TGI Friday!!!!

The MUs have been working hard all week in the Academy and on shoots so looking forward to Friday night and the weekend!!!!! Woo-hoo.....Lots on still.....Our favourite fat mu MU-se Madame Nomita Morrison is coming to town (fantastique), fat mu students final photo shoot tomorrow (can't wait to see their creations).....waiting to see our Hi-Blitz shoot with Lara Dutta (think it hits the streets tomorrow my friends) and sorting out future shoots and classes. Phew...this city never stops!

Going at this mad pace will kill us all Mulain feels so taking time out this weekend to keep fit and do some walking and yoga. Inspired by MU Virginia's Puma ad (see above) Mulain is going to don his best sporting attire and feel the burn but making sure he has fun too. Tres importante! So my dears if you too are feeling burnt out and frazzled by mad Mumbai, Mulain suggests you do the same.....you will feel a whole lot better I can assure you of that.

Enjoy your Friday nights! Mwah!

M x

Cupid's Bow Lips

Loving Rita Hayworth's Cupids Bows above....

Guideline....


Guideline

Visualise Cupid's actual bow to get the shape you want

Mulain loves the fact that Cupid's Bow Lips are in fashion....Yay! Now all we have to do is get that shape right. Most important, it is vital to imagine the shape you want...see images above to help, then just follow the rules....

1) Lips should be primed and ready for lipstick (light exfoliation with your toothbrush boys and girls)...and balm of course.

2) With a soft, but firm lip pencil outline the bow shape...this is a critical stage of your lip design...make sure it is even both sides and curved.....no sharp points on top anywhere and must match colour of your lipstick...no darker outlines pl-e-ase.

3) When your shape is outlined, with your lipstick or lip brush fill in the shape......pick a nice, rich, luxuriant, matt colour....Chanel is always a good bet my darlings.....

4) Check to see the colour of your lipstick reaches all of your lips, edges too please!

5) Highlight above the top lip with a silvery tone for cool tones...for warmer tones try a more golden one. This accentuates the lips and draws attention to the mouth.

6) Smile and pout and you are ready to rock 'n' roll my friends.

Excited for all of you and this look...enjoy it and make sure your statement lips have a statement smile.

Mulain.....

Bearded ladies!

Mulain is so excited about tomorrow....2 shoots to drop into with MU's Natasha and Virginia.......one a glamour shoot and one full of circus freaks! Love the contrast, totally different challenging briefs involved....expect both MUs will be pooped! Dropping in on MU Virginia first up as want to see her getting her circus 'bearded ladies' ready...what fun.....not sure Indian TV or Film has ever seen a beautiful lady with a full-on beard on.....after doing the look test today Mulain and the creative team admitted that strangely the beards did n't distract from the beauty of the girls.....as seen on Ms. Salma Hayek above....it's tres cool and different. Could we start a trend here? Mulain would love that....Also creating a feminine strong man and other fun characters all with different quirks and features.

Mulain will write all about it when he is done. Up at 5am so early to bird my little chick-a-dees..

Bon nuit x M x

Chambor Eye Pencils

Mulain's top product of the week is Chambor's Eye Pencil.....What a rainy week it's been in Mumbai...my goodness .....it's a wonder we have n't all been swept away....really...so much water!!!! Should n't complain I know..but.....Anyway, commented on MU Virginia's eye liner staying put in all this wetness....it was good old Chambor......IT STAYS IN PLACE...MONSOON PROOF my friends.......easy to put on, no animal ingredients and it's around 500 Rs...plus easily to get hold of....there is a Shopper's Stop near all of us! Really impressed and it glides on without dragging that delicate eye area....what more does a girly need...instant and constant eye definition.....Wow...go get 'em girls!

Mulain x

Memoirs of a Geisha

Mulain feels slightly behind the times (can you imagine?)....but to-tally missed Rob Marshall's 'Memoirs of a Geisha' when it released a few years back. Stupid Mulain!!! What a be-au-ti-ful movie....mon dieu! Great casting, great production design, great costumes and of course fabulous hair and make-up!! The film gives a real insight into the old habits and beauty routines of the Geishas....beauty is pain is an understatement really! Such discipline and hard lives these women had....walking, dancing works of art....there to be admired...literally living art works.....like dolls. The amount of prepping for their appearance is mind-boggling....the make-up was a fine art of white powder, painted red lips and at one point charcoal for eye definition....definitely worth reading and researching if you're interested.

