Meet The Bloggers: Sukanya of a Few Unnecessary Things

Welcome back to yet another episode of Meet The Bloggers :) By the time you guys start reading this I shall be on my way to Bangalore, literally! The moment this post goes on air, I shall be in air too but worry not, the moment I am on land I shall again be connected with you guys :)

Today on ISLM, I am featuring Sukanya of A Few Unnecessary Things. We recently became close friends when she would ping me on g-talk and we would chat about things as mundane as "sucky" internet connection to technical issues in blogger :P But what I really like about her (apart from her luscious mane of hair) is her straight forwardness and her ability to talk to you as if you were her best friend :) Its so endearing that you cannot but help yourself from liking her instantly...

Come lets get to know her a bit more :)

Full Name Please: Dr. Sukanya Banerjee

Blog URL:http://fewunnecessarystuff.blogspot.in/

Since How Long Have You Been Blogging: effectively since December 2011

 

A pic of you in Make-up: 

 

Blogs you enjoy reading: Mehak's Peaches and Blush(her reviews and write up) ,Cynthia's Indian Vanity Case (her reviews),you'rs ISLM and Neeraj's Beauty traveler( for awesome tutorials) and Poohkie's place( for her detailed reviews from affordable brands)

 

What does make-up mean to you: Other than boosting up your confidence , Makeup is that art which not only enhances your natural beauty but can totally change the way you look ! Even the very humble kajal can make a huge difference !

Prefer Lipstick or Lip Gloss: Lipstick as of now

Kajal or Eye Liner: Kajal.

Black Smoky eyes and Nude Lips or Nude eyes and Red Lips:Soft smokey eyes and peachy coral lips actually.But if I have to choose between this two,will opt for Nude eyes n red lips. 

Pink Nail Polish or Black Nail Polish:Pink.hands down

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Lipsticks: Colorbar

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Shadows: Maybelline,Inglot

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Liners: Lakme liquid liners,Faces for pencils

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Blushes: NYX for cream blushes, Colorbar for powders

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Foundations: Haven't tried much of them.I love tinted moisturizers more.

( PS- am a MAC virgin,so don't spank me on excluding it ! )

Now Some Deep Questions :)

What mistake do you notice people most often make in make-up: In an Attempt to be fair they put on lods of foundation and powders,not to mention in a shade which is way lighter. 

Top 5 Make-up Myths according to you:

• Going for lighter shade of foundation/compacts would make you look fair( u look like ghost actually)
• Brown n Pinks flatter of Indian skin tones ( They make you look old n made up respectively)
• You need not to wear sunscreen when at home( r u freakin kiddin me? )
• Makeup can cover up my horrible skin n turn me into some exotic creature ! (ahem! n turn you into some ghastly creature)
• Girls more into skin care n beauty are of Zero merit (*grins* )

Top 5 tricks or tips you have learn't over the time:

• Use n eye shadow base always.The color literally pops up n stays longer
• Avoid brown in your lips..they make you look 20yrs older,Try shades of coral instead,they look better 
• Setting the kohl with some translucent powder prevents it from smudging
• Always remove your makeup when you come back from home.ALWAYS
• Every skin tone n type is different. A lipstick may be a rage among all,but it may not actually suit you! (Maybelline my mahogany n colorbar bare didn't look good on me at all)

A Make-Up Must Have that every Indian Beauty must have in his/her vanity/purse: 

•  Facial wipes,
• lip balm,
• kohl/kajal

Meet The Bloggers: Tanmayee Dev from Celebrating Feminity

I have skipped doing "Meet The Bloggers" for two Saturdays and am so sorry to you all for that. This Saturday I am featuring Tanmayee who is practically a "baby" in the world of beauty blogging :) She started out as a reader and was a very regular here as well and then she finally started her own blog last month :) Yup she is the one on whose request I had done the post on "tips on beauty blogging" :)

Just a few days back she sent me her pic with her answers to this questionnaire and I couldn't help but notice her expressive eyes :) See for yourself if you dont believe me :) Aren't her eyes so expressive and beautiful? :)

Come let us all know more about her and also do checkout her blog :)

Full Name Please:- Tanmayee Dev

Blog URL:- http://celebratingfeminity.wordpress.com/

Since How Long Have You Been Blogging:- Since March 2012, my blog is very young!

Blogs you enjoy reading:-

Temptalia, Karen's Makeupandbeauty, ISLM, Peaches nd Blush, Wiseshe, Indyabeauty, IVC, ATB, IBC etc

What does make-up mean to you :- For me makeup is an alias for confidence. I love colors. I feel make up is a gift to all of us who want to look and feel beautiful.

Prefer Lipstick or Lip Gloss :- Lipstick always

Kajal or Eye Liner: Eyeliner

Black Smoky eyes and Nude Lips or Nude eyes and Red Lips:- I like both, but if asked to select one then its Nude eyes and red lips

Pink Nail Polish or Black Nail Polish:- Pink !!

