Oh Baby!

         Here is a fun fact about myself: I love the smell of babies. OK, not dirty babies (obviously…) but the fresh, clean babies who have just been washed head-to-toe with Johnson & Johnson. So, I guess you can say that I actually like the quintessential “No Tears” scent. Hence, whenever I need to pick up body lotion in a pinch, and need a product that won’t break me out, I always reach for their classic Baby Lotion.

          Upon my usual browsing of the local grocery store, where I am constantly asked, “mam, what you want?” to which I reply, “I’m just looking” (the concept of just standing there and staring at the different varieties of beauty products does not really exist here in India, as most products are kept behind a counter and you go in and request what you want. I think that this would have you using the same products repeatedly, and never trying anything new! You know you are a makeup artist when one of your favorite “hobbies” is browsing the drugstore.). Any who, a certain product caught my eye: Johnson’s Baby Cologne. My first thought, who puts cologne on a baby? But my second was: let me buy this immediately!

          I purchased the scent “Heavenly” for a mere 125 rupees (approximately $1.50) and what can I say? I’m in love. It is a lovely light perfume to apply just after a shower, as it smells clean, crisp, and well, heavenly. It is the perfect scent to wear when you don’t want to wear a heavy fragrance, but still smell pleasant.  

          Upon further investigation (online, of course) I found that this wondrous perfume is imported from the Philippines to India (and some Philippino grocery stores in California) and a cult-hit with ladies all over the globe. Huh, I knew I was onto something. I will write about the other scents when I purchase them.

P.S. – I only use Baby Shampoo to wash my makeup brushes. It is gentle enough not to damage synthetic or natural hair, but gets them super clean! 

A Goan Getaway

Outside of the Elephant Temple on the way to Ashwen/Morjim Beach

          The question on everyone's lips when you're a foreigner in Mumbai is "have you been to Goa yet?" With my hectic class schedule, I wasn't able to check out this European-favored getaway until this past weekend.

          The draw of Goa? Besides, well, pristine beaches on the Arabian Sea? The prices. My stay at Resort Rio, considered a five-star hotel, came to about $80 per night. Have you started looking up plane tickets yet?

The hotel's pool

         I spent the first day at the idyllic Morjim Beach, on a sunbed, complete with private, hand-thatched coconut hut, fully attentive restaurant service, and even the option of ayurvedic massages. The price for a full day of cold drinks, my favorite coconut water, lunch, and snacks? Around $8.

         For dinner, I headed to Jamie's in Baga, where I feasted on filet mignon, the first bit of red meat I've had since coming to India. It was a glorious moment. 

         I also got the chance to check out the famed Baga Beach. I spent the day at the Shining Star Beach Shack, where not only do you get delicious drinks and food, but everything from manicure/pedicures (for less than $2), massages, and jewelry is offered to you right at your sunbed. While I enjoy the sight of thousands of men in Speedo's just as much as the next girl (please sense the sarcasm), I found Baga to be a bit too crowded for my taste, and filled with hawkers selling DVDs, strawberries, faux Quiksilver, and just about everything in between. Sort of like the Seaside Heights of Goa, without the added charm of Snooki dancing surfside.

Perhaps you can see the Speedo's in the background...

         In Baga, I discovered must-visit shop, The Karma Collection. I seriously contemplated moving into the store. Filled to the brim with bed covers, pillowcases, rugs, and just about any textile you would ever want, all made from antique brocade Indian fabric refashioned to fit the Anthropologie-lover's taste. ABC Home & Carpet has nothing on this authentic piece of Indian charm. I picked up several stunning table runners, pillow cases, a tribal-chic handbag (will look super modern with a simple outfit), as well as two one-of-a-kind beachy dresses that would be perfectly at home in the Hamptons.

          If you happen to find yourself in Goa, head to the Saturday Night Bazaar in Arpora. While many of the items are obscenely overpriced by Indian standards, and quite run-of-the-mill, in the chaos, I found  a few gems. Indian cinnamon and ginger, two gaudy-in-a-good-way tops, and some adorable handmade elephants for gifts. The live jazz band made it quite a fun way to spend my evening.

         One thing I've missed from the US is simple, no frills cuisine. While I've certainly learned to love Indian food, sometimes I crave something that isn't decked to the nines in sauces. Lila Cafe, on the Baga River, satisfied my request. Besides the super-cool Fire Island by way of the spice triangle environment, and tee shirts that the waiters wear (you can pick one up in the attached shop for $5) the eats and coffee here are divine. The salad I had, which was simply shaved carrots and fresh coconut dressed in a smidgen of orange juice, may be the most luscious vegetable dish I've had in some time.

         Something I didn't mention about Goa? The booze. Although I spent my holiday liquor-free, I would be doing a disservice to the place if I failed to mention alcohol, which is obscenely cheap. Beers will run you about 40 cents each, and a cocktail made with the local vodka? About eight-tenths of a dollar. It is available just about wherever you turn, at any hour of the day or night. So drink up, because back in Bombay you'll be hit hard with the high alcohol tariff.

