Beauty Box | Smoky Eye And Red Lip With Oriflame

Much like your favourite saree, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,  and mangoes and fresh cream in summer, a smoky eye and red lipstick look is a timeless classic. It is one of those looks that works for everyone and every mood. Best part- depending on the occasion, you can go for a full glam look or a subtle one. 

Over the years I have experimented a lot with my makeup and tried out different looks. But this combination by far is my most favourite look.

When I got an opportunity to try out Orifame’s latest The One Lip Sensation Vinyl Gel, I knew exactly the look I was going to go for. I wanted to create a look that would make a lasting first impression, a look ideal for a fun night out or a party or a celebratory occasion.

However, instead of going for run-of-the-mill black smoky and bold red matte lips look, I decided to give my own spin to it. 

For my look I opted for the shade Sunset Burst. This is a vibrant red with pink and coral undertones. For someone who is not the biggest fan of liquid lipsticks, I was very impressed with the Vinyl Gels. The liquid lipstick has a fluid velvety texture that is smooth on application and doesn’t feel heavy on the lips. Most importantly, it is not sticky or greasy.

The Vinyl Gels are well pigmented. For a sheer look, one swipe is suffice. For an ultra glossy opaque look, 3-4 swipes will get the job done. The liquid lipsticks have good staying power and can easily last up to 4-5 hours without any touch up. 

The Vinyl Gel liquid lipstick is a perfect blend of well-pigmented, opaque lipstick and plexigloss finish.

Once I had decided the lipstick colour, my entire look was built around it.  

For the base I used The One IlluSkin Face Primer and applied it with Professional Concealer/Lip Brush. That was followed with The One IlluSkin Foundation in Nude Pink shade applied with the Professional Foundation Brush. This brush moves effortlessly on the face and blends the foundation well into the skin. Next was The One IlluSkin Concealer in Fair Light shade and The One Loose Powder applied with the Professional Powder Brush. Finally applied Oriflame Giordani Gold Bronzing Pearls in Natural Peach as an illuminator using the Blush Brush. This is a multi-purpose brush. It is ideal for applying highlighters and illuminators as well as applying blush and blending concealer and foundation.

People don’t realise it, but brushes play a pivotal role in makeup.  I was pretty impressed with Oriflame’s Professional brushes. Application was effortless with them and there was no fear of the makeup looking patchy or unblended. The brushes have been designed to work out every minute detail.

Like I mentioned, instead of a traditional black smokey eye, I decided to go for a gold and brown smoky eye look instead. 

Using the Professional Double-ended Eyeshadow Brush I have used Golden Brown and Rose Gold The One Colour Impact Cream Eye Shadow and two shades from the Giordani Gold Eye Shadow Radiant Plum Quad on the eyelids and created the winged effect with The One Eye Liner Stylo in Black.

For the waterlines, used the Deep Indigo The One Colour Impact Cream Eye Shadow and The One Eye Shadow Pencil Smokey - Jet Black. Polished this smokey eye look off with The One Volume Blast Mascara in Black and set the eyebrows with Professional Eyebrow Brush.

Completed the look by removing eye shadow powder residue from under the eyes with the Professional Fan Powder Brush.

For this look, I was inspired by classic red carpet Hollywood glam. I wanted to create a look that would make an impression and impact. This look does just that. It makes a statement without being over-the-top.

This look would not have been possible if not for my dear friend Raquel-Ann Dsouza. Along with being an amazing friend, Raquel-Ann is one of the most talented makeup artist and hairstylist I know. She knows exactly what will look good and will make you look like the best version of yourself. A true artisan in her craft, you can confidently trust her to give you the best makeup and hairstyle.

Raquel-Ann recently opened her salon, Look Gorgeous, in Mulund, Mumbai. A top-of-the-line salon that offers all your beauty and grooming need. If you are looking to get yourself pampered, I suggest you book an appointment today.

Heartfelt thank you to Raquel-Ann for creating this look. This look would not have been possible without you. A big thank you to the entire staff of Look Gorgeous Salon for helping out with the shoot. You guys are amazing.

You can contact Raquel-Ann on: +91 9820139694 /+91 22 2560 0320/ lookgorgeous2109@gmail.com

Photography by Shreyas Hegde

Till then, tra-la,

    Amena!!
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Best Red Lipsticks

Spring may not be a season we experience in Mumbai, however, spring cleaning is one ritual most of us perform year round. That time of the year where you decide to clean out everything with great gusto and energy.

