So, I recently went shopping for a new lipstick, considering my vanity is packed with lippies in shades of red and pink. I've been on the hunt for a perfect nude lipstick, that matches my skin tone and is subtle enough for strictly formal meetings, workshops among others. I shortlisted a few favourites, before trying them out at the store and finally zeroed in on the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour in 62 (Libre). It's a wonderful natural nude for my lips, and despite the matte formula, keeps your lips surprisingly hydrated (thanks to the key ingredients - Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter).

However, there is a nude lipstick made for every skin tone and blindly going in for something that suits a celebrity or your favourite MUA isn't always the right thing to do. We pick some of the hottest nude lipsticks available for Indian skin tones. After all, someone (in this case, a lipstick) somewhere is always made for you!

Light Skin Tones

Oriflame Giordani Gold Jewel Lipstick

Shade: Dusky Nude

Why do we love it? - Premium packaging, Decent Pricing
Price: Rs 550

NYX Matte Lipstick

Shade: Tea Rose


Why do we love it? - Super creamy and smooth. Perfect neutral pink / nude (depending on the undertones of your skin) for everyday wear.
Price: Rs 625

MAC Matte Lipstick
Shade: Kinda Sexy

Why do we love it? - The perfect nude that is very subtle and easy to carry with almost any look.
Price: Rs 1500


Medium Skin Tones

Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer
Shade: Bare Pop


Why do we love it? - Provides a velvety finish that lasts almost 8-9 hours. The primer ensures your lips stay smooth. Perfect for that barely there look.
Price: Rs 1650

MAC Matte Lipstick
Shade: Mehr



Why do we love it? -  This one has been the best nude shade from the house of MAC, suitable for almost every Indian skin tone.  Great texture and colour.

Price: Rs 1500

Lakmè 9 to 5 Matte Lip Colour
Shade: Coffee Command


Why do we love it? -  If you have been looking for a good daily office wear lipstick, then look no further. This is perfect for anyone with medium - olive skin tone. Good texture.

Price: Rs 450

Dark Skin Tones

MAC Matte Lipstick
Shade: Taupe


Why do we love it? -  A hot favourite among the available nude shades for darker skin tones. Perfect for a subtle, everyday look.

Price: Rs 1500


Clinique Chubby Stick
Shade: Whole Lotta Honey



Why do we love it? -  Looking for a subtle, soft tint along with very good moisturising benefits? This one's for you!

Price: Rs 1500


YSL Rouge Volupte Shine
Shade: Beige Instinct




Why do we love it? -  A great neutral brown shade with sheer finish.

Price: $37 / Rs 2600

Got a favourite? Or is there a nude lipstick that you can't do without?
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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 --

• Start with the Studio Moisture Cream, a super-rich creamy moisturizer boosted with skin-nourishing extracts including passion fruit, spinach leaf, green tea, algae, wheat germ and coconut. Moistens, feeds, firms and protects the skin and Promotes a healthy radiance.

• For a long lasting hold on the makeup, hydration oil control and smooth texture, use the Prep + Prime Natural Radiance primer

•  Apply the Mineralize Moisture Foundation and set it using the Mineralize Skinfinish Powder 

• Conceal using the Pro Concealer Palette

• Apply Vintage Rose Cream Color Base on the eyelids for a sheer base

• Use Lash No.7 for added drama

• Keep the brows well groomed

•  Use Hush Cream Color Base on the cheek and contour them with Mineralize Skinfinish

• Apply Skin Studio Nail Lacquer on the nails

• Line the lips with Burgundy and Cherry Lip Pencil

• Fill them with the Dangerous Lipstick

Manish Malhotra 

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

 •   Apply the Studio Moisture Cream, a super-rich creamy moisturizer boosted with skin-nourishing extracts including passion fruit, spinach leaf, green tea, algae, wheat germ and coconut. Moistens, feeds, firms and protects the skin and Promotes a healthy radiance.

 •     For a long lasting hold on the makeup, hydration oil control and smooth texture, use the Prep + Prime Natural Radiance primer

 •  Apply the Studio Sculpt Foundation and conceal using the Pro Concealer Palette. Set with the Careblend Powder

• Apply the Constructivist Paint Pot, a long-wearing bendable cream shadow on the eyelids followed by Blacktrack Fluidline Eyeliner Gel

•  Use Lash No.4 and apply a coat of Haute & Naughty Mascara for added drama

•  Keep the brows well groomed

•  Use Hush Cream Color Base on the cheeks as a highlighter. Contour with Mineralized Skinfinish

•  Apply Skin Studio Nail Lacquer on the nails

• Line the lips with Burgundy Lip Pencil

•  Fill them with the Sin Lipstick

Do you have a favorite look or are looking forward to trying out any of them? Let us know on Twitter at - @priyaadivarekar - and join the conversation.

Love,

The 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

Every individual has two sides (or at least that's what I think). People may think that they know you very well, but there is something that always springs up as a surprise. Most of my friends and acquaintances start off by thinking that I am this pink loving, choco - holic, lipstick hoarder; who loves her share of bags, shoes and all things girly. True, that is one side of my personality. But very few people know the gamer girl behind, who loves her daily dose of FIFA 14 and Grand Theft Auto V, watching and playing cricket as much as she dreams of zooming around in a Harley Davidson or Yamaha YZF - R1 some day.
Yeah, that!

