Estée Lauder Pure Color Quick-Thick Eyeliner

February 5, 2013 By 2 Comments

I know this post is a bit behind time – since the Estée Lauder Pure Color Quick-Thick Eyeliner in Punker Black was actually launched in November – but blame the delay on my pathological abhorrence of felt-tipped liners. Even though, practically speaking, these should be the go-to item for creating my favourite cat’s eye effect, most of them seem just too watery and are not pigmented enough to make a strong graphic statement, which is what the cat’s eye is all about. That’s why I have been ignoring the Estée Lauder Quick-Thick till now.

estee lauder quick thick

Then on Saturday night, I ran out of every single black liner and my only options were the Quick-Thick or a Sharpie, à la Taylor Swift. Which is when I discovered that the Quick-Thick is actually as much like a Sharpie as it’s possible for a non-Sharpie to be: quick, thick and instantly impacty. To begin with, it has a firm tip that doesn’t glide along your eyelid like a soft paint brush… instead, it literally draws like a firm black marker, which makes it perfect for creating bold, thick lines.

estee liner 2

But this doesn’t mean that the Estée Lauder Quick-Thick can’t be used for softer looks. It definitely can: you simply use the fine point of the tip. It can also be used for dotting between lashes to enhance the lash line. But it’s main strength is the ability to quickly and easily achieve that thicker, bolder graphic effect. The felt tip is not too “wet”, which is what I found with other felt liners. Consequently, the finish is opaque, glossy and retains its inky black shade without smudging or fading.

The size also matters. A lot. The shorter, stubbier body allows for more control and grip. . . which ultimately leads to steady lines and precise application, both of which are perfect for the season’s dramatically graphic eyes. If I were to improve on the formula, I would probably just want it to be waterproof. And serve it up in a few more colours. Estée Lauder, are you listening?


Filed Under: Beauty, Brands, Eyes, Makeup Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Of Emerald Glasses & Diamond Water

August 17, 2012 By 2 Comments

I am not a great lover of gold jewellery – if it looks pretty, I will wear it, with no concern for whether it’s made from gold or silver or wood and whether it’s set with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires or coloured glass. This is much to the despair of my mother-in-law, who is a firm believer in the Indian doctrine of jewels being worn not for aesthetics or vanity but because of the impact they have on the wearer – in terms of health, wealth, luck and beauty.

Indian, beauty, gemstones, diamond, emerald

She is not alone in her thought process. For millions of years, Indian women (and men!) have called upon the “science of stones and metals” to chart their destiny. For example, it’s sacrosanct that a girl should wear a gold necklace at all times, almost from the time she is born. It’s said that gold is cooling, acts as a tonic, imparts vitality to the body, helps eyesight and creates balanace. When a gold ornament rests against the skin, it passes on these benefits to the body. Also, my grandmother always held that wearing a necklace right from childhood would make the neck slender and graceful – the heavier the necklace, the more slender the neck.

And then there are the stones – each of them with a special symbolism or attribute attached to them:

  • Emeralds and diamonds enhance the libido (hence widows are not allowed to wear these stones)
  • When worn at night, a diamond ensures good sleep and keeps nightmares at bay
  • A good quality emerald will change colour if it comes in contact with poison. That’s why the Mughal rulers used to drink their alcohol from emerald glasses (sigh! the decadence)
  • Alcohol served in emerald glasses will not leave you feeling inebriated or hungover (trying this at the next party if I can find an actual emerald glass. What are the chances?)
  • Cat’s Eye reduces the blood sugar level in diabetics
  • A blue sapphire can cure baldness
  • A white sapphire enhances the wearer’s sex appeal
  • Wearing a zircon makes your complexion flawless
  • Soaking a zircon in water overnight and then drinking that water will cure infertility

However, remember that to be effective it must be a good quality stone (Indian jewellers would classify gems into ‘castes’) and be set in such a way that it is in direct contact with the skin at all times. So, which sparkling gem will you wear today?

Related articles

Filed Under: Ayurveda, Beauty, Jewels, Royalty, Skincare Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Happy b’day to my favourite beauty icon!

May 4, 2012 By 2 Comments

Today, a star was born. And 83 years later, we are still copying her style – from the cat’s eye to the fringe bangs that she made so iconic. Happy birthday Audrey Hepburn… my one regret is that I never got to meet you in person.

audrey hepburn, beauty, makeup, eyes, cat's eye, winged linerI am going to celebrate Audrey’s birthday by wearing her signature cat’s eye look, which incidentally is one of the top makeup trends right now (told you – 83 years later, this star still rocks!). And for the perfectly perfect result, I turn to makeup pro Kapil Bhalla, who both creates and translates across the modelling and film universe, for advice. Here’s what he has to say:

  • First, prep the lids with a creamy concealer, which creates a flawless base and make eyes pop.
  • Leave the eye lids bare, with just a touch of neutral beige-gold shadow if necessary.
  • Then comes the tough part – drawing a perfect line! “This does need some practice – so try a few strokes in your spare time – buts it’s easier than it seems,” says Kapil. The trick, he explains, lies in first drawing the shape with an eye pencil, which is easier to control, then trace over it with liquid or gel liner (the latter dries faster, minimising smudging). Keep cotton buds soaked in makeup remover handy for cleaning up any mistakes.
  • The lower lash line is best left bare, with just a soft brown shadow if your eyes need more definition.
  • Finish with perfectly groomed brows and loads of mascara – look for the thickening, lengthening versions and apply at least two coats.
  • Want more drama? Substitute the black liner with an eye popping turquoise or metallic plum – it the terrific touch of bling for a night out!

Any questions? Ask away in the comments box below!

audrey hepburn, beauty, makeup, eyes, cat's eye, winged liner

Filed Under: Beauty, Celebs, Eyes, Makeup, Mascara Tagged With: , , , , ,