Face the truth

So I visited my favourite skin therapist over ze weekend for a leetle pampering session for my poor sunburnt skin and on talking to her I realised after all these years that what I was indeed getting was not a facial - like I have believed all this time.... but a skin treatment....! Did you know the difference? I did n't - thought they were one and the same... as long as she succeeded in getting Mumbai off my face with a wee bit of pamering...I was good... it was all one and the same to me .... but apparently mes amis there is a difference!

It seems facials dont have any long term benefits for your skin...(I'm sure many beg to differ).... yes they cleanse, and there's a mask involved and a massage... but we're not getting very much else.. so long term benefits if we do think about it are pretty non-existent.....

Skin treatments on the other hand have long term benefits and one should visit at least once a month to see results....anti-ageing treatments should be started once you're 30 +.. and even thogh I'm a fan of ageing gracefully... if we can keep those wrinkles at bay and our skin youthful and plump for as long as we can push it then why not eh?

By taking care of our skin, wearing sunscreen and skin treatments once a month (essentially all they are doing is infusing moisture deeper into the skin and holding it there.. which topically applied products can't really do ... important for keeping the skin smooth , plump and line free... and incorporating a clean up - vital to living in a city like ours..) it's definitely food for thought.... follow up at home in between your treatments with a good cleansing, moisturising and scrub routine and you're set. Try it darlings you may be very surprised at how radiant you start to look.... I know I am... remember you can always buy a new dress but you can't buy a new face...!....(well.....)

Mx

Black Cherry

Gorgoeus new 'it' shade for this season - 'Black Cherry' by Revlon. A deep dark, plummy colour- almost like a deep wine ... this shade suggests uber style and confidence. Wear it as a tint by dabbing a little colour on with your fingers or wear it in its full glory as a style statement. Perfect for this Christmas season .... the best way to carry this shade off would be to wear it alone with a stark sculpted look and gorgeous skin too boost...!.. matt or glossy.. that's your choice (the lipstick does have a shine to it but you can matt it down).. the most important thing to keep in mind is if you do wear it... wear it with confidence...! Tres sexy ... I just love it!

Let's see skin!

Garnier skin-care, make-up by Natasha....lovely glowing skin!

Benetton advertising keep it real...

Becca make-up ads showing us real glowing skin.....approachable skins...

Too photo-shopped?

Mariah looks odd...Mulain feels...

Our MU Natasha got a call a few days ago from a director saying he had seen her work for on a certain skincare ad and that he wanted to have his actress look the same for the film they were both working on. The director said he wanted that same glowing, real-skin look and not a caked 'no-make-up make-up' look.....so off she went for a make-up test yesterday to trial different 'natural' looks. Dying to hear all about it.

Mulain and the MUs were shocked the other day driving along Linking Road and seeing the new ads for Lakme....the models (all beautiful) were so worked on in 'post' that they looked like avatars....totally unreal. Mulain was left wondering how do real women relate to these ads...there is no way on earth any of us can look like that ....so what are advertisers / beauty companies up to?

Don't know about you....but we want to see skin...as though we can touch it, feel it....and feel that yes if we bought that special product, that maybe we could look like the ad....a relationship between the on-looker and the model should be there non?

Becca make-up keep it real and always use lovely skin shots.....www.beccacosmetics.com....they promote their foundations as part of their skin-care.....that's how natural their bases are...just light and beautiful.

Darlings...would love to hear what you think? Let me know....what do women want? Ok...men too.....Bollo na?

Mulain x

Mumbai 26/11

Like the rest of Mumbai...it's a sad, heavy day......one year on and we still remember the horror of 26/11/08. Today we are wearing white, black ribbons.....showing respect and remembering those who suffered so much last year ....and for those still suffering who lost dear ones.

Our Mumbai

It's too, too sad my friends. We are all at work .....Natasha MU doing a test make-up for an actress, Virginia working on the fat mu workshops....life does go on but we shall not forget. Ever.

Let's all throw love and forgiveness out there.....Mulain thinks that is the best way...we shall not let these terrorist (who sent boys to kill us) win.....so light candles, pray for our city and peace....we should all live as one non?