First of all, here's wishing all the amazing teachers across the globe a very Happy Guru Poornima. I would like to this opportunity to thank all my gurus for supporting me at every step. I still have a long way to go, but all my gurus have been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals. Right from my teachers in college to XIC, and even people who I look up to, thank you for being so awesome.

Taking the big leap from student to professional life has been pretty good so far. Everything is the same, except for the fact that I have taken multi-tasking to a whole new level. But for someone who has been multi-tasking since a very young age, it's nothing new. Although I must admit, I miss my dance rehearsals and books everyday. Well, that's how you learn time management skills. I make up for everything by practicing a move or two once I am back home, and book reading sessions are reserved for holidays. After all, no matter how much we crib, we just have twenty - four hours in a day. Either you make time for things you love, or you just stop cribbing. Simple!

Now that I am done with my pearls of wisdom, let's take a look at the outfit that I wore at the Moroccan Oil Event last month.

Almost everyone knows how much I love birthdays. It is on this day that you were born, and two wonderful people in your life called you their 'little bundle of joy'. This year, my family and friends made sure it was a day week to remember. I am a big fan of surprises, and my friends almost made me cry with their awesomeness. My birthday week started off on an amazing note, with a 'Friends Day Out' at a suburban mall. From eating yummy food to having a blast at the gaming zone, we did it all and boy! It sure was good fun. I came back home with a smile that lasted through the week, and gifts that will stay with me for life.

Two days after the 'Early Birthday Party', my brother surprised me with something that I have been eyeing for a very, very long time. Yes, I am talking about the Apple iPad 4. Don't think I can thank him enough for this present, because I have been saving up for one since a really long time (student life, you see). As they say, sometimes happiness knocks on your door in the most unexpected ways.

I celebrated my birthday in the best way, ever. It was a special occasion, as Ram Navami fell on the same day and there were millions of people in Shirdi who were celebrating Lord Ram's birthday with great joy and elation. With birthday wishes pouring in from almost everywhere, beautiful darshan in the Saibaba samadhi temple, yummy cake, never ending Gujju thali, and a chance to sing Sai Bhajans in front of a huge audience; it truly was a day to remember.

But with all the happiness around, there were a few things that didn't work out the way I expected. My friends tried their best to keep me away from these 'bizarre turn of events', but the inevitable must happen and I got to know about it (mobile internet is to be blamed for that). My mood was all somber, and I was feeling low, that too on my Birthday. But then, I managed to come out of it. Life is a struggle and no matter how hard you work, you may not end up getting the reward that you deserve (in this case, it was not just me, but my friend too). There are ups and downs, and things go wrong. But in the end, what matters is that you gave your best shot at everything, with honesty and a clean heart.

It was during this time, that I realized, there are some people who will stand by you no matter what. 

Thank you so much for everything, friends (you know who you are). Each one of you made my birthday week special in some way or the other. But more than that, you guys stood by me when I needed someone the most. Last but not the least, a big bear hug to my family. Such awesome people, I tell you!

Outfit 1

Dress: Calvin Klein Jeans

Necklace: Zara

Footwear: Gift

Outfit 2

Kurta- churidaar: Global Desi

Jhumka: Borrowed from sister

On my lips: 

MAC ruby woo and Revlon Cherries in the Snow

I have always said this, time and again. Dance is not just an art form, but a way of life. When I dance, I dream with my feet. It is a priceless gift given to me by god, which has become an integral part of my life. I cannot thank the almighty enough for this talent. People who know me will tell you how much I respect, worship, and love dance. I am sure the blog's name says a lot about that.

Happy International Dance Day to all the readers, dance lovers and amazing folks across the globe.

Now, let's take a look at what this post has in store for you (apart from my love for dance, of course).

  Lavie recently launched their new range of handbags, and asked some popular fashion bloggers to create a 'Summer Special' look. I wanted to create multiple looks, as it was tough to choose just one bag from their fabulous range. But ultimately, I decided to create one outfit,which includes some of my favorite trends and colors for summer 2013.It is something that anyone, from any age group can carry off with panache. 

A simple, yet sophisticated outfit with a touch of bold red to add some drama.

As we all know, stripes are big this season. But instead of making it look boring by pairing this D&G striped flare dress with either white or black, I decided to add some color. What better than a color like red, right? Lavie's Country medium satchel looks amazing with the Louboutin red peep toes (I know that not everyone might own a pair of louboutins, but what the heck! You can always replace it with any good pair of red peep toes). Matte lipsticks have replaced all those old school glosses and shiny lipsticks. Hence, MAC's Ruby woo is just what you need to complete the look. And yes! Don't forget to carry these stunning Prada minimal baroque sunglasses, to save yourself from the scorching heat.

Now that you are ready to go out and shine like a star in this outfit,

take time out and try doing a jig or two today.

All for the love of dance!

We all have our favourites. Be it books, music albums, movies, clothes or make up. There are things that we cant live without (which in my case is a Lip balm) and then there are things which continue to tempt us till we don't go out and buy them (which in my case at the moment is a lipstick by MAC). Whenever I go out to buy make up products, there are a few things I keep in mind before buying them -

- The mfg and expiry date

-  The quality of the product

- The price (as I buy things according to a fixed budget in order to control my splurge limit)

- How well it gels with my skin tone (if they product in question is a foundation, lipstick, eye shadow etc)

Once I'm sure of all the above mentioned things, I buy the product. Over the past couple of months, I've had a new list of favourite goodies in my Vanity kit (and a new Make up kit as well). Here's a sneak peek into my Vanity box.