Let's get Pro-active!

Ok - Mulain is on a mission today to find out about Pro-active skincare that all the celebs are raving about....a la Jess Simpson above (also click on this link to read US celebrity testimonials..http://www.proactiv.in/Celebrity/Default.aspx)...... MUs Natasha and Virginia have both encountered very bad acne skins on shoots recently and honestly people they are really very difficult to look after, maintain, especially in melting Mumbai. Some people are totally on the wrong medication and treatments thus their skins sometimes suffer bad side-effects......like dropping off...an artist's nightmare I tell you!

So for all your sakes Mulain is on the case and off to investigate....might head to Hill Road too for a leetle Christmas shopping must get my hard-working team something.....so excited ...only a few days to go....

Mulain x

Last minute Christmas gifts...think make-up

Ok - Christmas is one week away and for those of you who are super busy....you might want to think about shopping on-line.....http://www.cdwow.com/beauty has top make-up brands Chanel, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and delivers free of charge...sounds good na? Especially in these times when we are all penny/rupee watching...they also have sites all over the world not just the UK...so go have a look and am sure you will find a useful little stocking filler or two (or three, or four...).

All the MUS are out on shoots today - such a busy time of year.....Natasha MU on Garnier, Virginia MU in film city on a Virgin TVC...both outdoors, facing the heat! Do remember your sun cream my dears....

Mulain might slip off to the loo-verly Sun 'n' Sand pool side for a relaxing dip, a mental recharge and a bit of on-line shopping too.....Merry Christmas my dears....and ho, ho, ho (in the traditional, non-rapper way)....... :)

Mulain x

Avatar...it's the future...

Mulain is eagerly awaiting the Indian release of James Cameron's Avatar with such excitement...this movie, claimed to be the most expensive ever (don't they always say that?), is ground-breaking in it's 3D technology and is maybe paving the way for others films to work in the same way....Mulain is asking...if computers are doing all the make-up and effects what will happen to film and TV make-up artists? Even now on fashion shoots and TV ads the phrase...'don't worry we'll do it in post' sends chills down most make-up artists' spines....what does the future have in store for us.....are computers taking over the world?

We are living in interesting times my friends....technology in all industries is moving and advancing at such a fast pace....but we mu-st all try and keep up. My advice to artists is to understand as much as you can about 'post' so that you can on a shoot say confidently...'No, it's ok, no need for post...I am here'.....take control of the situation as much as possible, try and stay ahead of the game .

And remember there will be always be work for make-up artists. The lesson is to adapt my friends....so get your brains in gear. Think brides, real people, make-overs, people will still need le maquillage...it's been around for thousands of years and will not disappear now...no need to stress.....

Have a great day and remember the future's bright, the future is make-up!

Mulain x

Sleeping Beauty

Traditional Sleeping Beauty.....wise gal got her 8 hours in!

Mulain was with Virginia and the MU gang this morning and we all agreed that 'sleep' is the ultimate beauty ingredient. All were super tired from a long shooting day, the models were tired too....everyone lagging and looking and feeling drained. Sleep deprivation! Just terrible....the affect it has on your skin, eyes, immune system, relationships...shall I go on? So Mulain is asking you are you getting enough?

Those in the know say adults should be getting around 7-8 hours a night (pregnant women exempt...you need lots more!)....and preferably before midnight. Now everyone is different and can survive on less or more than required....Mulain would love 9 hours a night...dream on cowboy!

Without getting into what the scientists say about Rapid Eye Movement sleep etc...get to know your own sleep patterns and do what is right for you. Living in a noisy flat or neighbourhood then try ear-plugs? Room too light....try a fancy pair of eye-masks? Mulain finds that a winner....do try it my darlings...

Audrey Hepburn looking cool in her mask!

So get some sleep, kip, rest, zzzzzzs, 40 winks and see the results - you'll feel better, perform better, have clarity of thought, good memory and be a happy, chirpy little soul.

Hope I have changed your lives for the better my friends....off for a quick power snooze myself....

Mulain x

P.S. - Below are some other cool masks...Mulain loo-ves....

Nail it

We here at fat mu love O.P.I nail colours.... great colour variety... easy glide on texture and nice brush just the right size for an even application. O.P.I is a fairly new brand and it's amazing how fast they've become No.1! What's great is that you can now test colours on their site to see what they look like... no its not some virtual scan your hand in kinda thing... but they do have a hand on which you can change the skin shade to match yours and the nail size to test what the colour will look like on you!.. clever is n't it?.... Below is a picture of what the page looks like... so to try it out just click on the O.P.I link below and then click on 'try on this colour'. I randomly chanced across a colour called 'Moon over Mumbai' (see below)... not sure what I think of this colour... a bit blah if you ask me.. maybe it's the colour of the moon over smoggy Mumbai......? Who knows... but I love the name and love the fact that they thought of Mumbai.... maybe a brighter colour range for Mumbai Mr. O.P.I?... it is India after all and we are known for our colour..... but none the less.....great colours... quirky names and a fantastically wide range..... check it out .....

http://www.opi.com/

Enjoy.........Mx

The Power of the Make-up Artist!

