Monday, June 29, 2009

Anastasia Brow Pencil: I Think I Hear a Stampede  

Labels: 6 comments

Most brow pencils are quite pigmented and they require some finesse so that you don't overdo it. I would know, I have very thick brows which are no-so-thick as they approach my nose. Enhancing my brows there is like walking a thin line between naturally-born female and 'wow, that operation wasn't exactly a success.' I tend to skip enhancing my brows altogether simply because I end up looking so ridiculously severe and angry. Enter Anastasia's wonderful brow pencil.

Because of this pencil, I no longer have to dread being questioned on my femininity or my friendliness. The pencil is hard and waxy and I think this is what keeps my eyebrow hairs in place all day. I also am guessing that this is what also makes the brow pencil a bit sheer, which is exactly the reason it is so perfect.

Brow pencils for people with black hair are usually too severe, too dark, too brown, too gray, etc. Anastaria's brow pencil in Brunette is a perfect natural enhancer to my dark brows. Since the product is sheer, it really gives you the ability to build up to the look you want. Even then, it takes a lot of work to look like your brows are anything but natural with this brow pencil.

The sparse-r area near my nose is a true test to whether a brow pencil is worth its weight in blush. Anastasia's brow pencil has surpassed this test. I can fill in the inner corner of my brows and the result is so unbelievably natural that I went out to get a back-up of this. Oh, and did I mention it lasts all day? Run or stampede your way to get this brow pencil. It's a dark-haired girl's best friend (brow-wise anyway).

Posted in by Anu

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge Part 2  

Labels: 9 comments

Here's a continuation of the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge tutorial. Hope you like it.

Step 1:
Dab some bronzer onto the pointy side of the Blending Sponge. Don't scoop up too much but I like to apply it from the sponge onto the face rather than dab it on the face and then blend out. For some reason, I find that this gives you a more natural finish and control.

Step 2:
Place the sponge on the apple of the cheek and slowly blend the cheekbone and temple.

Step 3:
With light, fluttery strokes (doesn't this line sound like it came from a Fabio-drenched-drenched-in-oil-and-hair-ablazin'-with-hapless-heroine-in-tow-romance novel?) blend the bronzer all the way into the temple. This is where the shape of the sponge really helps. I love using the slope/point to follow the line of my cheekbone and can really direct where I want to place the bronzer. It also allowes for great precision blending.

Step 4:
With the round side, 'bounce' the sponge over the bronzer. This sheers it out a bit and blends it seamlessly into the skin. If you want to add intensity repeat the process until you get the desired depth.

Final Result:
Ta-dah! Here is the final result.

Posted in by Anu

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Using the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge Part 1  

Labels: 5 comments

Here is the promised tutorial on using the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge. Excuse the stains on mine. No matter what I do, the stains don't ever go out.

Step 1:

Dot foundation on your face. I like to do this because I find that I use less product than if I were to put it ont he back of my hand and then transfer it to my face with a brush or sponge.

Step 2:

Bounce the round side of the blending sponge over the foundation. Keep bouncing it to spread the foundation.

Step 3:

Dot some concealor on problem areas with the pointy side of the sponge.

Step 4:
With the pointy side, blend the cocnealor into the nooks and crannies of the area. I love this side of the sponge as it really lets me get great application on my under-eyes and the sides of my nose.


Step 5:
With the round side, bounde the sponge gently over the concealor to blend it into the foundation.

Posted in by Anu

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Work Essentials Part 3: Cheeks  

Labels: 9 comments

Now that we're still not up to date with the promised updates (I know they should be here soon. So sorry, been sick and had a sinus infection), I have an update on my work essentials.

Bobbi Brown Pink Truffle Rouge Pot
This is my favourite cream blush of all time. I don't think I can think of any other blush that is as flattering on my nc45 skin as this one. The texture is a little thicker than your average cream blush but it blends out easily. The finish you get is a dewy, this-is-all-part-of-my-natural-skin glow that helps me look less like the groggy undead when I wake up after a sleepless night where the neighbour's car alarm goess off 6 times (This is a true story. I hate my neighbour). The colour is a perfect dusty rose that is both non-offensive and subdued while adding the right amount of colour to brighten the face. The colour can easily be built for extra drama. This is one of the few staples that I think almost all desi women, regardless of skintone, can wear.

