Give me RED.......!

The power of the red lipstick is often underestimated. A bold, confident and sexy style statement in itself that not many women think they can carry off. Mais that's where you're wrong mes cheries... from a classic movie star red to a scarlet blue red to deep wine or a brick red... there's a red for every girl of any colour... and any age...! My Grandma still has her bright red lipstick on everyday at the age of 81 and I have to say she looks just marvellous...! So if she can do it girls you definitely can... and I promise you won't be sorry... so pick your favourite red to suit your complexion and put it on the next time you go out and see how fabulous you look and feel...!... and the beauty of it is .... its always in fashion...!

Available at most beauty counters to suit every budget... follow the link below for tips on how to wear red lipstick and how to chose the right shade for you!

http://www.easylivingmagazine.com/TestedSelected/PracticalGuides/RedLipstick/default.aspx

Mx

Beetroot blush!

La Beetroot!

Recessionista blush is on! Mulain is introducing La Beetroot! Even Madame Shilpa Shetty has been known to say that she uses Beetroot as a blusher. Not that it's a new idee....Beetroot was also used as a hair dye in Victorian times as well as on the cheeks for that lovely English Rose look (you thought it was natural?). Mulain's grandmother was telling him only last week that his Great, Great Aunt Phoebe (who married a diamond-mine owner from Nigeria in the late 1880s!?!) always used the beetroot to keep herself looking flushed, blushed and rouged up, from Africa to Europe, wherever she travelled! An easy, healthy, cost-effective option - simply boil the beetroot and put on your cheeks on top of your moisturizer. Voila!

Be 'beetroot' beautiful and see people comment on your glow!

Mulain x

Spoilt for Choice!

Mulain is finding it hard to keep up with the speed of new make-up brands that are being launched all over the planet, what an explosion! Even in a recession people are still buying beauty products. There are so many, are we spoilt for choice? It's fantistique on one hand as we have so much choice but YOU, the people, mu-st find it hard to keep up to speed on what's new and good and worth the bucks. No need to stress you know you have moi. I do my best to wade through the world of maquillage to keep it simple and find out the true little treasures and tricks, tips and truths.


Am on the pulse my darlings, 24/7......Interestingly there are two pop-stars recently who have both turned out 'niched' cosmetic brands - red haired beauty Nicola Roberts from mega girl group Girls Aloud has designed her products to suit pale skins and red/light/strawberry blonde haired gals - 'Dainty Doll'. Obviously a gap was there in the market that needed to be filled. Another (coming to Selfridges in two weeks) is another songstress Beverly Knight's creation, offering her K' make-up range for darker skin tones and shades and again seeing a gap in the beauty market that perhaps was not being filled.



We at fat mu HQ are always open to new brands and trying them out....Mulain tries to not get cynical about the business side of make-up and the 'sell, sell, sell' culture........was a little sceptical when checking out the Primark new make-up range...I feel it's just too cheap! And I am never truly 'appy putting a product on my skin if I can't read the ingredients...not too keen on glitter gels and creams that burn the skin...not a good, feel or look....umm....but you never know...anyone out there tried them?


'Pure' is another new one, 'Jemma Kidd' is on the move up in popularity, mineral make-up brands too......'Soap and Glory', 'Illamasqua', 'Too Faced' and 'Urban Decay' still going strong....it's a tough, fickle and fast paced market.....do let me know if you know of any new 'brands' on the block my friends...always good to know...


Mulain x

Illamasqua

Mulain thinks any brand that takes its creativity from 1920s Berlin is worth being investigated. Already in London's Selfridges, which is famous for show-casing new and cool brands and about to launch stateside......Mulain thinks this is a brand worth checking out.

UK's Illamasqua is the product of a heady mix of influences. Its roots stem from the dark and illicit 1920s club scene and combines a rich heritage in the manufacture of make-up for film and theatre. It also takes inspiration from members of the ‘alternative scenes’ for whom self-expression is paramount. Alternative cultures have always dared to be dramatic. They have an emotional attachment to making up. It’s an expression of their darker side, a release for their alter ego.

Illamasqua is for the bolder person hiding inside all of us. It is an act and an attitude. A symbol of tolerance. A celebration of idiosyncracies. A confident statement of self-ownership.

