Stila Indian Summer Collection

Get the Look
Eyes: Charmed Palette; Eye Liner: 24kt Smudge Pot; Lips: 24kt Luxe Lipgloss; Face: 24kt Loose Mineral Powder

Back in March, I blogged about Stila's Indian Summer Collection, this gorgeous collection is now up for purchase.

I have my eye on the Charming Eye Shadow Palette, Mango Crush Lip & Cheek Stain and the Golden Noir Smudge Pot.

Hair Trends: Short Cuts

To pull off a summer-friendly cut like Lara Dutta, ask your hairstylist to cut long bangs, which you can easily style and sweep to one side for a sexy, feminine flair or pin back with a barrette on sweltering days.

Prachi Desai's Beauty Secrets

When did makeup first catch your fancy?
Ever since I remember, I’ve been crazy about makeup! I don’t know if it was my aunt’s or my mum’s lipstick I first tried — all I know is I was so young, I couldn’t even put it on right.

Any beauty ‘idols’?
Not one person, no. But I have always wanted to be an actor (since I was 10!) so I guess everyone was an idol for me! I would actually tie my mom’s dupatta on my head and pretend that my hair was long!

Makeup for you means?
When I’m not acting, it’s just gloss and kajal. Usually when people step out they like to put on makeup, but we operate in reverse because we spend so many hours in pancake on shoots that when we step out, we like to keep it basic. But yeah, I carry a 'just-in-case' concealer on me at all times.

Brands you’re hung up on?
I pick up every possible product in every possible brand. For my skin, I trust Neutrogena and for my hair Kerastase works great.

Any spa treatments you love?
A hot stone massage, it rids me of stress like nothing else! And I’m religious about my hair rituals at B: Blunt.

Your day-to-day beauty routine?
CTM is a no-brainer. I always remove my makeup and then do a thorough deep cleanse and follow it up with a night cream. In the day, post cleansing I use a moisturizer and SPF. If I’m shooting, I slather on M.A.C Prep + Prime Skin after moisturizing.

Any troublesome parts that need extra TLC?
My nails because we have to maintain our nails for continuity. So we use gel or acrylic coats—I go for a gel french manicure. So, sometimes for months, my original nails are covered. But there’s no choice as if I were to break a nail, it would mean hiding the nail from the camera all time time!

ELLE TV: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Beauty Secrets

The questions are in French, here's what they are in English. The video starts off with "Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Beauty Secrets". Here are the questions she was asked

1. What's your first beauty ritual in the morning?
2. How do you take care of your skin?
3. What are some quick make-up tricks of yours?
4. What's your secret for keeping your hair beautiful/healthy?
5. Are you a perfume junkie?
6. What beauty products do you always have in your purse?
7. What's your quick fix-me-up product?
   

Make-up Trend: Bronzey, Dewy Skin

To give your skin a youthful glow like Kareena Kapoor mix a few drops of tinted moisturizer with a bronzing luminizing lotion, then apply to your face. Instead of dusting on face powder, apply a sheer layer of translucent loose powder on just the T-zone.

Rec: Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion

Celina Jaitley's Beauty Secrets

So what's your beauty routine?
Yoga is a huge part of it as it always brings a glow to my face! I wash my face with plain water many times a day and every night I do the basic CTM. For hair, I get regular salon treatments and oil massages and I avoid coloring it.

Skincare brands you always stock up on?
Neutrogena! It really does wonders for me.

And hair gets special attention too?
Absolutely! I love to go to Hakim Aalim for treatments when I can. I'm hooked on L'oreal's Hair Spa Treatments, plus their shampoos and conditioners. Other faves are Parachute Advanced Hot Oil, Biotique's Henna Hair Pack.

Your first makeup memory?
At a kathak recital at an inter-school competition, I was playing the part of a peacock. The school had organized makeup artists who took 20 minutes to paint my face and I looked horrible! However I loved the blue green eye shadows they used on my eyes.