Mulain really recommends you see if you have n't.....a MU-st see,

Mulain x

fat mu MU-se

Mulain was out with a fat mu MU-se on Friday night......hanging at the Pali Village Cafe in Bandra....have a blast with Sona Mohapatra. What a lovely and talented lass she is! So grounded, real and refreshing a real tonic. Mulain first met Sona in 2006 when the MUs did the make-up on her music video 'Aaje Ve'....do take a look on YouTube for those who have not seen.....really different and shot by another fat mu MU-se Deepti Gupta (Honeymoon Travels DOP). Mulain loves the fact that Sona is just herself and uses make-up to enhance herself not mask herself, less is more is her advice and Mulain to-tally agrees.

Hope your weekends were fun and frolicking.....M x

Himalaya lip balm

Mulain has been using Himalaya lip balm in the last few days as he has run out of Carmex and Lizzy Arden's 8hr cream....mu-st say I am pleasantly surprized with how good it is. Have it in my manpurse now and on-standby for those dry lip moments....which are many due to the Mumbai climate and air-conditioning combined. I have so many lipsticks and glosses but really need to keep my lips primed, poised and ready for them, otherwise they get cracked and to-tally unsmoochable....not a good look! So at Rs 20 a pop this little tube of delight is my new best friend. It has a natural UV filter and is packed with Vitamin E to nourish and soften lips...fabulous as far as I am concerned. Available from most chemists, druggists in India which is also a massive plus point, no excuses for dry, unchapped, unglam mouths ...am I right?

Mulain is in the middle of a bridal practical assessment in the fat mu academy...back to work to see how our brides are looking....chat later...

Mulain x

Practice makes perfect!

MU-ettes in the academy practicing....

Practice, practice, practice.....

Mulain often gets asked how to be the perfect make-up artist...how long does it take to 'get it'..?Etc etc. There are no answers for this my friends...all Mulain knows is that like everything one has to practice and practice until you can do it blind, backwards or whatever it takes. This may sound depressing for any newcomers out there just starting out....but honestly, realistically it takes time to perfect any skill......and we are always learning so it's a neverending journey my darlings....jump on board if you dare....she/he who dares wins!!! Mulain read Malcolm Gladwell's 'Outliers' recently and in it there is an undercurrent theme of understanding success or the 'successful'.....in all his examples of success from The Beatles to Bill Gates (pretty successful you'll agree?) there is a 10,000 hour rule, or 5 years if you like....basically you have to give your skill time and work at it....it will come!

But it will pay off my friends.....just keep plugging away.......Bill and John and Paul did n't give up and look at them now......read the book, it's great....it 'll open your minds.


Caio for now..... M x

Miss Universe 2010

Imagine winning the title of Miss Universe? What pressure....that is basically saying that you are the most beautiful mortal in our Solar System! Think that's a bit insane non? So Miss Mexico has won this year (no Miss India again!)......another young beauty gets a crown and sheds tears and gets flowers and wants to save the world. Are beauty contests a bit outdated my friends? Is it a bit limiting for women just to be judged on beauty alone? If it was about the whole package of brains, strength, looks, stamina then maybe it would be an up-to-date contest....but putting young mademoiselles in swimming costumes and parading them around like show dogs? Ummmm......Mulain not convinced my friends.

What do you think my darlings? Yes there is lots of fabulous make-up on and glossy lips and lashes galore....wonderful tresses and great shoes...but feel it's a little too empty for us all in 2010.....but that is little old moi.

Bridal week in the academy this week and onto airbrushing next week, then character week then another batch of MU-ettes will be out in the big, bad, Bombay world.

Tuesday night in Mumbai....might head to Blue Frog or the lovely Pali Hill Cafe....spoilt for choice now in our city that does n't sleep.

Mulain x

All the lovers....Minogue make-up!