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Lipsticks:- MAC, Colorbar, Faces Minerals

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Shadows:- Not much of a ES person, I like NYX.

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Liners:- MAC, Colorbar, Essence, Faces

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Blushes:- NYX, Colorbar, Jordana , I am waiting to try MAC.

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Foundations: I usually use TM. I used Olay TM in Germany which was very good, Currently I am using Bebe's TM, which again is a German brand. For heavy Coverage I use Revlon Colorstay, I plan to get a MAC soon.

Now Some Deep Questions :)

What mistake do you notice people most often make in make-up:

Wrong choice of Foundation, most of the time the face ends up looking ghostly white. Another aspect is improper co-ordination of make-up wrt outfit. Like Wearing Red lipstick with bright colors, Nude lips with dull colored outfits. Not keeping the make up in sync with the undertone of one's complexion and outfit.

Top 5 Make-up Myths according to you:

1. Drugstore brands are not that good. Actually, there are many which give excellent results and not everybody in India can afford luxury brands.

2. Everybody can carry all sort of colors. In fact, we need to understand our complexion and its undertones – warm, cool or neutral and then select the colors accordingly. The main idea is, we can wear all colors but have to think on the undertones.

Top 5 tricks or tips you have learn't over the time:

1. Tightlining the eyes, I learnt way back during my teens. I love it.

2. Juggling with lip liner so as to create different looks and make a color wearable if its not otherwise.

3. Always moisturizing and priming the face before applying foundation.

4. Always prime the eyelids before applying eyeshadow or eyeliner, the color pops really well.

5. A properly applied blush can make one look fresh and glamorous at the same time, never miss it !

A Make-Up Must Have that every Indian Beauty must have in his/her vanity/purse:

A compact powder, lipstick,facial tissues and hand sanitizer.

Meet The Bloggers: Saumya Rastogi of The Vanity Bag Diaries

Doing Meet The Bloggers feature on my blog I have come to realise what an important part this has become of my life. My weekend doesn't seem to start unless I have posted about some blogger friend of mine and this Saturday is no different. Rather out is quite special cause today I am featuring a very good friend of mine whom I know even before we started blogging. I got to know her cause she was a friends of my best friend Manu.

What initially intrigued me about Saumya was her beautifully and boldly Kohl lined eyes that gave her an ethereal look. I still say that none wears Kohl like Saumya Rastogi :) Plus her having some gorgeous eye lashes and a killer smile makes her all the more irresistible. Now before I start sounding more like a pervert I shall stop here and let you all get to know her more.

FULL NAME PLEASE: 

Saumya Rastogi

YOU'RE BLOG URL: 

http://thevanitybagdiaries.blogspot.com/

SINCE HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BLOGGING: 

Since May 2011

A pic of you in Make-up:

BLOGS YOU ENJOY READING:

ISLM (seriously, I am addicted to your blog, Suma Sharma), Lilit's Makeup and Macaroons http://www. makeupandmacaroons.com/ & Mehak's http://peachesandblush.com/ (I love Mehak's writing style)

WHAT DOES MAKEUP MEAN TO YOU:

My love for makeup started when I discovered the blogging world and you tube. I feel Makeup is a tool that lets you enhance your natural beauty . Makeup is something that makes me happy and I look forward to start my day with makeup :)

HOW IS THE MAKEUP SCENE IN AUSTRALIA DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF INDIA:

Over the time, I have observed that in Australia, people focus more on base. They want to keep the skin perfect (so products like foundations, concealers, pressed powders take preference). Blushers and Mascaras are the other items that I see being used quite a lot.

LIPSTICKS OR LIP GLOSS: Lipsticks

KAJAL OR EYE LINER: Kajal any day, I always wear kajal

BLACK SMOKEY EYES AND NUDE LIPS OR NUDE EYES AND RED LIPS: On a daily basis I wear neutral eyes and mostly pinky, peachy or coral lippys but for a night out Black/Navy smoky eyes and nude lips

PINK OUR BLACK NAIL POLISH: Shades of pink. I have never been smitten by black nail polish, though navy is a good alternative to black

FAVOURITE BRAND FOR: Revlon , MAC, Estee Lauder Signature Lipstick (recent love)

FAVOURITE BRAND FOR EYE: Lakme, Australis Intensifeye, Loreal Color Infallible, Chanel Illusion D'ombre (recent love)

FAVOURITE BRAND FOR EYE LINERS: Revlon Colorstay Sparkling eyeliner (have almost all the shades of this), ColorBar I-glide, Face of Australia Liquid eyliner (my go to back liner)

FAVOURITE BRAND FOR BLUSHES: MAC, Bobbi Brown (Pot Rouge)

FAVOURITE BRAND FOR FOUNDATIONS: I don't use foundations on a daily basis, but at the moment I have Loreal mineral powder foundation, Bourjois Healthy Mix, both of which I like

Now Some Deep Questions :)

