Putting the Art into Hair

Friday saw the end of our wonderful wig dressing and period hair styling course with the uber talented Anthony Girdlestone from London's West End.

The course was a huge success and all the students walked away with a wealth of knowledge to help them re-create styles from the Victorian era right up to the 1960's!

It was wonderful... I for one loved seeing how to create these beautiful hairstyles and add a twist to them to make them contemporary, it was lovely to see each and every student create one stunning set after the other. Bravo girls and boys and of course Antonio for being a wonderful teacher.

I slyly clicked some photos to give you a sneak peek- 'ope you like them- something to inspire you for the future courses perhaps!

Anthony prepping before class...

Prajakta lovin' those curls!......

Pravin taking notes.....

Head charts.....

Anthony demonstrating in class.....

Mid- Victorian......
The girls at play.....

Edwardian......

Pooja sporting the Edwardian look.....

A satisfied teacher.....

Topshop Make-up!

Ok....we all love Topshop.....well...seems they have just launched their new make-up line plus they have ingeniously linked up with taaz.com to offer digital makeovers....be prepared for addiction......is this the future of the makeover my friends? It's such a good idea, lots of fun and opens your eyes to the creative possibilities for the face. However, Mulain says don't just rely on this technology to do the work for you....you should still be able to look at your canvas (face) and feel inspired and get painting......but it's 2010 and we have to move with the times.....so know about it and choose what suits you as an artist.....more creative choices for us all....which is good!

Fat mu academy had a great day yesterday with DOP Mrinal Desai coming into to class to teach our MU-ettes about lighting and how important it is to the make-up artist......great session. Today we are starting history of make-up....another lovely class......have a good day my friends.....don't melt and drink water...top tip!

Mulain x

London Style...Alex Box....

Mulain's mama told him to check out The Sunday Times Style magazine....article on 'the world's most outrageous make-up artist' - Mulain and the MUs loved this article.....it's about Alex Box and her amazing philosophy about make-up artistry.....do read ....... it'll open your eyes my dears....

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/beauty/article7115645.ece

Mulain x

5 step make-up application

I seem to be getting a lot of women on the go asking me how to do a quick 5 minute face .... so here my darlings is a quick 5 step make-up that should take you less than 5 minutes... and have you looking like more polished, sophisticated versions of yourself without spending too much time in front of the mirror or piling the make-up on.... this look works for everyone! so read on.....

step 1- concealer-hide those unwanted blemishes and dark circles... see a spot peeping through on a big day?... fear not, concealer is here to save the day... this one is a must for most of us.... get the right shade and it'll change your life darlings.... I promise...

MAC do great ones.

step 2 - powder - set your concealer and take away any unwanted shine. Get that polished fresh faced look in no time. Carry a compact version in your bag at all times for a quick easy dab.

step 3- mascara - work up from the root of the lashes in a zig zag movement for a good even application and maximum definition on the lash line- top and bottom.

Maybelline, L'Oreal and Lancome come out on top!

step 4- blusher- a leetle colour never hurt anyone...whether it's a natural flush you're after or more definition on your cheekbones... sweep on to either the apples of your cheeks or your cheekbones for a nice fresh and healthy look. Great for those days when you're feeling particularly blah!

Step 5- lipstick or gloss - want to make a statement ?... apply a bright lipstick... something simpler and yet effective?.... a slick of gloss on the go is perfect for a natural or a sexy look... whatever your mood....

Hope this gets some of you started and inspired to start wearing make-up and looking and feeling a lot better about yourselves!

Bisoux

Mx

Individual lashes

Never used individual lashes my friends? Then read on....Mulain was with MU Virginia yesterday on a shoot for an actress, publicity stills for her up-coming film and we had lots of fun creating different looks, moods, make-ups for her. The lovely lady in question has utterly beautiful lashes naturally, with a natural lift...(some people are so lucky, myself included :)...)....so when we came to some glamour looks instead of adding full-on strip lashes, MU Virginia just popped on a couple of individuals on each side just to add a little bit more glamour, effect and definition, without going over the top. Very easy to put on and really effective so the MUs are saying go on-line and get yourself a packet or two!

These little treasure are popped in (using tweezers) after your make-up look is complete...so eyeshadow and liner in place, natural lashes curled, mascara added....then dab a bit of eyelash glue onto your hand or palette.....with your tweezers, pick up one lash from the pack and dab the end in the glue. Important to wait til the glue is tacky and starts to go transparent....wait around 20 to 30 seconds...ask your artist to close her (his) eyes, relax and place the lash right at the root line of the lashes. Gently nestle it in with the tweezers.....if you are doing around 4 or so...make sure you allow an even spacing between each one...remember you are going for a natural, enhanced lash look.....so you're aiming for an even spread. Tip...start at the outer corners of the eyes with a couple and build up the look slowly.

Good stockists are http://www.mistermascara.com/ or http://www.screenface.co.uk/ ..... Boots in UK also do them...readily available. Good for all occasion.....makeovers, brides, film stars, party nights...(you also get coloured ones which are lots of fun).

Hope your days were good darlings......off for my beauty sleep now....speak soon....

