Photographs by Shabad Khan
It's 2.40 pm and I am early for my appointment with celebrity makeup artist Mickey Contractor who has put 29 years in the business. He is chatting with some friends at a table outside the M.A.C store at Altamount Road. I wonder if he will frown at my skin tone he is going to try on a new foundation colours especially formulated for the "Indian skin tone" on me.
I've always thought foundation didn't suit dusky or dark skin. As it turned out, it was an afternoon of myth-breakers and revelations. But first, M.A.C has come out with shades of in-between colours that have been formulated to suit the Indian skin tone. And Mickey, who is the Director Of Makeup Artistry, India, for M.A.C, chipped in with his expertise to make that possible.
Now for the myth-breakersâ¦
Myth 1
Applying foundation is an art few can master
"Untrue," enthuses Mickey. "All it requires is some practice. If you have never used foundation before and have just purchased one, than I won't want you to wear it and step out on day one. I would instead suggest that you try on a few times at home until you are satisfied with the look it gives you."
Okay, point taken.
Myth 2
Powder or fluid foundation can be used anytime of the day
That's true partially. "Foundation should give you a natural look. For beginners I suggest that they use powder foundation because it's easier to apply. M.A.C's Studio Fix powder is an easy foundation to wear during the day and night, especially for working women who don't have time. Once you know how much powder suits your face, it will takes literally five minutes to dab it on," he says. Reserve the liquid foundation for evening or night. And if you use liquid foundation you also need the powder to set it," he informs. Hmmâ¦
Myth 3
Dusky or dark skin tone should use more foundation to lighten the skin tone
Untrue. Mickey uses a darker coloured foundation on my skin tone to match it with the neck colour. I am a bit horrified. Won't that make me look dark, I worry. He laughs and say, "It's actually the reverse."
He explains, "The first thing to do is to even out the facial skin tone. So, you have to first use a concealer to hide the dark circles and a then a darker tone of Studio Fix powder to even out the colour all over the face. The trick is to use it sparingly and at the same time make the face look smooth and one tone."
He deftly uses the brush to give my face an even tone. And viola! It my face looks natural and surprisingly lighter.
Mickey says
>> Buy the right shade
Go to a make-up store and try out different foundation shades. Don't stick to just one shade just because someone suggested it's good. Ask the counter girls to show you at least three different shades that work for you. Try on all three. Walk around the store with the foundation on for a while. This is because foundation oxidizes on some skin. If you think it's going darker, you have to counter balance it with the right colour. So take time to choose the right colour.
>> Know your skin type
Oily skin: A powder base foundation works because that will keep the skin dry.
Dry skin: Use a foundation with a slight emollient in it, which is a slightly oily texture. Dry skins tends to look a bit weather beaten with the foundation on so what you need to moisturise your skin really well before applying the foundation.
Mixed skin: Check if you have a T-zone (which is the forehead and the nose). Don't use the moisturiser on that area but use it on the rest of the face which is dry. Then apply either powder or fluid foundation.
>> Working women don't need foundation (at work)
Mickey Contractor feels that a working woman doesn't need anything more than a concealer.
"Yes, if she wants to use a foundation, then go ahead. Though I would suggest that you keep the foundation for evening or night functions. A blush, lipstick, kajol and mascara and you are done," he says. If you like colour on your face, you can use an eye shadow.