WHAT MISTAKES DO YOU NOTICE PEOPLE MOST OFTEN MAKE IN MAKEUP:

Overdrawn eyebrows

Dark lip liner and light lipstick - such that it looks like a visible boundary around the lipstick

Mismatch foundation or Too much foundation

Tagging on to expired makeup - throw it ! gives you the opportunity to buy more :)

Not removing makeup

TOP 5 TRICKS YOU HAVE LEARNT OVER THE TIME:

Highlighting the inner corner of the eye really brightens up the eyes

The importance of brushes to buff and blend the makeup, to achieve flawless look. Brushes are really important esp for eye makeup

Using Q- tips to remove kajal and to clean any makeup spills

Concealer is really important as it instantly awakens you. If you have good skin, you can skip foundation and just do with concealer. I am still on search of a perfect under eye concealer for me, any suggestions people

Finding out what works for you – Not necessarily all the cult blogger/youtube hits will suit you. Try/Experiment and decide what works for you.

A MAKEUP MUST HAVE THAT EVERY INDIAN BEAUTY HAVE ON HER VANITY/PURSE:

Kajal & lip/cheek tint

SOME AUSSIE BRANDS THAT YOU DISCOVERED THAT CAN GIVE SOME BRANDS A RUN FOR THEIR MONEY:

Australis & Face of Australia are two local brands that make great quality and affordable products.

Meet The Bloggers: Tanveer Parmar of Addicted To Blush

You have no idea how badly I have been looking forward to this weekend :P Why? That's cause I do not have any household tasks planned :) All cleaning, washing etc is done and all I am gonna do during my two off days is relax and pamper myself crazy :D heheheheeh... ok, I do plan to cook some sea-food but then thats about it ;) And of course blog blog blog :) about loads of stuff :) And what better way to start than with another new feature of Meet The Bloggers? :)

Today, in this section we have with us Tanveer Parmar of Addicted To Blush. She of course needs no introduction as we all know her blog really well. We are well acquainted with her no nonsense attitude, her fiery way of writing about things she believes in me and brutally honest reviews. I love her blog cause it has variety, does not get monotonous and cause I know what I am reading is what she herself believes :) Isn't that what we all want where reviews are concerned? :) Also her clear translucent skin and her Grey/hazel eyes are to die for :)

Come let's get to know her more :)

Full Name Please

Tanveer Parmar    

Blog URL:http://addictedtoblush.blogspot.com/

Since How Long Have You Been Blogging: 

3 years & 3 months now! 

Blogs you enjoy reading: 

I read a lot of blogs tbh. Although I don’t comment on all. I particularly enjoy reading Indian Vanity Case by Cynthia & also Lisa Eldridge's blog as well as video tutorials. I have found a number of gems thanks to Cynthia and Lisa, well, I have learnt just so much from her! In fashion I like reading Style Chic, and for bollywood gossip I love Bollywood Basketcase :D  

What does make-up mean to you: 

 Hmmmm... Makeup to me, is my grown up way of playing Holi everyday! Ha Ha! Honestly, I love the transformation that makeup does, helping you highlight your features. I also love the fact that makeup gives me some "Me - Time". It is the one relaxing thing I do in the day just for myself. It is quite calming. 
 

Prefer Lipstick or Lip Gloss: 

Lipstick! (Though I was a gloss person earlier, MAC is to blame for the change)

Kajal or Eye Liner: 

Eyeliner! No kajal for me, not a fan.

Black Smoky eyes and Nude Lips or Nude eyes and Red Lips: 

Nude eyes & red lips. I actually love doing nude eyes, just a splash of shimmery beige eyeshadow, some black tightlining, and a bit of mascara. As a look I feel it is very underrated and not used enough, I pair nude eyes with a lot of different lipsticks, not just red.

Pink Nail Polish or Black Nail Polish: 

Pink!

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Lipsticks: 

MAC. I’m a recent convert though. I have around 5 lippies from their range (7 originally, I misplaced two) and I love wearing them!

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Shadows: 

Inglot freedom system ones for spunky shades, Jordana for neutrals

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Liners: 

Faces & Colorbar both are favs.

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Blushes: 

NYX for Cream blushes, Bourjois for powder blushes

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Foundations: 

I hardly try any foundations tbh, I started using Ponds Tinted Moisturizer around the same time I started blogging, and that is what I use on most days. 

Now Some Deep Questions :)

What mistake do you notice people most often make in make-up: 

Apply too much blush. I think most people make the mistake of just choosing between heavy eyes & neutral lips or else neutral eyes & heavy lips. They don’t really spare a thought about balancing the blush too. The ideal amount of blush is where it just peeks through, and is not obvious. Every look needs a different amount of blush to balance it out. 

Top 5 Make-up Myths according to you:

     1. Wearing makeup everyday is not good for the skin: This myth also presents itself in different forms like Makeup is for wh*res or Natural is best. 