I like the sound of that.....so another trip to Selfridges is required...oh it's a hard life!

Mulain x

Our MU Natasha!

Mulain gets all proud of his MU artists when he sees their work and loo-ves to celebrate their talent. MU Natasha is featured in this month's August GQ India, as well as designing Arjun Rampal's hair and make-up for the cover and fashion story. Bravo ma cherie. Keep up the good work and we look forward to more coming.

A proud Mulain x

Super cute and super mini!

As www.minibourjois.co.uk website states.....'Cute size, a rainbow of colours and tiny prices'. Mulain has found the perfect 'on-the-go' make-up. Bourjois who are a great, affordable highstreet cosmetic brand have given us mini make-ups. Pocket size nail polishes, eyeshadows, blushers and lipglosses....so easy to carry in your bag, great if you have to go from a day look to an evening look with little time to spare and does not break the bank. Tres affordable!

The new Mini Bourjois Volume Glamour Mascara promises Bette Davis eyes which makes me just want to go out and buy it.

Mulain is off to Space NK now to check out the new Jemma Kidd range....think JK has replaced my favourite Dr. Hauschka....off to investigate.

Mulain x

India's Got Talent.... Indeed!

This weekend saw the finale of 'India's Got Talent'... and Mulain is pleased to say that the winners were the wonderful 'Prince Dance Group' from Orrisa . I am in awe of these people....! One, because they are young labourers from Orrisa who have managed to train themselves to perform a world class act that is just lovely to watch and two, because they are a visual treat not only because of their choreography which they do to perfection but also because of the way they paint themselves up to perfection .

This last act saw them painted in a dazzling silver which made them look liquid in motion.... a beautiful gold...a demon painted in a stunning deep ebony black and the god like figure in a vibrant blue... flawlessly applied and so vibrant... it's really inspired me to create magic too.. just like they have.. and I hope it does the same for you...!

A truly mesmerising series of acts....Check them out on you tube or follow this link for their final act http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-iEBdktiaA

Enjoy and get inspired...!

Mx

Shake it up baby....

... with Benefits new scents. Have you tried them...? If not you must....coz they've done it again...! Not only do they smell great but they look uber cool too...! Packaged to look like mini cocktail shakers...they come in 3 fragrances and are the hot new thing to have in your purse.....!

My place or yours Gina (woody oriental... with notes of pink pepper, wild raspberry and patchouli)

Something about Sofia (oriental floral..with hints of oriental blossoms, mango and vanilla)....and...

Laugh with me Lee Lee (woody floral... a blend of citrus, jasmine and lily blossoms)

Make sure you get your hands on one... if not all three...! makes for a fancy gift too!

Mx

Hydration

Skin feeling dry and dehydrated.....? Small lines creeping up......? Not drinking enough water.....? Don't worry.... there is a quick short term fix in the form of the lovely Clarins hydrating mask. Put it on just before your big day or night out for lovely plumped up skin or just to ease the tight discomfort away. I've even left it on all night and slept with it on only to wake up to lovely looking smooth hydrated skin...! Try it... but remember.... this is only a short term solution mes cheries... you need to hydrate internally to keep those wrinkles at bay... and keep your skin looking good and feeling good for many years to come...! So start drinking...! water that is......Mx

Smoothies!

Mulain loo-ves the smoothie drinks that are so cool to have now and makes sure he has as many as needed to keep the skin and body looking and feeling va-va-vroom....So healthy and gives us all our vitamins A - Z that we need every day. Now listen closely.....make-up company Clinique have jumped on the Smoothie bandwagon and spoilt us with some yummy Smoothie Lip Glosses. They have squeezed in the best ingredients, like Vitamin C, and powered-up antioxidants so lips look and feel their healthy best. Gives a great colour colour, shine and moisture. Mulain loves the Nude and Grape ones...do check out my darlings.

Mwah - Mulain x

Hollywood smiles

Mulain was with a friend last night who he had not seen for a long, long time....something was different about 'im and I suddenly realised his teeth were WHITE! not just white my friend, but WHITE - almost blue! So I enquired about this and he confirmed that he had been to see a professional and had got them 'cleaned up and whitened'. Hollywood smiles my dears....love them or hate them, there are lots out there. I 'av to say, honestly speaking that I am not a big fan. Mama Mulain told him when he was leetle that healthy teeth were bone colour, that meant they were healthy and strong. I think a bit of cleaning and polishing is ok, but bleaching teeth to make them seem healthy? Is that not actually weakening the teeth? I think it is a slippery slope my friends. Indians have fabulous teeth, it's in the blood. Europeans, namely the Brits have 'character' teeth. Americans have whiter than white. It's a choice thing I suppose....if you are curious...check out your dentist / hygenist or your whitening product before you try. Be safe.

