Lipstick Masala

This article was first published in the Express Tribune, Pakistan on 4/16/10. It was written by Lipstick Masala for the column Beauty and the Brush.

The advent of spring coincides with the start of the wedding season, and mehndi invitations begin to arrive by the dozen. Panic sets in as one frantically runs to and fro from tailors and/or designers in a desperate attempt to have them sew knockoffs of designs from collections shown at fashion weeks. There is an equal frenzy in browbeating mothers into providing matching jewelery.

But when it comes to the “defining moment” that is applying makeup, most women devote relatively miniscule time and reach for the cliched black kajal and pink lipstick.

Why not break with worn out traditions and dare to embrace the bold accents and styles presented on runways this spring? Today’s beauty trends reflect the vibrant hues of nature – jewel-toned eyes mimicking oleander trees and azure skies, fruity lips evoking images of peach-lined fruit stands. Remember those bright purple and yellow eyeliners you pondered at the local Agha’s or Al-Fatah but elected in favor of your go-to black? Return to the store and grab the colorful liners. And while you’re in revolutionary mode, seriously think about tossing out your flatiron.
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If you’ve been tuned into any news channel over the past couple of days, you’ve by now surely heard about the fierce snow storm that continues to pound the East Coast of the U.S. Snowmageddon 2009 not only brought with it mountains of ice but has also subjected us to bone-chilling cold temperatures and glacial winds. Yesterday, driven crazy with cabin fever, I strapped on my fur-lined boots and mittens and ventured outside on foot. When I returned, my face was stinging from the brutal weather conditions. Today, I am regretting yesterday’s little adventure as my cheeks are chapped dry and so red that I could pass for Santa Claus’s offspring.

Unfortunately, dry skin does not just make an appearance during a rare snowstorm or two. Many ladies have complained to me recently that the winter air has been causing the skin on their face to tighten up and flake and no lotion or cream seems to be working to restore that moisture. Here is my answer: 1) If you live in a country where you have central heating on all the time, make sure to use a humidifier when you sleep at night – trust me, you will see a difference in your skin within a few days. 2) Don’t overdo it with the rich creams. Exfoliate regularly (for more information click HERE) and remove the dead skin cells on your face. This will help your regular winter lotion/cream penetrate better. If you still feel like you need something a little extra, then go a little heavier, but I feel like most of those result in clogged pores. I prefer treating my face in addition to moisturizing, which brings us to number 3) There are a number of moisturizing masks you can use that will bring your skin relief, my favorite of which is the Oatmeal mask below. It’s fast, easy, and best of all, costs next to nothing. Read the rest of this entry »

Like most desi girls, I’m a fan of MAC products. The pigmented shades, professional brushes and manageable prices are unbeatable. But, I have to say I’m less than impressed with the new Style Black Collection arriving next month in MAC stores. While I’m sure the products will sell out quickly like all the ones before, I find the collection contrived, boring and completely uninspired.

MAC is known for its bold looks and innovative style. But, they have definitely dropped the ball on this one. Black nail polish? Been done. Black eye shadow? Used and abused. Black lipgloss? Already graced the YSL collection a year ago. MAC seems to be simply repackaging old ideas and trying to dupe us into thinking they are new, fresh and edgy. Edgy maybe (if you are intrigued by the goth chick look), but completely unimaginative. Read the rest of this entry »

When getting a manicure or pedicure, there are two things that I make sure of (besides basic hygiene protocol) – that the color I choose is cheery and maddeningly vibrant, and that the topcoat is perfectly shiny, you know, the kind that makes your nails gleam so they still seem wet long after they’ve dried. This Fall, however, it seems I must temporarily put away all my favorite shades, for shiny is out and matte is back.

