Season

Readers, today you are in for a real treat… If you’re a fan of The Today Show’s iVillage Makeover series, you’re familiar with the work of Shalini Vadhera. Shalini is a celebrity makeup artist whose brushes have touched the skin of everyone from Brooke Burke to Cybil Shepherd. She’s also the creator of Global Goddess beauty products, and the renowned author of "Passport to Beauty: Secrets and Tips for Becoming a Global Goddess". Shalini is extremely busy… but has graciously agreed to help the readers of Raging Rouge with our most pressing beauty conundrums!

Jen: Shalini, thanks so much for bringing we beauty-addicts the luxe line of cosmetics known as Global Goddess! I personally have enjoyed the product very much. We at Raging Rouge are always interested in the tricks and techniques of the professionals.  We’re certainly looking forward to reading yours!

So let’s get right to it! What are your favorite, can NOT live without, must-have beauty products?

Shalini: I can’t live without my complexion perfection duo and upgrade primer. I have hyper-pigmentation spots of my skin and this gives me flawless skin in two minutes! And of course my blackest mascara and the Shu Uemura eyelash curler.

Jen: I’ve seen you recommend "off-label" uses for many products… from applying a thin layer of a moisturizing mask as a leave-on moisturizer to using Global Goddess Coconut Amla Hair Oil on skin for an extra-special glow. Any other great "off-label" product uses you can share with us?

Shalini: I’m a big fan of body lotion as a leave in conditioner for your hair while you’re flying, purple eye pencil as lip liner, and foundation as an eyeshadow base.  I also love using sugar mixed with honey as the perfect lip scrub.

Jen: My readers are dying to know how to best mimic the dewy glow seen on the beautiful faces of both the silver screen and the runway. What’s the secret to replicating this shimmering look?

Shalini: Exfoliate dry dead skin off your face with a great scrub, hydrate with a good moisturizer, and then apply a shimmery bronzer on your cheekbones, browbones and down the bridge of your nose. Stay with colors in the same tones to create a golden goddess look.

Jen: One of my readers is a fan of liquid eyeliner, but is having difficulties lining her eyes in conjunction with lash curling. If she curls her lashes prior to using the liquid liner, her lashes are in the way of application. If she curls her lashes after, the metal of her curler sticks to the eyeliner. Is there an eyelash curling technique that doesn’t interfere with liquid liner application?

Shalini: Instead of curling, she should apply her mascara first. Let it dry, then apply her liquid liner. The mascara creates a base and "roadmap" and makes applying liner much easier. She can curl after but concentrate on the tips of the lashes.

Jen: This one is for we 30-somethings. What’s the best technique to keep foundation and/or powder from settling into fine lines?

Shalini: Keeping the skin hydrated is so important as you age. Also using a silicone based primer like Global Goddess actually fills in fine lines and pores. Also avoid really drying textures of foundations. The more hydrating and sheer the better.

Jen: I’ve heard you can miraculously transform over-tweezed brows into something fabulous. What’s the trick to restore a natural look to over-tweezed eyebrows?

Shalini: Stop tweezing for one! And use a great brow conditioner at night to help stimulate growth like our Coconut Amla Lash and Brow Conditioner. Then use an eyeshadow and apply it with short strokes through your brows.

Jen: Every beauty publication is raving about the matte-skinned, red-lipped fall look. What’s the best way for red-lipstick-phobes to look current this fall?

Shalini: Use different versions of red that appear neutral like a crimson or wine. Or opt for a red gloss and blot, it will be a sheer more friendly version.

Jen: Shalini, you’re obviously a very busy woman! Thanks so much for your time and expertise! We were honored to host this Q&A on Raging Rouge. I sincerely hope you’ll join us again soon!