     2. Face wash & water will remove all my makeup at the end of the day. A lot of products we use these days are designed to be waterproof – including your sunscreens. They are based in oil and don’t really come off completely with a facewash. It is best to use a makeup remover & then use a face wash post that)

    3. Expensive makeup is best / Drugstore offers the same at lower prices becoz they don’t go in for fancy packaging or ads: I think good products are available in most brands today, at various price points. One needs to just find something that works well for them. Oh, and while we are at this point, no makeup is worth going bankrupt for. I mean this in all seriousness. When I started using basic makeup in college, I hardly used to have any money. I had two Elle 18 lip glosses (in pink & brown) and a 3-4 Jordana eyeliners which at that point were 60 bucks per piece. I enjoy my makeup, but I keep a tight control over expenses by limiting my spend on it. Don’t spend more than 3% to 5% of your salary on it.

    4. Eye makeup is complex and is all about combining and blending at least 4 different eyeshadows: Yes, there are experts who do that, but don't let that scare you! It's ok if all you use is one basic shade for the lid. You will only learn if you try.  

    5. Foundation needs to be applied all over the face: You just need in areas of discoloration. And I'm also not a fan of powder foundations. Somehow I can never get myself to sport a matte face. I like a bit of dewyness in my base. I would rather have my makeup wear off an hour earlier than go out with a powdered face. 

Top 5 tricks or tips you have learnt over the time: 

a.       I have learnt how to tightline, and this has been a game changing technique for me. I haven’t yet seen any technique make so much of a difference to my looks (I tightline only the outer half of the lash line). 

b.      How to apply primer. Don't rub it in, just gently smooth it over the face and wait for it to set for a minute before applying foundation. It works a lot better this way. 

c.      Makeup Brushes – which ones to buy & how to use them. I was a complete klutz at eye makeup until I seeked professional help in form of brushes. Every other bit of makeup can be done using either fingers or regular brushes, for for eye makeup you need a good branded one. 

d.   Highlighting the brow bone doesn't work for me: a sparkly one looks OTT, and a matt one just looks very chalky. The point here is that not every makeup technique will look awesome on you. Find those that do and stick with them. These days with so many videos & blogs it is quite easy to learn about your face & eye shapes. Also when learning from bloggers keep in mind that all bloggers use techniques that make the most of their feautures, it may not translate well to your's. That does not mean that you don't know how to use makeup. 

e.   Invest in skincare over makeup. After you are done budgeting, buy the best & the most gentle skincare products you can afford Again this doesn't mean that drugstore skincare is not as good as high end brands - they have their share of gems - I'm a big fan of Himalaya face washes. But my experience is that when it comes to skincare, the high end brands do offer a slightly better deal at times when it comes to serums & creams. Also do a lot of reading into skincare, be savvy about the latest ingredients and breakthroughs. If your skin looks good & healthy, trust me - that is half the battle won. 

A Make-Up Must Have that every Indian Beauty must have in his/her vanity/purse:  

A berry colored lip product in any form you like - pencil, lipstick or gloss. Berry shades look good not only on all skin tones, but also go well with most clothes (Indian & Western) and all sorts of eye makeup. It can be also used as a blush if needed.

Make-up Advice Relevant to our Indian Skin Tones and Features: 

Concentrate on the base. A lot of times we get taken in by the pretty colors in eye & lip makeup. That definitely seems more exciting, when compared to boring, blah, beige world of primers, concealors and foundation. Indian women are prone to dark circles, hyperpigmentation, as well as grey patches on the face (generally this is a sign of dehydrated skin. It is possible to have oily skin that is dehydrated). All of these make you look older. Get this right, and you’ll be able to carry off makeup a lot better.

Meet The Bloggers: Samyukta/Suma of ISimplyLoveMakeUp

hehehhehehehe.. hhehehehehhe.. *giggle* *giggle* I just cannot stop giggling thinking about your incredulous expressions on a Saturday morning or in some cases Friday really late night when you guys see this post :P Yes yes the Title isn't incorrect rather I thought why not tell you guys something about myself :P heheheheheheh :))

Ok, so I'll start with the facts like you all know I am the author of this blog and of course many know me as "Suma" and still a lot many as "Samyukta". So, which is my real name some would ask? No it's not Suma and not it's not Samyukta :P It is "SumaSamyukta". Yes! It's true :P My official records have me with the twin names and well everyone calls me the way they find it convenient :) Of course you all know I am a software engineer who seems to be totally obsessed with the world of make-up and cosmetics. And yes you all also know that I am married, live in Pune and stuff... So I will not stretch this introductory section and would straight go towards answering the questionnaire that I prepared for myself. Yes I know it sounds extremely Vain :P Hahahaha :D I don't know why but writing this only is cracking me up so bad! hehehehhehe :D

Full Name Please

  SumaSamyukta Sharma

What does make-up mean to me 

Make-up essentially started as a hobby for me but gradually I got so engrossed into it that today I feel Make-up is a necessity for me as it gives me a lot joy, self confidence and a form to express myself in terms of my moods, whims and fancies :)