Mulain x

Gettin' lippy

Yesterday our MU Virginia was complaining of having dry chapped lips for a long time now.. and nothing she was using was helping.. and so our MU Natasha recommended she look into her fridge and try out good ol' 'malai' or fresh full fat cream - very nourishing and great for any dry skin conditions. Easy, cheap and natural and better than anything available in the market... try it and see those lips turn soft in no time!

Lips have no moisturizing glands and so tend to get dry and chapped much more easily than the rest of our skin and so need a leetle more tlc. Many different things dry out lips.... weather, air conditioning, de- hydration even some beauty products... all those long-lasting lipsticks are known to dry lips out...(and lipstick never looks good on dry lips)... so try and stay away from those if you are prone to dryness or moisturize well and make sure you stay hydrated - i.e. - drink plenty of water... boring I know but it works. Also if your lips get flaky... it's a good idea to exfoliate once in a while with a super soft toothbrush (a kiddies one perferably), put loads of thick 'malai' on it and gently exfoliate and see those lips turn soft and plump. Top with more 'malai' for retaining moisture when done et voila- gorgeously soft lips just asking to be kissed!

Mx

Butter me up!

I just lo-oove this creme!! I have been out in ze sun so much of late that my poor skin is crying out for help...!.... and so to provide it with some relief I used Palmers Cocoa Butter et voila- instantly better! I have been using cocoa butter for years darlings and I absolutely swear by it for dry skin and even just daily moisturizing to keep skin smooth, supple and hydrated.... much better than any expensive lotion you can get (I think...) and palmers is a top favourite.... and what's great is that it smells like vanilla... yum...! So try it out... am sure you will love it too.......c'est Super!

Originally available in white bottles, the bottles have now turned pink (love it) for breast cancer awareness and for every bottle sold a little bit is given towards breast cancer care... isn't that just lovely! Even more of a reason to buy one... not that you need one as its complete value for money. Time to stock up I say...!

Mx

A la Monica Belucci

Belucci style

Today MUs Natasha and Virginia got together after an age it seems....shooting, meetings, bridals, crazy busy ya! But it's all good....never a dull moment. Virginia had been shooting yesterday with the delightful and beautiful Sameera Reddy. What a lovely girl and face....a great canvas to work on. Darren the photographer wanted an Italian film-star look...a la Monica Belluci......clean skin, smokey defined eyes and pale lips....hair dishevelled glam, deconstructed chic! MU Virginia worked on the eyes with Benefit's Bad Gal chunky eye pencil, mixed with Urban Decay's Stash liner....a lovely find! Also she worked with MAC's Woodwinked and Vex shadows to add to the allure. Eye-brows were kept lovely and full and defined. Lips were a combination of a Ben Nye's Pale Coral and 2 MAC nude lipsticks and glass. Cheeks were very lightly dabbed with MAC's Virgin Isle.....Virginia also added this to the lips for some shots...to bring the look together.

Of course Highbeam was used....and our loyal Derma palettes.....how would we work without these two gems na?

The MUs are excited planning 2010.....academy opening....do watch this space!

M x

Waterproof make-up

So I was chatting to our MU Natasha and she was telling me about the waterproofing make-up she had to do for a skin care product recently. Of course being skin... she had to ensure the model looked lovely, fresh and totally natural whilst still ensuring the make-up stayed on even after plenty of water was splashed on to the face...

.... and so to achieve that here's what she used... good ol' Derma Colour as the base and concealor... great for covering up any spots, blemishes, dark circles and to even out skin tone..... can be worked to contour and highlight as well, Benetint by Benefit, gel blusher, Bobbi Brown gel eye liner, clear mascara, waterproof mascara and lovely lip tints by MAC.

Here are the steps she applied them in....

- First prep skin

- Then apply Benetint to the apples of the cheeks for a little colour (once the moisturiser has set in- give it a minute or so..)

-After, apply the base using the Derma palette to achieve a flawless complexion, whilst correcting, contouring and highlighting with the same

- Once finished perfecting the skin.... top up with a little gel blusher again on apples of the cheek to make it look like the colour is coming from within the skin

- Powder with a puff, press and roll on

- Spritz face with water

- Dab lightly to set

- Groom brows with clear mascara

- Line lashes at the very root with Bobbi Brown's black gel liner

- Curl lashes and apply black waterproof mascara lightly

- and lastly moisturise lips by adding moisture and colour with MAC's tinted lip conditioner in petting pink( or whatever colour is more suitable for you) for natural colour and sheen...

