray to hair and blew it dry. He then finger-combed hair back and gathered it into a ponytail at the nape of the neck, securing it with knotted black cord. Palau then twisted the hair up into a loose bun, pinning to hide the elastic. Lastly, he pulled several pieces of hair out of each chignon for an imperfect look.

via WWD

New York Fashion Week '09: Baby Phat

2009-02-21T02:16:00.007-05:00

Not surprisingly, our new First Lady, Michelle Obama, was the beauty inspiration at one of the fashion shows at New York Fashion Week '09 - Baby Phat. I found the Baby Phat look not only extremely pretty, but very wearable.

Makeup artist James Kaliardos used MAC Studio Sculpt Boundation on the skin and added a hint of MAC Pink Swoon Blush at the top of the cheekbones. Kaliardos used a sweep of MAC Drizzle Gold Eye Shadow across the lids, and added cocoa shadow on the brow bone to give the illusion of separation of the lid from the brow bone. Then, he added a hint of gold glitter on the inside corner of the eye for radiance and swept a very light coating of glitter across the lids to catch runway lights. Kaliardos also added individual false lashes for a natural, yet filled-out effect. He finished the eyes with lots of MAC Zoom Lash Mascara in Black. Finally, he applied MAC Lipglass in Partial to Pink to the lips.

New York Fashion Week '09: Nanette Lepore

2009-02-21T02:14:00.009-05:00

At Nanette Lepore, a bohemian vibe was felt in the makeup and hair. "The inspiration was a traveler, wearing lots of layers of clothes — and a lot of gold makeup," said makeup artist Polly Osmond for MAC Cosmetics.

Osmond applied MAC Brassy Fluid Line Eye Liner on eyelids and under the eye before adding the MAC Rose Gold Pigment over the top of lids. For depth, she lined the inner rims of eyes with MAC Power Surge Eye Kohl Pencil in a coffee color. Osmond gave cheeks a berry stain with gold shimmer on top, and to lips, she applied MAC Diva Lipstick topped with MAC Brassy Fluid Line, which was painted on top. Eye liner on lips?! Who would have thought?!

MAC Products used:

Eyes:

Studio Sculpt Concealer – Spread on lids to even out skin tone.

Coffee Eye Pencil – Applied to the top and bottom lashline.

Powersurge Eye Kohl – Applied to the inner rim of the eye to open up the eye.

Brassy Fluidline – Applied to eyelid and under eye to create a smoky look.

Rose Gold Pigment – Applied on eyelids and under eye.

Plushblack Plushlash Mascara – Applied to the top and bottom lashes to separate and elongate lashes.

Lingering Eye Brows – Applied to eyebrows to create fullness.

Skin:

Face & Body Foundation – Applied to face as a sheer base.

Laid Back Blushcreme – Applied to apples of cheeks to give a rosy glow.

Antique Rose Cream Colour Base – Applied over Blushcreme to create a highlighted effect.

Invisible Set Powder – Applied to the t-zone to mattify.

Lips:

Diva Lipstick – blotted onto lips with finger to create a stained look.

Brassy Fluidline – Applied to the center of lips.

Hair stylist Leonardo Manetti applied Davines Texturizer and Volume Mousse and then blew out hair. Next, he used an iron to create random waives and then teased hair everywhere to give it volume. Once hair was teased, Manetti brushed out hair, creating a rough middle part.

New York Fashion Week '09: Tibi

2009-02-21T02:09:00.006-05:00

At the Tibi show, hair stylist Kevin Ryan twisted sections of hair around a curling iron, and then pinned each curl to set the look. He then removed the pins and back-combed the hair before tying hair into a low ponytail. "

Makeup artist Makky for MAC Cosmetics created a bright, graphic eye look. He used three aqua, light blue and purple colored shadows and created a square shape around the eye. Makky applied lip conditioner from MAC's Hello Kitty line to the lips.

New York Fashion Week '09: Badgley Mischka

2009-02-21T02:02:00.007-05:00

At Badgley Mischka, makeup artist Tom Pecheux, working for MAC Cosmetics applied matte foundation to models' skin. On th eyes, Pecheux created an ombré effect with navy blue shimmer shadow and pale gray shadow, with a hint of gold pencil to the undereye area. Pecheux then added lots of black mascara and a hint of pale pink blush. Lastly, he applied a nude lip pencil overlaid with a lavender gloss.

via WWD