Prefer Lipstick or Lip Gloss  

Lipsticks through and through :)

Kajal or Eye Liner

Gel Liners that can be doubled up as a kajal. But if I had to choose between the two then Kajal :)

 

Black Smoky eyes and Nude Lips or Nude eyes and Red Lips  

You guys know that's a tough one for me :) But I generally go with Smokey Eyes and Red Lips! Yup! Thats a SIN but then who cares ;)

Pink Nail Polish or Black Nail Polish

Pink Nailpolish :)

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Lipsticks 

Colorbar Velvet Matte, MAC (for matte lippies only) and MUFE (recent phenomenon) :D

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Shadows  

Sleek and MAC

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Liners  

Faces Long Wear Pencils, MAC Fluidlines

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Blushes  

Illamasqua and Colorbar

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Foundations 

MAC. Haven't tried MUFE as yet though have heard so much bout its HD range!

Lakme or Lakme Absolute

  Lakme Absolute

Colorbar I-glide or Faces Long Wear

 I just answered this! Faces  :)

Which collection or range of products are you waiting for impatiently:

I am seriously waiting with bated breath for Maybelline's Eye Color Tattoos and Shop/Cook MAC Makeup collection :)

Which is your most recent discovered product that you truly love:

MUFE Rouge Artist Intense Lipsticks :)
 

Which is your most recent discovered product that you dislike:

CK perfumes and Lakme ABsolute Baked Eye Shadows!

 

What mistake do you notice people most often make in make-up 

Wearing a lighter shade of foundation than their skintones and wearing a lot of foundation even when they don't require it.

Oh! And I have a new one, overdone eye brows! I know strong eye brows are in but they should look natural right? Not "Kroor Singh" types! "Chandrakanta" anyone? :P

 

Meet The Bloggers: Jennifer from JennySue Makeup

Like you all know I am vacationing in Mumbai and gearing up for tomorrow's Mumbai Beauty Blogger's Meet. But then its Saturday already and well people "Meet The Bloggers" is here again with yet another feature, this time with a new face and a surprise. Like last time I am again featuring a professional make-up artist but this time from across the seas... Ladies and gentlemen please welcome Jennifer from JennySueMakeup all the way from Georgia, U.S. :)

Jennifer is a professional make-up artist and a mother of 3 little wonders, 2 growing up boys and a baby girl Vivian. I have been following her blog since the past year and her's is the first blog I check every morning (after reaching office). Her blog is so fresh, so cheery and well totally genuine. She has the prettiest smile and little anecdotes about her kids are always so heart warming and sweet :) Do check her blog out!

So lets get to know her a little more...

Full Name Please

Jennifer Duvall
 

Blog URL   

http://www.jennysuemakeup.com

Since How Long Have You Been Blogging 

since 2008

Blogs you enjoy reading 

Too many to count!!  But my top picks would be Kandee Johnson, Lipstick Rules, Pixiwoo, and Cup of Jo

What does make-up mean to you  

It's an art form that any woman can use to their benefit.  It has the power to completely transform a face or it can just enhance a woman's natural beauty.  Makeup is an easy confidence booster for me.

How would you describe the Make-Up scene in the US (in terms of which products are more favored and what trends tend to be more dominant)  

I think in the U.S. makeup is pretty "safe" overall and that the really "out there" trends aren't really worn by everyday woman, we tend to take it a little safe.  Which is okay in my opinion bc the majority of ladies out there don't need to rock a bright orange mouth or butterfly winged lashes every day!! Makeup is such a personal preference, I don't think you can really judge someone on how much is too much or too little.  Products favored seem to be the skin products (creams, foundations, concealers, highlighters) that produce a more natural and youthful glow to the skin to create that flawless face.

Prefer Lipstick or Lip Gloss  

for me personally, I wear a gloss 75% of the time.

Kajal or Eye Liner 

Kajal produces a deeper more obvious pigment which I love, but I wear more eye liner overall

Black Smoky eyes and Nude Lips or Nude eyes and Red Lips  

smoky eyes and nude lips

Pink Nail Polish or Black Nail Polish

the darker the better, so probably would have to go with black.

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Lipsticks 

Lancome (for department store prices) and L'Oreal (for drugstore)

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Shadows  

tie between MAC and Stila

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Liners  

Urban Decay 24/7 glide on eye liners

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Blushes  

Nars

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Foundations 

L'Oreal True Match foundation

Now Some Deep Questions :)

What mistake do you notice people most often make in make-up 

NOT wearing concealer or enough blush.  Both of which makes you look tired without!

Top 5 Make-up Myths according to you  

1.  less is more. (not true, a lighter hand with more products is better!)  

2.  not everyone can wear red lipstick (yes everyone can, it just has to have the right undertone)  

3.  concealer should be lighter than your skin tone (no- produces raccoon eyes!)  

