Photographer: Manmeet Bhatti; Make up: Cory Walia for Lakmé; Styling: Pearl Shah.
Blue and aubergine halter, by Ranna Gill for 7 Best Marg.
Blue kundan earrings, at The Oak Tree.

As nature sheds her green cover, Sujata Assomull looks towards creating a dramatic impression this season with heavily kohl-lined eyes and subtly coloured lips.

GLAM INDIA!

Embrace your rich roots as desi glamour goes international with the ‘Indo-Diva’ look.

As far as fashion is concerned, India is definitely the flavour of the season. The West, it seems, cannot get enough of our full ghera skirts, Kolhapuri chappals and kundan jewellery, even as the latest runway shows of Clements Riberio and Matthew Williamson showed a heavy inspiration of Indian fashion and make-up. This ‘Indo-Diva’ look is all about the heavy use of kohl, berry-drenched lips and attention to those tresses. There is no time like the present, with the onset of the festive and bridal seasons, to embrace your Indian roots.

The Eyes

This is where you can have some fun. The use of kohl is mandatory with Lakme’s Kohl sparkler being every girl’s must-have product. Start lining your eyes from the inside out. Make the liner a little darker on the outer corners to give the illusion of wide-set eyes. Add some real drama with a touch of liquid eyeliner or an eyeshadow pencil on the top of the lid. Experiment with colour by using a shade that matches the outfit you are wearing.

To cover any excess shadow or kohl that has spilled under the eyes, apply concealer after the eye make-up. Finish off with a highlighter at the highest point under the eyebrow. Pupa’s recently launched Optical Gold and Silver kits add a touch of subtle shine to the eyes. Mascara is another essential to lengthen those lashes; L’Oréal’s Double Extension Mascara comes with a base coat that ensures long lashes all night.

The Lips

Traditionally, Indian women favour berry-coloured lips, but since the eyes have been played up, don’t overdo the lips. It is all about a hint of colour so go for a sheer lipstick that stains your lips.

Fledgling Actress Neha Dubey’s Make-up Secrets

Face: Apply Face Magic Daily Wear Soufflé as a base, in a shade that best suits your skin and apply Lakme Pure Radiance Blusher to define cheekbones. Accentuate them with Sparkle Dust Roll or Powder in Silver.

Eyes: Brush over a sheer eyeshadow in a honeymoon hue over the eyelids and highlight inner corners with shimmer eye cube in mauve. Encircle eyes with kohl sparkler pencil in spice. Liberally line the inside of the eye with black kajal. Finish with generously applied thick lash mascara.

Lips: Define the lips with Irish Coffee Dual Definition Lip Liner and fill lips with Enrich Lipcolor in Varun Bahl 505. For a glossy pout, stroke on Lip-Gloss in Bubblegum.

Hair: Spray on hair roots with Instant Bounce volume spray. Blow dry hair to remove any moisture and frizz. Soft waves were defined using a curl enhancing styling gel and creating
big curls with tongs.

Make-up essentials by Lakme.

HANDS-ON APPEAL

Exposed to sunlight and in constant use, they really do need the gentle touch.

The first part of the body that gives away your age is the hands. They need as much, if not more care than your face as they are not only exposed to the sunlight at all times but are also in constant use. Just like you have a daily facial routine, a daily hand moisturising regimen is a must.

Naughty Twenties: Protect and Prepare

Skincare

Develop the habit of moisturising your hands every day and keep a tube of hand cream by your bedside table. Think about the different ways in which you can protect your hands; applying sunscreen, using gloves while doing any washing or consuming nuts containing Vitamin E which keeps the nails strong.

Colour

The word Manicure is derived from the Latin words manus (hand) and cura (care), but most manicures today end with the application of colour. According to Lovina Gidwani Jha, Brand Manager, Franck Provost, “The purpose of a manicure is to improve the appearance of the hands, keep the nails smooth, ensure that the cuticles remain attractive and healthy, maintain soft skin and delay their ageing.” Check out the funky colours from L’Oréal’s metallic range or Lakme’s Peppermint range.

Style Buys

It is that time of the year to stock up on some coveted beauty finds

For the Lips

Christian Dior’s Dior Kiss is perfect to add a glossy shine to the lips, giving them a translucent, yet definite colour. For this product, Dior has specially formulated the ‘Wonder Boost Complex’, which promises to keep lips plump and moist. If you are looking for something with a metallic touch, try Bourjois Pop Chic; its silvery finish makes it ideal for an evening look. (Dior Kiss, Rs 1,040, available at Dior counters countywide. Bourjois Rouge Pop Chic, Rs 475, at department stores countrywide.)

Packaging: Both are easy to carry and attractively packaged in clear, silver tubes, making them very handbag friendly.

Efficiency: They keep lips looking soft and supple. Both these glosses give your lips a sexy pout.

Bourjois, Nina Ricci, Chambor and Pupa, marketed by Baccarose.

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