Dash of kohl: Bangalore’s glam quotient

Head to any hot spot in Bangalore at sundown and you will be surprised by the city’s pretty young things, all chic and trendy, ready for a night out. From the latest in haute couture to accessories and cosmetics—the city’s fashion-conscious junta sports it all and sports it with flair.

For a while now India has been identified as a huge market for the cosmetic industry: look around, and you won’t question why. Departmental stores like Central, Shopper's Stop and Lifestyle have half a floor each, dedicated to make-up counters. International players like L’Oreal, Chambor, Revlon and Maybelline vie for attention alongside Indian bigwigs like Lakme.

Health & Glow, a chain of wellness stores, also stocks a wide range of cosmetics at all its outlets that include some of the lesser-known international brands and a few Indian herbal brands like Biotique (their kajal is a must have). Though something as basic as an eyeliner pencil here will cost you a few hundred rupees, it has not deterred the city’s femme fatale from raiding the counters.

Gold, bronze and fiery skin tones can ensure that hot look for you this summer. If you are out to rock the night dust on fairy glitter, add a brush of bronze or base gold to your eyes. Use a blush with some shine to it to lift up those cheekbones. Pink glossy lip balm or juicy tubes could work wonders for your lips. A hint of rose blush and some mascara will have you looking fresh. If you have the skin tone to carry it off, try bright peacock green or aqua blue eyeliner for the ultimate come-hither look.

If you don’t mind spending a fortune to notch up your glam quotient and give the ramp queens a run for their money, check out MAC, on Commissariat Road next to The Home Store. Step into the shop and you will feel like a kid let loose in a candy store.

Recognised the world over as a premier cosmetic brand, most of its products are designed primarily for professional use. If you happen to be a model, you get a 30 per cent discount on all MAC products. And if you really don’t know what you are looking for, let them do a makeover and you will see just how glamorous you truly are.