MAC Blushbaby

If I had to choose between all my MAC blushes (every time I write something about choosing between my blushes I have to remind myself that this is only hypothetical and it won't really happen), I would choose Blushbaby. This mauvy-rose blsuh is matte and looks uneventful in the pan but once worn gives my cheekbones definition while adding the right hint of colour. It doesn't look the least dull or flat on my cheeks. Do not be afraid of the seemingly unpigmented state of the blush as it has the right balance of colour to enhance my nc45 skintone. All in all, the perfect work neutral.

image source: maccosmetics.com, handbag.com

Posted in by Anu

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Parvathy Omanakuttan at Cannes  

Labels: 6 comments

I'm not quite sure through which virtues Parvathi Omanakuttan got invited to attend Cannes but she managed to stun the world wearing a gown made out of King Midas's (golden) pet crocodile's hide. If you squint enough, you'll notice that her make-up is also stunning-in a good way. I adore her make-up and think it's perfect for many occasions.


Recommended Products:

  • Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
  • Aveda Inner Light Tinted Moisturizer
  • Translucent powder of your choice
  • Make-up Forever Full Cover Concealor
  • Shiseido Accentuating Stick in Glistening Flush (S3)
  • Becca cream blush in Terracotta
  • NARS blush in Dolce Vita
  • MAC eyebrow pencil in Stud
  • Urban Decay Primer Potion
  • MAC eyeshadow in All That Glitters
  • MAC eyeshadow in Bronze
  • MAC pencil Technakohl in Graphblack
  • CoverGirl Volume Exact
  • Vincent Longo lipstick in Boccacino
  • MAC Clear Lipglass

Recommended Tools:
  • Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge for the tinted moisturizer, concealor, blush, and highlighter.
  • MAC 239 for patting on shadow
  • MAC 217 for blending and crease shadow
  • MAC 219 for smudging the eyeliner
  • MAC 187, 188, or 116 (use a light hand for Dolce Vita with this brush) for blush

Face:
Prep your skin with the Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel (yes I'm actually serious about my claims on this) or a primer of your choice. Then, 'bounce' on the Inner Light tinted moisturizer with the blending sponge. I really like this tinted moisturizer as you need little to get a polished look and it gives you the glow we're after for this look.

Check to see what all problem areas need some extra help and blend in some Full Coverage Concealor with the blending sponge.

Don't apply translucent powder just yet. Apply it only after you're done with the cream blush.

Highlight:
Apply the highlighter after you're done with foundation. Blend out the Glistening Flush accentuating stick with either your fingers or the sponge. Place the highlighter on top of your temples and blend outward. Add a bit to the apple of your cheeks as well. Also apply the Glistening Flush on the browbone, bridge of your nose, and your cupid's bow and blend.

Cheeks:
Add warmth and definition with the Terracotta cream blush placed on the cheekbone and slightly under it. Blend outwards and towards the temple while smoothing out the edges.

Smile and apply the Dolce Vita blush lightly onto the apple of the cheek to give your cheeks a slight, warm pop.

Now apply translucent powder to set the make-up.

Eyes:
Pat on some Primer Potion to prep lids for colour.

Brows:
Parvathy's eyebrows are strong, clean, and dramatic . So pluck away any stray hairs and follow the natural arch of your eyebrows. Next, slightly make the brows thicker (and darker if you're comfortable with it) than you're used to. You don't want to go overboard thickening your eyebrows, just make them a slightly more dramatic version of what you were gifted with. Set with a brow gel if needed.

Eyelid:
Apply All That Glitters to the lid and blend into the crease.

Crease:
Define the outer third of the crease with the Bronze eyeshadow and blend outwards toward the browbone.

Highlight:
I like to keep the browbone highlight subtle for this look so I would leave it with the highlighter we already applied. However, if you want some extra drama, apply the shadow of your choice very lightly to the browbone.

Eyeliner:
Rim the lower lash line and waterline with Graphblack. Line the tip lid from the inner corner to the outer corner. Start with a thin line and gradually thicken the line as you get to the end. Make sure to keep the line thin-medium. Smudge the liner to soften the look and reapply Graphblack on the smudged areas to get soft drama.

Mascara:
Curl lashes and apply Volume Exact generously to create Bambi-lashes. You can apply individual lashes at the outer corner for exagerated drama.


Lips:
Apply the Boccacino lipstick and top off with clear Lipglass for extra shine.

image source: www.rediff.com

Posted in by Anu

A Variation of the Swine Flu? Jessica Biel Complains About Being too Good Looking  

Labels: 6 comments

I seem to be swarmed with beauty-news lately (highlights and lowlights following soon and the previously promised posts will be up, I promise again), but this was too hilarious not to post. I recently came across a post where Jessica Biel opened her mouth only to have her wordings become verbal diarrhea when she inserted her foot into her mouth. Here is an excerpt from Jessica Biel's interview in the new Allure magazine:


. . . Biel is so frustrated when she misses out on plum roles that go to Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman because directors find her look to be too modern.

"I just want an opportunity," she states in Allure's June issue. "If you don't like the audition, then don't hire me! But if you don't want to even see me -- that's hurtful." Find out what else Jessica has to say about her looks, marriage, and living life under a microscope.

