MakeUp Addicted

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shimmered in bronzy hues at the 83rd Academy Awards. To get her smoldering bronzy look, trace the outer corners of the eyes with black pencil, staying as close to the lash lines as possible. Soften lines with a cotton swab, then dust bronze eye shadow on the lids and even a thin rim below the eye. Dab a touch of gold shadow on inner corners and brow bones. Brush on one coat of mascara to top and bottom lashes. Use a large powder brush to apply bronzer on cheekbones, and blend it out to the hairline, make sure to tap or blow excess powder off. Moisturize lips with lip balm, then slick on a nude brown lipstick.

Rec: Lorac Starry-Eyed Baked Eyeshadow Trio in Superstar

Once the runway lights have dimmed—and the triple coats of mascara have been wiped off—what keeps top Fashion Week model Lakshmi Menon so flawless?

• "I swear by Mon Soin du Visage," says the Bangalore model, who especially loves the French brand's Cold Oil Yuzu Cleanser. "It leaves my skin glowing."

• Menon's mother knows best: "She taught me to use organic coconut oil as a treatment. It makes my hair feel luxurious," Menon says.

• "There's nothing like kohl liner for strong and sexy eyes," says Menon, who uses Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Onyx when off duty.

• "I've been swimming since I could walk," says Menon. Menon’s father introduced her to the pool at just one year old. Her favorite stroke? "Definitely freestyle."

• Menon's favorite runway beauty style always "leans toward a no-makeup look," which is why she loves when make-up artists matte her skin out.

Diet basics: My diet is very basic. I just eat well. I eat small meals every two hours to keep my metabolism going. Breakfast: Eggs and paratha Lunch: Brown rice, two rotis and chicken or fish, or dal and vegetables Dinner: I try and cut out carbs and stick to just salads Guilt trip: I have a sweet tooth, which I try very hard to control. I’ll indulge once in a while, but I’ll make up for it by doing an extra 30 minutes in the gym the next day.  

Fitness Mantra: I follow a strict fitness regime of cardio and weight training three times a week, interspersed with kick-boxing and functional training.

Diva tip: False eyelashes. You feel instantly glamorous.

Skin rituals: I remove all my make-up and moisturize before sleeping at night. I use a Nivea moisturizer and Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleanser, and I drink lots of water.

Hair ritual: I go for an occasional olive oil or coconut oil head massage, which is really good for blood circulation. I also enjoy L'Oréal hair spa treatments.

Day & night: I try to keep my look very natural in the day—no foundation, just coral blush and transparent mascara at the most. And for the night I prefer a heavier eye; I’m a complete kohl and eyeliner person. I hate lip gloss, and will occasionally go for a red mouth. Lately, I’ve been fascinated by coral and orange shades.

Vanity bag essentials: Inglot Coral Blush, Inglot Coral Lipstick in 401, M.A.C transparent mascara, Chanel Matt Lumière in 50 Naturel, Maxfactor waterproof mascara, Revlon kohl pencil.

Heaven scent: Victoria Secret’s Pink body spray for the day, and Jean Paul Gaultier Classique at night.

Home recipes: Occasional multani mitti packs. I regularly use fresh aloe vera on my skin. Any bruises, blemishes instantly disappear with aloe vera, it’s the best thing for the skin.

Beauty icon: My mother. She is still beautiful today. And there is Rekha aunty. She is wonderful with her make-up. I tell her us young girls are constantly feeling insecure because she’s still so beautiful.

Red-carpet rules: I try out new looks each time. But that’s the fun of it; if I stick to one thing I get easily bored.

Fashion favorites: Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Narendra Kumar, Manish Malhotra, Vikram Phadnis

In the pages of the latest issue of Vogue India, Nargis Fakhri (who's starring in the upcoming movie Rockstar) looked youthful and absolutely stunning in coral lips. When selecting a bold shade, go with one a shade lighter than your first pick. Chances are, the natural pigment of your lips with amp up the hue of your lipstick by at least a few degrees. And top with a swipe of lip balm to keep  the lips looking fresh all day.

