14

Dec

Top Pick: The Balm Shady Lady Eyeshadows

We love the buttery texture of The Balm’s Shady Lady shimmering powder shadows. They’re supremely blendable yet have major staying power. The shimmer doesn’t contain large specks of glitter, so you’re guaranteed to get a beautiful sheen sans tacky factor. Though almost all of the shades are lovely on South Asian skintones, we’re partial to two that we find ourselves constantly reaching for.

Mischievous Marissa (named after Founder & CEO Marissa Shipman) is quite possibly the most perfect champagne gold we’ve ever used. The color is a bit more golden in person than indicated in the swatch. It’s great as an allover lid color, and sometimes we like to add a touch along the inner corners and bottom lashline for a pretty sheen that really wakes up the eyes (avoid this step if you have fine lines, however — it may emphasize them more).

Jealous Jordana is a gorgeous, shimmering emerald green that can be used in combination with Mischievous Marisa to create a smoldering smoky eye (a winning combo on desi skin), but we often find ourselves using it as a liner. We especially love using it just along the waterline for an unexpected contrast that always gets compliments.

Images: http://www.sephora.com

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13

Dec

#desigirlproblems: Clown Blush

Improperly blended blush is a pet peeve of ours, and we find that desi women in particular are offenders. We tend to go for brighter shades, often because more neutral tones tend not to show up or don’t do much for us. With bright hues, however, blending becomes even more crucial. We called on celebrity makeup artist Hillary Clark again and she showed us an indispensable trick to make sure our faces stay stripe-free. Read on and pass along!

Continue reading →

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12

Dec

Must-Have Monday: Shireen’s Top 5

The demands of nursing school keep our cousin Shireen quite busy.  When she’s not busy hitting the books, this pretty lady can often be found baking up a storm (if you’re really nice to her she’ll make you a to-die-for red velvet cake). Though she keeps her makeup look pretty low-key, she’s very discerning when it comes to the contents of her makeup bag, never settling for anything that’s less than just right.  We asked her to share which beauty products made the cut:

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07

Dec

Paris meets Bombay at Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2012 Show

Did you catch Chanel’s Paris-Bombay Métiers D’Art show? Shown in a sumptuously decorated Grand Palais setting, the Pre-Fall 2012 collection brought together the sartorial influences of both cities, pairing the label’s iconic jackets with fitted shalwaar-style pants or billowing, diaphanous sari-like skirts.  After watching the video and poring over all 78 looks, we’re suddenly coveting tweed kurtas, not to mention the Indian-inspired jewelry, which looked refreshingly modern in dull finishes (nary a garish yellow-gold in sight). Kudos to Chanel for also featuring a bevy of South Asian models in the lineup. Now, if only Karl would do a collection of desi-friendly makeup for Chanel Beauty. Sigh. A girl can dream . . .

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07

Dec

Reviewed: Benefit’s “They’re Real!” Mascara

Reviewed by Erum

Benefit’s recently released They’re Real! mascara is a long-wearing formula that curls, volumizes, and lengthens lashes. It’s won rave reviews, and our cousin Erum is a big fan. Here’s what she had to say:

After my Diorshow Blackout stopped working on me, I started using this mascara. I always liked Benefit’s Badgal, so I thought I’d give this one a whirl.  Once I figured out the right application method (separating and curling lashes beforehand and wiggling at the bottom when applying), it made my lashes look great! It’s very important not to over-apply though — it can start to look too thick and spider-like.

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06

Dec

Top Pick: Oribe Volumista

Oribe Volumista Mist for Volume has been our go-to for good hair days since it first arrived in stores. We have yet to find anything better to pump up the volume to full-bodied perfection for a big night out (and last through the next morning). How big can you go, you ask? Well, it was used to achieve Kate Winslet’s Old Hollywood screen siren look in this Vanity Fair cover. You needn’t go too crazy (though we do have an odd fascination with big, Dynasty-era “Texas hair”) — just a quick spritz at the roots after a shower is all that’s needed bring limp hair to life. And it doesn’t hurt that it smells amazing. While some of the other Oribe products have proven to be hit or miss (we were not fans of the Supershine Moisturizing Cream), this is one we can all agree on.

Just a note – the directions say to spray on wet hair from the roots to tips, but we’ve found spraying it through the length of the hair gave it a dry, slightly crunchy texture, and made it almost too big (there is such a thing). Stick to the roots and use sparingly for best results.

