Raise your hand if you saw Slumdog Millionaire. You know, the movie set in the ghettos of Mumbai that won eight Academy Awards this year. Exactly, neither did we.
Whether you saw the Indian movie or not, chances are you’ll be seeing lots of makeup techniques inspired by the nation and its outrageously popular Bollywood movies.
The look is a little old Hollywood (i.e. über-glamorous and faux) and a little traditional Indian. Think lots of eyeshadow, glitter and jewels.
"It’s the exact opposite [of Hollywood's natural look]," Vimi Joshi, a senior makeup artist for M.A.C Cosmetics, told Elle. "The more color, the more shimmers and glosses, the better. They’re like, Bring it on!” said Vimi.
To experiment with the look of India at home, start with the eyes. Hugely important in the melodramatic films of Bollywood (all the better to stare longingly at your star-crossed lover), the eyes are almost always coated from lid to brow with a dramatic gold, pale blue or, better yet, a layer of glitter.
Stain your lash line with a dark kohl, or a super-saturated, black eyeliner. Finish up with a few layers of dark mascara.
The rest of your face is up to you. A light dusting of rosy blush and a little bit of lip gloss are great ways to finish.
Beyond makeup, Bollywood is famous for facial accessories like tikkas, or bindis, which are traditional Hindu face markings that are prevalent in Indian movies. If you don’t feel too silly, experiment with one of these fab touches.
The very cool thing about this trend is that you don’t have to go all Aishwarya Rai (google her). One or two of the principles worked into your next special occasion makeup routine is enough to shake up your cosmetics status quo.
– Whitney Teal