If you need more of a glow... a cream highlighter can be used lightly on top of the apples of the cheeks and along the cheek bones and temple area. Do this by warming the product between your thumb and the index finger and then dabbing onto the skin lightly and evenly.. gives a lovely finish...We at fat mu love sheisheido's cream sticks.... look for the champagne coloured one to give you that lovely subtle sheen...

Hope this answers some of the questions you may have on waterproofing.... if you need to know more ... you know I am always here to help!

Mulain x

Cheryl Cole's make-up look!

UK's current IT gal...Madame Cole....everyone just loo-ves her.....

Mulain likes this hard-working, gorgeous, down-to-earth lass from the North of Angleterre. She seems to be seen everywhere....everyone wants a piece of her and since her appearance on Britain's X-factor she has become even more popular...if that's possible. The belle du jour. In her latest video Mulain wants you to check out her make-up. It's quite cool....a different, edgy sort of glamour. What I like most is the way her make-up artist has used colour in unusual places on the face.....and a different contouring look round the eyes....if you want some hints to achieve this...try good ol' Lauren Luke's link below to help you on your way...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h9gjW47Pyg

So gals and guys....it's Saturday night...go for it....get your music on, pour yourself a little glass of wine and create a new look for yourself....watch her video to get inspired......don't be shy now...get your brushes and palettes and go mad....you only live once my friends....

Mulain x

Virgin Isle by MAC!

Mulain was with MU Virginia yesterday on a bikini photo-shoot (oh la la!) in Alibag, down the coast from Bombay...location was stunning...an old bungalow by the beach...surrounded by palms....blissful. But of course like most shoots...it was madly busy, crazy and hot! Our model Naina (a former beauty queen) was very patient with us while we poked, pinned, painted away. Thank god for our derma-palettes to create a long-lasting base in the heat, also the Urban Decay 'Stash' eye pencil. Wonderful products.....but Le Product of the day for Mulain was MAC's creme colour base called Virgin Isle ....which is a great multi-purpose item to have in your kit. It is a vivid coral/peach shade and looks just fantastique on Indian/darker skins.......lights up the face! Apply with a brush, sponge or fingers and blend away. Also can you use on the lips......this creme pot comes in other pro-MAC shades so pop into your local MAC store to investigate.

Rushing off to meetings galore today.....Natasha MU is shooting for Garnier again and will be doing water-proof make-up today...am sure she will write soon with tips and tricks for you all soon.

Mulain x

Rock chic

Yesterday our MU Natasha finished shooting for the new Garnier Fructis commercial where she gave the girls 'rock chic' eyes- a la Kate Moss.... to achieve this look she used Benefit's bad gal pencil (a favourite and must have...) which roughly applied and smudged with the fingers and set with black eyeshadow (or any other colour you like.. preferably darker tones of blues, purples, greens etc...) is all that's needed.

Tres simple... you can go as smokey or dark as you like.. just keep layering on colour and smudging and blending to get the finish you want.... whether its a clean smokey effect or a messier rocker effect...... with or without kohl..... rounded or slightly elongated at the corners..... that's your choice.. it's a good look either way... and the best thing about this is that it looks better as the day or night progresses... try it out... you might get hooked....

Mx

Mister Mascara

Mister Mascara's 'Make up a go go' bag

Mister Mascara's mad lashes!

Mister Mascara fabulous tools for all artists.....

Essential tools....tweezers, double sized sharpener, compact mirror with light!

Mulain loves the brand Mister Mascara.....He scours the world working with his friends and beauty wizards to find you the finest quality beauty tools and the latest products (and he says it's always at the right price). This brand has a unique appeal due to its quirky, eccentric style, "making the mundane everyday essential more fun"....Mulain likes that......and similar to fat mu......he has Mini Mai to help him out......she is Mister Mascara's beauty muse. Check her out on the Mister Mascara website, she is in the top corner of the page. She travels with him to advise on all that is girlie! I am sure Mulain and Mini Mai would get on like a house on fire....we are both beauty muses non?

