Steal the Look: Twinkle Khanna

A big thanks to our reader Lolita for pointing out this effortlessly chic makeup worn by Twinkle Khanna.

Here's how you can get the look:

Eyes

Apply MAC Tete-A-Tint eyeshadow from the lashline to the crease, and MAC Vanilla on the brow bone to highlight. Then line the upper and lower lashlines (including the inner rims) with Loreal Le Grande Kohl eyeliner in Black Sable. Swipe Loreal Voluminous Mascara on the top and bottom lashes and the eyes are set.

Blush

Twinkle seems to be using a bronzer here, but you can easily substitute a blush for it. (I myself am not a big fan of bronzers, I prefer using blush). But if I've got some picks for you to try either way. If you're a bronzer gal, try Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna. If you like blush better, try MAC Mocha blush. Swipe it on your cheeks, your temples, and your chin. Avoid dusting it on the bridge of the nose. Unless you're an expert at applying bronzer, it's too easy to overdo it and look like you have a cold instead of a naturally sunny glow.

Lips

The lips here are achieved by using MAC Taupe lipstick, MAC Subculture lipliner (line only, don't fill in the lips with this), and topping it off with MAC Plushglass in Wildly Lush. Enjoy!

UPDATE: Kohl Girl helped me find some more picture of Twinkle from that night and it seems that the lipstick and eyeshadow are most definitely not from the Bobbie Brown Cocoa Mauve collection as originally posted. I've updated the color recs and added the new pics to give a more accurate depiction of the look.

header photo via highheelconfidential.com

Full Color Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish

Full Color Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish, $18, via Ulta.com

Even though their mineral makeup didn't work for me, it wasn't enough to keep me from sampling some of Bare Escentuals other products. For what it's worth, their makeup is pretty reasonably priced and I like the array of colors they have to offer.

One product I like right now is their new Full Color Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Polishes. Like a lipstick, lipgloss, and lip plumper all rolled in one, these glosses infuse your lips with high shine opaque color while making them appear fuller. Although they are supposed to be "lip plumping" I don't really see plumping results with these polishes, just a feeling that my lips are tingling (as if I just ate a York Peppermint Patty), a feeling that's not entirely unpleasant. The plumping effect is more visual than anything else, due to the high amount of shine in these lip polishes. I also liked the staying power of the color. Even after meals, the color stayed put (although the "gloss" part faded away).

A little goes a long way when applying these glosses, so use a light hand and build up color as you go. I found out the hard way that if you put too much gloss on, the color starts to feather/bleed out of your natural lipline, ruining your pout.

My favorite colors of the bunch are Vanessa, Carmen, Chloe, and Stella. Vanessa is a berry/fuschia color, perfect for the plum trend in fashion this fall. Carmen is more of a magenta color, with more purple in it than pink. Chloe is like a light pink, perfect to pair with smokey eyes or if your skin is on the fair side. And finally, Stella, this is the perfect neutral lip color, a plummy bronze color that works well both for everyday and nighttime, and looks absolutely beautiful on light tan to dark skin. If you're a desi looking for a neutral gloss that won't wash you out, try Stella, the color works with every outfit and every woman of color.

Steal the Look: Padma Lakshmi's Makeup at the Emmy's

Forget the hair and makeup of Heidi Klum and America Ferrera at the Emmy's that have been posted all over beauty blogs...I came across these photos of Padma Lakshmi and in my opinion, she looks the most gorgeous of all the ladies! And I'm not just saying that because she is a fellow desi.

Padma really kicked up her look a notch with the shimmery gold dress, monochromatic bronze makeup and a sleek ponytail. The monochromatic makeup that she wears is super easy to copy and I have the perfect shade of lipgloss to get her bronze lips. I also love that she is wearing her hair up rather than in her trademark waves. To get the look:

Face: Create a perfect canvas for bronzer with concealer and foundation (or tinted moisturizer if you don't need that much coverage) as needed. Dust bronzer (I am currently using Lorac's Bronzer in Warm Glow)on the perimeter of the face, i.e. at the temples down to the cheekbones down to the jawline. Blend bronzer on the cheeks to create dimension on the face. Sweep a little highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones.

Eyes: Eyes are kept simple and monochromatic as well. Dust a bronze shadow such as MAC Shadow in Bronze (or alternatively just use the bronzer as shadow) all over the lids. Finish with a little black eyeliner on the top and/or bottom eyelashes depending on how dramatic you want to go. Complete with black mascara.

Lips: Go for a shiny bronze finish (not matte) so as to prevent the monochromatic look from appearing flat. The bronze lipgloss I love for this look is Chanel's Cristalle Lip Gloss in 22 Cappucino.

