Desi Diva

By Shweta Govindarajan

Q: I've considered getting highlights, but I'm worried they will ruin my hair. My stylist at the salon says the dye won’t cause any damage. What’s the deal?

A: The amount of damage to your hair depends on what kind of dye your stylist is using. Vegetable and semi-permanent dyes cause little to no damage because the dye sits on top of the hair, while chemical dyes that contain ammonia or peroxide penetrate the hair cuticle and can do a number on your tresses. It’s important to consider what kind of look you’re going for. Putting in platinum blonde highlights or “skunking” your hair (à la Christina Aguilera) is riskier than subtle brown or reddish highlights, says Los Angeles-based Sephora make-up artist Lorraine Yokota. If this is the first time you’re dyeing your hair, talk to your friends who color regularly to get the skinny on how their hair reacts. And let the stylist know your concerns so you can figure out the best option for you.

Q: Occasionally, when I get my eyebrows threaded, I get a scab. Did my beautician make a mistake or is my skin just really sensitive?

A: A couple of things could be happening. If you found a scab, the beautician may have cut you by mistake. But another possibility is that your hair is coarse, so uprooting it caused your hair follicle to bleed and, unfortunately, that's not something the beautician can prevent. Before you head to the salon next time, try opening your pores by washing your face in warm water or placing a warm washcloth across the area for a few minutes. Let the beautician know that you bled the last time you were threaded and ask her to be extra careful in keeping your skin taut during the session.

Q: I just got a great new job as a project manager with a lot of responsibility. The trouble is, I’ve always been told I look young and I’m worried people won’t take me seriously. I have a dark complexion and I’m not sure what make-up to wear. Please help me create a sophisticated look that will help me get the respect I deserve!

A: Subdued eye makeup in browns or soft golds is the way to go, especially on darker skin. “It’s best not to go too drastic in the beginning,” Yokota says. Start with a clean, moisturized face and use concealer to camouflage any blemishes. Don’t forget to curl your lashes and apply mascara. “This is the easiest way to bring out a person’s eyes,” Yokota says.

Before applying eye shadow, put on a primer to make the shadow stay on longer. Yokota recommends F.Y.Eye from Benefit. Next, using a fluffy eye shadow brush--which makes blending easier--brush your entire

eyelid with a highlighting shade starting from the base of your eyelid all the way up to the brow bone. Try Cypress, a shimmery bronze from Nars. Now, with the same brush, apply a darker color over the lid – Lola Lola from Nars is a good choice, Yokota says.

Now, look in the mirror and decide whether this subtle look is enough. If not, Yokota says adding a liner would create more of an effect and give your eyes a finished look. You can either use another shadow for the liner (check out Java from Stila) or use an eyeliner pencil--Yokota suggests Benefit’s kohl liner in sable. If you go with the eye shadow liner, Yokota says using a flat-edged eye shadow brush--made slightly damp with a little water--will help you create a uniform line along your upper lash line. For blush, try Orgasm from Nars, a shimmery peachy pink. “Applying it to the apples of the cheeks gives you a glow,” Yokota says. Finish with a gloss or a nude lipstick (Taupe from Mac is a light berry shade) and you’re done!

Since you’re a beginner, you also might want to stop by a make-up counter so you can get a feel for what colors are right for you and get a few techniques under your belt before your first day!

Shweta Govindarajan is a Washington-based journalist who secretly desires to be a makeup artist. In addition to feeding her Sephora addiction every chance she gets, Shweta writes about all things beauty for ABCDLady.

Back to Top