Nope. The little store that resembles the insides of a space-age shuttle, ensconced in a corner of Atria, doesnt house ridiculously done up women manning the counter, making making sure they are in fact, the worst advertisement for their brand.
For a change, you have a man, and while he doesnt wear make up (thank God), make-up assistant Unaid can put some on you, and he sure knows his stuff.
Australian cosmetic brand Red Earth stocks a whole range of foundations, lipsticks, nail enamel, lip gloss, blush and professional tools at its first Indian store. And while the range may not seem extensive, it does manage to cover every cosmetic need, and spans the colour spectrum (I loved the leaf green eye shadow) with a funky sweep.
Its pretty easy to get lost in a menagerie of iridescent bottles and tubes, so ask for help. Unaid will insist that you try a tester before buying a product. Better still, allow him to try a few flourishes on your face, which are worth it if you want to go out with a makeover.
What I tried and liked
The 2V mascara: Its supposed to be a favourite with Australian pop star Kylie Minogue, but theres a better reason why you should get it. It adds serious volume in just one swoop. It comes in black, blue, brown, green and purple, for Rs 890.
The Eye Definer: This doubles up as an eyeliner (worn on the upper eye lid) and kohl (worn like kajal). Heres a tip from Unaid if you dont want the kohl to smudge, dab some Red Earth eyeshadow on to it. Its natural, so it wont harm your eyes, and it wont run even if you weep!
Unlike most pencils, its creamy and smooth, glides on like a dream and comes with an attached brush for that smudged, smoky look. Available in black, brown, gey, purple and blue, for Rs 610.
The Stick Foundation: Its a task to find the right foundation; the one that doesnt run or get patchy, matches your skin tone, and doesnt leave you looking like youve dunked your face in dough. If you can afford it, try their stick cream foundation. For Rs 1,145.
tinaz.nooshian@mid-day.com
Red Earth didnt know we were there. YOUR GUiDE pays for purchases made
How to get there
Shop number 122, 1st floor, Atria Mall, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli
Tel: 24813523
Shop!
Chic, but definitely not cheap
Playing up the stereotypes of irony has been the trademark of haute couture label Moschino, but the brand has outdone itself with the Cheap and Chic Fall/Winter 2006-2007 collection.
There is no doubt that their designs are the epitome of chic and style, but why tag the word cheap with a fashion range where a little black dress with subtle detailing costs approximately Rs 70,000? We must add that the Cheap and Chic fragrance lives up to every bit of its name, though. Try it.
At Moschino, Taj Mahal Hotel, Apollo Bunder
See!
Move beyond the conventional
You dont need to go to the gallery to buy works of greats like Anjolie Ela Menon, SH Raza and MF Husain anymore. The Arts Trust is holding an online exhibition of 14 such artists titled, Master Class.
You simply have to log on, tour the gallery and register yourself on the website. If you like a painting, click on the buy button, and the painting will be kept on hold till the trust receives your draft payment. The painting will then be couriered to your door step.
On till August 31 at www.theartstrust.com
Eat!
Ek ke daam mein adhai
Do you feel cheated when you are charged Rs 35 for a glass of synthetic, ultra sweet Mosambi juice at a multiplex (thats what happened to us at Cinemax at Infiniti Mall)? Head to this fruit juice stall where you get a one-and-a-half large glass of carrot-beetroot juice for Rs 10.
Thats because the obliging and surprisingly hygienic juicewalla will pour out the remaining fresh juice into your glass after you are done with your first helping. The rates apply to fruit juices as well. There is no ice involved either, if you are worried about catching a cold or water-borne infections.
At juice stall next to Aarey Milk stand, near Mc Donalds, Vile Parle
Explore!
Honest take on cafs and clubs
A bit shady. The interior designer was probably having a bad day, reads one review of a nightclub whose owner was recently embroiled in a cocaine controversy.
The Biryani rocks, goes another restaurant review on the Mumbai page page of burrp.com. The website was launched this August 15 by five buddies who had difficulty getting around the city, and were jaded by professional reviews. Find out what Mumbaikars really think, and where to drink, dine and dance.
Log on to www.mumbai.burrp.com
Learn!
Its all in the presentation
And that includes a wedding too. Packing and presentation has become as important as what lies beneath, in this increasingly superficial world.
With the wedding and festive season looming large, learn how to pack a wedding trousseau from Dharmendra Sharma. Its meant not only for brides-to-be, but anyone who wants to pursue a career as a wedding planner or be involved in the wedding preparations of a close friend or family member.
To register call 9322284820
Experience!
Finally, a party without Himesh
If you think its impossible to spend a Saturday night without Himesh Reshammiyas nasal twang ringing in your ears, give Olive Bar and Kitchen a chance this weekend.
Dont let the celebrity brigade intimidate you from having a good time. Ditch the formal dining environment, and head to the bar for a heady mix of cocktails, thin crust pizzas and house music. With good lighting, and just the right amount of people, a place where your Saturday night ensemble wont go unnoticed.
At Olive Bar and Kitchen, Union Park, Khar
Fair
Furniture and furnishings...
If you are planning to redo your home, drop in at the International Furniture and Furnishings Fair. Its an exhibition-cum-display of home, office, kitchen and outdoor furniture, furnishing and home accessories. Over 50 brands are scheduled to participate. At Nehru Centre, Worli from August 17 to 21, between 10 am and 8 pm
Courses
Design...
To encourage students to express their creativity, Nehru Science Centre along with Edit Institute will hold the Creative Design Contest (CDC) 2006 on August 19, and a seminar titled, Design Career and Courses (DCC) 2006 on August 20. CDC includes categories such as Advertising, Fashion and Product Design, Drawing for Animation, Architectural Models. The seminar will cover areas including animation, advertising, digital media and web multimedia. Registrations are open to students and graduates till August 17
Sale
Furniture...
Pinakin, the furniture and collectible store is holding an annual sale, offering up to 50% off between August 18 and 29. The sale will be on at Kamalnayan Bajaj Hall, Bajaj Bhavan, Nariman Point from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm (including Sundays). Expect to see sofas, profile chairs, beds, side tables, dining tables and chairs, sideboards, vases, carpets and marble resin murals
Furnishings...
Drape your home in rustling silk. Shyam Ahujas monsoon sale offers a 35% to 60% discount on a collection of cushions, table linen, towels, handwoven rugs and silk and cotton fabrics. At Kemps Corner, Juhu and Thane