Get the Look: Deepika Padukone

One of our lovely readers asked for a breakdown of Deepika Padukone's makeup at a recent event - this is a wonderful choice for a breakdown as Deepika (or more likely her makeup artist) showcases the recent trend of the bronze smokey eye that was all over the Fall 2008 runways. Deepika complements the earthy tones on her eyes with a pretty wine lip color. To get the look:


Eyes: Three different earth tones are used on Deepika's eyes to give them dimension and to prevent muddiness. First, sweep a shimmery bronze or copper shadow such as the darker shade in NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Isolde all over the lids until just past the crease. In the outer third of the lids, with lids closed, apply a dark brown shadow such as MAC Shadow in Tempting in the shape of a side triangle. Blend the bronze shadow with the dark brown shadow. Wet a liner brush and apply the dark brown shadow as eyeliner on both the upper and lower lashes. Apply a light gold or champagne shadow such as the lighter color in NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Isolde in the inner corners of the eyes. I included a picture of Deepika looking down below so you can really see where the different colored shadows go.

Finish eyes with black mascara. Also, Deepika's eyebrows are always very neat and clean. Use a brown pencil and gel such as Revlon Brow Stylist in Dark Brown to fill in and brush eyebrows.

Cheeks: Use a fan brush to very lightly apply a wine colored blush such as MAC Powder Blush Plum Foolery to the cheeks. Remember to use a very light hand - Deepika's look is one where she is glowing rather than blushing.

Lips: Deepika has a wine color on her lips but it is applied lightly so skip the liner. Apply a creamy wine lipstick such as MAC Lipstick in Plum to the lips.

Get the Look: Priyanka Chopra

Readers often ask about a makeup look they can wear to work - something sophisticated and pulled together but not too trendy or over the top. I particularly like Priyanka's Chopra's grey lined eyes and matte pink lips in the photo below for this kind of makeup. To get the look:

Eyes: Line eyes lightly with a smudgy black eye pencil such as MAC Eye Pencil in Smolder. Go over the liner with a medium matte grey eye shadow such as Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Grey and blend the shadow with liner with a brush. Apply mascara.

Cheeks: Lightly dust cheeks with bronzer such as Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Medium, Natural, Deep or Dark (depending on your skin tone).

Lips: Line lips with a rose colored pencil such as MAC Lip Pencil in Whirl. Fill in lips with matte rose pink lipstick such as MAC Lipstick in Kinda Sexy.

Rx for Brown Skin Worth a Try

While trying to figure out why I'm noticing so much more hyperpigmentation after breakouts, and it's taking longer for them to fade, I stumbled upon the following buzzworthy bit of science:

"As brown skin matures, skin cells become sticky and don't rejuvenate properly." (source)

Meaning, my skin's ability to exfoliate and heal itself is diminishing with age. So what's a brown-skinned lady whose getting older by the minute supposed to do to get even skin tone and get rid of those pesky dark spots left behind by zits? Rx for Brown Skin seems to have some great products that might help.

Rx for Brown Skin is a skin care line designed specifically for women with, you guessed it, brown skin, but it also addresses the needs of women with yellow and olive skin. The products are heavily based on the natural healing powers of hyaluronic acid, soy, and pomegranate, and free of irritating chemicals like hydroquinone (which is found in most OTC skin bleaching agents and makes dark skin peel unevenly). I've tried two products from this line, the Bright and Even Exfoliating Cleanser ($21) and the Naturally Flawless Advanced Botanical Brightener ($36).

After using the products for about 4 weeks, I've noticed that my dark spots are no longer noticeable and most definitely do not show up in photographs. Both products were gentle on my skin and gave me an overall smoother appearance. Of the two products, I prefer the Exfoliating Cleanser as it helped the Brightener do it's job better and left my skin feeling clean down to the pores. The Brightener on it's own didn't seem to work without the help of the Exfoliating Cleanser, it seems these two products need to be used in tandem to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation (which was my main goal).

I can still see faint remnants of the spots if I look really close, as in, with a magnifying mirror, but they're not obvious at first glance anymore. Hopefully, with continued use of the products, they'll soon vanish forever.

Therapy for your Tresses

The first time I used the Frizz-Ease by John Frieda brand was around junior high or high school when the brand's oh-so-famous Frizz-Ease hair serum came out. Remember those before and after pictures of the girls with totally frizzed out hair in the before photo and completely straight and silky hair in the after photo? I do because I remember putting all my heart into those pictures and then being sorely disappointed when the serum did not do a thing for my unruly hair.

Well fast forward about twelve years - after my last experience I was definitely suspicious when I heard about John Frieda's new Frizz Ease Creme Serum Overnight Repair Formula through the blogvine. I thought I'd give it a shot since I haven't had much luck with hair products recently and surprisingly, I like it!

The Repair Formula is meant to be used overnight in the hair - I would describe it as a cross between a hair mask (that you don't have to rinse it out until you next shampoo) and an intense leave-in conditioner. Since I'm a rebel, I don't limit its use to night and put a little of the cream in during the day to tame my hair in this crazy humidity.

I wouldn't say its a miracle worker, but it does a great job of moisturizing and softening my hair, especially after I use heat tools. Also, as a cream treatment (as opposed to a bona fide styling product) it does a pretty good job of separating my curls, most likely due to the great moisturizing ability.

