Ambika Pillai
Makeup artist Ambika Pillai, the only Indian artist at every India Fashion Week, shares summer picks from aloe gel and DIY scrubs to hair oil and kajal.
One of the most sought-after make-up artists in the country and a maestro of the art, she is the only Indian artist to have been a part of all the editions of India Fashion Week, since its inception. Ambika Pillai is a force to reckon with and her clientele includes top models, film stars, fashion designers, publishers and socialites, amongst others.
Go-To Products
Pure Mogra Water by Kama Ayurveda
For summers that sap the skin dry, a good hydrating mist is a must-have to keep the skin moist and supple.
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Lip Butter by The Body Shop
A super moisturizing lip balm is an essential escape from chapped lips.
DIY Lip Scrub
Using rock salt and sugar, formulate your own body scrub to tackle dry, dehydrated skin. To wash off that summer tan, add some dried and powdered lime and orange peels to it.
Himalaya Aloe Vera Gel
Scrape some gel off of those long aloe leaves to fight heat boils and skin irritation. You can also refrigerate the leaves for a more soothing effect.
Kaytra Hair Oil
A coconut hair oil, enriched with herbs, is a great solution to strengthen and cool. It also works very well for nasty dandruff and hair fall.
Kajal Pencil
Summer calls for minimalistic makeup. A dash of carbon black kajal goes a long way.
Questionnaire
What's your special trick for smooth summer survival?
Staying hydrated, in any form, from within and outside.
If you had to be a product, what would you be?
A very, very black Kajal pencil.
What essence of Ambika Pillai will that product have?
People say my eyes are forever twinkling and talking, even when I'm not. I'm sure my kajal has a lot to do with it. I believe that the eyes are the windows to your soul and nothing enhances the eyes the way kohl does.
One thing you wish people should just not own or should stop doing.
I think the use of purple 'aunty-like' shades of lipstick should really stop.
What's the most bizarre trend you've seen people sport?
That’ll be people trying to go Goth with black lips. Horrors! It's like you are trying too hard.
What makeup look were you flaunting in your last selfie?
As usual, a smoked out Kajal and eye-liner.
What's your quick hack for a sultry look?
A dash of nude gloss to finish off my smoked out Kajal and eyeliner.
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