I had my session of spring cleaning a few weeks ago. Amidst all the cleaning I discovered some lost treasure and, finally, decided to let go of things I have been hoarding for years.

I have always been a lipstick junkie and strongly believe one can not have enough lipsticks. But the sheer number of lipsticks I was holding on to, some over fives year old, was baffling. After sorting things out, I finally cut down my lipstick collection to half its size.

In the process of sorting my lipsticks out, I picked out my favourite ones- colour wise- and decided to put together a list of my favourite lipstick shades.

For my first list I decided to go with my most favourite shade: Red. A compilation of my best red lipsticks.
Some of the lipsticks mentioned here are pure reds, others belong to the red family and/or have a red undertone.
I know a lot of people who shy away from wearing red lipstick because they are not sure if it will suit their complexion. Trust me, red lipsticks suit all skin tone. You just need to pick a shade that complements your skin tone. 

I have consciously made and effort to feature red lipstick shades that suit Indian skin tones. So there is something for everyone. 

A warm red with coral undertones, Starlet Red adds an instant colour pop to your look. Styled in a crayon packaging, the lipstick is well pigmented and gives good coverage. It has a lovely matte finish and can easily last up to five hours without any touch up.

Due to the lipstick's strong matte formula it can dry out your lips. To avoid that, apply a lip balm before applying the lipstick and you don’t have to worry about your lips drying up.

Sadly, my lipstick broke while applying it. You need to be careful not to put too much pressure while applying the lipstick. Other than that, Starlet Red is a great shade and will suit most Indian skin tones.

Price: Rs 650

A vivid red with bright orange undertones, Pure Fire is an ideal colour for the summer season. The lipstick is well pigmented and has a smooth velvety texture making it easy to apply. It has a lovely matte finish and stays put for over four hours.

Price: Rs 995

A lush maroon tinted gloss with fine bronze glitter that is more deep than bright. This shade is ideal for those who are not comfortable wearing bright colours. A sultry shade of deep red gloss, MAC Courting Chic is perfect for those who want to play it safe with red.

Price: Rs 2,000

A perfect pink red shade, it instantly brightens your face. Pure Vermeil is one of those shades that look good anytime of the day. Like all the Pure Reds, Pure Vermeil is well pigmented, has a creamy texture and easy to apply.

Price: Rs. 995

Ruby Woo needs no introduction. Any red lipstick lover has used it at some point of time in her life. A well pigmented, classic blue-based red shade, Ruby Woo offers great coverage. However, as gorgeous as the shade is, its biggest draw back is, its matte formula dries out the lips. Ideally, always apply a lip primer or lip balm before applying Ruby Woo. 
This is one shade of red that looks good on all skin tones.

Price: Rs. 2,250

Lip lacquer are a category in themselves. They are not lipstick nor lip gloss, they are more like liquid lipstick.
Strawberry Topaz is a deep coral red with fine milled glitter and has rich finish. Well pigmented with a thick texture, Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer can easily stay up to 4-5 hours. Since it is opaque, it can be worn without any base even on pigmented lips.

Price: Rs. 850

Pure Garnet is deep berry shade with plum undertones and a hint of burgundy. A maroon red, Pure Garnet is ideal for those who like to wear a subtle shade of red. Pure Garnet is well pigmented, offers full coverage and looks best on people with mind-tone complexions.

Price: Rs. 995

A bright, warm red, with coral undertones. It has a semi-glossy finish and can look more orange than red on application. It is soft and creamy and lasts a good five hours.

Price: Rs. 699

A heartfelt thank you to the team of My Glamm and for doing my hair and makeup. Thank you to Pallavi for all her support and a big thank you to the makeup maverick, Bijon, for doing my makeup and for all his inputs, wisdom and help. It was great fun working with the team of My Glamm.

Photography by Suraj Warrier | Edit and Creatives by Digital Daku

Makeup, hair and location: My Glamm

Till then, tra-la,

    Amena!!
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Beauty Box: MAC Makeup Must Haves

2015 has just begun and like every new year it brings with itself a promise of a brighter future and hope that it will ‘THE’ year you have been waiting for.