Le maquillage!

Ok.....ranting today my darlings....make-up artistes the world over have to constantly fight to gain recognition, respect, understanding.....people think doing make-up is 'easy', 'non-intelligent' and it sits low-down in the pecking order of jobs......Mulain gets so cross!!!!! Such ignorance...really.....make-up is a huge, vast industry from special effects, to beauty, professional to non-professional. It is one of the few industries that not only survived the recession but made profits. To be a good make-up artist takes technical know-how, patience, endurance, talent, lots and lots of training (which never ends in your lifetime..you always keep learning) and it's an ultimate multi-tasking job, dealing with people while doing your job...and sometimes under huge pressure. Mulain says don't knock it til you try it......here are some make-up giants for you....inspirational figures....

Madame Estee Lauder at work....

This 'make-up artist' became the only woman on Time magazine's 1998 list of the 20 most influential business geniuses of the 20th century! Make-up a no-brainer....I don't think so!... Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of skin care, costmetics, perfume and hair care products. They own Bobbi Brown, Aveda, Clinque, Bumble and Bumble, La Mer, Jo Malone, MAC, Donna Karan, Origins and more! All started from a make-up artist's dream.......thank you Madame Lauder!

In the world of special effects make-up, Dick Smith has pioneered, created and lain the path for sfx in an extraordinary way....starting his career in 1962 he has worked solidly in films like 'The Exorcist', 'The Godfather' and in 1983's 'Amadeus' he creates the most life-like 'age' make-up ever done. Check out Salieri below, the old and young look....just superb and he won one of us many Oscars for this make-up. Where would sfx make-up artists / actors / directors be without him?......Do check out his site http://www.dicksmithmake-up.com/...... He also is kind, generous and open with his information and incredible knowledge....an icon for sure......thank you Monsieur Page!

Older Salieri

Young Salieri

Max Factor was Maximilian Faktorowicz (1877–August 30, 1938 a Polish-Jewish cosmetician and 'make-up artist' who became the artist of the Hollywood Sirens from Harlow to Hepburn, Crawford to Colbert, Garbo to Garson. He made make-up accessible to everyday women, through his work on the stars in their films and through creating products that could be sold to the masses. Max Factor pioneered the high-street make-up brands, Max Factor started make-up trends, Max Factor dreamt up fabulous products....La Lip Gloss! Another giant - thank you Monsieur Factor.

There are many make-up artists out there in today's world also pushing the boundaries, creating great products and education centres, creating magic on screen, designing cosmetics and setting trends.....think Rick Baker, Bobbi Brown (she is even starting her own make-up course for University level), Pat Mcgrath, Gucci Westman, Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier, Jenny Shircore (Natasha's mentor).....there are hundreds, thousands more.....fat mu! :).......

So whenever you hear someone 'dissing' our wonderful world, get your facts and figures out there and tell them how wrong they are. Very wrong. The power of make-up is totally misunderstood on all levels.....we are artists, who through our medium of make-up create characters...on screen, on stage, on tv, on ramps and never forget the real woman....she has many sides to her character we which can be brought out....it is a fantastic art!

Ranting always makes one feel better.....thank you for listening and have a wild Saturday night!

Mulain x

Trend - Colour of the year 2010 - Turquoise

Pantone the global authority on colour and the provider of professional colour standards for the design industries recently announced Turquoise as the colour of the year for 2010...!.. will this translate in the cosmetic market... well it already seems to be a trend.. whether the trend has sustainability we have yet to see. We here at fat mu love the colour turquoise.. it's a happy, calming, cool colour and reminds of holidays.... white sand beaches and turquoise waters.... ...wish I was there right now infact...!...

Here are some of our favourite turquoise make up picks for you... they do translate beautifully on Indian skins....

Nail colour 'Muse' by Illamasqua

Pigment by MAC

Liquid Liner by MAC

Glitter by MAC

Eyeshadow Quad by Guerlain

Cream eyeshadow by Shisheido

....beautiful colour and lovely textures.... can't go wrong. Let's see what the rest of the world thinks.... Mx

Too poor for make-up?