Party vs. weekend... How different is your makeup?
Quite different. I am very natural and chilled on weekends, I use lots of kohl. A spray blush and transparent lipgloss with freshly-washed hair left to air dry is what I like. For parties, I like to use Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Charcoal, I use it as kajal and liner, and smudge it madly. For my face, I use a tiny bit of mineral powder by Bare Escentuals or L'oreal Bare Naturale Mineral Makeup. Lips are usually nude; mostly base with a liner and gloss.

Beauty products we'll always find on you?
My large kohl and kajal collection from practically every brand-I can't live without it. Plus, a translucent lip gloss!

Udita Goswami's Beauty Secrets

Your first memory of beauty gone wrong?
It all started with getting my eyebrows done in the ninth grade. I was so kicked! It was around then that I did my first fashion show and I was thrilled. I had a makeup artist, so I did nothing myself but curl my lashes and that I managed to turn into a disaster! My fingers were slick with Vaseline and so the curler slipped, pulling half the lashes out of one eye! I looked pretty funny till they grew back…

Do you consciously try and look ‘hotter’ for a party or an event?
No, not really. I’m not trying to sound smooth but really to be sexy, you just have to be you. We put on so much makeup for shoots that in real life, I prefer to go very, very minimal.

If we sneaked into your bag, what beauty product would we always see?
Chapstick and eye shadow.

And the brands you can’t resist?
Mainly M.A.C and Make Up For Ever— the quality is superb. But my mascara is always from L’oreal.

Any beauty tricks you want to let us in on?
I always use a primer before applying lip color or eyeshadow. They make makeup last longer, it doesn’t bleed and you don’t get sweat creases.

Your daily beauty routine?
The KISS formula — Keep It Simple Stupid! Wash your face with as often as you can, drink loads of water and eat right. Your skin will automatically take care of itself. As for hair, just be gentle with it—yanking out roots in frustration while combing your hair isn’t going to help. For products I like L’oreal, though I keep experimenting all the time.

Any part of your body you need to give TLC to?
Ummm, my nails. They grow quickly and aren’t too fragile, so it’s not like I have to take care of them; it’s more like I want to take care of them. Pastel colored nail polish and the perfect shape make me happy.

Meghna Naidu's Beauty Favorites

Your beauty regime?
Every morning, I splash loads of water on my face and follow it with a herbal paste. Also, I try to take steam vapors to rid my skin of toxins and keep it fresh.
Must-do beauty ritual before leaving home?
Put on sunscreen as well as some kajal under the eyes and gloss on the lips.
Beauty quick fix?
Put on a reputed moisturizer and some blush. The moisturizer makes the blush stay on longer. But make sure you leave the moisturizer on for sometime before topping it with make-up.
Can’t stay without?
My water spray, as it keeps my face hydrated, especially during the summers.
Your best feature?
My eyes.. many say they are very expressive.
A beauty tip?
Stay well hydrated and as natural as you can be.
A make-up tip?
Never apply make-up before blow-drying your hair. The heat from the dryer can make you perspire and smudge your make-up.
Earthy tones or vibrant colors?
Earthy tones. They give a more natural look and Indian skin tones look nice with earthy colors.
Your beauty wish list?
The entire M.A.C. range.. compact, blush, lipstick, eye liners and kohl. I want the whole set in the M.A.C beauty hard carry case.
Your beauty icon?
Marilyn Monroe.
A brand you love?
M.A.C.
A strict no-no?
Crash diets — they drain the charm off one’s face. Instead eat well and exercise.
Spa visits are for..
..getting pampered and spending some quality time with myself.
How do you tackle a bad hair day?
I put a lot of serum and clip it.
The secret to good lips?
I drink lots of water and always carry a chapstick with me.

