Confidential Q & A

We feel you. All of us gals have grabbed an issue of Allure or Cosmo, pored through the beauty pages to seek out truths to our cosmetic conundrums and tossed out the issue because none of the rags discuss our desi dark circles (thanks Mom) or age spots (thanks Mumbai).

We present to you, dear readers, quick fixes for everyday problems. Your motto: practice makes perfect. Our motto: practice make-up perfectly.

Q: No matter how many layers of lipstick I put on before going out in the evening, most of it is gone by the time I come home. I hate that look of having just the lip liner left around my lips. How can I fix this? – Sweta C.

A: Nothing is uglier than ring-around-the-lips. My cardinal rule is to find coordinating liners and fill in lips with color. Opt for liner shades that match your lip’s natural shade. When lip color wanes throughout the day or evening, a natural-looking color is left behind on your perfectly defined pout. Formulations are designed for wear times. Full coverage matte colors will outlast sheer, glossier versions any day, any time, any kiss. Did you know a long-lasting, matte lip stain can be created by dabbing powder blush over your lipstick with your finger?

Q: How can I prevent white out from flash photography? – Anjali T.
A: Your foundation did match you when you left the counter! Facebook flash-outs point the finger towards your foundation and shade. So wrong! The culprit is the SPF commonly found in your Studio Fix, matte foundations and even concealers, ladies. The ashy cast seen in your photo ops is due to the flash photography reflecting the oxides (common physical SPF ingredient). For nighttime glamour, choose foundations and powders without physical sunscreens.

Q: Smoky eyes mean shadows, liner, blending, contouring, etc. Who has the time? Can you tell me how to get them without buying up the Sephora counter? – Manjit M.
A: Word, my friend. I’d rather spend time on Zappos than touching up the flakes underneath from perfecting the smoldering look. After a sheer wash of color and lining your eyes with your preferred pencil or gel, STOP. BREATHE. Quick fix: grab a smudge brush, dip into any dark shade of charcoals, chocolates, plums or even basic black, smudge on top of lashes and below, and voila! Instant glam without the fuss n’ muss of blending shades and pencils. Master the sweep of smoke without dropping a wad, so you can save valuable cyber shopping time for shoes.

Q: Is cream blush better than powder? – Shanti K.
A: We all need a cheat sheet for a healthy, rosy glow. Well, my dear, what effect do you seek? Cream versions create a dewy, touch-me flush of color, while powder variations are ideal for contouring the apples of your cheeks. Be sure to use a large, natural hair brush for powders, as the color should be swept in circles. For cream lovers, use your fingertips to blend color upwards.

Still not convinced? Neither am I. So, what skin type do you have? Drier skins will love cream blushes for their emollient finish, which will minimize flakiness. Oilier skins adore powder blushes, which help absorb the shine, leaving behind a matte finish.

Q: I'm about to get laser hair removal on my upper lip. You're supposed to shave in between sessions. I'm terrified my upper lip will look like a man's unshaved beard. Will it look like that, and is there anything I can do to prevent that? They told me that bleaching is not a good idea. I really want the final results, but I'm not sure I can wait out the seven sessions! – Deepti S.
A: Aren’t you a lucky gal, who can drop a wad on laser treatments! Good news, my lovely lady. Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson, from the Mayo Clinic, has promised ladies of the world the definitive answer to the old aunties tales of shaved hair growing back thicker, uglier, smellier, etc. “No. Shaving hair doesn't change its thickness or color. The color, location, thickness and length of hair on your body mainly depend on genetics and hormones. After you shave body hair, it may feel coarse or ‘stubbly’ for a time as it grows out. During this phase, it may be more noticeable—and may appear darker or thicker. But it's not.” ENOUGH SAID. Shave on while the rest of us try to save up for laser treatments—or at least our wax jobs.

Christina Kapoor is an L.A.-based style and beauty writer who has worked behind the counter and in front of the camera on all things beauty. Her musings have appeared in Elle, L.A. Confidential and Upscale magazines.