The nail polishes of this year’s Fall lines are focusing on the exact opposite of what the Summer brought. Gone are the glossy neon nails ladies everywhere have been sporting since the weather turned warm. This new season is all about being dull – dull colors, dull nails, and perhaps dull moods? Read the rest of this entry »

Orgasm. Fire down below. Deep Throat. NARS cosmetics has never shied away from using controversial labels for its products, and this season’s collection is no exception. For those of you not familiar with Vladimir Nobokov’s controversial novel, Lolita is a character that has become synonymous with youth and seduction. And now, NARS says you too can be sexually precocious with the Fall collection that emphasizes sultry eyes and enticing lips. The collection reflects, according to Francois Nars, “the modern woman – very fragile and strong at the same time.” – i.e. the independent woman who has retained her “girlish innocence.”

Now, here’s where the desi gene will kick in and you’ll begin to question whether or not such dark colors will look good on your skin tone. Don’t fall into that trap. Sometimes it just takes a little bit of attitude to embrace bold colors. Remember when black nail polish went mainstream and we were all more than a little nervous that we would look ridiculous? I now see desi women everywhere rocking the shade, myself included. Read the rest of this entry »

Every so often, major names in the fashion world create lines or products that they market as “inspired by” India. In 2008 the ready-to-wear collection by Jean Paul Gautier for Hermes featured Nehru jackets, tunics and sari variations. Later that summer, we were tempted by the vivid jewel tones of nail polishes from OPI’s India Collection, of which names like “Royal Rajah Ruby” and “Curry Up Don’t be Late!” were quick to intrigue and even quicker to impress upon application. But, then there are occasions when lines are released and one is confused as to whether the reference to India is really due to Desi influence or simply a marketing tool. Such is the case with the new Indian Summer Collection by Stila Cosmetics. While some of the articles seem promising, it is difficult to find a true connection with Indian culture other than the aggressive advertising that is being done to dupe the public into believing the products they are using are truly “ethnic.”

The line by Stila is said to be infused with real 24 karat gold. Now I find this both fascinating and amusing for several reasons. As Desis, I’m sure most of you (especially those currently planning their weddings) are well aware that gold prices are increasing exponentially Read the rest of this entry »

You know the phrase, “less is more?” Apparently my cheeks have never heard of it. No matter what style of makeup I choose, light or dark, a pink cheek is no doubt always a part of my repertoire (although, I’m sure my sisters would like to interject here and say my look is more Raggedy Ann than a healthy flush). What can I say, I like a little bit of color – I feel a rosy cheek is the component that ties in all the other made up features of the face. However, sometimes, especially when the weather starts to get warm, I like to tone down the bright pink and reach for something a little more subtle. So, I’m constantly on a search for a product that will give me a soft dewy flushed look (think Leighton Meester of Gossip Girl) without having to apply a perfect combination of tinted moisturizer, cream blush and highlighters. Bobbi Brown’s new line of cheek tints from the Summer 2009 collection aspires to be that product.

Now, plenty of cosmetic lines have come out with stick blushes, so why should I bother with these? The Bobbi Brown salespeople claim their product is different. Why? I’m told the color is sheer/translucent – which means that even girls who hate wearing blush will like the effect of this cheek tint – but the coverage is buildable for those who need a little more pigment. Also, the moisturizers in the blush supposedly leave the skin looking dewy and fresh just in time for the summer. Read the rest of this entry »

Photo Credit: flickr.com/kaurpomal

Spring is here. This means flip-flops, t-shirts and cherry blossoms. But, most importantly, this means being able to try out the fabulous new colors that have appeared in Spring makeup lines. In order to market the latest color trends, cosmetics companies are both toying with new tints and also repackaging old pigments to seem original. Regardless, I love Spring makeup, and like all the seasons, there are some shades that I absolutely adore and some colors that I plan on staying far away from despite how “in” they are.

Ladies, go ahead and pack away the dark eye, lip and nail choices that were hot in the Winter. To reflect the changing weather outside, the fun flirty colors of the Spring are lighter and brighter. Some shades are probably already in your makeup bag, while the new “it” colors of the season may require a little loosening of the purse strings as you peruse the counters at your local drug and department stores.

The first set of colors Read the rest of this entry »