Model Aditi Govitrikar's Beauty Favorites

Your beauty regime?
It’s very simple. I moisturize my face before going to bed, drink a lot of water and apply sunscreen before stepping out during the day.
Must do beauty ritual before leaving home?
Applying sunscreen.. it’s a must.
A home beauty tip?
Dip cotton swabs in cold milk and place on the eyes. It’s very soothing.
A make-up tip?
Less is more. I believe too much make-up adds to your age.
Earthy tones or vibrant colours?
Depends.. earthy tones for the day, vibrant colours for the evening.
A strict no-no?
Dark lipsticks.
Parlour visits are for..
Head massages and pedicures.
Your beauty wish-list?
Though my friends love it, I wish for a freckle-free skin.
Your best feature?
My eyes.. and lips.
You pamper them with..
Adequate sleep.. and lip balm.
Beauty icon?
Nicole Kidman.
A brand you love?
Chanel.
Can’t stay without..
Lip gloss.
Beauty quick-fix?
Blusher and lip gloss.
Bedtime ritual?
I slather my face with moisturizer and apply an under eye cream.
How do you tackle a bad hair day?
Tie a ponytail.
A secret to good lips?
Lip balm.
Age gracefully or..
(Laughs) Each to her own.

Payal Rohatgi's Beauty Favorites

Your beauty regime?
I stay happy, drink gallons of water, eat healthy and try to go without make-up whenever possible.
Must-do beauty ritual before leaving home?
Apply sunscreen lotion. If the skin is too oily follow it up with compact powder.
Beauty quick- fix?
A power rich cream that should be applied whenever you feel the skin is likely to succumb to an allergic reaction.
Can’t stay without?
A sunscreen lotion.
Your best feature?
People say it’s my eyes.. I think it’s my lips.
A beauty tip?
Always remove make-up before retiring for the day.
A make-up tip?
Go natural..apply minimal make-up.
Earthy tones or vibrant colors?
Depends on my mood. At times it’s earthy.. other times I go for vibrant hues.
Your beauty wish list?
I want all the good beauty products on the market.
Your beauty icon?
Anne Hathaway.
A brand you love?
Lancome.
A strict no-no?
Layers of make-up.
Spa visits are for..
..pampering myself.
How do you tackle a bad hair day?
Conditioner and mousse come to my rescue.
The secret to good lips?
Lip gloss.
Your bedtime ritual?
I never forget to apply night cream.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on L'oreal and Cannes

Her favorites include her own signature lip color and L'oreal's mascaras.

TV Actress Karishma Tanna's Beauty Favorites

Must-do beauty ritual before leaving home?
I apply a cream with SPF 15.
Home beauty tip?
Drink a lot of water. Also, applying a paste of haldi, lemon and curd makes your face glow instantly.

Your make-up funda?
Minimum make-up does the trick. For dark circles, apply a concealer followed by gloss and kaajal.
Your best feature?
My eyes.
Earthy shades or vibrant hues?
Both.. depending on my mood.
Strict no-no?
Smoking and depriving myself of adequate sleep.
Spa visits are for..
Pampering myself. Girls need to go to a spa to look clean and beautiful.
Can’t stay without?
Breathing. I’m addicted to power yoga.
Beauty icon?
Rekha, Jennifer Aniston and Madonna.. they’ve maintained themselves well and still look young and beautiful.
Beauty wish-list?
I’ve always wanted long, straight and beautiful hair.
Bedtime ritual?
Clean my face in the night with a face wash and apply moisturizing cream.
How do you tackle a bad hair day?
Oil it and tie it up high.. it looks fab.
The secret to good lips?
I apply lip balm every 10 minutes to keep them moisturized.
Aging gracefully or..
Aging gracefully.

M.A.C Hello Kitty Event in Mumbai

Mrudula Thombre and Pallavi Symons

On Mrudula: Dark Mineralize Skinfinish as foundation, Frankly Scarlet Blush with Tahitian Sand Beauty Powder. On her eyes, Paradisco Eye Shadow, Stylin' from Lucky Tom Palette and Romping from Too Dolly Palette, with Graphblack Technakohl Liner. On lips, Nightmoth Lip Pencil and Magenta Lip Pencil with Nice to be Nice Lipglass in the center.

On Pallavi: Pallavi's smoky eyes are a concoction of Stylin' from Lucky Tom Palette, Romping from Too Dolly Palette and Rule Eye Shadow with Zoom Lash Mascara and # 7 Lashes. Rule Eye Shadow washed over the cheekbones and Tahitian Sand Beauty Powder as a highlight. Redd Lip Pencil and Magenta Lip Pencil blended in and Nice to be Nice Lipglass.