Give this product a shot if your hair is feeling somewhat dry and coarse from the heat, chlorine, etc. this summer and need a shot of moisture in your hair regimen.

One Bob Does Not Suit All....

Years before Kareena, Bipasha and Priyanka invaded Bollywood, I always thought Sonali Bendre was one of the most beautiful ladies in India...with a seriously enviable head of the most shiny, straight black hair.

So, you can imagine my dismay when I saw this picture of Sonali with a bob and a bob dyed an unflattering reddish brown hue at that!! When I see this picture, I think of all the times my mom has said that its better not to mess with one's God-given features...and this time I think she's right.

Keeping it Natural....

Often times when you hear about Hollywood ladies doing "natural" makeup or hair, the look is anything but natural! So called "natural" faces are slapped with foundation, powder, eye shadow and the works and supposedly "natural" hair is ironed, curled, etc.

So it was nice to see Salma Hayek step out a few days ago at the Vicky Cristina Barcelona premiere in what really looks like a natural makeup and hair look. Her hair has the type of volume and even a bit of frizz that curly haired girls usually experience in the summer.

Basically, it looks like she did her own hair and makeup which I love!!

My Favorite DIY Mask: Brightening, Firming and Moisturizing

These days, fears of the "R" word has kept me steering clear of my favorite expensive beauty stores in hopes of saving some cash. At the same time though, I've been attempt to indulge myself with some less expensive beauty measures. So I thought I'd share one of my favorite, super cheap, DIY masks with readers.

Here's the recipe for my easy, DIY Brightening, Firming and Moisturizing Mask made with lemon juice (brightens), egg whites (firms temporarily) and honey (moisturizes):

1. Cracking one egg, separate the egg yolk from the egg whites and place the egg whites in a bowl.

2. Put anywhere from a squirt of honey to a teaspoon of honey (depending on how moisturizing you want the mask to be) into the bowl.

3. Squeeze a half of a lemon into the bowl.

4. Mix all the ingredients well. It may get a little frothy due to the egg whites but that is normal.

5. Apply the mixture to face and neck with your fingers or a brush. Leave the mask on until dry, around 10 to 12 minutes. Wash off the mask thoroughly and apply your favorite moisturizer.

I love this mask before going out at night or anytime I feel like my face just needs something to wake it up and look more alive!

The Ped Egg Works!

Hi everyone, sorry it's been so long since my last update. I know my excuse that the kids are keeping me busy is sounding like passe yada yada yada, but it's true more than ever since school let out for the summer. Hopefully, in the fall, things will get more manageable around the house. My son is starting first grade then and will actually be out of the house for more than three hours! Yay! (Is my excitement showing a little too much?)

Anyway, on to my latest beauty find...the Ped Egg! I'm sure you must have seen the infomercial for this contraption that scrapes all the dead skin off the bottom of your feet. I'm sure you must have also thought, "Does it really work?"

Yes, my friends, it works. And it works well. I was skeptical about this product too because I've been burned quite a few times by infomercial products that claim miracles and end up to be nothing more than an expensive piece of plastic. But I found this product at Bed Bath and Beyond the other day for only $9.99, and armed with a Big Blue 20% coupon, I decided to give it a shot.

It took me about 20 minutes to file both feet, which were so dry my heels were cracking, and the results were incredible. It removes all the dry calloused skin very easily, but it's gentle enough that it won't remove the live skin hiding below. It kind of looks like a mini cheese grater (although I don't recommend you use the cheese grater already in your house to file your feet, stick with the Ped Egg specifically designed for this purpose.) After removing all the skin, I buffed it smooth with the emery board side, rinsed my feet and then applied moisturizing cream to them. The results were better than any treatment I had done at the salon. And since the entire Ped Egg can be hand washed in the sink with liquid soap, it's sanitary, and I can use it again and again until the file wears out, at which point I can either buy a new egg or order more files from PedEgg.com.

Now here's something you should know, it is MESSY! The product claims that all the dead, shaved skin is trapped inside the top cap of the product while you file so you can use it anywhere in the house or at your desk, but that's not true. I've used the product several times now, and the skin sheds all over the floor. But the results are worth the trouble, so what I do now is just spread a bunch of newspapers all over the carpet and and sit on top of the that to file my feet. You could also vacuum afterwards.

It's a minor nuisance that the skin shavings don't stay trapped inside the egg, but I can deal with it. Not only are the results fantastic, it is saving me a bundle in pedicures at the salon. I usually put such a long gap in between salon visits, that by the time I get there, I can't qualify for the regular $20 "maintenance" pedicure, I have to get the expensive $50 "Spa Pedicure" where they remove the dead skin off your feet with a razor. I don't think I'll ever have to get that one again now that I have a Ped Egg.

