Make-up tips: How the beautiful Indian skin tone can be made into something sublime

How different is doing makeup on models from regular makeup?
When we talk of makeup for models, we are trained to go heavier or rather absolutely flawless on the foundations — high definition foundations are normally used to keep the foundations minimal yet give great coverage especially for television/films. It’s very important to hide all the flaws. Generally for Indian skin tones, we go with warmer shades on colours and yellow undertones for foundations and concealers. Dark eyes, extended exaggerated eyeliners, pop colours are commonly used on models; the idea is to have a little exaggerated look, depending on the requirement of course. The colours and contouring are a tad deeper as the heavy lights tend to make the makeup look washed out on stage, ads and films.

Can you give us a few technical details on bridal makeup?
With bridal makeup, the challenge is to make the bride look her best in person as well as on camera. The idea is to subtly apply the skills of contouring used in photography to perfect a face.Natural yet high coverage is given to the flaws; also applying all the glitter and colours without making her look like a Christmas tree is must. Elegant and sophisticated is the key and the makeup has to blend into the personality of the bride. I’d say the trick is to stay true to the personality and yet play with colours and glamour to bring out the best in her.

What should one’s day make-up routine ideally comprise?
Day makeup is required when the unapologising light penetrates our skin to show all flaws. However, a natural look is key. BB creams work great during the day, topped with a very natural concealer over if you must as a base. Matte earthy colours actually enhance eyes naturally then screaming for attention. A kohl and a regular eyeliner or a thinly smudged kohl on the line of the top eyelid gives one’s eyes subtle definition yet keeping it natural.

It’s best to finish it off with some mascara. At times, just mascara and some eyeshadow can work really well. For the lips, the colour ought to be as natural as possible. A light bronzer or soft colours for the cheeks is fine if one must add warmth to the skin. Again this purely depends on skin complexion, attitude, personality and profession.

What about makeup during evening outs?
If you’re going somewhere in the evening, you can play on your foundation, depending on the occasion. For a casual look, a light BB cream is enough if you are blessed with good skin. For a slightly more formal occasion, a light coverage foundation should do well.
Colours can be deeper and darker with high shine because they add quite a bit of glamour during evenings. Remember, a touch of shimmer always gives you and edge.

How does one choose the right base/foundation?
Achieving a perfect base is what gets tricky for Indian skin tones. If your base is going grey it’s definitely the wrong shade of foundation; if it looks too cake-y then it’s the wrong texture; and if it gets patchy you are applying it wrong or using too much moisturiser under your skin. High definition foundations are great as they are light in texture and give great coverage. Going natural on your skin instead of getting your foundation wrong is way better. Switch to yellow undertones in your foundation if yours turns grey.