Shayli Nayak

Too Dolly and Romping Eye Shadow from Too Dolly Palette wrapped with Blacktrack Fluidline both around and inside the eyes. Dipdown Fluidline for the brows and Redd Lip Pencil and Magenta Lip Pencil on the lips with a touch of Nice Kitty Lipglass in the center. Tippy Beauty Powder Blush on the cheeks.

Divya

Stylin' from Lucky Tom Palette on the inner corner of her eyes, Romping from Too Dolly Palette in the center and Too Dolly Eye Shadow from Too Dolly Palette on the outer corner, Blacktrack Fluidline and Fascinating Eye Kohl inside the eyes. On her cheeks she has Tippy Beauty Powder Blush finished off with Fun and Games Beauty Powder Blush. On her lips she has Cedar Lip Pencil and Nice to be Nice Lipglass.

Dewy Fresh Skin

Mineral make-up is the talk of the town. You cannot brush it aside as a fleeting fad or an obsession with the rich and famous. It’s here to stay.

Vimi Joshi, senior make-up artist of M.A.C Cosmetics, defines it as, “a formulation of make-up that has a blend of mineral oils and a finish that is natural and fresh.”

"Mineral make-up has no talc, is chemical-free and contains no dyes. So, you don’t have to worry about make-up triggered allergies. Though especially beneficial for sensitive skin", Joshi says "that it is good for all skin types".

Liquid skin

“An added benefit is that it makes the skin appear dewy and radiant.. and evens out the skin tone. I like to call it liquid skin because it’s so perfect and naturally glowing,” gushes Joshi.

Mineral make-up is made of finely ground, high pigment minerals. It is great to conceal blemishes, even burn scars to an extent. Those with dry skin will benefit the most as the minerals help retain the moisture.

Leena Kayani of Leena’s Beauty and Hair Care insists that these products are an artist’s delight.

“Try this experiment.. take two models. Give one regular make-up and the another mineral make-up. Initially, you won’t see any difference. It’s only after about 45 minutes that you’ll realize that the skin of the latter is glowing,” she informs, adding that the minerals blend with the skin to bring this beautiful glow.

Brand it

Foundations, powders, eye shadows and blushes are all available in a mineral base. Some brands even have mineral lipstick.

“If nourishing your skin is top priority then buy make up from reputed cosmetic brands only,” warns Kayani. Clinique, M.A.C, Kryolan and Christian Dior are a few that she recommends.

Anusha Dandekar's Tells Cosmopolitan India Her Beauty Secrets

Cosmopolitan India: The secret to your hot body?
Anusha Dandekar: Lots of sleep, because that’s when makeup artists don’t complain about my dark circles!

C.I: Your beauty routine?
A.D: Well, morning begins with drinking a straight liter of water—hydrated skin is healthy skin. Luckily, in my childhood I never had any acne issues but when I got to Mumbai, the climate, the water and the excess makeup at shoots made me break out every now and then. Then, I discovered Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals and it’s really done wonders for my skin…So I use DermaCleanse to clean my face.

C.I: Can’t-live-without products?
A.D: Elizabeth Arden 8-hour Cream Skin Protectant is an absolute wonder! I use it on my lips, cheeks and eyes and it just adds some shimmer. Mascara is a must and I just love The Body Shop Bronzer—just a hint on your cheeks makes such a big difference. Brand wise, its mostly just M.A.C for me!

C.I: A what-the-hell makeup experience?
A.D: I was about 7 or 8 and was to dance on stage. My older sister put kajal in my eyes—and in the mirror, I saw my whites going black (it was a little overdone) and saw black leaching on my lower lids. I went about waving my arms in the air screaming that I was going blind!

C.I: The secret to your bedhead hair?
A.D: Just that — I barely ever comb! And I’m very careful not to use any hairspray, mousse or such. I just shake out my hair and that’s it. Natural bedhead…!