Mister Mascara's make up bag essentials are adored by beauty addicts around the globe...you can get them at any Boots store ......www.boots.com or from the website itself....www.mistermascara.com

Make sure you have the right tools to do the make-up you want my friends...I am seriously eyeing up the 'make up a go go' travel bag...how cute!

Mulain x

Urban Decay 24/7!

The MUs are super busy this week...bridal trials, Garnier shoots, corporate shoots .....phew! Natasha and team are super burnt from shooting outdoors.....ouch! Virginia has had the luxury of an air-con studio in Mehboob Studio today....different worlds. She was shooting with two leggy Brazilian models today...giving them a generic glamour look (meaning they should n't look Brazilian...or Indian...or European).....a 'can't quite place their nationality' glamour look.

So Mulain watched as Virginia kept the look clean and fresh....no hard lines....lovely subtle shimmers and shadows, lashings of mascara and bright lips. The star of the day for me was Urban Decay's 24/7 eye-pencil kit. She used 'Stash' pencil to define the models' eyes and it was just beautiful. Gliding on so easily, staying put and behaving itself and just a loo-ver-ly colour.....almost like a shimmering khaki.

Great investment for your kits, personal or for the professional. You get your black, white, blue, green, purple, copper, khaki colours....super choice for all occasions.

Mulain is hoping that Natasha and team have some good ol' Aloe Vera for their poor sun-drenched skins!

Mulain x

Le Cotton Bud!

A make-up artist's best friend...Le Cotton Bud!

The MU team often use good ol' Johnson's....

The cotton bud has proven its worth time after time on many a shoot, set, location, event. For the professional and non-professional the bud can clean, remove, blend, fine-tune in a way that makes it indispensable. They are hygenic, practical and help you to achieve your make-up design. Great for on-set checks, a quick clean up under the eye; transferring make-up in a clean way, thus protecting your kit.

You must always remember to not use the bud time and time again and always a different one on each eye...keep them clean and protected and they will be your friend for life.

Mulain often spots on FTV an artist blending a smokey / heavily made-up eye with a cotton bud...so easy to work with my friends.

We like Johnsons, but they come in many different brands and sizes...depending on your needs....use them wet or dry....pointed or non-pointed. Just be very careful when cleaning your ears...don't dig too deep na....leave your brain alone....ear-budding can become addictive....moderation is key.

So Mulain hopes you already have them on stand-by ........

M x

L'Oreal Roll on true match?

To be honest...Mulain has not tried this product....bit wary of gimmicky tools that promise the world....would love to know what others think....I loo-ve the idea of the little roll-on brush...just like painting non? Packing is cute, sleek, compact...I have seen the colour range and bit concerned that it does n't really cater for Indian skins...options are far too pink! Also...how do you get that roller near your eye area...think you would have to use fingers / brushes with this kit. But would love to hear from any of you my friends who like this...how 'ave you got on with it?

Found a very honest and straightforward review...see link below....

http://www.lipglossiping.com/2009/10/16/l%E2%80%99oreal-paris-true-match-roll-on-foundation-review/

Mulain 'as to run....late for a wedding in Juhu by the Arabian Sea....lovely na? Can't wait to see what the bride will be wearing...Oh la la!

Mulain x

Dr. Feel Good

1915....

Mulain paused on November 11 at 11am to mark the end of the First World War.....so many lives lost across the world....just too, too sad. We mu-st never forget my friends. Ever.

I found this postcard from 1915 above and just fell in love with the hair-style...marvellous non? I was reminded of lovely Benefit's Dr. Feel Good velvety complexion balm, the packaging is so similar na?

It comes in a cute little old-style round, metal box with a sponge. You dab this on around fine lines or on your t-zone, under or over make-up to create a fantastic smooth surface. Many swear by this product. Mulain is keen and also loo-ves the packaging.....

So in remembrance to all who lost their lives in WW1...Mulain and fat mu salute you.....

A remembering Mulain x

All I want for Christmas....

Are you one of those people who like to start their Christmas shopping early?... if yes.. then make sure you visit MAC this holiday season as they have some gorgeous make up, wonderfully packaged just for this time of year. Just look at the images... how beautiful does it all look... certainly can't go wrong here......! From gorgeous glosses, to lovely blushers, shadows, shimmers and brushes.. there's something for all you ladies... and since MAC constantly re- invent themselves with lovely colours and textures... you can be sure it will be a gift that'll please!