New Trend: A Little Pop of Color on the Eyes

A new trend in eye makeup that seems to be popping up everywhere is doing a little pop of color on the eyes but only on either the lower eyelid or upper eyelid - not both - and contrasting that pop of color with a very neutral shade on the other eyelid. Especially for ladies who are afraid of color, just using a little color can go a long way. Here are a few examples:

For the Prescriptives Fall 2008 Daring Collection, the model wears a dark brown shadow on her top lids and a dark violet liner on her lower lids. This is a great look for night. For her look, apply a dark brown shadow such as MAC Shadow in Mulch all over upper lids and line upper lashline with a dark brown liner such as MAC Powerpoint Pencil in Stubborn Brown. Line bottom lids (close to the lashline but not in the waterline) with a dark violet liner such as MAC Eye Kohl in Prunella. Finish the look by lining the lower water line with a black eye pencil.

The Sephora website showcases this beautiful teal and gold eye makeup look. To get the look, apply a bright teal or sea green shadow such as MAC Shadow in Newly Minted all over upper eye lids up to the crease. Line upper lashline with a black eye pencil. Next, dust a gold shadow such as MAC Shadow Goldmine on lower eyelids, trying to stick close of the lashline.

At a recent event, actress Shriya Saran wore a pop of blue on her lower eyelids. To get Shriya's eyes, dust a sandy tan shadow such as MAC Shadow in Soba all over upper lids. Line upper lash line with a dark brown liner such as MAC Powerpoint Pencil in Stubborn Brown. On the bottom, Shriya dusted an ocean blue shadow such MAC Shadow in Freshwater close to lash line. If you want to go even more light on the color on the lower lids, lightly apply a colored blue pencil such as MAC Eye Kohl in Hyacinth very close to the lashline.

Bare Escentuals Tutorials: Smoky V Eye

During a recent browse through my local Ulta store, I noticed a stand filled with Bare Escentuals makeup included a box for the Smoky V Eye Tutorials. The cute little box, which contained two loose eye shadow powders, one eye shadow brush and instructions, claimed to give me a simple and easy smoky eye. Interested, a picked up a box to try at home.

Once opened, the box contains the Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Pacific Heights eye shadow (a light shimmery gray-lavender), 1990s Glimmer (a dark shimmery gray-purple) and a double-ended eye shadow brush with one end of the brush in a V-shape (as shown in the picture above) and the other end in a regular eye shadow brush shape.

The tutorial in the box initially instructs the user to use the regular shaped brush to blend the Pacific Heights shadow all over the lid. Then the dark 1990s Glimmer shadow is applied using the V-shaped brush by aligning the lower point of the brush along the lashes (i.e. as one would apply liner) and by aligning the upper point of the brush along the crease. Eventually, with a few additional steps, the user should be left with an easy smoky purple eye.

On the whole, I felt this product was a bit gimmicky. Maybe because I already know how to do a smoky eye, I thought using the V-shaped brush was in fact more difficult to use than just regular eye makeup brushes. I don't quite understand how one V-shaped brush is meant to fit all eye shapes and sizes!! If anything, I didn't use the V-shaped brush at all and used the regular shaped brush which I found quite soft and nice.

One thing I did like about the product was their choice to use eye shadow colors in the purple range rather than the same old charcoal and black shadows. Shades of purple shadow are great for smoky eyes on all skin tones and eye colors (even brown eyed girls like me!) and are not as harsh as grays and blacks. I quite like the Pacific Heights and 1990s Glimmer shadows included in the packaging so if you're interested in creating a purple smoky eye, I would consider purchasing these shadows independently of this product.

Hair Straightening Stars

My weekly hair regimen goes something like this...I leave my hair curly (i.e. wild) all week long and then tussle with my hair dryer and round brush for an hour and a half on Fridays or Saturdays to give myself a blowout for weekend events. Yes, an hour and a half because my hair is incredibly thick and down to the middle of my back. I discovered two products recently though that make my hair straightening much easier and provide excellent results.

The first is Chi Straightguard Smoothing Styling Cream. Most people know Chi for its hair styling tools instead of its hair styling products but this cream works incredibly well as a straightening cream for blow drying. I work this through my hair, concentrating especially on the ends where it is dry and blow dry. Even though this is a cream, this product does not provide any greasy residue that other styling creams leave.

The second is Kerastase Ciment Thermique Heat Activated Reconstructor Milk. The Ciment Thermique line has received a lot of hype and for good reason - it works! This particular product has a gel-like consistency that like the Chi product does not leave hair greasy at all and instead, leave my hair feeling very light and bouncy after a blow dry. The product, as its name indicates, is intended to be used for heat styling and therefore is perfect for blow drying or flat ironing. Plus, it is especially made for hair that is already weakened or damaged.

I actually often use both these products together when I'm blow drying and they STILL don't leave my hair weighed down or greasy. As an added plus, both products provide protection against heat styling to prevent hair damage.