Image: www.spacenk.com

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30

Nov

#desigirlproblems: Oompa Loompa Bronzer

When it comes to bronzer, we find that desi women tend to fall into two categories:

1) Those who are afraid of it

2) Those who wholeheartedly embrace it, to the point of no return (i.e. an orange disaster — and we’re not talking Warhol)

Whether you’re a total neophyte or a bronzer enthusiast in need of rehab (and if it’s the latter, consider this your intervention), we called upon New Jersey-based makeup artist Samantha Chaplin to teach us how to use bronzer to warm up our skin, enhance our features and achieve a healthy, natural-looking glow. She’s well-versed in desi skin tones and her many talents include creating radiant, sun-kissed complexions, so we can cop that just-back-from-vacation look, even if this year’s holiday travel plans don’t include anything more exotic than #OccupyOurApartment. Here’s her guide to get glowing: Continue reading →

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29

Nov

The Bride Files: Choosing Your Makeup Artist

Even though Manasa’s epic South Indian wedding celebration was two and a half years ago, it lives on in the minds of its guests as one of the most mind-blowingly incredible events we have ever witnessed, and is responsible for ruining all subsequent weddings for us for a good while. We seriously thought we, and the hundreds of other jubilant guests, might explode with happiness.

Couples can often be dwarfed by large desi weddings and the events can easily spiral into a disorganized mess (raise your hand if you’ve been to a wedding where dinner was served at 11PM) but Manasa’s was magnificently orchestrated from start to finish, and if there was even a shred of stress or anxiety, you’d never know it. She was the picture of grace, glowing with happiness and comfortable in her skin despite all the attention.

The focus remained on the couple in no small part because of her demeanor, but was also probably aided by the fact that she looked like a million bucks. Though Manasa is stunning to begin with, she was positively enchanting throughout her wedding, whether performing sacred rites during the traditional ceremony or tearing up the dance floor at the reception. We recently had the opportunity to chat with her about her experience. Read on for her advice. Continue reading →

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28

Nov

Must-Have Monday: Mona’s Picks

We’ve known this pretty lady since she was just a kid with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Over the years, Mona has been there for us as both a shoulder to lean on and a partner in crime, cementing her place in our lives as an honorary cousin. Though she now has two adorable kids of her own, she’s still as cute as a button, and just as much fun as she ever was. She’s also turned us on to more than a few of our favorite, can’t-live-without products and continues to be our go-to source for the best of what’s out there in the world of makeup, skincare, and hair styling.  If ever you find yourself in a beauty rut, she’s your girl. Always experimenting with new brands, she’s the friend you want to bring along when you go to the makeup counter.  We’re feeling generous today and decided to share her with you. Here’s a roundup of her latest discoveries, which we can’t wait to try: Continue reading →

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28

Nov

The Mother of All Cyber Monday Beauty Deals

Our PSA for the day comes from our thoughtful cousin Erum, who tipped us off to Stila’s online warehouse sale, currently in progress. Products are flying off the proverbial shelves before our eyes, and it’s no wonder: items like their popular tinted moisturizer, which usually retails for $32-36, are going for as little as $6. There’s still time, so head on over to check out what’s left.

Pictured: Stila Lovely Illumination Set, $15 (a $99 value).

Thanks, Erum — we have enough money left over to treat you to a Levain Bakery cookie.

Image: www.stilacosmetics.com

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25

Nov

Get This Now: Nars Danmari All About Cheeks Palette

Read Desi Betty long enough and you’ll learn how every one of us is obsessed with Nars blushes. Naveen recently alerted us to the new Nars Danmari all About Cheeks Palette, a limited edition Sephora exclusive and we haven’t stopped dreaming about it ever since. The all-star cheek palette includes some of the brand’s most popular blush and bronzer shades: Hungry Heart, Casino, Orgasm, Super Orgasm, Desire, and Sin.

If you’re (wisely) staying home during Black Friday, you may want to pick one up online while you can  — apparently it’s selling like hotcakes and several stores have sold out. According to our beautiful spy, it was just replenished online and will only be available through the holidays. While it may not be on Black Friday markdown, we think $65 (otherwise $107 if bought individually) is a pretty good deal. Naveen insists that it’s an absolute must-have for both Nars devotees and newbies alike, and we’d have to agree.

Thanks to Naveen for looking out for us . . . and enabling our addiction.