C.I: Party makeup for you in simple steps...
A.D: Okay, after CTM, a swipe of compact, very little cream blush or bronzer, then that Elizabeth Arden 8-hour Cream Skin Protectant on my eyes, and maybe some colored gloss. Finito!

C.I: Splurge on beauty?
A.D: Perfume, skin care and makeup, in that order!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Cannes Day 1 Make-up Breakdown

Hair
L'oreal Coiffant Elnett in 108- Satin FN

Skin
L'oreal Derma Genese Pore Minimizer Serum
L'oreal Derma Genese Pore Minimizer
L'oreal Infaillible Eclat in Miel Eclat

Face
L'oreal Touche Magique in Miel Dore
L'oreal Glam Bronze in Mono Soleil Dore

Eyes
L'oreal Contour Khol in Noir
L'oreal Super Line in Noir Jais
L'oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara in Noir
L'oreal Color Appeal Eye Shadow Smoky Duo in Brun Fume

Lips
L'oreal Glam Shine 6H Lipgloss in Cinnamon Addict

Freida Pinto, The New Face of L'oreal?

After the rumor about Freida Pinto becoming the new face of Estee Lauder, this one comes as quite a surprise. This is what People had to say about the matter:

L’Oreal has just announced that they are welcoming two big-name stars to their roster of celebrity faces: Freida Pinto and Evangeline Lilly. Despite persistent internet rumors that the Slumdog Millionaire star would be the face of Estee Lauder, the Indian actress says she is thrilled to be the face of L’Oreal. “I am very moved to be joining the great L’Oreal Paris family and all these personalities: a family I am now proud to be a part of,” Freida says in a statement. Also stepping in front of the lens will be Lost star Evangeline Lilly, who says, “It is a source of great pride for me to represent a brand whose ambition is to respond to every person’s aspirations to beauty and contribute to the fulfillment and well-being of everyone.” Check back for more information on their dazzling new campaigns.

Make-up Trend: Contoured Cheeks

For Katrina Kaif's chiseled look on the latest issue of Marie Claire India, start by swirling a small, angled brush (M.A.C 168 Large Angled Contour Brush) over matte face powder two shades deeper than your skin tone. (Most bronzers are too dark or shimmery for contouring.) Make a big 3-shape starting with your forehead, sweeping around below your cheek bones and sweeping around again below your jaw.

To avoid that stripey look, don't go too far under your cheekbones. Stop below the outside of your eye for the most natural effect.

Rec: M.A.C Matte Bronze Bronzing Powder

Make-up Trend: Smooth, Clear Skin

Adah Sharma may have genetically blessed skin, but keeping it gorgeous after dozens of makeup artists apply and apply make-up all day, is quite a lengthy process. The secret? Apply an enzyme exfoliant once or twice a week. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin and will remove dead skin cells on the surface. The complexion will be clear and skin will glow.

Move over, thick winter hydrators! Using a light serum daily will penetrate the skin quickly without giving the feeling of heaviness.

Rec: Origins Never A Dull Moment Skin-brightening face polisher with fruit enzymes and La Mer The Lifting Face Serum

Prevention India's Beauty Scans (May '09)

Left Page: News and Trends

On the Shelves

Clockwise from left to right: Elizabeth Arden Red Door Shimmer, The Body Shop Wild Cherry Shower Gel, L'oreal Professionnel LUMI-Oil 1 Serum, Avon ClearSkin Collection.

Shahnaz Hussain's Home Cures For Removing A Tan

Tanning results from sun exposure. Here are some home remedies to clear up your skin tone.

1. Tan-removal mask: Mix cucumber and ripe papaya pulp with 1 teaspoon of curd, 1 teaspoon of honey, 4 teaspoons of oatmeal and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Apply on the face and neck, twice a week, and wash off after half an hour.
2. Arms and legs: Mix gram flour (besan) with curd, lemon juice and a little turmeric into a paste. Wash off after 30 minutes. Apply thrice times a week.
3. Hands: Take 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil and 3 tablespoons of coarse sugar. Mix into a paste. Rub it on hands. Rinse after 15 minutes.
4. Feet: Squeeze one lemon into a shallow tub of water and soak feet in it. This will cool, clean and remove tan and odor. Rubbing a sliced lemon on the feet helps as well.