Mulain just love, love, loves Ms. Minogue's new video and make-up! It's white everywhere my darlings....futuristic 60s feel eye liner, nails, eye shadow....all to match the underwear on show...oh la la! What a video....she truly is a trendsetting popstress. So go to your nearest beauty counter and see what's out there.....In Mumbai hit Bourjois, Maybelline, Max Factor, MAC to check out all things white....if in UK get to Boots as sure Barry M's selection will get you going. Get playing, pump up the volume.....'all the lovers...tra la la'.....great stuff Kylie-Ji....fresh and totally frolicking stuff!

M x

Theatrical fun!

fat mu academy theatrical references / inspiration!

A trapeze artist !

Students hard at work!

MUs in action....

Work in progress!

Today Mulain was watching the practical theatre / stage / catwalk assessment at the fat mu academy....what fun! We had Lady Gaga inspirations, Helen looks, show girls, 20s Geisha make-up, circus performers......All students working on COLOUR, SHAPES, TEXTURES! Eyebrows were blocked out, new shapes put in....whacky lashes added, faces painted, a 60s eyeline here...a 20s smoke there.....really pushed the students into thinking about everything they have learnt so far.......glamour, 20th century decades, lashes, contouring, bases, Mulain could go on.....all in a timed assessment too.....pressure, pressure, pressure.

As those pros out there will know it's about creating your vision in a small amount of time....not easy and involves lots of practice and more practice.....and more practice....and still more.

Mulain will also be attending the black and white photoshoot tomorrow...let's see what magic our MUettes can create.

Mulain will be watching....M x

My free spirit by Rima Kohli

Today my darlings I want to share with you a blog written by Mulain's cousin Rima currently working with women in Kabul, Afghanistan.


A beautifully written piece I would love you all to read which tells us how beauty also works from the outside in.


Making someone look beautiful is not just limited to the glamour world. All women are beautiful in their own unique way and need to be made to feel that way. Sadly the way of the world is n't so. This is where we come in, all of us... real women, make-up artists, fashion designers, stylists, hairstylists etc....


By using our talents to make a positive change, by going in and helping these women feel beautiful can help change lives. Making them look good and thus feel good injects confidence and raises self esteem leading to a more positive outlook on life.... in a sometimes bleak world...... read on....


My free spirit: Freedom is Beauty, and sometimes, Beauty is Freedo...: "Beauty is part of every culture. The power in feeling beautiful is immeasurable. There are some great stories in Kabul that nurture the be..."

Autumn-Winter trends 2010

For all you fashionistas out there here are pointers on the make-up trends for this season. Adapt them to suit your personality and lifestyle, by exploring and experimenting with different colours, shapes and textures for your own unique take on them.....

1) Red lipstick - all shades from very berry bright to deep dark (from Revlon, Bourjois, Chanel to YSL - great textures and shades)

2) Clean sculpted skin (prep well with moisturiser and use the appropriate base for your skin type - go light on the application and don't forget to conceal! contour eye socket area and under cheekbone with soft browns)

3) Nude 'loval' nails to compliment the skin (loval= long +oval)

4) Strong brows (a la Brooke Shields)

5) Tobacco and toffee shades (great on Indian skins - lovely for contouring.....)

6) No mascara (not sure we like this one.... hmmmmm....)

7) Kohl (quelle surprise!.......)

8) Liquid liner (get flickin')

9) Pretty girlie flush blush (always a good look.....)

10) Highlight for glow (try Faces, Benefit and Shiseido)

Mx

Stains

Mulain is always partial to good ole Bourjois, so when MU Sara suggested the Rouge hi-tech lip tint I was interested. It comes in 4 shades and is quite an economical buy at around Rs 500 only Mulain found it a little drying on the lips but did love the colours...anyone else out there found that? MU Sara swears by it though and uses it on her cheeks too....she says it's a great, cheap option instead of buying Benefit's Benetint.....so go check it out girls and boys and let us know how you get on.....have also heard that The Body Shop's lip and cheek tint is good. Mulain off to investigate...only for you my darlings...only for you!

About to start Catwalk make-up tomorrow in the academy's pro class.....Mulain's favourite..can't wait....Vogue, vogue, vogue...strike a pose.....

M x

Ajanta inspiration....