M x

Serge Leutens Lipsticks

Recently I tagged along with my MUs to meet Natasha's tutor from the London College of Fashion... what really struck me was how lovely the lady looked at first glance and besides the ultra chic haircut what stood out most and flattered, was her lovely ruby red lipstick!... Of course I had to ask what she was wearing... 'Serge Leutens' she said... at 53 GBP a lipstick! WHAT!! Since then I have been thinking at how outrageous make-up prices have got and how much more outrageous it is that people are willing to pay for it!!! Oh well.. to each his/her own I suppose... and if that's something that makes you feel beautiful and good then why not eh?

So for those of you who can afford it... check out Serge Leutens make-up line... and for those who can't like myself... check it out anyway.... no harm in a leetle window shopping eh?...

Mx

India's 21st Century face.....

Lakshmi Menon for Givenchy....stunning....

Our MU Natasha's Make-up for the Taj Calendar.....

At ease, natural beauty....classic and timeless...

Mademoiselle Menon for Maxmara......

Fresh-faced with no Kajal.....

Maxmara campaign again for LM....

At ease on the international runways....

Vogue love LM!!!

Sultry and sexy...exotic beauty....

London's Dazed and Confused picked up on the Menon magic....

Vogue again.....

Ask any economist and they will say that the 21st century will belong to Asia. Now Mulain knows Asia is a big, big land mass....and consists of different looks, cultures, skin types, aesethetic tastes and beauty ideals.....we are in for an interesting time ahead my friends.... It seems 'the West' have picked up on the beauty of Bangalore's home-grown Lakshmi Menon as THE international face to front their different brands and be the face of 'new India'. Hermes to Givenchy to MaxMara....Menon is hot property and her look is totally accepted and loved on an international platform. When you see her in her different get-ups...you can see her versatility.....glamour, natural, Kajal and no Kajal, sexy, innocent, barefaced, lots of colour...she fits into all, quite effortlessly. Born to be a star it seems.

Mulain loves the fact also that her 'dusky' beauty is not only appreciated and accepted but truly loved and adored. She wows everyone and no sign of 'fair and lovely' anywhere. So all you dusky beauties out there take note. Love your skin! This is your time to be Indian and be proud of your skin colour.....it's your century...don't try and be white! That is Mulain's view anyway....

So artistes out there...ask yourself...can you work without Kajal? Less eye definition? Mulain says try it! Are you using different lip shades, cheek textures, base textures? If you don't you are limiting your creativity and work. We know Indian women are born with Kajal in their hands....and you have to prize it off them....but sometimes it's well worth the struggle.

So go celebrate Lakshmi and be proud of her......and then be proud to be a fabulous Indian woman (and man)....don't let beauty companies and traditions stop you from liking and being and exploring yourself. Remember it's your time to shine!

Mulain is off to pick up some more technical make-up tips from the MU academy today.

Hope you are surviving the heat.....Mulain x

Art for make-up artistes....

Matisse......

Andy Warhol does Pop-art....

Gustav Klimt....


Picasso....



Dali and Surrealism.......




THE Mona Lisa....Da Vinci.....legendary and infamous....


India's Dhruvi Acharya.....wonderful talent....

Kandinsky....

Ajanta cave paintings.....

Art from Japan...

Jackson Pollock.....

Vincent Van Gogh.......Expressionism...

15th century Italian art...Van Eyck...

India's Ravi Verma....

One of the first things we try to introduce in the MU academy is art knowledge...we want to encourage the love of art...understanding of art.....the techniques of art. Art is a little word my friends and is such big subject......under the art umbrella come paintings (as seen above), sculptures, pottery, photography etc etc......and there is a whole wide world out there of it and a huge history.....don't know where to start.....? Try New York's Metropolitan Museum's following link..... www.metmuseum.org/toah/

The most famous paintings in the world today are done by Western, white males.....the Mona Lisa, The Sunflowers, The Kiss..... by going on the link above you can find out about art in any region of the world....plus you can view female artistes too!!! You thought only men were creative? No my friends...open your mind to ALL art and see what you discover.....there is no turning back. Enjoy and explore, notice the shapes, textures, colours, lines, use of light and dark...... and watch how it helps your work.

Mulain is off to the academy....toodle-oo!

M x

fat mu mu-se...

Pat McGrath make-up design for Prada S/S 2010......

Pat McGrath make-up design for Mulberry S/S 2010....

Pat McGrath make-up design for Dior S/S 2010....



Pat McGrath make-up design for Italian Vogue Cover April 2010

Pat McGrath make-up design for Russian Vogue April 2010....

Mulain is always looking to see what all his MU-ses are upto.....Madame Pat Mcgrath has been a busy bee lately it seems.... with 2 Vogue covers in April.....plus have designed make-up looks / products from Max Factor to D&G to Cover Girl to SK-II and Armani and around 35 catwalk shows!!!!!! This woman is a creative force to be reckoned with. Everyone wants to work with her and we at fat mu hq can see why.......she jumps from genre to genre with such ease....classic to current....high drama to subtle chic......the MUs would love to meet her.....Mulain is on a mission.