Click on the link below to check out their website for more gift ideas for your loved ones... or just for yourself...!

http://www.maccosmetics.com

Mx

Smoke it up

Mulain has noticed that the most popular request for make up has always been for smokey eyes... somehow people find that really hard and it's easy to understand why.... it is easy to end up looking like you have panda eyes on occasion.. and so to make it simpler and easy for you all... I am going to recommend you look into getting Benefit's 'smokin' eyes kit .. to start with at least... all you need to get a beautiful conventional smokey eye going is in there and once you've mastered the look you can play with variation of colour and glitter....

To help make it even easier for you benefit have come up with this leetle 'beauty lesson' to show you how to use this lovely, leetle kit... just click on the link below and smoke away....

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/gp/node/n/1267109011/ref=beautylessons_smokin

To get your hands on one in Mumbai try 'Beautiful' on Dr. Ambedkar Road in Bandra West.... and remember darlings you must groom, shape and clean up those brows ... it's no good having a lovely smokey eye with unruly brow's non...?

M x

Christmas at Bobbi Brown

Mon dieu its nearly Christmas.....!..... where did the time go???.... Christmas means festivities and festive means parties!!!!..... yay!!!!..... and so.... to celebrate our lovely Bobbi Brown has come up with a new wonderful palette just for that... to make making up easier and more compact on the go...! ... So as a limited edition comes this wonderful chrome palette for the Christmas season only.

Think cool, icy, frosty, shimmery, angelic (all very 'christmassy').... this party season and if its smoky, shimmery, sheeny, iridescent you're after...you can be sure you'll get it all out of this one compact palette. Works great on all tones and don't be afraid to experiment. You don't have to limit the shadows to just your eyes... if it's a glow you want on your cheeks, or just to highlight, probably on the bow of your mouth... maybe even the collarbone and bare shouders perhaps..... go for it.... play with different shades to get the look you're after... It's party time after all so get on that sparkle and make sure you dazzle.....!

Mx

Makeover!

Susan Boyle before her makeover...

....and after.....

Never underestimate the power of a good makeover.....!.... It does n't have to be anything drastic... nor does it mean undergoing a personality change.... all it is ..... is just a better new version of you!...

Look at good ol' Susan Boyle.... does n't she look great... ?! A long way from when we first saw her on Britain's Got Talent non?......more polished or 'refined' as she likes to call it.... and what I love is that it is done so simply... whilst still keeping her age and personality in mind.... a wee bit of hair colour.. a good cut... shape those brows and even out the skin.... add some lovely light make up to enhance without overpowering et voila... does n't she look lovely!... I also love what she is wearing... gorgeous colour, fabric, ring... tres bien Mademoiselle Boyle!

We here at fat mu love her regardless.... what a talent she is eh?... Watch out for her debut album 'I dreamed a dream' hitting stores Nov 23.....I can't wait to get my own copy... what a voice... I get chills down my spine...... but back to the world of makeovers for now and what Mulain is trying to tell you darlings is that if you are bored of your routine or simply don't have one.. or feel like you just need a leetle va va voom in your life and looks... then why not opt for a makeover to suit your personality and lifestyle...! Trust me you won't regret it and it will do wonders for your confidence..... call us here at the fat mu HQ for a consultation or just visit any of the big beauty counters at your local mall or department store and ask for one...

What better time than now with the party season drawing close.... and if it works for Ms Boyle it sure can work for you too......!

Oh and just 'appened to put on the telly and heard Sharon Osbourne slamming Ms Boyle's looks on American radio! Boo Ms Osbourne....!... we are very disappointed at the shallowness of your statement.... Makeover or not... Susan Boyle is an extraordinary talent and no one can take that away from her.....!

Her ardent fan

Mulain x

Simply Aveda

So this one's not a new product on ze market... but Mulain just happened to use it recently again and was reminded of how good it is.......!......and so i thought i would share it with you..

I am talking about Aveda's plant based colour maintenance shampoos and conditioners.

