Aniriddha C's Make-up Trends for 2008

If you want to take some load off your traincase this summer, get rid of the lipstick. Chances are, you are not going to need much of them this season.

One look at the faces that stare at you from the covers of fashion magazines is enough to drive home the make-up mantra of the moment: nude lips are the hottest thing to flaunt right now.

Minimalism, with luminous, clear skin can be the biggest style statement. The main touch of color to this clean look has to be in the eye region.

“Clean skin, dark eyes and clear lips define the look of the season,” feels make-up artist Aniruddha Chakladar. “Even on the ramp, caked foundation is totally out. I am only using as much base as is necessary to conceal blemishes. A little bit of blush and very little shimmer is all that I recommend for the face.”

For the eyes, the defined eyeliner look is passé and the smudged kôhl effect is more in fashion, he adds. “Lots of color for the eyes is what is in now, especially shades of pinks, peaches and light orange. Kôhl pencils in these shades can be used above the eyes and smudged to get the right effect. Mascara is a must as this “gives density” to the eyes. “A little bit of shimmery eye shadow completes the look. For the lips, very subdued or no lipstick is recommended. And even if someone is using lipstick, it has to be a creamy one, and not glossy. And lip-liner is a total no-no,” he stresses.

“Kôhl is very in right now as the eyes can be made to look very dark using different colored pencils. Colors like peach and light orange are hot for the more adventurous kinds, but for others, brick orange is a good option. The shadow has to be in a natural tone and the lips should be kept clear. If one wants to use lipsticks, warm tones like pinks and peaches are in fashion,” is what Anuruddha recommends.

“Healthy glowing skin looks best in the summer. You just have to add a bit of shimmer to it with some bronzer. Lots of kôhl and some black shadow for the eyes and muted lips with only a touch of gloss will do the trick,” she feels.

“In this heat, the stress should be more on skin care than make-up. The skin should be kept as uncluttered as possible. So, a clean face with some kôhl and mascara for the eyes should be enough,” he says.

With all eyes focussed on the eye, the smoky look continues to enjoy good times. While on the fashion ramps a new twist has appeared with gold or bronze shadow, black and gray still dominate.

“To achieve the smoky look, you have to put some black and gray eye shadow on the lid above the upper lid and blend it well from dark to light. But the easy and faster way to do it is to put kôhl heavily on the upper lid and smudge it into the lids,” advises Aniruddha.