If you are on a tight budget my darlings, you can always break off a bit of bark from a Eucalyptus tree and rub it along your pearlies....swear it makes them sparkling...you just need a bit of elbow grease.

Mulain x

Make-up Artistes!

Honestly my friends...we have never 'ad it so good.....just look at the latest MAC colour craft campaign....so inspiring and so much fun! Grab your brushes, use your tools, start designing, drawing, sketching some fantastic make-up looks! Let your creative juices flow.....check out http://www.maccosmetics.com/ to see all the collection available and marvel at the talented artistes at work. Mulain also loves Urban Decays 24/7 colour / waterproof pencils - great to work with, super-duper colours plus smooth on the eyes and long-lasting...www.urbandecay.com

Mulain now has the urge to paint.....a bientot people....it's time to get creative!

Mulain x

Coco before Chanel

Mulain is encouraging all you film make-up artists to go see the delectable Mademoiselle Audrey Tautou in Coco avant Chanel.....What a story! What costumes! And of course what beautiful Hair and Make-up Designs. For anyone loving retro / period films this is really a treat and such a fascinating story....The glamour and sheer grit of Madame Coco Chanel. What a beauty powerhouse Chanel is.......Mulain loves the new Rouge Allure....what a fabulous red!.. and as we all know red lipstick is a real style statement that never goes out of fashion...! Check out their other great new products for tout le visage....www.chanel.com...and go see the film....pure escapism and fun!

Mulain x

Pause for thought

www.flowthefilm.com

Zeenat Aman

One of Mulain's favourites....Madame Zeenat Aman!


Mulain thinks so much focus is given to Hollywood heroines of the past and present....but Bollywood gets easily forgotten and we all know Indian women are absolutely beautiful and win beauty competitions the world over. So today we are looking at one of the most beautiful faces ever to grace the screen......West or East.....what an 'It' girl of her time.....Oozing sex appeal and beauty and charisma...Zeenat Aman. What a woman!

Influenced by the current trend in 70s / 80s colours and glosses here is how to create your own Zeenat Aman face.....and best of all......it does n't have to be expensive my darlings......I have chosen brands that are accessible to you and easy on the purse. This Recession is not over yet it seems, contrary to popular belief.

This is look is about colour and texture no hard lines....soft, shimmery and sexy.




Bourjois's little powder blushers are great to use and come in many colours - try pink, coral or orange for the cheeks - these also have a light shimmer to them adding instant glamour in a loo-ver-ly subtle way. Don't be afraid to be bold with your it's all part of the look.


Bourjois also do super-duper little trio eyeshadows in differents shades....personally for this look I would go for the pale blue for that total retro feel.....go on...don't be shy! Max Factor Kohl pencils are great to define this look - remember no hard lines....softly draw under your lower lashes and on your upper lashes, blending carefully at the outer corners...NO HARD LINES! Comes in black but I recommend charcoal grey or navy blue to look like Ms. Aman. For extra definition, you can use a black liquid liner on the top lashes - stay close to the lash line and keep the line slim and trim NO thick unflattering lines should be seen....Mulain says practice, practice, practice.

Max Factor do a great liquid liner as do Maybelline.....keep your eyes peeled!



Complete your eyes with lovely, feminine lashes - as always Maybelline come to the rescue with their uber-fab pink and green mascara....easy to apply, lasts the day and opens up with eyes, thus completing your look.



Lips for this look should be about colour and gloss - again Mulain recommends Orange or Coral shades for this - Bourjois do 70s Disco glam colours accompanied by a light gloss.....this is a look where your have emphasis on the eyes, cheeks and lips - a creative harmony needs to be achieved - make sure it's all soft and applied with a light touch!

Bon Chance my friends and hope your Saturday night is as fabulous as Ms Zeenat Aman herself.


Mwah from Mulain x

Soap & Glory!