What a day.....wow....the MUs were doing an amazingly creative shoot with an Indian magazine and a high-profile Bollywood heroine...can't say too much as it will be out on the streets in a couple of weeks....all Mulain will say is wow! Such a challenging and creative day....with the actress sitting for upto 5 hours having herself painted and pinned and drawn on and glued! Mad ....and exhausting but so worthwhile when we all looked at the photos......it was an Ajanta theme and involved sticking gold leaf on the body.....to recreate an old painting / Ajanta feel. The MUs have been prepping for a week now and using the most amazing tools to create patterns.....from dried flowers, to nails to even ladies fingers (Okra).....Can't wait to show you all the shoot....will give you all a proper product breakdown then....Phew...everyone exhausted ....!

Early night for all......

Miral

Mulain is super excited to see our lovely Freida P's new film Miral...releasing September 3 2010 at Venice if my sources are correct. So excited for her and all the MUs are wishing her so much well deserved success, she is such a lovely, talented, hardworking gal....mwah! Sounds like a fabulous story too ..... true, interesting, poignant, gritty and a subject relevant to all our lives. We need these sorts of films to remind us of how fortunate we are and how we should always be ready and aware of helping people of all communities.

While we are on the subject of helping others...Mulain will be letting you know about how you can help Leh and Ladakh....so watch this space. Poor Pakistan, Leh, China.....so sad my friends.....so lend a helping hand wherever you can and remember how lucky we all are!

Ok - back to work....prepping for cool cosmetics TVC tomorrow with the same fab UK director Harvey Bertram-Brown....Mulain and the team worked on the Indigo Airlines ad with him...hoping to recreate the same magic and fun. 1960s make-up in the academy tomorrow....eyelines, eyelines, eyelines girls...and boy! Get practicing....

Nighty night...up to 5am to reach film city in time....Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ....M x

Current make-up trends

Mulain is looking forward to the Autumn / Winter make-up looks coming out.....particularly the dark gothic glamour lips and the graphic eye! Wow.....get your eyepencils, crayons, cremes, gels on stand-by to create some simply marvellous shapes and intensity points. Got a favourite? Mulain would love to know....we love Benefit's Bad Gal big chunky pencil and MAC's black-track liner in a pot.

Dark gothic lips......Make-up Forever lip palette available at Beautiful in Khar West has some good options as does YSL and Chanel. Go out test and try....see how dark you dare go my darlings......

Think Marilyn Manson meets Lady Gaga...fun fun fun. M x

Oh la la...La Roux

Was chatting in the academy today about current trends.....Mulain suggested to the class that they check out La Roux....most of the new batch of MU-ettes had no idea of who she is....so first lesson in class is ...know your current youth icons.....they are the trend-setters my darlings...so above a few make-up looks from La Roux....lovin' her looks...very Lady Gaga, mad and fun....adventurous and brave.....no fear of experimentation. Love it!

Hope you do...Mulain x

Lipstick must-have!

Blazing Red by YSL

Venetian Rose by YSL

Fuchsia Pink by YSL

Mulain was in class at the MU academy and one of our lovely MU-ettes showed us a new lipstick purchase.....Wunderbar....what a lovely shade, it put me in a good mood all day. YSL produced this little number......and Mulain explored a few shades from the same line.....something for everyone my darlings and such beautiful textures! Once trying there is no turning back. Looks great, lasts long, does n't dry lips and has a SPF in there as well. Mulain says get to the YSL counters and try them out yourself!

Mulain x

Make-up artistes beware....

Make-up artistes watch your backs!!!!



MUs Virg and Nat with their waist pouches on....no heavy bags on set!


High chair - use a chair that is the right for you....

Get yourselves some wheels!

It's because I care.....and we MU-st practice what we preach......we tell all our fat mu students and fellows MUs to watch their backs while working at all times......so important, health is wealth. Make sure your working environment is comfortable for you to do your job properly....bend over as little as possible. Don't lug big bags on your shoulders...get some wheels now! Make yourself mobile, portable and get into the habit now. Also wearing comfy, shoes with cushioned soles will change your life for the better.....Do I sound like I am nagging today....it's because I care my darlings..Mulain wants you to have a long career....not a few years of the good life then stooped and in pain for the rest.

Head to Beauty Palace, New Beauty Centre in Mumbai and check out what is available......in London hit Screenface, or MAP....you want regret it, start today and you'll be thanking little ol' moi the rest of your days....

M x