Red Lipstick

Classy, Elegant, and Alluring can be used to describe the perfect shade of red lipstick.

A study in the U.S. showed that men were more attracted to women in red lipstick. I believe when women wear red lipstick, they become braver, and more confident; at least I do. It immediately gives me that extra Oomph factor.

Cleopatra was the first popular person to wear red lipstick. She crushed carmine beetles, for a deep red pigment, and ants as a base. Thank god, human beings have discovered other ways to produce red lipstick. Imagine the creepy-crawlies on your lips. Later on, pearlescence, a substance found in fish scales was used to provide a shimmering and eye-catching effect. I would certainly stare wouldn’t you?

I have always admired the women from the Middle East for their beautiful shiny hair, their flawless skin, and their skill in putting make-up on. I reckon they are born with it, as their fore father, Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi, a renowned cosmetologist, made the first solid lipsticks, during the Islamic Golden Age.

The humorous thing is red lipstick was banned in medieval Europe as it was said to be too provocative, and was considered a direct link with Satan. But then Queen Elizabeth I popularized red lipstick. It is rumored that she got her way many times in court, only because of her powerful lipstick, as the men were transfixed. I bet red lipstick is also the key to Chuck Bass. Ohhhhhh Chuck Bass. Chuck Bass. Chuck Bass. Hmm. Sorry I just got carried away there for a minute.

Ladies don’t worry, as then you will get wrinkles. There is a perfect shade of red lipstick, for every woman. To cut the chase short, I will tell you what goes best with every complexion. If you have dark skin, then plums, and deep reds, with brown or orange under tones look best. If you have yellow skin then, fire engine red looks best. Last but not least, if you have fair skin then poppy, cheery reds, with pink or blue undertones look the sexiest. Furthermore, consider your lip size when you pick your ideal shade of red lipstick. If you have thin lips choose a sheer and soft shade of red, as bold shades of red emphasize your lip size. Anything goes for lips like pillows.

Gywneth Paltrow once said, “Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.”

Remember love, India is not France; so wearing bold red lipstick during the day, will make you look out of place. Instead, opt for softer shades of red when you are out about town.

How to put your kick-ass red lipstick on just like the middle-eastern women; like a pro.

Firstly, take an old toothbrush and rub your lips in a circular motion to get rid of dead skin, and increase circulation. Secondly, dot foundation on your lips. Then, dust your lips with loose powder. Additionally, take care while fill your lips in with a nude lip liner, to carefully cover your whole lip, as it helps prevent lipstick from wearing off. Afterward, use a lip brush to apply lipstick as it comes out neater. Starting from the middle fill in your lips with your impeccable, and charming shade of red lippy. Next, blot your lips with a soft tissue, and apply another layer of lippy. This helps your lipstick stay on longer.

I believe that you should always invest money in your make-up as it completes your look. I love the red lipsticks by Estee Lauder especially the Estee Lauder Hydra Lustre lipstick in Spanish Red, and the Long Lasting lipstick in Classic Red. I also adore the Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme in Fire.

So grab your red lippy, and apply it neatly of course, you seductive minx. 

Marie Antoinette

Fashion, Scandal, Beauty is what this movie is about. It portrays the life of Marie Antoinette, the wife of King Louis XVI. She is the flamboyant woman who said, “So let them eat cake,” when informed that her country is running out of bread. Yes, that is my new “line” so do not even consider stealing it.

This is one movie I am actually going to buy. Directed by Sofia Coppola, it won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design. Isn’t that enough to send you running in your Louboutins down the pavement (non-existent one, in my case) and buy a copy of this fabbitty-fab movie?

This is the only movie that I have seen with the volume on mute. As expected, I was still entertained, and amazed. Scene by scene, I kept moving closer towards the television, as I wanted to be part of that enchanting world, till my father switched the television off.

Andy Warhol once said, “It would be very glamorous to be reincarnated as a great big ring on Liz Taylor’s finger.” But Marie Antoinette, in this movie, is much more that that. She lived a life of luxury, like a rock star, a celebrity in France, during the 1780’s.

Milena Canonero designed the costumes, to be as tempting as the cakes and other pastries on set. I was basically drooling, which is not very attractive, I know.

This is my favorite costume. As soon as I saw this dress, I was gob smacked.

