Dare to be Dramatic
Posted on 02 May 2008 by Millissa Mathai
It’s no secret - Indian women are by far the most glamorous women around. We love big jewels, vivacious clothes and dramatic makeup. It’s quite disappointing to see women here in the states resorting to sweats in favour of flowing chiffon sundresses and oversized mirrored bangles. So why be boring, ladies? Dare to be dramatic, here’s how:
Beauty: Two words - Fake lashes. I cannot live without fake lashes. They just add that finishing touch to the makeup regime. I don’t see many women taking advantage of this not-so-secret beauty secret. Bollywood actresses aren’t born with lush, dreamy lashes, they glue them on and you can too. I prefer MAC falsies but you can find fakes at the chemist or any beauty supply store. Bronzed skin is also an Indian vixen signature. I’m personally as pale as Casper in the winter months, but no one knows that (until now) because I’m a devotee of bronzer. Indian women usually shy away from bronzer thinking ‘oh my, I don’t want to be darker’, but really, bronzer not only adds definition it makes you look healthier and mind you, skinnier. Just sweep bronzer right below the apples of your cheeks and voila, you’ll have an envious bone structure.
Kohl line eyes are huge right now. Especially the Amy Winehouse winged look. I don’t recommend going that thick but a little wing is ultra glam as well as flattering for our almond shaped eyes. I like liquid liner for this look although I recognize that it’s incredibly hard to put on and I still smudge even after 13 years of putting on makeup. But the trick here is to draw the wing first then go in for the kill. Also, don’t forget your colour contacts to really make a statement.
Now to the most important feature of an Indian goddess - the hair. Long, flowing, luscious tresses have been coveted throughout history. Indian women especially have the most amazing hair. Make your hair red-carpet ready with an Indian secret that’s been passed down from generation to generation, coconut oil. I personally use parachute coconut oil (I know, chuckle away sweetie). It really works wonders, not only is my hair silky smooth, it’s shiny and spectacular. I suffer from dry hair, and once I started using coconut oil, my hair is Pantene-worthy, and then some. Just rub into the scalp once a week, keep it on for 2 hours, rinse really well and you’re good to go.
Fashion: The colours that work best on us (you’ve all been asking) are Fuschia, Red, Persian Blue, Navy Blue, Gold, Black and White. Take a cue from old Bollywood actresses. Oversized sunglasses with a little gloss can be a saviour on those days you’d like to hide. Also you can never go wrong with an embellished tunic paired with long white pants and jewelled sandals (very VIVRE). Make use of your “Indian Closet”, if you’re an NRI you know what I am referring to. All those Indian clothes that are taken out for dinners, weddings, etc are just sitting there. You spend thousands on Indian couture and yet it’s pretty much useless. I didn’t realize how extensive my Indian closet was until a friend of mine, (who happens to be Parisian) almost went into cardiac arrest after viewing my collection of Indian garb. She taught me these looks:
- Kurtas paired with opaque black tights and black oxfords (Perfect for shopping)
- Lengha skirts paired with a plain white spaghetti strap top (Preferable for Sunday brunches or casual dinners)
- Scarves paired with a matching jersey dress and cowboy boots. I never really thought about these looks but once we tried them, they looked fabulous.
If only Indian designers could be as inspiring as my Parisian friend in my closet… Now go on divas and explore rich fabrics and decadent jewellery and “look at me” makeup. Always dare to be dramatic.
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May 3rd, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Love this article. Very refreshing, keep it coming Millisa!
May 4th, 2008 at 10:45 am
ive been wearing fake lashes for the last few weeks. no one actually notices they are not real and complement me on my eyes all the time. they come out great in photo’s but the one problem i find is that, they bump against my sunglasses
1st wearing them can be really tricky
May 4th, 2008 at 10:54 am
im gnna give this a try. and ive been wearing my old lenga’s with T’s for a while now. also my scarfs to dress up a jumper in the winter. its just common sense not to leave beautiful items in the draws.
May 4th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
As I guy reading this, I am truly confizzled. Why would you want to wear fake lashes for? That is just eww.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
are you one of them guys that go on about natural beauty? FYI its takes about an hour to get the natural look. next time your staring into her beautiful eyes stop and think
plucking the eye brows to bring out her eyes
concealer to hide the bags
optex eye drops to give it the whitening glow
loose power to make it look even
eye powder to line the brow.
eye liner to open the eyes
mascara to thicken the lashes
lash curlers to curve them
BUT
you can take the last 3points out by
getting glue all overyourself as you stick on the fake lashes
May 4th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
and ive not even mentioned the extra cleansing and special creme that need to be applied to take care of the delicate eye area
May 4th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Just to turn the table around - how would you feel if your other half was wearing foundation to cover his spots, a padded vest to make him look more musculer, a wig to compensate for the volume in his hair, and even those brand new “package enhancing” underwear (last week reported by the BBC)?
May 4th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
some guys do wear make-up and devices to hold in their tummies also they have raised shoes to make them taller.
as for the package enhancing underwear - i guess your going to be the one with the double d underwear, thats just so wrong.
the bottom line is : its not expected from men as it is from women.
May 4th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Me thinks men are turning into women…
May 8th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
fake lashes are alright for parties but I wouldn’t wear them for an “everyday” look. Less is definitely more and one should have some sort of difference between your day makeup and your night makeup. Leave the falsies for when you’re trying to “wow” people.. a party, a night out, def when you’re going to be taking lots of pictures (facebook profile pic anyone?) Something to keep in mind: if you’re dressed up (facewise) 24/7, you’re never going to look different even when you dress up. Its better to keep it simple and let your natural beauty shine through, and then sucker punch them when you do dress up!
May 8th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
p.s - fake contact lenses are super noticeable and really just distracts the viewer and looks ugly. They’re so 2000. If someone asks you “are those your real eyes”, its not a compliment, it means they don’t look real.
May 10th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
CRTIC!!!HAHA omg u nailed it!!!
June 13th, 2008 at 12:10 am
I love the little argument frm confizzle & TickTack……..lol
As a guy I agree with certain things said, bt TickTack is right it all takes time , the natural look is no so natural, flash like clours are used 2 give a subtle base colour frm which u delicately blend in. Give credit where its due. If a woman has made effort 2 look nice thn mention it 2 them. its always gud 2 be nice.
As 4 the fake eye lashes , special occasions r where it wrks best.
October 8th, 2008 at 3:54 am
You only live once, use fashion and beauty to make it even more fabulous and colorful. Even if that means going that extra mile, everyday. The idea is, don’t be afraid to be dramtic.
November 8th, 2008 at 12:04 am
what is the easiest way to wear false lashes? i can neva get em right..