Lakshmi Menon's Makeup Breakdowns in L'Officiel Paris and Biba Magazine

Lakshmi Menon recently appeared in two editorials in L'Officiel Paris (May 2008) and Biba Magazine (June 2008). I loved her makeup in the editorials, which were both quite similar, as it is a great look for summer - glowy skin that is not too bronze, bronzed smokey eyes and a nude lip. See below for the the makeup used on Lakshmi:

Above, from L'Officiel Paris (love Laksmi's wavy hair in this pic!):

Face: Dior Skin Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Makeup SPF 25 in Miel 040, Dior Blush in Terre de Sienne.

Eyes: Diorshow Mascara in Unlimited Noir, Crayon Kohl in Noir, Fard Paupieres I Couleur Powder Eye Shadow in Flirty Brown 555.

Lips: Dior Creme de Gloss in Prune Elixir.

Above and below, from Biba Magazine:

Face: Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine Bronzing Powder SPF 20, Dior Bronze Luminizer All Over Face Glow Enhancer Shimmering Bronze 002.

Eyes: Crayon Kohl in Noir, Eye Show Shadow in Glam & Glitz Black, Diorshow Blackout Mascara in Noir Kohl, Fard Paupieres I Couleur Powder Eye Shadow in Flirty Brown 555.

Lips: Rouge Dior Lipstick in Brun Storyboard 491.

Steal the Look: Parminder Nagra

Parminder's look here is all about the eyes. The fresh, minty green eyeshadow amps up the glam factor of traditional kohl-lined eyes and neutral lips. This is a great look to wear to an evening party or wedding this summer.

Steal the look with the following products:

Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Habanera, ($32). Use the minty green shade on the lids, and the amethyst color in the crease. Use MAC Blanc Type eyeshadow to highlight the browbone.

Fill in eyebrows with the Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil in Brunette ($22). This is my new favorite eyebrow pencil because not only is it a great color match for dark brown and black hair, it has a spooly on the end so you can brush the color through your brows after you're done feathering the color in. I'm finding it much easier to use than brow powder and an eyebrow brush. It's easier to put in my makeup bag for travel too.

Remember, with an eyebrow pencil, use short, feathery strokes to fill in sparse areas in the brows, and then brush over them with the spooly to soften the color and blend it into your brows to make it look like your real hair. Don't put too much color in, and never press too hard on the pencil. The goal is to get natural looking eyebrows, not fake ones like Dr. Spock.

But I digress, back to Parminder's look. Finish up the eyes with MAC Smolder eyepencil and black mascara.

Brush on some blush, like MAC Blush Baby on the apples of the cheeks.

And finally, swipe on Stila Lip Glaze in Blackberry ($22). This gloss is the perfect neutral for summer. You can even wear it alone with no other makeup during the day, it's that flattering. Line with MAC Plum lipliner if you want to boost the color, and your done. Gorgeous!



photo via: parmindernagraonline.com

bareMinerals Starter Kit Review

It seems you can't walk past any makeup department, Sephora, or Ulta store without seeing the Bare Escentuals bareMinerals starter kit ($60) displayed front, line and center. The starter kit boasts a value of about $180, but retails for $60, and includes all the basic products and brushes you need to, well, get started with mineral makeup.

Now I've gotta admit, I'm really late to trying mineral makeup. My little sister ordered it a few years back when bareMinerals was sold only through infomercials and she didn't like it much. She said her go-to base Cliniques Stay Matte Sheer Pressed Powder ($19) gave her much more coverage in much less time, and after trying bareMinerals for myself, I have to agree.

The kit looks really neat when you open it, it comes with three brushes (two powder brushes, one concealer brush), two shades of foundation (one for when you get darker, one for your lighter "winter shade"), a bronze shade called "warmth" that is used on your cheeks and everywhere else the sun naturally hits your face, and a setting powder known as the "mineral veil", which you brush over you face after your done applying your base to make you skin "glow". An instructional how-to DVD and a serum that supposedly makes your skin more smooth is also included.

Okay, so being an NC-42, I got the kit in Medium Tan/Tan and followed the directions on the DVD to apply it. I didn't find the directions difficult since I'm used to applying powder foundation with a brush. You just open the jar of foundation, tap a little powder into the cap, swirl your brush in the cap to pick up the powder, tap off excess, and apply to your face. If you want heavy coverage you're supposed to use the short-handled Kabuki brush, if you want sheer coverage use the longer handled flawless application brush. Next you follow the same "swirl, tap, brush" system to apply concealer (using the concealer brush dipped in foundation powder), a little "warmth" over your face, and finally the "mineral veil" to get a natural looking foundation look.

The verdict? I found this foundation not only made my combination skin look oily after a few hours, it did a terrible job of covering up imperfections. It covered up redness decently (albeit, I had to use the full coverage Kabuki brush) but if you have any blemishes, dark circles, or hyperpigmented spots or acne scars to cover, don't even bother with this stuff. In the DVD they mention a Multi-Tasking Face Product which supposedly comes in two shades, Bisque (for lighter skin) and Summer Bisque (for tan and darker skin), but I didn't get a chance to sample this as it was not included in the Starter Kit. And quite honestly, I don't know why it was not included. The whole point of wearing foundation is cover up imperfections and get rid of blemishes to get an even skin tone, and for $60 I would expect at least some kind of concealing product to be included.

bareMinerals seems to be a foundation for those women who already have great skin, and are just looking for a product to make their skin tone look more even. On the plus side, it does succeed in giving your face a natural looking even tone and probably is a great choice for women with dry skin. On the other hand though, if you've got problem skin/combination skin/oily skin and are looking for coverage that is more than sheer, stick with other brands that are tried and true (like my favorite, Bobbi Brown or Vasanti Cosmetics).

