Master Strokes

“Makeup is self confidence directly applied to the face.” —Anonymous

We couldn’t agree more. But even a diva needs a certain amount of practice to perfect the wings of her eyeliner. You may stock your beauty boudoir with the latest lust-worthy products, but unless you know how to use them efficiently, all they would do is make your dresser look pretty. That’s why the luxe beauty brands have decided to take you back to school through their masterclasses. And school can definitely be fun if your subject is makeup, right?

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The idea behind these masterclasses is not just to walk one through the trends. These bespoke beauty lessons are about taking the makeup’s colours, shapes and textures, and fitting them to your skin, style and lifestyle. Yes, the artists from luxe brands help you identify the right products and create looks that only professionals can achieve, lifting the lid on flawless glamour. So whether you’re looking to create the season’s latest smoky eyes, perfect nude skin or turn into a glamazon, these tutorials are great to hone your skills.

Bobbi Brown’s beauty class

Known for its teaching philosophy, Bobbi Brown took the best of backstage beauty trends to their makeup counters around the world. Personally created by Bobbi, the runway to real life, one-to-one interactive sessions are designed to engage and educate buyers. The brand’s foray into India, too, was marked with a makeup masterclass led by Eliano Bou Assi and Eduardo Ferreira, the brand’s Directors of Artistry and Education. Letting in on a few tips from the masterclass, Eliano says, “Most people are unaware of some of the very basic tips. For instance, bronzing powder is the easiest fix to the colour disparity most women notice between the skin on the neck and on the face. Or that one shouldn’t use moisturiser around the eye area before putting eye makeup; it makes the eye shadow and eyeliner crease. So through these sessions, we teach patrons how to use the products efficiently.”

Bobbi Brown’s pop of colour on you

Step 1 For a pretty, flushed look, use two shades of blush: a natural colour that looks like your cheeks after you’ve exercised and a brighter pop colour. Bonus: Layering blush is a good way to help colour last longer.

Step 2 Dust the natural colour on the apples of the cheeks, blending up towards the hairline then downwards to soften it. Step 3 Apply the pop colour just on the apples of the cheeks. Be sure to smile when applying blush—this is the best way to find the apples of your cheeks.

Step 4 If you want a glowing finish, use a Face Blender Brush to sweep Shimmer Brick across cheekbones.

Step 5 For a great everyday lip look, choose a lipstick that’s similar in tone to the natural colour of your lips.

Step 6 To give your lips a natural-looking definition and to prevent feathering, line your lips with a lip liner afterwards. Step 7 Top your lips with lip gloss for a high-shine look.

One for the brides

Haven’t we all seen our sisters, BFFs, or colleagues stress over makeup just before their big day? Well, the good folks at M.A.C and Clinique have come to the rescue.

M.A.C has launched an exclusive Trousseau Service for India, wherein the brand’s makeup artists will give the brides-to-be a step-by-step tutorial on how to achieve a variety of desired looks. “Educating the customers is an integral part of M.A.C’s artistry expertise globally. We strive to make every woman feel beautiful,” says Sonic Sarwate, Senior Artist M.A.C India. Following the 120-minute masterclass, captured in customised M.A.C face charts, each attendee will take home a glistening wedding trousseau box.

Clinique, too, has launched a Bridal Trousseau Service, again exclusively for India. In keeping with the skincare brand’s personalised service model, Clinique’s Bridal Trousseau Service is an interactive, appointment-based offering. Each bride-to-be receives customised solutions for her beauty needs, in consultation with a specially trained Clinique Colour Specialist. From skincare regime to restoring youthfulness or achieving flawless perfection to learning bridal makeup tips for a variety of wedding festivities, brides will leave enriched with knowledge. Complete wedding looks are mapped on a face chart, so that she can recreate the looks on her own. Additionally, with every purchase worth Rs 15,000 on that day, the bride will take home her handpicked selection of Clinique products in a stunning Bridal Trousseau Box. Created especially for India, this luxurious box with delicate gold floral exterior and metallic accents on the edges and handle, is inspired by Indian bridal motifs.

Lancôme’s red carpet glory

Lancôme recently celebrated its 14th year as the beauty sponsor of the BAFTAs. And to mark the occasion, makeup pro Shehla Shaikh shared tips to create a red carpet worthy look. Says Shehla, “A red carpet look needs to be clean and should highlight one’s best features. Pristine eyeliner with zingy tangerine lip colour, showcasing the look with skin that appears even translucent, would be my red carpet take.”

Shehla’s red carpet vision

Step 1 Apply Teint Visionnaire foundation with a brush, buffing it on, in a circular motion. Touch up any areas that need extra coverage with a creamy concealer.

Step 2 Next, take the Teint Miracle pen and draw an inverted triangle from both corners of the eye, down to the top of the cheekbone (with the point aligned with your pupil and the tip of your nose).

Step 3 Use a brush to blend the concealer up underneath the eye — add a little to the eyelid too. This reflects the light upwards and lifts the complexion. Finish with blusher.

Step 4 For your eyes, create a flick with liquid liner for a more rebellious feel. Hold an eye pencil from the side of your nose to the outside of your eye, marking a point on the eyelid crease and drawing a line down to the outer corner.

Step 5 Retrace this with liner, working to the middle of the eye. Then draw a separate line from the inner corner to the middle. Fill in the shape and define the lashes with mascara.

Step 6 Instead of red lipstick, switch to orange for a pop of originality.

Elizabeth Arden’s makeup workshop

To launch the new range of makeup, Elizabeth Arden hosted an exclusive masterclass to give their patrons a look at the collection. “Makeup has become an important factor in a woman’s overall grooming,” explains Charmaine Rao Soares, who conducted the workshop. “Our masterclass was designed to teach women how to use our products effectively to create effortless day and night looks.”

Arden’s day to night makeup sheet: the day look

Step 1 Apply Flawless Finish Sponge On Cream Foundation all over your face.

Step 2 Use Ceramide Loose Powder to set the foundation. Step 3 Start with your eyes, by applying Beautiful Colour Eyeshadow in Sunset all over the eyelid.

Step 4 Now blend Beautiful Colour Eyeshadow in Cinnamon in the crease to create depth.

Step 5 Use Smoky Eyes Powder Pencil in Smoky Black on the upper and lower lash line for definition. Blend the pencil to create a soft look. Step 6 Complete the eye look with two coats of Beautiful Colour Lash Enhancing Mascara in Black.

Step 7 Apply Ceramide Blush in Nectar to the apples of your cheeks. Step 8 Use Beautiful Colour Precision Glide Lip Liner in Rose to define your lips and fill in with Beautiful Colour Moisturising Lipstick in Pretty Pink.

The night look

Step 1 Get smoky eyes by using Beautiful Colour Eyeshadow in Spice. Apply all over the lid till the crease. Now blend to create a halo effect around the socket. Layer more eyeshadow and blend for a more intense smoky effect. Step 2 Reapply the Smoky Eyes Powder Pencil in Smoky Black to the upper and lower lashline for a sultry look.

Step 3 Keep your lips nude, as they were during the day.

From the April 2014 issue of L’Officiel India.