Vogue India Speaks to Pakhi Monani

Former make-up artist at M.A.C Cosmetics, Make-Up Lounge proprietor Pakhi Mohanani speaks on the hottest make-up for a variety of occasions in autumn.

On the inspiration behind a make-up lounge
I think the fact that I can make someone smile; my clients feel so excited when they get transformed. That feeling gives me a high.

On the hottest trends in make-up
Summer was about color... a lot of color on the lips and eyes. In autumn, it will be a lot more color but in more subtle forms of browns, scaling a range of plums, berries and burgundies in warmer tones.

The look now is dark eyes and darker mouth; the mouth is being given a lot of emphasis; colors of burgundy and berry work well for desi skin tones - it’s an instant way of covering shadows around the mouth. Deep shades are being used to create a shadowy effect on the eyes. Along with warm tones of caramel and honey we will see well defined brows. The skin is underdone but done well, creating a sculpted look.

On a chic bridal look for autumn
The outfit and jewelery tend to define the look on Indian brides. So make-up should be balanced to accentuate your natural look. The make-up should enhance their features and suit your personality and facial structure.

I recommend a combination of matte and shine - matte to contour and shine to highlight the cheek bone. Dramatic eyes and color on the lips looks great with bridal couture.

Add glitter to create an opulent look. Gold and bronze is big this season; use it on the eyes or dust it on the body. A natural look is preferred by a lot of brides these days. Shades of pink, apricot honey, caramel, peach and light orange are neutral and compliment bronze and gold.

Since one has to socialize for long hours during their wedding, a tinted moisturizer or moisture-balanced make-up ensures a longer lasting fresh look. An important part of any wedding is photography! I would advise brides not to get carried away with shimmer highlighters or reflective make-up which may make for unflattering photographs.

On the ideal autumn party make-up
There is no ideal look for a party. It depends on your personality and about being yourself. It is difficult to generalize, but a universal method that is in vogue and works well is a less stark, well blended make-up. Focusing on the skin is the idea with satiny shiny smoky eyes and lush eyelashes with ample mascara. Skin is creamy yet pale and a pale mouth works well for the night. One can use gloss and shine to add more glamour.

On a fresh look for day
The look is fresh and nothing enhances skin ton than lots of moisture. One should use matte or velvet textures that don’t reflect shine. Color pencils take you where you want to without applying too much make-up. Dab a bit of blush in pastel shades. Mascara is very important, just curling your lashes and adding the mascara makes you look awake, especially for women with straightforward or down lashes.