Lakshmi Menon in Dazed and Confused Magazine April 2009

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

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

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.

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.