I recommend you watch the movie on mute too, just observing the costumes, the set, and the palace of Versailles, as few scenes were shot inside it. You will be taken aback by this whole other world you never knew existed. The fabulousity and glamorousity of this world, especially in the 1780’s is so exhilarating and thrilling that I couldn’t contain my self and I had to watch it over and over again.

This movie was so engaging as it connected history with today’s world, in a charming and chic manner. Kick back, relax, with a tub of Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough (available at Amma Nana =D) and enjoy the movie, and the ice- cream of course. As Bridget Jones once said, “I have two best friends, one is Ben, and the other Jerry.”

Till next time =D

Prom

What is Prom really? It is just a bunch of losers dancing the night away drinking punch that is so sweet it gives a sugar rush. But then, why does everybody, including me still go? I guess it’s because it’s okay for a person to be a loser once in a while. But it would help if you were wearing a fabulous dress.

Prom is on everybody's mind. Who to go with? What to wear? Well, I can not really advise you on who your ideal date should be, but please do not say he asked you to prom with red roses. I prefer something more original, don’t you?  

In my school, the whole high school goes. But we all know the real deal is "After Prom." In my city, we don't have many stores to get dresses from, so everybody gets their dress made. As a result, I have devised a look book to get your brain thinking as to what you should be wearing to “the best night of your life,” and for the after part. 

Your motto should be: “A girl should be two things; classy and fabulous.” –Coco Chanel

I think if you are going to get your dress made, then you should get something simple and elegant done, as you don't really know how well a "heavy" dress might come out to be. 

I recommend you take elements from different dresses to make it your own. 

Don't you just love the studs on the side? -Azzaro

Sober in Pink. It radiates calmness. -Chloe

This dress exudes  femininity. -Asos

I reckon, this Body Con dress oozes glamour. -Asos

I have always wondered how black and white are perfect contrast but yet they seem so sophisticated when paired together. -Asos

This dress lets you show skin in a subtle manner. - FCUK

I am bringing sexy back. -Asos

This dress is sexy with out being showy. -Diane Von Furstenberg 

This dress spells "glamourous." Bandage and shiny. -Herve Leger

My dream dress. It just works. -DKNY

This dress reminds me of the cloudy days in the winter, where everybody used to be inside and I outside. -Herve Leger

This dress is smooth as butter. All you need is red lippy. -Marc Jacobs

For the Dare Devil. Dramatize it even more with heavy earrings. -Marc Jacobs

My favorite model, Agyness Deyn would wear this. -Asos

If Miuccia Prada can devote a whole collection to lace, you can devote one night to it. -Asos 

This dress is so wild. Just remember to keep your shoes one shade, as you want to focus all the attention on your dress. -Asos

As for "After" prom, I suggest you bring along a pair of jeans, skinny of course, and a nice top. Wear something that goes with the same shoes, and the same accessories as the ones that you wore to prom, so that you don't need to carry extra stuff. 

Men are always curious to know what really exists in a woman's purse. I would love to keep it a mystery but I do have to spoil it. I propose you take small purse such as a clutch, as it looks very classy. Remember to carry your lippy, some tissue, and a face spray. Oh and your mobile obviously, as you don't want to be an island do you? 

You are all set. I hope I hear loud clacking on the floor, you running, elegantly of course, with your man in his hot tuxedo. 

Skinny Jeans Vs. Boyfriend Jeans

I was browsing through People magazine, and "Baam" I see Katie Holmes in these loose jeans that are pegged at the bottom. I am sorry but pegged jeans? She apparently started this new trend, and they are called "boyfriend" jeans. The name clearly implies that it is meant to be worn by your boyfriend, not you. I am really confused as to why a woman would want to hide her shape. Also, please don't wear it on a date. Trust me, your boyfriend likes your "womanly" shape. So show off your bubble butt.

As you can see, this is one trend that I am not going to be catching on to. I am all for skinny jeans. It makes me feel sexy, and is an immediate pick me up. Also, please don't say "I don't wear skinny jeans, because they are not comfortable," because skinny jeans are so comfortable. They allow you to be flexible by moving with your body. Additionally they immediately give off the impression that you have lost 3 kilos. 

I suggest you invest in a good pair of skinny jeans, as they are going to be in fashion for a long long time. If you want designer jeans, check out these awesome ones from Earnest Swan. If not, Forever 21 has great styles. In India, I think Esprit has the best "skin" jeans. If all else fails, run to your nearest Levis.

Till next time =D