Tarun Tahiliani’s showcase at the India Couture Week left us in awe. The ace designer paid a homage to Indian courtesans with a showcase complete with grandeur and elegance. Titled ‘The Last Dance of the Courtesan’, Tahiliani’s rich and exquisite collection had outfits in hues of sunset ombre, yellows, reds and oranges on fabrics ranging from georgette, cotton jacquard to cotton silk, crepes and more. 

But it wasn’t just the contemporary collection that took our breath away. We loved how the make up broke monotony and went with hues of glamorous gold to compliment the traditional bridal wear hues seen on the runway. If you are someone who wants to ditch the typical bridal make up, for a more modern and glamorous look, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step tutorial using MAC cosmetics! Here’s how you can achieve the look, created by popular MUA Mickey Contractor and sported by models at the Tarun Tahiliani showcase.

Start with MAC Fix+, an aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calming blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. It adds radiance and helps prepare the skin

Use the Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel, an ultra-light formula that intensely hydrates and leaves skin more supple and luminous

Next apply the Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion, a lightweight serum that saturates the skin with a concentrated boost of hydration

Correct and Conceal using the Pro Conceal and Correct Palette

Use the Select Sheer Pressed Powder, a lightweight pressed powder with a silky, natural matte finish and a soft-focus effect

Sculpt the face by using the Shadester Sculpting Powder and then finish off the cheeks by applying the Mocha lipstick

For the eyes use the Sketch and Rice Paper Eye Shadow along with the Chromagraphic Pencil

Use Lash No. 7 for added drama and top it off with Haute & Naughty Mascara for extra volume

Line the lips with Strip Down Lip Pencil and fill them in with Amber Lights Eye Shadow & Reflects Gold Glitter

So, are you all set to go gold and glamorous during the upcoming festive and wedding season?

-- By Team Dancebee --

Never mind the erratic behavior of our climate (come rain, come sunshine is the way I would describe it), we are in the month of March and it is technically the time we welcome spring. With Spring comes a host of new trends and colors that we can't stop crushing on. Every season, I get obsessed with a set of lipsticks that I can't do without. The whole of Autumn/Winter last year was a lot of wine reds, deep mauve and bold red. But, I have got my favorites for the current season already and since most of them happen to be MAC lipsticks, I thought of introducing my top 5 must haves.

1. Ruby Woo

This is an all time favorite. A shade that I can't do without and also happens to be one of MAC's fastest selling lipstick shade (ask the MAC team and they will tell you how this one color is always out of stock). Perfect to give you a classic, soft vintage look; you can wear Ruby Woo with your favorite floral print dresses or even a plain, white lace dress. This is one shade of bold red that goes very well with the Indian Skin Tone.

2. Lady Danger

We are crushing on all things orange this season and what better than to stock up on another MAC favorite, Lady Danger. Though it is actually a bright coral - red color, it ends up looking a bit of a bright and bold orange. This lipstick is perfect for days when you pair your favorite skirt with a chic blouse and are ready to go for a fun day out with your girls. Despite the matte texture, it glides on quite smoothly.

3. Mineralize Rich - Style Surge

The Mineralize Rich range promises to moisture and nourish the lips with a non-sticky formula and trust me, it stands by every word. This super moisturizing lipstick glides on like a dream and stays on for a good 5 hours. What I really like about the shade - Style Surge - is that its not your usual coral. Its a subtle shade that is perfect for day meetings or formal events, where you don't really need a bright shade of lipstick. This incredibly light weight lippie is a must have this summer.

4. Lustre - Sea Sheer

What looks like a mix of coral and nude (I am always crushing on coral, always), Sea Sheer in lustre finish can be worn anytime, anywhere. Its such a versatile shade. Mix it with another color and you get a new shade, or just wear it on your lips for a classic look. Again, another shade that is perfect for meetings or days when you are hopping between various events. This shade is perfect for the Indian skintone and the hue is just what you need for this season - not too bright, not too opaque. The creamy texture is perfect and stays on for a good number of hours.

5. Viva Glam - A74

We have enough reasons as to why we can't stop loving the Viva Glam range. The color is absolutely gorgeous and one of my go-to lipsticks for a glam evening. Be it a simple off-shoulder dress or a high on metallic co-ordinate, this lovely brownish-red lipstick will spruce up any outfit. Apart from the lovely packaging and beautiful shades, it feels amazing when you know that your small contribution can help make a difference in someone's life. Every penny of your shopping amount goes to the MAC Aids Fund, whose mission is to serve people of all ages, all races and all sexes affected by HIV and AIDS. 

Recently, I was invited for an exclusive preview of a film titled It's Not Over, that traced the journey of three HIV/AIDS affected individuals from different walks of life and countries (India, United States and Africa). Their perspective on life and determination to bring about a change left me teary eyed, but their confidence and courage sure made me proud. In a society that is filled with all things negative, it was wonderful to see a story of courage. Kudos to the MAC Aids Fund and Film Maker Andrew Jenks for presenting this beautiful tale. The feature length documentary will soon be available on iTunes. Do watch!

Do you have a MAC favourite this season? If yes, join the conversation on Twitter - @priyaadivarekar - and let us know!

Love,

The Dancebee