Do you have role models / mentors my friends? Do let us know who they are.....

So what news from the MUs...the fat mu academy is in full swing....students working very hard, getting their bases right and learning to use their common sense in class...(tres importante)......Anthony Girdlestone is really wow-ing everyone with his amazing hair styling work....Mulain is very excited at seeing all this creative activity.....Mumbai today, India tomorrow....

Chalo fat mu....Mulain x

The Green Make-up Artiste!

Hello my dears...another super, super melting day in this metropolis we call Mumbai. Can it get any hotter? As it is this hot...Mulain is reminded of global warming and have to say I am thinking of the future of us and our lovely, leetle planet. Therefore it is up to all of us to be 'green' and save the world! Personally and professionally! Not sure where to start? Head to http://www.greenmakeupartist.com/ to get started. This site will give you important links to do with work, green recommendations for products, ways of working, tips from other make-up artistes...keeping tuned in and up-to-date is uber important...even Leo Dicaprio has his link on this site....see everyone is getting involved and doing their bit. Exploring the world of mineral make-up? Let Mulain and the MUs know if you find a good brand / product out there. Share knowledge my friends...knowledge is power etc etc.

So go green my friends....a 'Mineral-ed' Mulain x

Putting the wows into your brows!!!

Mulain was brow-zing on the net and looking at Benefit's loo-verly website... www.benefitcosmetics.com ........ loved the new tweezerman contributions going on! All make-up artistes love the tweezer man products...so to have them combined with Benefit's superlicious packaging is a dream come true...to go on-line and check them out...or better still head to a Benefit shop near you! We here in Bollywoodland and India will have to wait until Benefit decides to come to India.....we are waiting!!!!!

We know that you know how important les brows are on the face my darlings....we will keep reminding you though and of course telling you of products which will help you keep them in place, groomed and lookin' gor-gus!

Mulain x

Victorian Hairstyling with the lovely Anthony Girdlestone...

Mulain is in the middle of fat mu's first class with the wonderful Anthony Girdlestone! Having finally joined us in India, through a cloud of volcanic dust...all the way from London's West-End. Tonight he is demo-ing early Victorian styles.....so middle partings, delicate rolls, twists and plaits going on....all the students working very hard. These styles are over a hundred years old but are great to know for you work...add these styles to your fashion shoots, bridals, event hair...for make-up artists too.

The more you know my friends, the more your work keeps on improving and you will grow as an artiste!

Will put some photos up soon so you can see...great fun and a lovely class...which is always nice.

Mulain x

P.s - not sure of the period?...watch 'The Young Victoria' to get yourself in the mood...quite fabulous.

Body Electrics

Whatever will they think of next?.... http://www.illamasqua.com/ .....their first make-up collection for the body inspired by Kinetic energy and the fluidity of the body. They truly are 'out there' as a brand and Mulain is always curious to know what will they think of next...do have a look at their site and their fab images. They are taking body make-up to a whole new level...this collection promises creams, dry oils, lotions and potions to highlight and contour to a dizzying level...Mulain is dying to get his hands it.....anyone travelling to London?

Day 3 of our academy today....our poor little MU-ettes are getting their heads around colour theory and facial anatomy...it's not easy but is essential for being a good and confident artiste! Don't give up my darlings...Mulain is always with you.....Mwah!

Til tomorrow...Gut nacht!

M x

Make-up for children.....

Like...OMG!!!!!

This poor little beauty queen was sadly murdered.......so wrong!

Mulain has no words for this......

Ok...a difficult question to answer my friends...at what age should girls start wearing make-up? It's very tricky....little children of 2010 are much more sophisticated than say children of the 60s, 70s, 80s.......As a child of the 70s Mulain loved the idea of face-painting at birthday parties, wanting a butterfly with lovely colours or a tiger face with fabulous stripes...I certainly did n't want to look like Britney Spears or Pamela Anderson or Barbie even! Oh how times have changed.....feeling a little sad about that. Mulain believes that a child's innocence should be protected for as long as possible. Very difficult in this day and age where kids are exposed to modern icons on the TV, internet 24/7. Basically they're growing up too quick. Plus beauty companies / toy companies want to make money....kids are big money my darlings, sitting ducks in the marketing world. It's tough being a modern parent...instilling good moral values...the kids want EVERTHING....fast.

MU Sara visited the new Hamley's store in Mumbai and was astonished to see professional make-up artists there doing makeovers on young girls....Ummmm.....we at fat mu were a little disturbed by this. Girls are too young to understand the consequences of wearing make-up and the powerful image it conveys. What are the yummy mummies doing?....I really would love to know.....surely bringing up kids so fast is not good for the well-being of society....it has the potential to breed neurotic, self obsessed, vain individuals...too superficial! Mulain is taking a moral stand on this one darlings.....teach your kids to paint, sketch, draw, create in different ways before giving them the tools to paint their faces.....they have to understand what they are doing non?

I may sound harsh and not fun...am not against little girls trying on mummy (or daddy's) lipstick from time to time...exploring.....but little by little......look at the big picture my friends and protect the young of today....they know not what they do.

Here endeth the lesson....Mulain x