Rec: Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Muse

Creamy concealers, spray foundations and mineral powders make for easy touch ups throughout the day. Frequent touch ups sounds tedious?  Invest in a long lasting foundation. We love Lancôme Teint Miracle for its skin perfecting texture, SPF 15 and a glow that lasts upto 16 hours.

Spotted looking oh-so-chic and totally ready for spring at a recent the Elle Race Cup was Neha Dhupia. To wear red the right way this spring is to look for a shade that has warm undertones. Also, skip matte formulas which can feel too stiff, a swipe of sheer balm over a stain will give bold colors a lightweight feel.

Rec: Stila Açaí Crush

Notice Katrina’s “shimmering” skin, a signature look on the red carpet. To achieve this, blend an iridescent powder with a matte or satin texture for a look that barely sparkles. Powder your face, neck, décolletage and shoulders. If you have fair skin, opt for the pinks, if its darker, golden beiges are perfect.
Vogue recommends: Diorskin Ultra Shimmering All Over Face Powder, Burberry Lipgloss in Cameo Pink, Shiseido Perfect Mascara in Black

For an intense, smouldering look, you can never go wrong with a smokey-eye. Apply eyeliner or kohl to the inside edge of the eyelid along your eye like Aishwarya and blend with some shimmer to make heads turn.
Vogue recommends: Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow Quad in French Touch, M.A.C Superglass in SugerOverload, Estée Lauder Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara in Jet Black

Over your mascara, dust the tips of your eyelashes with an iridescent powder. if you use an eye shadow, add a dot of a pearly white pencil to the centre of the eyelid and smudge with your finger for a mesmerizing gaze like Kareena.
Vogue recommends: Givenchy Le Prisme Yeux Mono Eyeshadow in Showy Black, Lancôme La Rose Déco Powder, Clinique Vitamin C Lip Smoothie in Pink Me Up

Highlight your brow bones and apply a brown or gold cream eye shadow all across your eye lids for a dare-diva look. Nothing spells red-carpet glamour than a scarlet pout done right. Always line your lips with a lip liner to avoid your lip color from bleeding. Look at Freida Pinto for inspiration who does a glossy red mouth which is totally camera ready.
Vogue recommends: Clarins Barocco Rouge Prodige Lipstick, Bourjois Smoky Eyes in Baroque Ouvert, M.A.C Penultimate Eye Liner

Got a hot date? Take a cue from Deepika and opt for bold red lips paired with thick eye liner and tons of mascara. Highlight your facial contours with Clarins Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour in Spiced Mocha for the perfect finish.
Vogue recommends: YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara in Noir Radical, Chanel Ombre Contraste Duo in Gris-Subtil, Clarins Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Color in Spiced Mocha, Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge in Absolute Rouge, Shiseido Accentuating Cream Eyeliner in 1.

Vogue recommends: Estée Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black, Dior DiorBlush in Passion Fruit, Guerlain Écrin 6 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in 10 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, YSL Rouge Volupte Perle in 101 Beige Caress, The Body Shop Eye Definer in Carbon Black.

On the latest issue of Femina, Kangna Ranaut is seen channeling her inner Bridget Bardot, with smoky eyes, nude lips, and a 60's inspired up-do. To get her look, soften the black eye  shadow by using a creamy, shimmery shadow in gunmetal which has a transparent quality that is strong and modern. Apply your eye shadow outwards at the corners past the natural lashline to exaggerate the eye size and add a touch of drama. Finish your look with liquid liner, black mascara & beige-nude lipstick. Strong eyes look great paired with clean, uncomplicated skin; keep the look fresh by powdering the T-zone only.

Rec: Stila Smoky Eye Talking Palette in The Grays 

Does she need an introduction? Vimi Joshi is an internationally known M.A.C Senior Make-up artist from the Middle East & India. From Bollywood to Hollywood, she had made up anyone and everyone's faces!