Glow and Garnish

My Diwali Diary...... With a flurry of Diwali invitations for parties, socials and soirees this past few weeks, it got me thinking that Diwali celebrations have bumped up a few notches recently in the US. From food to fashion finery these past few weeks have been a life style artist's delight. FaceBook is streaming with fashionistas showing off their new outfits, endless parade of ladies striking very similar poses - tummies tucked in and arms akimbo with an air of unsurpassed confidence. Mine is no exception. Among the various soirees I attended was a Diwali party hosted by my good friend, Nalini. It was perfect in every which way – the festivities, the food and of course the fun friends. The house was festooned with flower garlands, colorful rangoli in the foyer, soft oil wick diyas along the window sills and tables, and the family room decked in its festive glory.  We decided to wear golden yellow sarees…and called ourselves the 'golden girls', pun...

MAC Me Beautiful – Priyanka Chopra look Priyanka Chopra, the dusky Bollywood beauty changes her look pretty often. I like this minimalist every day make up that she used in this photo shoot. Here is how you get this look with MAC cosmetics. Moisturize: Use MAC mineralize charged face and body lotion. This moisturizer is every day lotion that is supercharged with diamond powder and water and gives the face an instant glow. Foundation : Use MAC Studio Sculpt foundation – it is very hydrating and provides medium to full coverage. The shade for Priyanka is NC 42.  The foundation is excellent for covering blemishes and spots. Finish the look with a light dusting of powder. Lips : For this simple look, line lips with neutral lip pencil – ‘Spice’. Use a blend of lipsticks shade –‘Morning Rose’ blended with ‘Kinda Sexy’ for Priyanka’s look. Any neutral pink lipstick should work. Finish it with a dab of lip gloss at the center of your lips. Eyes : Keep the ey...

Face:  Facial Moisturizer No matter what…don’t skip moisturizing your face every day. While you could do without the moisturizing supplements for your skin in your teens and early twenties, with each passing decade moisturizers become important if you want supple skin and if you want to delay the signs of aging. The drug stores and beauty aisles in the department stores have shelves stocked with these products.I have tried a number of these lotions and thought I would share my favorite picks in this blog. What do moisturizers do? Moisturizers make the skin soft, healthy, and supple. Most of the moisturizers are enriched with vitamins, skin brighteners and UV protectors. They also prepare the skin for applying foundation. Tips: As such if you have oily skin you will need water based formula and if you have dry skin you will need more oil based creams. Please make sure the lotions are non- comedogenic (means it does not clog your pores). Also do make sure your day...