4.  women with oily skin shouldn't wear moisturizer (yes, they should bc that oil isn't hydrating!)  I can't think another myth that bugs me:)

Top 5 tricks or tips you have learn't in the Make-up Industry/Field  

1.  Using orange based concealer for dark circles on darker skinned ladies works wonders.  

2.  Using bronzer around the perimeter of the face produces a more realistic glow than putting it in the middle of your face.  

3. Put a swipe of white or flesh colored pencil along the inner waterline to brighten eyes.  

4. Use an eyelash curler every time!  

5. Apply your eye makeup first, before your concealer & foundation, then clean that under eye area with makeup remover so that you're not creating darker circles by those products falling into skin makeup you've already applied.

A Make-Up Must Have that every woman must have in her vanity/purse:  Small translucent powder or blotting papers to help with shiny skin!  And a great lipstick that can double as a lip color and blush in a hurry.

Make-up Advice 

Experiment, experiment, experiment, until you find what products, colors, and techniques work on you.  Makeup remover was made for a reason- so you can fix the mistakes!  

Meet The Bloggers: Neeraj Navare from Beauty Traveller

Today's Meet The Bloggers section is a very special one cause it is for the first time that a trained Make-Up artist is being featured here :) We all know Neeraj and he doesn't need any introduction but what we all don't know is the fabulous work he has done on India's top models for various fashion shows. How did I know about it? Simply check out the pics on his facebook profile and you'll know what I am talking about! :)

So, lets know him a bit more and of course get some beauty myths busted by him :)

Full Name Please: NEERAJ SHRIKANT NAVARE
Blog URL: http://www.beauty-traveller.com
Since How Long Have You Been Blogging: 5 yrs on and off..

Blogs you enjoy reading

Temptalia, Makeup and Beauty Blog, Afrobella, Britishbeautyblogger, Lisa Eldridge, Musings of a makeup artist, Beauty Look Book, Cafe Makeup and all Indian blogger friends (huge list)
 

What does make-up mean to you 

Makeup is like second skin. A fantastic way to hide the flaws and reveal a radiant complexion. Its like a booster dose of confidence.

Prefer Lipstick or Lip Gloss

 Lipsticks this season though always liked lipglosses.
 

Kajal or Eye Liner

Bourjois Effet Smokey Ultra black (now a days coz its cheap and better than most of the branded ones)
 

Black Smoky eyes and Nude Lips or Nude eyes and Red Lips

Black smokey eyes and nude lips always. It may not be classic but its chic.
 

Pink Nail Polish or Black Nail Polish

Pink Nail polish

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Lipsticks

Clinique, Lancome, Shiseido, Estee Lauder, MAC, Bourjois, Clarins and Max Factor

 
Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Shadows

Inglot, MAC, Lancome, BH cosmetics, Urban Decay, Too Faced, theBalm, Christian Dior

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Liners

Bourjois, Chambor, MAC, Lancome, Clinique
 

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Blushes

Chanel, Shiseido, MAC, Clinique, Benefit, Christian Dior
 

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Foundations

Clinique, MAC, Bourjois, Chanel

Now Some Deep Questions :) 

What mistake do you notice people most often make in make-up

- Applying lighter shade of foundation is the first mistake and happens till someone makes you realize. Also putting on too much foundation without any reason.

- Applying brown lipsticks which can make their complexion even duller.

- Applying too much of loose powder or compact powder 

- Never using mascara. Most of them are scared at the thought of a mascara as if it was a torture device.

Top 5 Make-up Myths according to you:

- Using ice cold water before applying foundation. I found that the foundation went even more blotchy.Also using a very light concealer in the under eye area.

- They dont want to invest in good skin care products and yet look fair and beautiful.

- I have been told that since this person doesnt go out, she might not need sunscreen. Codswallop!!

- Funniest is - if I buy a mascara and open it once and not use it for one year, then it is still in good condition.

- Brown and pink are the best shades for Indian skins...especially blushes....such a myth and so funny...they look gross after doing all that.

Top 5 tricks or tips you have learn't in the Make-up Industry/Field:

- Always invest in good quality products as they yield better and work better than 2 of the cheaper ones.

- Always invest in greater quality brushes.They help me earn my living LOL

- Test the lipsticks on the inside of the fingers as the color matches to the color of the lips (ususally)

- Always layer any product for it to stay longer and look nicer. For eg. layer a powder blush over a liquid blush to increase longevity.

- Always define the eye crease with a warmer color or neutral color as cooler tones may look ashy. After defining you can overlay any other color you want.And highlight the inner corners of eyes to give an illusion of bright eyes.

A Make-Up Must Have that every Indian Beauty must have in his/her vanity/purse:  

Lipstick/Lipgloss, Eye lash curler, Mascara, Cream blush or Tint (works on lips too) and an oil free compact.

