Beauty basics with SHAHNAZ HUSAIN
Monsoon and make-up traditionally never went hand in hand and it has always been really difficult to maintain your look. The rains bring patchy foundation, dripping mascara, smudging lip colour, and unmanageable hair. Monsoon may be the worst season for makeup lovers. Dealing with melting makeup is certainly a big task during the monsoon.
While it may not be the wisest idea to step out with layers of make-up and succumbing to nature’s tantrums, going completely barefaced is not an option either. So, what do you do?
Waterproof make-up products may be more suitable. They contain ingredients like fats, waxes, and silicon, which do not allow the make-up to get wet and become runny.
A powder-based foundation will last longer in the humid weather. Also, using a primer is essential before applying the make-up, the reason being it acts as a barrier between your skin and the make-up.
If you can get hold of a light-textured primer, it would be good for the monsoon. It will help to absorb oil and sweat and thus help the foundation last longer. During the monsoons, a powder or gel primer may be better.
Stay away from heavy foundations. Or, leave out foundation and go for compact powder. Compact powder is pressed powder and lasts longer than loose powder. Also, they reduce the oily look. Compact powders are also ideal for touching up. Carry wet tissues and compact powder in your handbag, to refresh both skin and make-up.
If you want to apply foundation, apply an astringent lotion first, using cotton wool. After a few minutes, wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and apply it on the skin, for a few seconds at a time. This also helps to close the pores. Or, try cold compress with chilled rose water. It closes the pores, refreshes the skin, and adds a glow. Go for a water-based foundation, adding a drop or two of water for a lighter coverage.
The trend is towards the natural look, with less blush-on. A faint flush would be suitable. Powder blushers are easier to apply and are best for humid weather. Apply on the cheekbones and slightly below it. You can use your fingertips to dot the area with a blusher. Then, blend with the brush, outwards and slightly upwards, making sure there are no harsh lines or a blotchy effect.
Using waterproof eye make-up basics (liner, kohl, and mascara) are recommended in rainy weather to save your make-up from dripping away.
First apply a light shadow over the eyelid and a dark one in the crease of the eyes. Light grey on the eyelid would look glamorous. Apply a line of black waterproof eyeliner close to the lashes on the upper lid. Extend the liner outwards and slightly upwards, beyond the outer corner of the eyes. For the lower lid, apply liner as close to the lower lashes as possible, but start from the middle of the lower eyelid and take the line towards the outer eyes. Apply waterproof mascara, in two coats, waiting for a few minutes after applying the first coat.
Use brow gel for your brows to give it the best look. Also, try using brown waterproof mascara for your eyebrows.
Gloss and cream lipstick should not be used as they would bleed in the humid weather,
For the lips, frosted sheen, or glimmer would be good, instead of too much gloss. Opt for soft mattes, pink shades, or soft browns instead of the bold and bright reds. Go for earthy colours. Keep your lipsticks in the fridge during the monsoons.
For oily skin, the use of an astringent lotion before foundation or the powder will help make-up last. After applying astringent lotion, wait for a few minutes, and then apply foundation.
When you apply powder, press it all over the face and neck, with a slightly damp sponge. This helps it to set for long.
Compact powder is the best option and it provides a smooth finish. Carry powder compact to touch up make-up. Blot the make-up with tissue. Liquid eyeliners last longer than eye pencils.
Applying foundation on the lips before putting colour as it helps lipstick last longer.
It is best when it is neither too much nor too little. The right kind of shades matter. Less is more, that’s the beauty of make-up.