Mulain is to-tally tripping out on the brand Soap and Glory.....http://www.soapandglorycosmetics.com/index.html......exploring the facial scrub and deep intensive moisturiser as we speak......people are raving about it and it so fits in with the vintage looks and themes that are around London town....vintage is so IN! Mon dieu. 40s Lips, 50s eye-lines, 60s lashes, 70s shimmers, 80s colours......it is just too cool for school.....

Could this be the new Benefit?

Enjoy your Friday nights my friends....wherever you are in our little global village.


Mulain x

So simple.....

...but so easy to forget! Are your make-up pencils sharp enough? How do you expect to get the look you want, perfect that eye-line if you have a blunt tool. This is a little nudge for you to remember....sharpen, sharpen, sharpen. Not too pointed or else injuries can 'appen! You need to keep the point firm but workable. Mulain suggests a double-size one for your kit / bag to give you choice (as above).....all the big beauty houses sell them so no excuses for not finding one! ....Mulain loves the Benefit one so he can fit his lovely 'Bad Gal' pencil in the larger slot. Perfect.

May seem Mulain is nagging...it's just because he cares....Mwah!

Doll face

Yesterday I went to see Public Enemies with Monsieur Depp... and apart from thinking what a good movie it was and how arresting Monsieur Depp, Monsieur Bale and Madame Cotillard were... I also could not help but notice how pretty all the women looked in the film.. particularly Madame Cotillard... !

The film is set in the 1930's and the look at that time was just oh so feminine and delicate and pretty .. something we could definitely adapt in todays world and move away for a bit from the dark dark eyes into something softer, prettier, more romantique.. just more dolly like you know... and so I am going to suggest to you just how to do that...

The look reads strong blusher and lipstick. Lovely rosy cheeks and red lipstick are the hot favourites...( ..apply with care so as not to end up looking clownish...)... thin beautifully shaped brows (not the typical arched look all our beauty salons are famous for)... lovely soft grays or browns or even a soft gunmental on your lids in a creme or powder form...dark eyeliner on the top lashes only just very close to the lash line to accentuate it and of course mascara... et voila...tres jolie...! oh.. and don't forget to powder your nose...!

Try this to make an impression the next time you step out ladies ...and let me know how much success you have with it...

Mx

White Mascara!

Are you fed up with mascaras and think you've heard it all? Thickening, extending, long-lasting, black, extra black, fake lashes, lash extensions...think you've tried everything? Well Mulain is asking you, are you brave enough for 'White Mascara'!? Enter, Vincent Longo's Vibrant Eye Waterproof Mascara in Bianco. This beauty wonder won't clump and embodies the most electric color you've ever seen—white! Top tip is if you're going to dare to wear the white lashes, use a complementing eye shadow like pastel pink or yellow. Could this be a temporary fad?

Mulain is off to investigate.......x

Nollywood!

Mulain was reading about the Nigerian film industry and how it is growing as an industry and hot on the trails of Hollywood and Bollywood. It has huge African stars, lots of drama and pizazz and wild story lines.....not unlike our Indian films. I was also told recently that the Phillipines has a huge movie biz centred in Manila the capital....is this Mollywood? The power of movies eh? So far I think we all know Hollywood, Bollywood, Collywood, Tollywood, Lollywood, Nollywood.....must be others non? Mulain's favourite is Dollywood!!! Dolly Parton's theme park in the US...it's too much fun....if you love kitsch and lots of fresh air and old-fashioned fun this is the place for you. Who knows maybe one day she'll start making films there too.

So for budding film make-up artists worldwide - check out your local film industry as there is bound to be lots of fun and experiences to be 'ad - it's not just Hollywood out there.

Mulain x

Trendspotting

So our mu Natasha went on air yesterday on NDTV's 'Get Creative' show to give a few quick and easy tips for teens.. keeping in mind the latest trends, we went to trawl the shops before hand to see which brands were most suited to this.... key things we were looking out for were the young, fun and playful colours of the season... and of course...the budget (tres importante non..)... here's what we found...

Lakme - Cheap and not so cheerful for teens... they are trying for sure have to give them that... have some nice new glosses.. Aquashine lip colour... there's a lovely bright red for all you young girls bold enough to carry off that look...