 
Make-up Advice Relevant to our Indian Skin Tones and Features: 

Warmer tones flatter our skin colors the most. Its important to use a right concealer preferably in a peach tone (MAC NW series) as it makes your eye makeup pop better. There are lot many colors than blacks and browns, so just go and get yourself a color. Makeup has to be right for an occasion, that doesnt mean use the same makeup for all occasions.If you like using cooler tones, remember to add one warm toned color in your entire makeup to prevent looking grey.If your foundation looks ashy then Kryolan makes a lovely yellow colored powder to neutralise the undertone and look better. For lipsticks, stick to colors that are similar or darker to your lip color. Lighter lipstick looks as if you have had a disease.

Meet The Bloggers: Ankita from Novice Make-Up

Hello ladies, today's feature of Meet The Bloggers got a tad bit delayed cause I wasn't feeling too well and slept off early last night and woke up late this morning :P Have to rush to the beauty parlour so thought of updating it before I leave :) Today we are featuring Ankita whom we all know better as Anks of Novice Make-Up. Ankita a professional, a wife, a HOT mother and a beauty blogger and to top it all she is a friend :) She says that she is a working mother who realises the potential of looking good and groomed in today's professional and personal world. Totally agree with you there Anks :) Oh and with her new "fringed" hair cut she is looks all the more beautiful.

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Ankita!!! *applause* *drumroll*

Full Name Please: Ankita
Blog URL: http://novicemakeup.blogspot.com/
Since How Long Have You Been Blogging: I started Novice Makeup in may
2011. But I have been blogging for the last 7 years.

Anks from Novice Makeup

Your Favorite Blog (Apart from your own): IMBB, ISLM, Wise She, MBB
and Peaches & Blush are my all time favs...
 
What does make-up mean to you: To me, makeup is a tool that makes me
feel better about myself. We all have our imperfections, but there is no point in wearing all of your imperfections proudly on your sleeve. If a bit of makeup enhances the way I look, helps me make a better first impression then I will definitely embrace it. I like makeup but am not as passionate about it as some of the other beauty bloggers. It is just another accessory to me; albeit a very important one.

Lipstick girl or a Lip Gloss Girl: Out and out Lipstick girl!
Kajal or Eye Liner: Kajal, I almost always have kajal on... even when
i am at home :)
 
Black Smoky eyes and Nude Lips or Nude eyes and Red Lips: Nude eyes
and nude lips! Am not much of an eye makeup person and am quite
terrified of red lips.... but if i had to choose, it'd be the smokey
eye and nude lip combo
Pink Nail Polish or Black Nail Polish: Anything but black...

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Lipsticks: Maybelline would have to be
my favourite lipsticks because they offer a variety of affordable lipsticks that are quite good in terms of quality and colour options  

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Shadows:  I don't use eye shadows!
Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Liners: Now this is tough.... I like Colorbar iGlide, Avon Glimmersticks Diamonds and Faces equally. But if I had to pick one, it would be Faces which is creamier and easier to apply than the other two
 
Favorite brand of cosmetics for Blushes: Bourjois tipped the others
from this spot recently!
 
Favorite brand of cosmetics for Foundations: Oh I can go and on about
my foundation woes. I have tried almost all drugstore foundations from Lakme 9 to 5, Radiance, Invisible to Colorbar to Revlon... finally I found my HG foundation with MAC Studio Fix. I strongly feel that if we wear a good base, then the colours can be drugstore and would look nice. If your base if off, even the high end colours would not look good.

Now some quick questions:
Lakme or Lakme Absolute: Lakme coz I haven't tried Absolute
Colorbar I-glide or Faces Long Wear: I just answered this! Faces  :)

Which collection or range of products are you waiting for impatiently:

I want all the international favourites like Sleek, ELF, Covergirl, Rimmel etc to come to India. The cosmetics in India are overpriced and I can imagine that a makeup newbie has practically no options of fum, affordable makeup.

Which is your most recent discovered product that you truly love:

Colorbar Velvet Matte Lipsticks and I have you to thank for it Suma!
 

Which is your most recent discovered product that you dislike:

Maybelline Colossal Kajal! I bought it a few days back and can't seem
to understand the hype around it

I loved doing this Suma...

Meet The Bloggers: Jyotsna of Beauty And Makeup Studio

Every Saturday and sometimes Friday evenings when I start writing and collating data for my Meet The Blogger post I cannot help but rewind back to when I had first started this section on ISLM with Anshita. Today's feature is the 8th one in this section and I would like to thank you all for your encouragement and most importantly for liking this feature and supporting it whole-heartedly :) Thank you so much guys :)

Today's feature is Jyotsna from Beauty And Makeup Studio. She is fairly new to the beauty blogging scene but has gotten herself a few many ardent fans. From her blog I can infer that Jyotsna totally loves nail polishes and is really particular about skin care :) I am hoping that today's post will help us know more about her :)

P.S. Her pic proves that she is GORGEOUS! Don't you agree? :)

Full Name Please: Jyotsna Y

Blog URL:  http://beautyandmakeupstudio.blogspot.com/

Since How Long Have You Been Blogging:  Its just been a month!! :)

Your Favorite Blog (Apart from your own): IMBB, ISLM (I swear I have learnt a lot from your eye-tutes), I love the posts by Bhumika, Tapswini, Anuradha, Sukanya, Jyo,Rids, Pooja, Namita and many more. I actually have a big list of all those blogs that I really follow. In fact you girls inspired me to come up with my own blog!!