I don't want to discount all mineral foundations completely though, because I hear they are good for your skin and long wearing. They must be, because so many cosmetic companies like Revlon and MAC have rolled out their own versions of mineral makeup. I just think bare Minerals just wasn't for me.

For an excellent review of Revlon's Colorstay Mineral Foundation (yup, the one you see Halle Berry wearing in the commericials), check out this link at Beetrice's Reviews. This is one I actually may try next because the results are supposed to be matte.

P.S. Don't believe the hype that bareMinerals or any mineral makeup is so good for your skin that you can sleep in it. I've had conversations with countless women who said doing so made them break out like mad. Trust me, no makeup in the world is like manna from heaven that you can sleep in it and not mess up your skin. Always wash your face before you go to bed, your skin needs rest too.

How to Look Like a Bollywood Star

Hey ladies, I found this great video online that gives you a step-by-step tutorial on how to apply makeup Bollywood style. The artist applying the makeup is the very talented Naveeda, who is popular with both Bollywood celebs and South Asian brides in the U.K.

If you've ever seen really pretty makeup on a desi girl at a party/wedding, and wondered how she got the look (or how long it took her to do it), this video is a must see. Naveeda shows you how easy it is to get smoldering eyes and gives you tips on how to apply the colors. Even I learned something new here. I usually apply my light eyeshadow colors first and then contour with dark shadow, but as Naveeda points out, you get a much more blended and goof proof application if you apply the dark crease color first. Interesting.


How To Look Like A Bollywood Star

Hot for Summer: Orange Lipstick

I've always been a little scared of orange lipstick. Pick the right shade, and it can make you look trendy and chic. Pick the wrong one, and it'll make you look like a whore.

Well, there's nothing whorish about Bipasha's look here, in fact, I LOVE this look for summer.

With a little MAC Mocha blush, and eyes lined in MAC Smolder, you've got the perfect base for swiping on the hottest shade of the summer, orange.

To get the look, don't waste time with any other color other than MAC Electro ($14). Hot, hot, hot! It's from their Neo Sci-Fi Collection, so it's a limited release color, but it's the most universally flattering shade of orange I've ever seen. Use it with MAC Half-Red lipliner, to redden it up to get Bipasha's look, and top it off with MAC Pink Grapefruit lipglass (also from the Neo Sci-Fi collection). Viva la Orange!

Note: MAC Mahogany lipliner works well with this shade too!




photo via santabanta.com

Buh-bye Dark Undereye Circles

You know how some beauty mags ask you, "If you could take one beauty product to a deserted island what would it be?" The answer for me was always concealer. I could always use some island fruit juice for lipstick and blush, but I've gotta have my concealer. I've been on a quest to find that one perfect product that conceals my dark under eye circles for what seems like forever. Women of color, I know you hear me on this. Dark under eye circles for most olive and tan skinned women is just part of our genetics. Working out and drinking alot of water helps a little, but nothing really gets rid of them completely like a good concealer.

I've tried a bunch of concealers over the years, both drugstrore and department store brand, but was never really satisfied with them. With Stila's Illuminating Concealer, the formula was so sheer than I could still see the darkness peeking underneath, and with Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage, the formula was so dry it drew more attention to my under eye area by making it look parched and wrinkly. I also had a hard time finding a shade that suited me as well, her foundation products don't really cater to women with olive and golden undertones.

What I've found after much trial and error, is that women with olive and tan skin need a concealer that looks a little orange to cancel out the dark circles. And this is where Bobbi Brown comes to the rescue.

Bobbi Brown Corrector, $22

The product is called Corrector, rather than concealer, and hides all signs of dark circles in one application. There's no mixing of two shades or needing to apply extra eye cream before you apply, or needing to use extra foundation on top. Just apply with a concealer brush, set with a little powder on top (totally optional, but I prefer to), and those circles are gone. The makeup artist who helped me find my shade (Dark Peach) said some women follow up with using Bobbi's Creamy Concealer after using Corrector, but I didn't need it, and many women use the Corrector alone as concealer.

I'm a MAC NC-42 and the shade Dark Peach in the Corrector worked for me. Although it's best to get a professional consult to find the right shade for you, Bobbi Brown has a great chart on her website to help you find your color match if you live far away from a store that sells Bobbi Brown. If you decide to order direct from bobbibrowncosmetics.com, use the promo code "Bronze" to get FREE STANDARD SHIPPING. (Code expires at midnight on June 14, 2008.)