They come in 4 different shades ... Black Malva to enrich dark hair and cut out any brassy tones....Chamomile to brighten blonde highlights..... Clove to enhance and enrich you brunettes out there and last but not least Madder Root for all you redheads... something for everyone... and trust me mes amis they are wonderful for your hair.... not only does your hair look and smell wonderful after use but its all natural plant based goodness helps keep those locks and their colour looking luscious... all in one easy step.... so if you're running out of shampoo or even just conditioner (sometimes even that's enough for that leetle bit of oomph....according to our MU Natasha...) and are thinking of trying something new.. you might want to give this a go...everyones hair needs a leetle help every now and then non...?

'ope you had a bon weekend.....Mx

50 best beauty buys from 2009

Mulain is, like the rest of the planet, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the internet. Some of you were not even born...even me....I was a little bull in Mama Mulain's eye. All of us rely on the net so much in our every day lives and it's amazing how it is part of us now.

As an example of the beauty of the speed and convenience of the net Mulain is posting Bazaar UK's link to the best beauty buys of 2009.

http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/Beauty/50-Best-beauty-products/114169/gallery

Awesome na? So easy and information straight to you in the comfort of your own home.

Wunderbar. Appreciate it my darlings and never take it for granted, we live in a wonderful world....

Mulain x

Paa

Is that really you Mr. Bachchan?

Mulain can't believe it....

Natasha's prosthetics...wunderbar non?

Our MU Natasha has always loved prosthetics. It is one of the reasons she trained in make-up. So being part of the LA-based creative team who came over especially to design the Paa/Amitabh look was great fun and quenched her thirst for working in special effects. Natasha worked alongside Christian Tinsley (The Passion of the Christ) and Dominie Till (The Lord of the Rings) and helped to put the 4 hours a day make-up and prosthetics on the Big B....a long, arduous process so all involved had to be technically savvy, totally professional and incredibly patient.

Natasha, we are all excited at seeing the finished results on screen ...roll on opening night ....and well done Mr. Bachchan for sitting patiently. What a professional.

Mulain x

Revlon's Tropical Temptation

What a great colour range non?

Mulain noticed MU Natasha's fabulous new nail polish she was wearing today...just loo-verly...Tropical Temptation by Revlon! What a popping shade of peach with a coral touch to it, looks stunning on tan skins. So come on you lovely Indian goddesses or any goddess out there ....get paintin' those nails. What a way to pop an outfit! Try Vixen and Midnight Affair too...highly recommended......

Also on the subject of nails, check out www.butterlondon.com...they took the nail world by storm in New York at the fashion week...try British Racing Green.....it's a Green world my darlings....

And...our MU's have 5 ads running on Mumbai TV currently....so try and get a sneak peek...! They are the new Raymonds ad , Garnier men, Garnier Age lift, Garnier Colour Naturals and Asian paints.....Bravo mes cheries!

Mulain x

L'Oreal's 6 Hour Glamshine

Ok...for anyone out there who wants long-lasting lip-gloss....try L'Oreal's 6 hour Glamshine....Mulain has had the 'always pink' on his lips since 9am this morning....this gloss has survived my car journey to fat mu HQ, my early morning swim, my drinking of green tea and my messy fruit salad lunch...it's still on! It's a stayer for sure although I am finding it a little sticky on my lips...that aside for parties and weddings think it's ideal....not sure it'll survive a smooch though...Mulain will 'ave to try that one out.

Beauty of L'Oreal products is that they are fairly well priced 715 Rs in India and easy to get hold of...any beauty shop in Bombay or around our global village should stock this. So no excuses for not trying this one out. Comes in lots of fab shades too.

MUs Virginia and Natasha are working on designing their 2010 workshops in Mumbai - they are going to be so much fun...watch this space!

Have a great day my darlings and gloss it up wherever you are....

Mulain x

Chanel is Chanel is Chanel...

Fantastique matt eye-shadow!

Lovely little quad set gives you dark, matt, frosty, satin glamour

See the whole Noir range - fabulous gothic glam....

Mulain has been eyeing this new range from Chanel for some time and now has made up 'is mind to go and buy the eye-shadow set. The campaign alone brings goose-bumps to my spine and Chanel is Chanel is Chanel so I know the product will be good. The set has shade combinations ranging from matte to frost to satin for multiple looks, great for the party season non? Apply dry for subtle shadowing or a slightly moistened applicator gives a more intense shade. Organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity.....so cool! That means my darlings, in melting Mumbai our eyes will stay intact and divine....am so off to shop!