For me, 2015 is many things- most importantly, it the year for me to make some serious, much needed changes. 

While I have never been a believer or follower of New Year resolutions (don’t have the will power or patience to follow it through), for me, it is more about bring gradual rather than drastic changes.

One such change is to do more beauty post. I also plan to add a few more new segments to the blog as well.

In the spirit of new beginning, I decided to start my 2015 blogging journey with a beauty (makeup, really) theme post. 

December being my birthday month, I treated myself to all things MAC. Honestly, I always want to buy out the entire store, but with a heavy heart and Herculean resisting powers, these 5 beauties made it to my final list.

Here’s why I decided to go with these five? 

Since I already have quite a few of the classics, I wanted to try the new festive collections. 

All products I choose are very versatile, can be worn during the day and night, and multi-occasion friendly.

I picked pieces from MAC’s three new collection: Heirloom Mix, The Simpsons and A Novel Romance. 

I loved how the Heirloom Mix collection had managed to cast the classic collectible in a contemporary, glittering light.
Like me, if you love to make a statement with your makeup, this collection has your name written all over it.

The pop culture junkie I am, wild horse could not keep me from buying something, if not the entire collection, from my all time fave TV show, The Simpsons collection. Especially when the collection was in honour of its 25th anniversary! 

The entire collection can be descried in Mr. Burns fave word- ‘Excellent!’

While I was pretty much sold on the name itself, A Novel Romance, a colour collection offering luscious shades that makes one feel so overwhelmed with desire that you will be seduce into buying a few pieces for sure.

Instead of going with a run-of-the-mill product review and swatches, I decided to show how you can create three distinctly different looks using products from MAC's latest collections.

Since I could not buy everything I wanted, these five are on my MAC wish list:

1. Gentrified brown with bronze pearl Fluidline from Heirloom Mix collection, INR 1,450

2. Matchmaster Concealer (from casual look), INR 1,900 

3. Modest blush, light baby salmon pink Mineralize Blush from Heirloom Mix

Collection(from flirty look), INR 2,450
4. Prunella, dark prune Eye Kohl from Heirloom Mix collection (from casual look), INR 1,450

5. Cool mauve with red frost lipglass from Viva Glam Rihanna II collection, INR 1,450

Thanks to these MAC products, I have started my New Year on a bright, colourful and glittery note.
Here's wishing you all a wonder 2015. Hope it is everything you want it to be and more.

Till then, tra-la,
Amena!!
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Absolute Makeover: Makeup & Hairstyle By Lakmé Absolute Salon

Somewhere between attending back-to-back shows, gossip session and streetstyle photo opportunities, I had my very own ‘Absolute’ makeover moment at Lakmé Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014.

You see, the kind people at Lakmé Absolute Salon offered select few fashion and beauty bloggers an opportunity to try out their Spring-Summer 2014’s hottest makeup looks and hairstyles. 

2014 being my year of ‘try new things’, I was more than ready to flaunt a new look.
Not to shy away from experimenting with her looks, I got my friend, beauty and lifestyle blogger, Anusree, to try out a look as well.

Tad bit nervous and a whole lot more excited, we put our faith, faces and hair in the hands of the talented Lakmé Absolute Salon team.
After briefing them with basic instruction regarding our personal preference and hair and skin type, we let the experts takeover.
In less than 30 minutes, the geniuses at Lakmé Absolute Salon created two head turning, compliment worthy looks.
Hey, don’t just take my word for it! As the saying goes, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ I let the following images do all the talking.

Anusree's Look: Daylight Drama  
Staying true to Anu’s effervescent nature this look is ideal for her to flaunt her enviable structured jawline and big, beautiful eyes.

Going with Anu’s trademark and preferred blue eye makeup, her eyes were played up with metallic blue eyeliner from Lakmé Absolute makeup range. Bronze eye shadow was added to make the blue stand out better.
Complementing colour pop was added in the form of lush pink lipstick and subtle blush to highlight her cheekbones, while the rest of the look was kept simple and natural.

Anu's hair was styled with in a side French braid. A breakaway from her classic curls, this was done to give a new spin to her riotous curls without diminishing their natural allure.

The overall look is perfect for Anu’s joie de vivre spirit and girl-next-door charm. Fresh and youthful, an ideal look for the day.