Could Life Possibly Be Any Crazier?!

Hi Ladies! Sorry we haven't updated in a little while...when it rains it pours! I've been traveling for weddings, was slammed with work last week and have been working crazy hours since and on top of it all, I'm moving places this weekend! We'll start regular posts again as soon as possible - hopefully this weekend!

Tightening the Beauty Belt: Days 11 to 20

Day 11: Dove Exfoliating Daily Facial Cleansing Pillows
Chic Mommy loves these cleansing pads because they are chemical-free and do an excellent job of scrubbing away dry, dead skin off the face. The pads work well in with with acne medications as well.

Day 12: L'Oreal Original Voluminous Mascara



Both Chic Mommy and I love this mascara. For me, this was my drugstore go to before I discovered Cover Girl Lash Blast. I love voluminizing mascaras for their ability to fatten up my sparse lashes. The brush is very similar to YSL Faux Cils Mascara's brush -- chubby and filled with bristles.

Chic Mommy says that this is the best value in the drugstore. She thinks it lengthens and thickens as well as Chanel for only 25% of the cost.

Day 13: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion


This is the only lotion that Chic Mommy uses on her face at night and on the days she does not leave the house (for its lack of sunscreen). She says it is so gentle, she even uses it on her little ones!! The bottle costs $10, but it lasts more than 3 months with both her and the kids using it.

Day 14: Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30

Chic Mommy has used Olay brand for almost 10 years now and just doesn't see a reason to pay more for department store brands when this moisturizer works so well. An added plus is the great sun protection it offers!

Day 15: Booth's Ginger Sugar Scrub
Remember how I told you I love gourmand scented lotions and body creams? Well, that love extends to body scrubs as well. Unfortunately, some department store brand scrubs cost around 50 bucks!! Its a little too expensive for me for something that will be washed down the drain. Luckily, I found this sugar scrub which smells amazing yet does a wonderful job of exfoliating my skin. Further, the ginger scent is unique (not the typical vanilla or chocolate) yet not overpowering.

Day 16: L'Oreal Colour Juice in Peek-A-Boo Clear

I have been looking for a cheap clear gloss to slick on in lieu of chapstick during the summer months and this one by L'Oreal is one of the best out there. The gloss goes on smoothly, is non-tacky and has a nice scent to it as well. As an added bonus, this product would look great dabbed on eyelids for a glossy eye look.

Day 17: Booth's Buttercream Body Souffle
Like the Tree Hut Brazilian Nut Body Cream reviewed previously this month, this body souffle is amazingly moisturizing and scented. Whereas the Tree Hut cream is ultra thick and perfect for fall and winter, this souffle is somewhat lighter and I plan to use this all summer long.

Day 18: Aquaphor Healing Ointment

I had heard about Aquaphor on other beauty blogs as a sort of miracle product for dry, flaky skin. Yet this product is not just a lotion you smear on...its a multi-purpose project that can be used as a moisturizer, healing ointment, and even chapstick! I put this on my lips at night and when I wake up 7 hours later, my lips are still extremely moisturized. I plan on keeping a tube of this at my office desk as the constant temperature changes leave my lips and hands dry.

Day 19: L'Oreal Le Kohl Pencil in Cafe

If there was one product I was obsessed with back in high school (yes, you heard right, that was about 10+ years ago!), it was this eyeliner. I loved the smudgy kohl look and still do, and this drugstore eyeliner easily achieves this look. The liner goes on smoothly and smudgy, and does not drag or skip on the eyelids at all.

Day 20: Crest Whitestrips Dental Whitening SysteCrest Whitestrips were one of the original teeth whiteners on the market when they became so popular a few years back. This product remains popular despite multiple imitations by other brands for a reason - it works! My teeth were noticeably whiter after I used them for 14 days and I immediately got a lot of compliments on my teeth. I actually started using them when I complained to my dentist that my teeth were yellowing. His response was that I could either pay $500 or so for professional whitening or go get a box of Crest Whitestrips...I was sold!

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner with Ultra Fine Brush, ($41)


A while ago, one of our readers asked if there was a way to get that Indian kohl-lined look without having the liner run all over the place after a few hours of wear. I think I may have finally discovered a product that does the job, it's called Bobbi Brown Gel Eyliner. It's very much like MAC's Fluidline product, but for some reason, I'm finding this to be of higher quality and easier to use.

It's a light, waterproof formula that glides on easily on the lashline, and it's safe enough to also be used on the "waterline" to line your inner rims. It takes a minute set, so if you want to get a smokey kohl look that will last all night, you've got enough time to smudge it before it sets.

Although you don't have to, I suggest you buy the brush that is designed specifically for this product. I tried to swing it with an eyeliner brush I bought from Bobbi Brown several years ago, but it didn't work well, and only got success when I went back to the mall to buy the Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush.

What I love best about this product is how smudge-resistant is. Once it sets, it's stuck until you remove it with eye makeup remover. It's ideal for contact lense wearers and those of us who live in hot, humid weather. I can also see this product becoming a favorite for brides as well, especially those getting married in the summer.