Image: www.sephora.com

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24

Nov

Happy Thanksgiving!

We’re off for the holiday but shall return tomorrow, bellies stuffed. Several of us will be descending upon our aunt’s home in New York for a reunion filled with feasting, frolic, and family mayhem. Per usual, the excitement has led us to over plan, with an ambitious itinerary that includes but is not limited to a 5k Turkey Day trot (ahem, for some), hiking, movie watching, Black Friday shopping (or avoiding), and lots and lots of cooking. Somewhere between all of these activities there’s bound to be some beauty talk and the emptying of makeup bags, so we’ll be sure to take notes.

Just in case you need a break between bites (or just a break from your family — kidding. sort of.) we’ve rounded up some links for your reading pleasure:

Practice the soft smoky eye with Deepa Barar’s must-watch tutorial.

Sift through Desi Bride Magazine or dig into Nirali’s archives for that awesome weddings issue if wedding planning is on the brain (but please, nobody get married until 2013 — we’re fully booked for weddings next year).

Make yourself up like a glamorous Bollywood star for no reason; wonder (again) how it’s possible for Indian Makeup Diva to be so gorgeous.

Shop for desi-friendly products from Chamak Makeup.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with the ones you love. See you mañana!

Delicious fig tart & frozen pecan pudding recipe and gorgeous photography by Pure Vegetarian by Lakshmi.

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23

Nov

Girl We Love: Shyema Azam, Beauty and the Feast

Shyema is the beauty maven and foodie adventuress behind one of our favorite blogs, Beauty and the Feast. She’s often touted in glossies (check out her recent spotlight in Cosmo) and featured in our daily web reads, such as Refinery 29.

By day, Shyema is a freelance editor alternating between different magazines including Marie Claire, Allure and Harper’s BAZAAR, and also writes for youbeauty.com and typef.com. She has also worked for Vogue, InStyle, Elle Decor, New York Magazine, and Shop Etc. before it folded (RIP). Any given day can find her working with the makeup artist to the Bollywood stars, reporting from backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, interviewing a celebrity chef, or critiquing the cuisine at a new restaurant.

This busy lady is not only gorgeous, but incredibly, disarmingly nice, which only adds to her beauty. Always ready with a great makeup tip or restaurant recommendation, we’ve come to trust her advice on everything from washing our hair to New York’s hidden gastronomic delights.Shyema was nice enough to take the time out of her hectic life to dish (pun totally intended) on how she does it all, offer her advice for budding bloggers, and of course, share some great beauty tips for South Asians.

Continue reading →

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23

Nov

Reviewed: Eve Lom Cleanser

Reviewed by Maleeha

After seeing skincare guru Eve Lom‘s eponymous line touted in countless magazines as the secret weapon of many a Fashion editrix (Vogue once named it “the #1 cleanser in the world”), I decided to give it a try. It took some getting used to, as I’d never used an oil-based cleanser before, and it involved a rather lengthy process that entailed:

1. Smearing a greasy substance resembling petroleum jelly on my face

2. Running a muslin washcloth (provided) through hot water, wringing, and pressing to my face to steam for 5 seconds, and repeating 2x

3. Running cloth through warm water, wringing, and using it to remove aforementioned greasy substance from my face in gentle, circular motions to exfoliate

4. Repeating step 2 1x with cold water

Sound exhausting? It did to me, until I discovered that it actually made my skin feel fantastic. Call me crazy, but over a year later, I won’t use anything else. Here’s why: Continue reading →

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22

Nov

#desigirlproblems: Skipping the Sunscreen

In which we point you towards some skin-and-makeup-friendly sunscreens for year-round protection.

While we feel everyone looks better with a tan, we were alarmed to learn via an informal survey of our South Asian friends and family that many of them only wear sunscreen when they plan to spend prolonged periods in the sun. While having more melanin may mean we’re less likely to burn than our Caucasian friends, we’re not immune to sun damage. It’s no secret  that sun exposure can cause premature aging of the skin (and who wants to court wrinkles?) or potentially even cancer (ditto!), so we wanted to get to the bottom of why our friends and family, who we care about deeply, continue to skimp on the SPF.

Common reasons for shirking sunscreen:

“It makes my skin feel and/or look greasy.”

“My makeup doesn’t go on as well.”

“It makes me break out.”

“It’s an extra step I have to take in the morning.”

For those of you with similar complaints, here are some of our favorite, tried-and-tested formulas: Continue reading →

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