Strafford is a globe-trotter and hence approaches make-up with an international vision. Trained in Paris under the guidance of International Artistic Director Gucci Westman Neville and Master Artists Ross Burton and Bouzouk, Strafford believes that beauty is not only skin deep. In the last two years that he has been in India as Head Makeup Artist and Trainer, Lancome, he tried to understand Indian women and their approach towards make-up. Drawing from his experiences, we asked him to share top 10 most common mistakes that Indian women tend to commit. Luckily for us, he was game and here comes the list…

1 Choosing the wrong shade of foundation: While selecting your foundation always select your shade keeping in mind your natural skin’s undertone. Lighter shade will not make you look fairer rather you will end up looking blotchy. Match the shade to the jawline to get the right shade.

2 Incorrect application of foundation: Many Indian women tend to cake their foundation on and do not blend their foundation into their neck line leaving a visible ‘ring’ on the jaw line. So rule of the game is to blend, and blend it really well.

3 Not using loose powder: I have come across so MANY women who just don’t apply loose powder to set their foundation. Loose powder sets your foundation and thus making your foundation last all day without smudging or sliding.

4 Selecting the wrong shade of blush: They choose the wrong shade of blush for their skin tone. Remember during the summer months your blush should be soft and complementing you and your outfit.

5 Highlighting the wrong zones: They apply blush to their temples rather than the ‘apples’ of their cheek and do not blend the blush outward towards their hairline. I have also noticed their tendency to wear glitter or shimmer all over the face or eyes. Remember, glitter or shimmer should be used as an accent.

6 Picking up darker lip shades: I have seen many Indian women going for a lipstick that is way too dark for their skin tone. Instead opt for lighter glossy shades. Try Lancôme’s Juicy Tube or Color Fever shine lipsticks. Say no to frost on the lips.

7 Lining it all wrong: Liner is meant to define the lips not stand out like a clear line. Indian women tend to choose a lip liner that is too dark thus making a prominent outline around the mouth that is too visible. Remember to always blend your lip liner with your lipstick and no visible ring should be seen.

8 Messy eyes: Each season demands a different set of makeup products. While your black mascara might work wonders in chilly winter nights, use waterproof mascara during summer/monsoons. Waterproof mascaras allow your mascara to say on without smudging or running down your face.

9 Over the top hues: In monsoons, make-up should be to the bare minimum! During summers dark or heavy colours must be avoided. Use colours like aqua, marines, corals, and peaches. Colours should be fresh and clean.

10 Staying away from moisturisers: Many Indian woman never use moisturiser! They feel their skin is ‘Oily’ thus does not need a moisturiser. Wrong! Just because your skin is oily does not necessary mean your skin is hydrated.

So remember ladies, ‘Less is more’. So keep it simple, keep it light and keep it clean!

 

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