If you don't live near a mall that sells Bobbi Brown, don't worry. QVC is having a deal on this product right now where you get both the liner and the brush for $41 + shipping. As for colors, don't just limit yourself to Black. The Espresso (Dark Brown) is great for a natural-looking, daytime smokey eye and the Cobalt (a bluish black-gray), wow, this one is fabulous if you're wearing a bright shirt like yellow, hot pink, or tangerine and spending the day outdoors in the sun.

Steal the Look: Aishwarya Rai's Makeup at Cannes Film Festival 2008

Earlier today at the Cannes Film Festival, Aishwarya Rai walked down the red carpet with Eva Longoria. We haven't seen much of Aish lately but she made an entrance and her makeup looks wonderful....its nothing crazy or new, but she always look great with a smoky eye and nude lip. Here's her makeup breakdown:

Eyes: Aish has on shimmery taupe and gold shadows surrounded by tons of black liner and black mascara. Apply MAC Cream Colour Base in Fawntastic all over the lid to make the powder shadow adhere. Apply a shimmery light gold-beige shadow such as MAC Shadow in Retrospeck from the inner corners of the eyelid to the middle of the eyelid and apply a slightly darker shimmery gold shadow such as MAC Shadow in Soba from the middle of the eyelid to the outercorners. Apply a muted taupe brown shadow such as MAC Shadow in Charcoal Brown to the crease of the eyelid. Blend shadows together well. Apply an ivory shadow such as MAC Shadow in Dazzlelight to the brow bones as a highlight.

Finish the eyes by using a thick black liner such as Benefit BadGal Eyeliner all around the eyes. Smoke the eyes into the shadow using an eyeshadow brush or a shadow smudger. Top the first line with another layer of black liner. Finish with thick volumizing black mascara such as Cover Girl LashBlast Mascara.

Cheeks: Aish has on a peachy-nude colored blush that blends into her skin. Apply a similar color such as MAC Blush in Tenderling to apples of the cheeks. Apply a highlighting powder such as Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Luna to the cheekbones.

Lips: Aish has on a nude pink gloss but her lips are still accentuated. To draw out the shape, line lips first with a nude lipliner such as MAC Cremestick Liner in Honey B. Finish with a nude pink gloss such as MAC Plushglass in Big Baby.

Tightening the Beauty Belt: Days 6 to 10

May 6: Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Glossy Rose


If there were a blind test between drugstore bought Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss and a department store gloss, I would seriously not be able to tell the difference between the products. The quality of the Revlon lip gloss is smooth and non-tacky, meaning your hair won't stick to your lips on those windy days. Further, the shine is so beautiful that I regularly get compliments on it

Glossy Rose is one of my favorite color choices in the range as it is a rose pink that looks great on a multitude of skin tones.

May 7: Veet Bladeless Razor Hair Removal Gel


If you are as scared of wax strips and hot wax as I am, but tend to grow a forest on your limbs as I do, you need to try this hair removal gel. This gel is not the hair removal creams and gels of the 1980s with a nasty chemical smell. The gel goes on like shaving gel, is left on for only 3 to 5 minutes and the hair comes very easily -- no post-removal shaving to remove little hairy tidbits. I like using the Veet gel on my legs, arms and even bikini line.

May 8: Tree Hut Brazilian Nut Body Butter

Given my love for gourmand fragrances, I used to have a penchant for buying very expensive body creams in vanilla, honey, almond, chocolate, you-name-the-dessert scents. I often felt really guilty for dropping anywhere from $25 to $50 on these creams and as a result, I was thrilled to find the Tree Hut body butter.

This body butter smells amazing (gourmand, of course), is as thick and creamy as the expensive brands, moisturizes extremely well and retails for only $7. Plus, it comes in a big tub and since the thickness of the cream means you don't need to use much, this $7 will go along way.

May 9: Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Cream



I'm deeply loyal to my Shiseido cleansing cream but when I ran out a few weeks ago, a friend introduced me to this Neutrogena cleansing cream. Unlike a lot of creams, this one actually feels like it is cleansing and rinses completely without any residue. In addition, it doesn't have any of the foaming sulfates that strip your face of its natural oils and cause more breakouts.

May 10: Ardell Duralash Individual False Eyelashes

MAC, Laura Mercier and Shu Uemura all make great false eyelashes but are by no means cheap. I'm personally not willing to drop a ton of cash on something I wear only once in a while to a fancy event to glam up my look. Ardell's false lashes are budget friendly and are very easy to use. I love the individual lashes that you can cut down and attached to the outer lash line.

Amy Winehouse: One Crazy Mess

Trick or Treat! It's Amy Winehouse, who decided to scare passengers stuck in a traffic jam recently. It never ceases to amaze me how someone so perpetually high can still remember to wear eyeliner and tease their hair like that before they walk out the door. I wonder if she sees what we see when she looks in a mirror.