Amena's Look: Sundown Shimmer

Keeping in mind my personal makeup preference of dramatic eyes and bold lips, the look created is ideal for my personality and features.

 Metallic green eye shadow paired with black winged eyeliner was the ideal combination to make my small eyes stand out. A few strokes of mascara and my otherwise non-descriptive eyes now had everyone’s eyes on them!

Playing up my natural pout with a shiny coral red lipgloss, the look was completed with a delicate shade of blush that highlighted my cheekbone.

Since I have an oily complexion I opted for a powder base instead of using liquid foundation or concealer.
I had already tried a braided look the previous day; therefore I wanted to go with something different.
 My hairstylist, Sagar, suggested soft curls that would go well with my natural wavy hair. Bouffant was added to give volume as well as to up the glamour quotient of the look. 

With just right amount of drama and glamour, this look was ideal for me on ever level. It suited my skin and hair type as well as my vibrant personality. 

Not as dramatic as ANTM or any other reality show makeover, I must say our ‘Absolute Makeover’ by Lakmé Absolute Salon is no less remarkable. 

Prior to getting our makeup and hair done, Anu and I attended Lakmé Absolute Illusion Makeup Master Class, conducted by Lakmé Makeup Expert, Natasha Nischol.
After the master class we had an opportunity to have a one-on-one chat with Ms. Nischol, where she was kind enough to answer our personal makeup and hairstyling queries as well as pose for photos.

A very heartfelt thank you to Lakmé Absolute Salon’s entire team, for making this a one of a kind, wonderful experience. Along with being very polite and friendly, the makeup artist and hair stylist followed all our instructions to a T, without compromising on style and creativity. 

Not only did we have a great time trying out new looks, we also learnt a few new makeup tips and tricks.

Honestly, I cannot wait for my next visit to Lakmé Absolute Salon to try out new makeup looks and hairstyles. Watch this space for more.

What do you think of our ‘Absolute Makeover’ and looks? Do share your thoughts with me in the comments section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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Monsoon Beauty & Make-Up Must-Haves

Here’s a fact: I am not a monsoon person. I just am not! While others see beauty in this season, I only see four months of inconvenience and bad hair days.

Come monsoon season, my hair and skin have a personality of their own. They start to behave like ill-mannered children and no amount of taming, begging God can control them.

However, this year I finally decided to make sure that I am in control of the uncontrollable. 

Even before the monsoon clouds hit Bombay, I was ready to face the rainy season head-on.
After much experimentation, trying and testing here are a few of my monsoon must-haves skin and hair care products -for oily plus sensitive skin and combination oily scalp and dry hair-as well plus my fave makeup product.

Beauty-Skin & Hair Care:

Moisturizer: Since I have oily skin, for the longest time I used to never use mosturizer in summer and monsoons. All this changed when a friend pointed out that one has to use mosturizer year round; just make sure it is both skin and season friendly.
I have been using Acnemoist (prescribed by my dermatologist) for a few years. However, this year I decided to swap that for good old Lacto Calamine. I originally started using Lacto Calamine-Hydration- when I got a heat rash, and since it worked wonders I have continued to use it through the monsoon season. So far no complains.

Toner: Facial toner is the best friend of people with oily skin. It provides a deeper cleanse, 
tighten open and enlarged pores and helps correct P.H. balance of the skin.

What I love about The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating Toner is that it helps control the excess oil without eroding the natural oil of the face skin. The end result is smooth, non-shinny skin. Since it is alcohol free it is ideal for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Lip Balm: I am someone who is blessed with healthy lips. In fact, that is the only part of my face I do not need to worry about. Two reasons why I have healthy lips: One, I drink ample water, two, I use lip balm year round.
After using a non flavoured one for a while, I wanted a flavoured on but a non-fruity for a change.
 I decided to get myself Nivea's 'Soft Rose' lipcare tube and totally feel in love with its gentle rose scent (there is no discernible taste on the lips). Since it is tinted in nature it adds a hint of soft pink colour and sheen to the lips. It does a great job at moisturizing and protecting (SPF 10) the lips and gives them a fresh and healthier look.

Body Wash: In a weather where most of us need to take a bath twice a day, a shower gel is a great way pamper the skin.