Is being too good-looking really a problem for an actress? "Yeah, it really is a problem. I have to be blunt."

I'm not a doctor, but I know when someone has caught the Evangeline Lily virus where the victim cries themself to sleep out of frustration that they cannot fathom what it is to be ugly like the rest of the world (if at this point you think I'm making this up, google Evangeline Lily and her infamous Elle interview). Seriously, if things get worse doctors might need to deflate Jessica Biel's head!

image source: www.eonline.com

Posted in by Anu

Friday, May 15, 2009

Work Essentials Part 2: Eyes  

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In my effort to continue the work essentials I have come to LOVE (yes, that's right. these products make me unleash the power of my caps lock button), here is a list of eye make-up that make the day prettier.


L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black

This is such a gem by L'Oreal. My friend calls the depth of the black liquid liner almost 'paint-like' and I can't agree more. It's a rich, intensely black liner that stays on for more than 10 hours. The felt-tip applicator really makes getting control over the liner easy; I can make a thin or a thick line with the least amount of effort possible. It's also extremely gentle on the eyes as I can even tightline my eyes with it. The Lineur Intense is such a great buy that I don't really see the need to purchase the colour equivalent of Lancome's Artliner.

YSL Effet Faux Cils
I tried so hard not to fall in love with this mascara but it's impossible. I've worn enough false lashes in my life to know that no mascara will ever reach such rapunzel-ian lengths, but this mascara is pretty fantastic. With just one swipe, I get thick, long bambi lashes. The formula is very wet in the beginning so be careful as it will smear onto your eyelids when you apply. As the mascara gets older, it seems to clump on me more. However, just wash the wand in hot water and you'll be back to madly in love with this mascara. I mean, it's a deep, glossy black that makes my lashes look divine and doesn't flake or smear all day. What's not to tumble hopelessly in love with?

Covergirl Volume Exact
This is another great, less wallet-intensive love of mine. This gives me great separation, length, and volume. It's not as dramatic as the YSL mascara, but it's a winner in its own right. The wand separates my lashes and emphasizes every one (even the tiny ones on the inner corner). The formula is the right consistency and wears like steel during the day. I like it to its dramatic counter part, Lash Blast, because it doesn't weight down my lashes or make them break off. By far my favourite drugstore mascara.


Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow in SandcastleHere's a shocking truth about me that doesn't involve the number of blushes I own: I hate eye-shadow primers. For some reason, they always dry out my very oily eyelids and make me look like I spent years trying to gain wisdom but, alas, only ended up with crepey eyelids from thinking deep thoughts. I like to use a good cream shadow that will hold my eyeshadow in place instead. Bobbi Brown's cream shadow in Sandcastle is a more sophisticated shade of my lids and is a great primer. I pat it on in the morning with my MAC 242 brush or my fingers if I'm feeling lazy and then apply shadow. My eye make-up lasts as long on me as it does when I use Urban Decay's Primer Potion and my eyelids look less like I am trying to recreate a rugged desert landscape.

image sources: www.nordstrom.com, www.sephora.com, www.dugstore.com



Posted in , by Anu

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Deplorable Article on Aishwarya Rai and Make-up  

Labels: 12 comments

In recent beauty related news, I came across an article that churned my stomach. I didn't believe it at first but since it seems to be popping up everywhere, I'm going to rant til my nailpolish chips on this one.


The article in question is on Zeenews stating that "Ageing Aishwarya Rai insecure without make-up." Here's an excerpt from the article:

"The worst nightmare of a beautiful lady is to wake up one fine day and find herself old and haggard. Same goes for gorgeous Aishwarya Rai, who is becoming insecure with age and time. Few years back, the lady ruled supremely and was admired for her flawless beauty. But now she needs her powder and rouge to look beautiful. Recently, the lady had a face-off with director Mani Ratnam over her make-up."

A woman's worst nightmare is getting old and haggard? Really? Because the way I see it you can either get "old and haggard," or, well, not grow any older and celebrate birthdays eternally among the angels. I mean truly, the only logical alternative I can find to ageing is dying. You either live and get older, or die. So now that we have set the bar of beauty to "living" over "corpse,"I think these claims of no make-up are even more ridiculous.

When did an actress who claimed to not wear any make-up actually go bare-faced? There's always some form of foundation, contouring, powder, etc. going on, not to mention the camera filters, lighting and the sorts. I'm finding an increasing number of articles aimed at Aishwarya's age that seem to imply that she is less attractive because she's growing older. I don't ever hold the notion that Bollywood, Hollywood or any other filmdom is not ageist but I can still find it insulting. What do you think of the article?

Posted in by Anu

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