What does make-up mean to you: The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural. - Calvin Klein
I totally second that. And I love doing make-up and getting all dolled up, it is a total fun thing for me and it totally uplifts my mood!! :)

Lipstick girl or a Lip Gloss Girl: Lipstick!!!! But I do dab some gloss over to give that extra shine and pout!!. :D

Kajal or Eye Liner: Oh any day Kajal..!! It totally awakens my face..!!

Black Smoky eyes and Nude Lips or Nude eyes and Red Lips: Still trying to grab some courage from you when in comes to wearing Red-lipsticks!! (I seriously admire how well you carry Red lips) But I love smokey eyes with nude lips..!!

Pink Nail Polish or Black Nail Polish: Pinks!! I also love some shades of browns and peaches..!!

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Lipsticks:  I love Revlon Colorburst Range and Color Bar Velvet Matte range.

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Shadows: Haven’t tried many, Just have a Coastal Scents Palette and absolutely worship it for the range of colors it has.

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Liners: Maybelline Gel liner & Faces Long wear eye pencils!!!

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Blushes:  I am actually trying to gain experience in this department. I have the Colorbar Just Earth and Maybelline Dream Mousse in Soft Plum and I quite like it.

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Foundations: I really find it difficult in getting the exact shade of foundation that perfectly matches my skin tone. Use it very rarely too!!. I totally rely on Tinted Moisturizers. But I am really longing to try out MAC Foundations.

Now some quick questions:

Lakme or Lakme Absolute: I would prefer Lakme as of now!!.

Colorbar I-glide or Faces Long Wear: FACES long Wear!!! Can’t get enough of them….

Which is the next newly launched product in the market that you would like to get your hands on:  Not newly launched but really want to try out the Cream Blushes.

Which collection or range of products are you waiting for impatiently: Lakme Absolute Lip Last!!

Which is your most recent discovered product that you truly love:  :D My Coastal Scents Palette, can’t stop talking about it everywhere. :)

Which is your most recent discovered product that you dislike:  I don’t know why, but I did not like the Revlon Luxurious Color - Smoky Crayon. Caused irritation on my eyes. Very disappointed actually.

Meet The Bloggers: Shweta from My Make-up Thoughts

 You know it's Saturday when you see a new feature of "Meet The Bloggers" on ISLM :D Say yes and make me happy :D Ha ha well going forward ladies, our today's feature is Shweta from My Make-up Thoughts and whom we all know as "Raaga" cause she posts comments as "Raaga" :)

A lover of Ruskin Bond's books, Shweta seems to be a dreamer at heart (I feel so after reading her posts) and her opinions and reviews are really honest and straight from her heart. There are these little nuances in her posts that are so "from the heart" that you cannot but help yourself from feeling like she is speaking only to you :) I highly recommend going through her blog :)

Full Name Please: Shweta Iyer

Blog URL: http://shweta-mymakeupthoughts.blogspot.com/

Since How Long Have You Been Blogging: March 2011

Your Favorite Blog (Apart from your own): Tanveer's Addicted to Blush! I like her style of writing :)

What does make-up mean to you: Makeup helps me to keep in touch with my feminine side and is a gr8 confidence booster :)

Lipstick girl or a Lip Gloss Girl: Lipstick girl thru and thru!! Love using them as lip stain :D

Kajal or Eye Liner: Eyeliner..but I prefer Mascara over these :)

Black Smoky eyes and Nude Lips or Nude eyes and Red Lips: Black smokey eyes and nude lips.

Pink Nail Polish or Black Nail Polish: Black!

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Lipsticks: Maybelline Colorsensational and Revlon Colorburst

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Shadows: I don't own any but I tried the Inglot pearl finish shadow once (err..it was a bright purple shade) and loved it <3.

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Eye Liners: Faces Long Wear

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Blushes: Colorbar for powder blushes and NYX for cream ;)

Favorite brand of cosmetics for Foundations: I am not into foundations :) I own only the lakme ones..but I rarely use them!

Now some quick questions:

Lakme or Lakme Absolute: Lakme

Colorbar I-glide or Faces Long Wear: Faces Long wear!!

Which is the next newly launched product in the market that you would like to get your hands on: Maybelline BB cream/Faces glam on cream blush in Pinked mauve!

Which collection or range of products are you waiting for impatiently: Lakme Absolute Baked Blush without shimmer!

Which is your most recent discovered product that you truly love: Lakme Liplove in Rose Kissed

Which is your most recent discovered product that you dislike: Not recent but I hate Lotus stick foundation :@