Ok...Mulain was to-tally distressed to hear someone writing in to the fat mu team and feeling that they were 'too poor' for make-up. Now obviously we all have to eat and 'ave a roof over our heads and you have to decide your own budget etc but even in hard times, times of war, depression...people have put on le maquillage! Mulain has taken a luxury brand image for next year - YSL (who have set the trend for pretty pastels)......see the lovely work...lesson one, don't get depressed, instead of thinking YSL....it's very expensive non?....look to your highstreet / mall brands to purchase and add to your kit.....below are a few eye shadow sets which are offering pastel shadows....so copy the above image using their little trio / quad set......all available in India and across our global village...cheap 'n chic!

Bourjois pastel set


Chambor pastel set

Revlon - neutral set option for those scared of pastels!!!

Lakme pastel set with purple....

So don't be shy or get depressed because your funds are low....save your Rupees and be clever about what you buy. All these above sets have a base colour, a highlighter and a shader, all you need to set off your eyes and go with the latest fashions.

So have fun and play with your Pastels for 2010.....we certainly will...

Hope this 'elps....Mulain x

Lola

Fantastic new bauble to have for Christmas.... and no I am not talking about the kind you put on your tree but on your finger... for those fantastic party nights out... from Marc Jacobs comes this lovely eye catching piece.... Lola (love that name) a cocktail ring and solid perfume in one! Genius....! With a lovely fusion of fruity and floral scents this sensual scent comes beautifully packaged in this lovely enamel ring... with its own pretty little leather pouch to boot.... definitely something to put down on your Christmas wish list...! maybe Madonna should get one for her daughter Lola...but then she probably already has one.. mmm...

M x

Lash out

Bored of your usual make up routine...? want to experiment and try something different this party season....? then why not try false lashes and re-work your make up around it!

Easy enough to apply once you get the hang of it after a few go's... but be warned.. you could get hooked!

From giving you fuller, longer lashes to something more fun and flirty... try individual coloured ones to begin with... or if you're feeling quite bold go for a strip... like some of the ones shown above.... wear them typically on your top lashes or a la Agy Deyn on your lower lash line.... and be sure whatever the look you're going for... these babies are sure to make everyone sit up and take notice! So wear if you dare....!

Visit the Shu Uemura's Tokyo Lash Bar if you get a chance...or check them out online at http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/_us/_en/accessories/false-eyelashes/tokyo-lash-bar-09.aspx

they do have a fantastique collection!

Mx

Sirens by Illamasqua

Beautiful images of make-up art by new wonder brand Illamasqua. These pictures are representative of the colours and textures from their 'Sirens' collection... and what I love is that it breaks any preconceived notion of what make up should be worn like.... so take inspiration from this my darlings and have fun and play with colour, shape and texture and create your own designs!.... With gorgeous shimmering golds, bronzes, corals and aquamarines .. this collection in their own words - 'lets you indulge your alter ego, and ensure that your summer nights are even hotter than the days'- ....... ooh la la!

Mx

Luxury textures..

The wonderful world of Armani make-up..

Armani products

Armani Colour range....


Nars!...



Nars get creative..

Nars goodies....

Good morning my darlings...Mulain is refreshed after a great night's sleep, a little yoga session in the morning and a hearty breakfast. Just wanted to write to tell you today about a conversation Mulain over-heard yesterday while we were shooting. It was about the luxury feel of make-up brands. It was concluded that Armani and Nars were two brands which not only gave you a great product range and colours and textures but the luxury of the materials is second to none. The MUs have always heard in professional circles that Armani bases/foundations are 'the best'. The fluids, powders, cremes just have an out-of-this world texture. Nars was also talked about as just having a superb, luxurious feel in the materials.

Mulain knows there are others....Chanel, Lancome, Dior, Laura Mercier to name a few.....but Armani and Nars are slightly off the radar.....so do NOT forget them na. Your project for this weekend - go to a make-up counter selling these two brands (sorry India not here as yet)....and get a feel for them.....have fun, play and enjoy!

Mulain is off for a bridal make-up trial now and then mu-st plan his Saturday night with MUs Nat and Virg. Time to dust down the disco ball, heels and boa...it's time to dance!

Mulain x

How to be a beach babe...

Our starting point reference sunkissed / bronzed beach babe glamour

'Odd Couple' mineral eye-duo from MAC


Love multi purpose creme stick by Nars - 'Malibu'


MAC's Paint pot - 'Constructivist'

One of MAC's best buys....'Clear Lipglass'

Fabulous Benefit's 'Flamingo Fancy' - great bronzer for the skin....all over!

Shiseido's creme sticks ....they're all fabulous!

Revlon's 'Skin-lights'.....all used and brilliant to work with...

It was a glorious day yesterday my friends.....Mulain spent the day with MU Virginia at the JW Marriot hotel in Juhu by the Arabian sea, next to their amazing infinity pool creating a beach babe / sunkissed look for Neha Dupia. Luckily Neha has beautiful glowing skin, such a lovely canvas thus making the look we wanted easier to achieve. Mulain was watching MU Virginia work....so here's how she created the look - now listen up and remember good blending and no hard lines - sexy and smoldering is key!

