Women always do makeup for men. How true is that? I don’t think that is true at all. In spite of the fact that some women do makeup for other women…just kidding …. I think women love doing makeup and it has nothing to do with who is watching or complimenting or not.

We love the look in the mirror and we love what it shows us and more often than not it is with the aid of the right makeup.

Makeup, I believe, always has to be minimalistic. One that makes a difference but is not too obvious.

The most important aspect of applying makeup is the place one is going to. Is it in the day time or night time and what occasion is it are factors that are relevant to using the right makeup and making the right expression.

Basic makeup would include a light foundation- Maybelline has come up with some really cool rub-on ones - which can be applied and then just massaged across the face-always from the bottom to the top or even the old-fashioned tried-and-tested lactocalamine is good and suits all skins.

The eye makeup is most essential too. After all the eyes are the windows to the soul or some such drag….. but sure the eyes should look pretty at all times. I love the kajal look at all times. I like to however change the colours as per the mood. Ranging from the regular black to brown and even blue at times. If one is wearing an Indian outfit then you can even put on the eyeliner which again looks better in brown than the regular black. Lakme is the only brand that comes to mind for either the kajal pencil or the liner.

And now the lips…. One has to decide for oneself what look they like best – matt or gloss. I have a simple way of choosing. If I am going some place for long than I go with the matt or else I love gloss. Also if it is the day time try and stick to gloss. But if you are going for a lunch date … then matt of course. For the matt – I like the Revlon sticks and for the gloss – you can use the new lip gloss sticks available. They are not just easy to apply but even taste good.

I am not much for eyeshadows and blush-ons. It looks a little bit too much especially given the Mumbai weather where you can hardly contain the heat.

Always make sure that your face and your dress looks colour co-ordinated. And try and wear jewellery that goes with the outfit and the makeup –especially earrings- they always make your face look nicer.

And utmost important: do not forget to remove the makeup once you are back home. It is necessary to let your skin breathe. I don’t believe in using makeup removers, so I use medimix soap for the same.