They also have a nice body shimmer(once you finish your struggle with the packaging to actually make it come thru ..) small enough to fit in your purse and great to add a little sparkle for those nights out clubbing....

Great black liquid eyeliner... this one is cheap AND cheerful... if black liquid liner is your thing... or if it's a retro look you're after...

Chambor - A pleasant surprise! Great eye pencils... have some fun colours with a bit of sparkle in them which you can use over your entire eyelid for an impact , as an eyeline flick or just to add a dash of colour by lining your lower lashes. They also have some really nice eyeshadow trios.. the gold family is particularly lovely.. and some fun electric liquid eyeliners in electric blue and turquiose ( not unlike the MAC ones, only much cheaper...)...then there's the lovely creamy gloss cremes.. but they are more lipsticky ( is that a word...?..you get the idea non...) hence more opaque so great for older teens and girls in their early 20's.

Bourjois- Pas mal...! Again some nice long lasting eye and lip colours and some nice shimmery powder blushers and eye pigments... but nothing too wow.....!

Maybelline - WOW! have to say they've got it just right... teenagers this is your brand...! fun bright eye pencils and eye shimmer pigments.... great mascaras.. coloured or black, lovely lip tints and glosses, gorgeous mousses-in blushers,shimmers, bronzers,eye colours (not yet available in India) and foundations (that you just want to scoop and lick...) and all at super affordable prices...! Top marks for products, pricing and packaging...!!

L'oreal- Comme ci Comme ca.... A wee bit more expensive , they have some nice sparkly glosses-'Glam Shine' and sheer lipsticks but a bit old for you young teens.... better for you 20 somethings and older... but they do have some really nice mascaras which are great for everyone and actually really affordable. Overall thought....a tad bit disappointing on the teen front... expected more...

Revlon- Nice! great Colourstay pencils that actually stay on ... lovely creme highlighters that come in 3 shades.. bronze included...( great for bronzing or just mixing with moisturiser and applying all over the body for that lovely sheeny glow....) really cute gloss disks ( more shine than colour tho...) and sweetly packaged pretty little powder blusher squares in pink and bronze... they also have some fantastic little eyeshadow palletes with 4 different shades.. some with 4 of the same colour family or 4 different shades that complement each other... their nude and brown ones are particularly lovely with a hint of shimmer in them...

They are probably also the best ones to go to for powder compacts in darker tones...( although not dark enough...) .. as all the other brands don't have a dark one...period! ( a bit disappointing that ... not to mention worrying in a country like India ...mmmm... the fairness witch strikes again...!) so if you dont want to end up looking oddly white or gray hit their stores or go to MAC....

MAC- You can't go wrong !... they have something for everyone in every possible colour, product and texture... heavier on the pocket but worth it we think.

So hope this helps you young gals ...and boys ( why not)...and if you have any more questions.. Mulain is at your service....

Hope you've had a bon weekend... now get out your make up or go pick some up and like the NDTV show- ' Get Creative'!

Mulain x

Disco is back!

.......actually it never goes away...not for Mulain anyway! People all over London and the global fashionistas are dusting off their disco balls, spangly tops and embracing that 70s phenomenon that swept the world....of course there is a lovely, eclectic mix going on - punk / rock thrown in with some poppy gloss and disco shimmer.....Mulain was telling you about his admiration for the US's Lady Gaga - well....the UK 'as the up-and-coming musical and style icon called Little Boots! This talented one makes music at home, performs it on YouTube and MySpace...she is a super-duper blend of spacey disco with hints of electro pop.....think Kylie meets Blondie. What Mulain loves about Little Boots and Lady Gaga is that they are really talented...they play instruments and write their own tunes. Plus they are tres adventurous with their looks....do check out their make-ups........Great fun!

Who said Disco was dead.....Shame on you!

Mulain.....x

Getting Lippy in London....

Mulain made a quick dash for London-town this week - meeting friends, checking out products and enjoying the buzz in general......whizzed into Selfridges today to discover the new Prescriptive's 'custom-made' lipgloss....was completely taken in by the display of fabulous pop-tastique colours. A creative cocktail of blues, yellows, corals, pinks, berries....loo-ver-ly! Pick a selection of any that take your fancy et voila! the lipgloss is yours - created and made 'by and for' you.....you feel so special.....check it out....http://www.prescriptives.com/custom_blend_lipgloss/custom_blend_lipgloss_highspeed.tmpl

Mulain skipped out onto Oxford Street only to bump into our Slumdog chum Simon Beaufoy....lovely to chat and catch post Oscars. Then Mulain hit Patisserie Valerie only to spot Akshay Kumar passing by - how small the world is my friends....one little global village.

