We all love the red carpet — the gowns, the hairdos and the works. Namrata Soni — L'Oréal Paris’ make-up expert, is one of many who works behind the scenes to ensure the stars get their looks right for the flash bulbs. She even created the looks for the brand’s latest make-up collection — L’Or Lumiere, which its ambassadors will sport at the red carpet in Cannes Film Fesival 2014. Armed with the expertise and experience, Namrata tells us how to make the red carpet glamour work for the Indian skin tone — there are 32 shades of it, I’m told!
Why has L’Oreal chosen to focus on Indian skin this time?
I think it’s high time we did. We are all used to seeing only white faces, so we need to tell people it is okay to look the way you are, be the colour you are.
What are the colours that will work for the Indian skin?
Indian skin ranges from very fair to very dark, so it is important to understand one’s skin colour. My website explains how one can determine their under tone so that they can choose shades accordingly. But personally, I feel that there is a perfect red lipstick for every skin colour.
There are many who are not comfortable sporting bright lip colours.
The trick is understanding make-up. If you feel a colour is too dark, apply it as a stain or just a hue of it. There has to be some colour on the face to make us look brighter and fresh. Indians are too obsessed with maroons, browns and black.
So you suggest experimenting with make up?
Yes. One should not be scared to experiment. It is just make-up, you can wash it off. I always tell people, you need not remove the entire make-up too. Just dab the tip of a cotton bud with make-up remover and wipe off just aspect that does not work for you.
While preparing for the red carpet, what is the one aspect that people generally overlook?
Nails! They are also equally in focus. You see stars posing with their hands on their dress or holding their clutches. They need to be well manicured. And if you’re not the type to change colour to match your outfit everyday then I suggest you go for any neutral colour, or a gold with pearl finish for the red carpet — it goes very well with Indian skin tone.
Some tips…
- First, look after your skin. Also, don’t worry about concealing too many flaws. Instead, focus on highlighting a feature. I hate dark eyes and dark lips. Only either of it should be highlighted, not both.
- If you have no time to get ready, even mascara and a smear of blush will work wonders.
- According to me, the winged liner will always be in vogue. It especially suits the Indian face.