Right page: Editor's Picks
Sun Protection Plus

1. Shahnaz Forever Herbal Sun Protection Cream SPF 40
   It contains moisturizing agents and antioxidants that fight free radical damage to the skin.
   
   
2. Lotus Herbals Sunscreen and Anti-Tan Gel
   It prevents tanning; calendula inhibits sun-inducing wrinkling.
   
   
3. Vichy Capital Sleil Anti-Reaction Sunscreen SPF 50
   It reduces age-related pigmentation and formation of wrinkles.
   
   
4. L’Oreal Paris Solar Expertise SPF 50
   It reduces age-related pigmentation and formation of wrinkles.
   
   
5. Clinique Sun Care UV Response SPF 50 Sunscreen
   An oil-free formula it also prevents aging by boosting the skins repair work.
   
   
6. Estee Lauder Cyberwhite UV Protector
   Prevents age-related hyper pigmentation and also helps dissolve brown spots.
   
   
7. Pond's Age Miracle Tinted Moisturizer
   A moisturizer, sunscreen and lightweight foundation all rolled into one.

Shibani Kashyap Shares Her Beauty Secrets with Cosmopolitan India

Memories of makeup? Which product do you identify with the most?
I’d stand beside my mum as a child while she did her makeup — I think lipsticks fascinated me the most!

Parties vs free weekend... how different would you dress your face?
My weekend look would differ for both day—on Saturdays I’d go bling, while Sundays would be totally casual, no makeup! For a party, it would depend on what I’m wearing. LBD equals smoky eyes and nude lips. But an elaborate dress means I limit makeup to eyeliner, blush and a swipe of gloss!

You don’t leave home without...
Sunblock. It’s ridiculous to see women with great skin ruin it all by not using adequate SPF.

Brands that have caught and held your fancy?
Loads, but I dig the shower gels from Body Shop and the FX Compact and Spice (lip pencil) from M.A.C and all the L’oreal shampoos and conditioners—they work great on my hair.

Salon lover?
Totally, I love head massages, hair spa treatments and I’m addicted to a good mani-and-pedi session.

Fail-safe makeup tricks you want to share?
To make eyes look bigger and well-defined I use kohl not only on the rim of the lower lid but also on the upper inner rims. To give your body a more toned and sun-kissed look, extend that bronzer all the way to your limbs!

Basic beauty routine?
The basic CTM every morning followed by application of sunblock before I leave home. If I’ve got makeup on for a show or shoot, I scrub every inch of it off the second I get home. It’s critical to let your skin breathe.

Make-up Trend: Glossy Lips

We've all been there. Our lips are freshly glossed when we leave the house but wind up dry and bare within minutes of our first latte. We found the trick to getting Raveena's glazed pout without touching up every hour.

Apply a long-wear lipstick, followed by a long-wear clear gloss on top. And drinking through a straw will help too.

Rec: Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss

Make-up Trend: Sunkissed Skin

As the temperature rises, we need to adapt our makeup combinations to keep our complexion looking fresh. Rather than layering on cakey powders, opt for gel formulas to get a realistic-looking sun-kissed glow like Mughda Godse.

To prevent melting makeup and to keep color in place, mix a liquid or gel bronzer with an oil-absorbing primer.

Rec: Lancaster Easy Face Bronzer Brush with Gel

Make-up Trend: Sweet, Innocent, Flushed Cheeks

With hot boyfriend Saif Ali Khan so often at her side, Kareena Kapoor has every reason to blush. Mimic that 'in love' effect with a little bit of pink cheek color.

The difference between a youthful, feminine glow and a sunkissed one comes down to blush placement. Aim for the apple of your cheeks, rather than the cheekbones, to get this sweet, flirtatious look.

Rec: M.A.C Just A Pinch Gel Blush