Don't worry, working on my carbon footprint - Mulain is as green as he can be.

Mulain a Londres....x

Lady Gaga!

Mulain is going ga-ga over Lady Gaga - just loving her eclectic pop style - she is likened to Freddie Mercury, hence the name....with a bit of Madonna, MJ (RIP) with some Pop and Disco thrown in. Great music and great fun with her looks - she is really whacky and creative in her get-ups. She has played the piano since she was 4 and can really belt out her songs......Mulain approves and loo-ves what she does with her hair and make-up.....anyone else going Ga-ga?

Mulain x

Fairness overrated...!

So I turned on the telly the other day and was shocked when I saw 2 commercials (frequently repeated) ...both promoting fairness creams.... and BOTH ending with a marriage proposal .... (all of course after the girl becomes all 'fair and lovely' after using their products..and no they are not adverts for fair and lovely but another popular brand which I won't name)...

I am sure many of you have seen these advertisements and I hope are as concerned as I am about the message it is sending out in society....

Does it mean if you are not fair skinned, or have a few dark spots or some pigmentation on your face (very common with Indian skins) you are not worthy of marriage...? Or is marriage only for the fair and pretty ones...? Or is it that men in this society are essentially superficial and only marry women for their looks?.. Is that what it's all come down to... I don't know ... I know times are changing ... but this? It's rubbish non?....I am confused and a bit angry .. especially thinking about the kind of pressure this puts on the young girls out there and the consequences of that pressure on these girls who according to the advertisers are not fortunate enough to be born fair ... and hence not good enough.... why is white better than dark...? and who are these people who sit at their desks and come up with these ideas and actually think they are good....?! Mon dieu.... we live in India, we are indians and we are blessed with beautiful, dusky complexions... why can't we just learn to embrace it and start looking deeper.. beyond colour ..(would solve a lot of problems trust me...)

The West aspires to look like us - via tanning and we in the East like them - fair.... yes we know the grass is always greener on the other side... but just for this once - can't it be greener and stay green on our side.....?

A ranting Mulain x

Max Factor.....

Female farm worker from Yemen!

once said....' A woman who doesn't wear lipstick feels undressed in public. Unless she works on a farm' (see snap above)......Is that pressure for all you females or what? Mulain is sure that Monsieur Factor would have moved with the times and 'approved' of the world of lip decoration and lip choice in 2009 - gloss, balm, Vaseline, 8-hour cream, lipstick, lipsheers...crazy colours, divine flavours. Quite wonderful! But Mulain is concerned .....seems that the fairer sex is still always being told what to wear, what to do and how to behave......and by who? Men? The power-bodies who sit behind their desks and rule our lives and set trends, fashions, and all our social rules and ettiquettes?.....Are you girlies as free as you think you are? Ummm Mulain is not so sure....

I just want what is best for you all my darlings.....be free, feel free, think free and enjoy lipstick....if YOU want to....

Mwah Mulain x

Technicolour!

Without getting too technical my friends (afterall it's a weekend and the mind should be at rest) Mulain is just celebrating his love of the golden age of Hollywood and the joy of 'Technicolour'. Technicolour is the trademark for a series of colour film processes pioneered by Technicolour Motion Picture Corporation. Technicolour was the second major colour film process, and the most widely used colour motion picture process in Hollywood from 1922 to 1952. Technicolour became known and celebrated for its hyper-realistic, saturated levels of colour, and was used commonly for filming musicals like The Wizard Of Oz, Singing in the Rain, The Sound Of Music, period film like Joan Of Arc and animated films such as Snow White And The Seven Dwarves and Fantasia.

Being a huge fan of Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals I am going to sit down and enjoy an afternoon matinee of South Pacific and admire the wow-factor of Technicolour.......for all you film buffs and students of cinema you should know about this process and realise how different it is to the high-definition world of today. Zut alor....how times change!

From a 'Bali Hi-ing' Mulain.....