1 - Skin prepped - Cleansed, toned, moisturized (with an SPF)...Benefit's 'You Rebel' is great for this - remember your look is glowing, fabulous skin!

2 - A Ben Nye's bronze creme was placed all over the eye-lids as a base, MAC's 'Woodwinked' was brushed on top to set the creme and add that 'je ne sais quoi'.....

3 - Urban Decay's soft and easy-to-work with eye crayons were then used on the top and bottom lash lines to put some definition in - black and khaki.

4 - Benefit's 'Flamingo Fancy' liquid bronzer, a simple moisturizer (good old St.Ives) and Revlon's darker 'Skinlight' liquid were then mixed in a bowl and with a foundation brush applied to Neha's face and body...and yes mu-st n't forget our lovely Armani Sheer Fluid which was dashed along the cheekbones. Simply marvellous......

5 - Mascara was added and slightly more black added for definition on the eyes....

6 - For lips, Virginia created her own 'nude' shade - a combination of Lancome, Revlon, Nars and MAC 'Lipglass' in clear was added on top to give a lovely, juicy pout. Mwah!

7 - Derma was used for concealor ...brightening the eye area and around the nose.

8 - Nars's 'Malibu' was added on the cheeks and eyes - a dab here, a dab there and worked into the skin...as too were the yummy Shiseido cremes....

9 - MAC's paint-pot 'Constructivist' was used to contour the cheeks slightly, lovely texture easy to use.

NO HARD LINES - all colours and textures merging into one seemless finish - no lines anywhere my darlings.

10 - A MAC 'Blotpowder' was used to remove any unwanted shine...tip of nose, chin....the t-zone 'danger' - area the rest of the area was left to shine and glow.

11 - Virginia decided to add on some MAC's 'Oddcouple' bronze/gold mineral eye shadow onto the lids to pop the look....it has a lovely, grainy / sandlike texture...which was great for the beach-side look.

Shooting outside in 30 degree heat means this look is quite high-maintenance....so be on the ball with the make-up fading, smudging etc....keeping the look freshly done is the tricky part....so be on it!

Was great fun and Neha was a super-trooper....off for an early night my darlings as think the sun has zapped all my energy today....oh la la not as young as I used to be!

Mulain x

Make-up Design

MUs Natasha and Xavier teaching make-up design.....

MU Virginia in teaching session....

Mulain read an article in The Times of India titled 'Designer Dreams'....it opens saying that there is a rising demand for designers from various fields in India...it mentions fashion....product design...interior..but alas no make-up :(...... It also states that prospects in the design industry are enormous and lucrative. "Design is a professional capability of creating and developing concepts and realising them into products and systems for the mutual benefit of both, user and manufacturer. The design of objects, services and systems requires the synthesis and knowledge of a variety of disciplines. Design thinking brings together the finest sensibilites of the arts with the logic of science in an innovative framework. While learning a craft brings students close to materials and material culture, a design attitude and methodology helps them realise larger patterns in the fabric of society".....phew....did you get that? Basically...designing is the future.....that includes make-up! Make-up design for film, for television, theatre, fashion, products.....it's a huge make-up world out there my friends....think big and out of the box.

Mulain is a leetle disappointed that make-up design was not mentioned, thought about etc (zut alore).......there is so much potential in a career in make-up and the design aspect. It saddens me people. But do NOT despair...my MUs Natasha and Virginia are hard at work 'designing' their make-up academy where they will teach you how to do it and do it well. Will keep you in the loop my darlings...it's all very exciting. The future's bright ...the future is MAKE-UP!


Mulain x

Beauty Snob?

Vogue Vogue Vogue.....

Are you a beauty snob? Mulain wants to know.....do you only check out Vogue? Will you only buy Chanel eye-shadows? Armani foundation? Dolce and Gabbana lips? Dior Mascara? La Mer skin-care?.....there is even a website called www.beautysnob.com.... is that YOU?

Mulain is asking you my friends...because he cares....are you missing out on less 'posh' brands? I am worried for you.....Maybelline, Boots No.7, Chambor, Max Factor, Revlon, Bourjois, L'Oreal all offer great products which would add some magic to your make-up kits (professional and non-professional)...fat mu loo-ve Max Factor, L'Oreal, Maybelline mascaras, adore Bourjois coloured eye-pencils and blushers, are passionate about Revlon's new hot nail colours (oh la la)...and don't knock the Chambor's Black Kohl pencil...it's seriously good!

So blinkers off...open your eyes to all that's out there....who knows what you'll discover...

Mulain x