My mom recently picked up Nivea's new shower gels - Power Fruit Relax and Water Lily and Oil. While my mom is totally in love with Water Lily and Oil, I prefer the Power Fruit Relax one. I love the pleasant fruity fragrance it has and along with cleansing it moisturizes the skin making it soft and smooth.

Hair Serum: Sometimes, I feel there is not enough hair serum in the world to get me through monsoon.
For a while now, everyone I know has been raving about a miracle called Moroccanoil. I finally understood what they were saying when I got a chance to try out their products at its launch event. Since them I too have become a fan of their products, especially Moroccanoil Treatement 'Light'. 
This is an ideal hair serum for fine hair like mine. Along with protecting the hair it also eliminates frizz and provides a lovely shine. The best feature is that is non-sticky and does not leave any kind of residue. If you have an oily scalp and dry hair, Moroccanoil Treatment Light is an ideal product. I can't wait to try out their shampoo and conditioner after the monsoon.

 Body Mist: I love perfumers, but in monsoons I prefer using body mist. They are light and refreshing. I do not step out of the house without spraying a healthy dose of body mist. In fact, every bag of mine has one body mist in it. Body mist helps control body odour and freshens you up.
My current faves are The Body Shop's 'Moroccan Rose', Victoria's Secret's 'Sweet Daydream' and La Senza's 'Body Kiss'.

My monsoon season must-have beauty and make up treasure trove.

Makeup:

Coloured Eye Pencil: As much as I love my classic back kohl eye pencil, I am currently loving the colourful variant; electric blue being my favourite. I love the instant colour pop it adds to a look.
The biggest problem with blue eye pencil is that they smudge very fast. On oily skin that can be a very problematic thing. However, that is not the case with Oriflame's Very Me Double Trouble 'Blue Lagoon' eye pencil. They offer two very pretty shades of blue-dark and light- that do not smudge easily as well as last for a good amount of time, especially when applied on the eyelid.

Bright Lipstick: My name is Amena and I am a lipstick junkie. While I love all shades of lipsticks, I have always been partial towards the bold and bright shades. My summer was all things red and now I am crushing on shades of pink.
While I have a few pink shades, my current fave is L'Oreal Paris' 'Pink Passion'. Ever since I got it I have literally been wearing it to every outing. For starters, the shade is eye catching, plus, the lipstick is very well hydrated, making it easy to apply. Great colour, smooth application and long lasting, a total win-win situation.

Colourful Nail Polish: Ever since nail art became a phenomena, colourful nail polishes have been a hot fave.
 I recently had a chance to try out Inglot nail polish. A wide variety of colours to choose from, it is a must buy for all nail polish lovers. For starters, the nail polish does not chip off easily, in fact it last for a good 10 days and most importantly it does not leave a residue after removal.

Gel Eyeliner: I have never been able to master the art of applying liquid eyeliner. When gel eyeliners were introduced i the Indian market I instantly feel in love with them. They are easy to use and have a very good lasting time.
From the moment it was launched I have been using L'Oreal Paris Super Gel Eyeliner. It is the only gel eye liner I have used. Along with being oily skin friendly it does not smudge or run easily. I wear lenses and the liner has never hampered or spoilt the lenses. For someone who wears eye lens a non-flaky, non-irritating, water proof eyeliner is a catch.

 Lip Gloss: While I am obsessing over bright colour lipsticks, my lip gloss preference is more towards the neutral shades. Just something to add a hint of colour and shine to the lips.
 I am currently using Inglot's Sleeks lip gloss. What I really love about it is, it helps me enhance my natural pout and give a lovely shine to the lips. After using this lip gloss, I can't wait to get my hands of Inglot 3D lip gloss. That is bound to be something!

 Since I have oily and sensitive skin I stay away from thick foundation. I am currently looking for an oily skin friendly compact or base that will help control the shine and excessive oil from my face.

Please Note: The beauty and make up products mentioned above are not exclusive to monsoon season and can be used year round. Since I have been benefiting from them in the monsoon, they have been featured on my monsoon mush-have list.
Before using any of these products please make sure that they are the right match for your skin and hair type.
 All products have been tried and tested by me for over  a period of 2 weeks.

What all do you do to take care of your skin and hair during monsoons? And what are your monsoon beauty and make-up must-haves? Share your views with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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