5 BEAUTY BLUNDERS TO AVOID THIS SEASON

Here’s a mood board of the authentic trends and tricks that one needs to sail through this monsoon.

Skip too much of layering (read foundation) on the face: One of the major beauty faux pas of the year, which makes us look like a melting ice cream in the downpour. Isn’t it? So my lovely ladies, refrain from adding layers and layers of foundation on your skin; it’s not at all required. Rather opt for compacts or powdery foundation (try M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation). Adil Akhtar, makeup expert says, “The compact not only even outs your skin tone, but also controls the oil in the monsoon, further leading to a matte effect.”

Oh my gloss: A lip gloss is every girl’s staple, in fact, it is the most reliable product in our vanity boxes, but not in the rainy season. By smearing a hell lot of gloss on your lips, you can only make yourself look like a shiny disco ball. Instead choose neon or bright matte lip shades like Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Daring, Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Lady Ruba, Clinique Pop Lip Colour+Primer in Wow Pop, L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Matte Mania Lipstick in Crazy Fuschia.

Hair & there: In the rains, our hair tends to appear like a nest, thanks to these turbulences like frizz, dandruff, limp and colour fading. Here’s an SOS by Kanta Motwani of Kromakay Salon. The celebrity hairdresser encourages keeping our mane as clean as possible irrespective of any season. We trust Kérastase, Wella Professionals and L’Oréal Professionnel. Motwani says, “Use a compatible shampoo and conditioner as per your hair type; one can further invest in a dry shampoo. In case, your hair gets wet in the rain, make sure to blow-dry them. Don’t try too hard, avoid too much of the styling – let them fall free, and if you are suffering from a bad hair day, just lock them up in a fancy tail or braid.” Poker straight hair is superannuated. Agrees Gourav Bhardwaj of LOOKS salon, “Poker straight is the bygone trend; it totally falls flat in the wet season. Time to pull off some epic braids.”

Cumbrous eyes and lashes: On a rainy day, wearing a smokey eye is a bad idea. The dripping eye shadow will only make you look like a raccoon. The pro tip: Opt for long-lasting waterproof liner and tints like the ones of Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner and Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner. Also go minimal on the lashes, light coats of waterproof mascara would be enough.

Get away with those dark shade lacquers: Rather dip your nails into some fruity pastels like Inglot Nail Enamel in 979, M.A.C Studio Nail Lacquer in Instant Crush and Maybelline Color Show Bright Sparks in Blazing Blue. Take cues from the Happy Hippie Collection by Bio Sculpture, which is influenced by 70’s glam and psychedelic shades. “Dark colours are not exciting in monsoon, as the season is all about being bright – be it your dressing or nails,” suggests Pammi Lall, MD, Bio Sculpture.

So my pretty ladies, you couldn’t have asked for more.We’re sure after scouting these awesome hair and beauty hacks you’re ready to act like a PRO in the monsoon madness.

Isha Gakhar is a Delhi-based fashion and beauty writer who blogs at iluvanity.com. Follow her onFacebook and Twitter.