        While Goa was definently touristy, it is a must-visit for anyone who finds themselves in India, if for nothing else, the people watching. I have heard that South Goa, however, is much quieter, so perhaps if I get a chance to go back, I will stay there instead. 

It's a HOLIday

           Every makeup artist dreams of a day where they can splash their wildest colors of MAC pigments and Make Up For Ever Flash Creams on everyone they encounter. Well in India, my dream has come true, with a holiday called Holi. Celebrating the onset of spring, businesses, colleges, and just about everything else is closed so that friends and family can take to the streets and literally go hog-wild, splashing brightly colored pigments and water around until they resemble Dr. Seuss characters.

          On March 8^th, which was Holi this year, I was advised to stay inside, as the pigments can stain light colored hair for weeks or even months. Since I’m the first to admit that my hair is a bit of an investment, I obliged. But looking at photos of Holi on Pinterest gave me the urge to at least see what it was all about. If nothing else, the color-mixing would serve as tremendous photoshoot inspiration.

From Pinterest

         I decided to walk around the area I live, and was greeted by numerous smiling faces who were happy to pose for photos showing off their Holi “best”. And by best, I mean brightest. The vivacity of the color and spirit was amazing. Almost all I came across spread a little pigment on my face (avoiding the hair) to wish me a “happy Holi”.

         I have far too many bright colors in my makeup kit to not use Holi as an inspiration for an upcoming shoot or two. Combined with minimal white clothing, the effect could be stunning. Stay tuned.

A Glass of Gratitude

A flower garland, traditionally used in the Hindu religion as an offering to a deity, that I found washed up on Chowpatty Beach in downtown Mumbai. Vivid colors and inspiring beauty are everywhere, even upon a polluted shoreline.

         I have been very lucky in my life. Unfortunately, as many others do, I often forget this when obsessing about small things like the fact that I can’t afford a Proenza Schouler PS11 or that my hair isn’t thicker. Instead of focusing on the blessings I do have, I frequently beat myself up over my negative qualities or material items that I don’t possess, that in the long run, have minimal importance on happiness or well-being.

          On Friday night, in typical Charlotte “klutzy” character, I stubbed my toe in my doorframe. Well, it was more than the usual stub. I fractured my third toe and have perhaps broken another bone above it in my foot. Confined to bed rest for several days, as cliché as it sounds, I have had some time to reflect on my life, and journey this far.

         The highly visible juxtaposition of India has, in a short period, allowed me to think beyond the typical boundaries and confines I have back in New York City. While certainly you see poverty when riding the subway or walking through the Bronx, it is not so apparent as it is here in Bombay. Here, the Four Seasons Hotel, complete with rooftop club, infiniti pool, and all-inclusive spa, sits directly across the street from a huge slum. The rich and the poor coexist in a peaceful, respectful manner, but as the days pass, you, unfortunately, become more and more immune to the sight of flea-ridden stray animals and begging children that approach your cabs at each and every stoplight.

But, when I take the time to really look around outside, the fact that children, without shoes and covered in filth, are playing in the street past midnight, I swallow my ignorance and remember my blessings.

          Most importantly, I have an incredible, loving family that has enabled me to follow my dreams and my heart, even if that means moving halfway across the world. People, who, in the wake of my father’s unexpected death, were there for me, through the tears, the laughter, and the joy. People who never doubted the career path, however obscure it was, that I set out to do so early, and supported me wholeheartedly through it. Life has also allowed me to discover my career path very young, something that not all people can tout. I have a body that allows me to walk around and explore my surroundings, learning new things by seeing how exactly this huge world works, a little glimpse at a time. A healthy body (well, before I injured my foot, but it will heal) that I can twist and contort to whatever strange Bar Method position I decide, or subject to some crazy, low-carb diet whenever I choose with a refrigerator filled with fresh produce. These are just a few of the things that I so often take for granted.

         It can be difficult to admit how selfish we often behave, especially when we are surrounded by others who have been given the same privileges. But when you take a moment to stop, and, truly, “count your blessings”, that perfect lipstick that you can never seem to find or the pair of Loboutins that you would “kill” for, really don’t make any difference to your true happiness. A minute of positive thinking and embracing those we love means much more at the end of the day than anything else we can waste time doing.

          I’m not writing this to encourage you to become the next Mother Teresa, or Gandhi (I'd say India taught them far more lessons than I could ever grasp), by any means; but perhaps to turn and hug your best friend or mother or father or brother or sister, and thank them for the support and love they’ve given that has enabled you to live your life so beautifully and blessed. Try to be a bit more grateful when things aren’t going your way, and allow the power of positive thought to bring gratitude into your being.  

Special Skincare Finds in Herbal Paradise

           So, how long do you think I can be in a new country before exploring what unique cosmetics they have to offer? Yes, if you guessed barely one day, you are correct. I can’t help it – I’m a makeup junkie.

          Thus far, I’ve only gotten as far as checking out the skincare – makeup will be next! I’m always searching for the “miracle product” to cure my acne-prone yet extremely dry skin, and with 10,000 years worth of knowledge of herbs, I figured the Indian lines may know a thing or two about what they are doing.

Chant Hydrating and Balancing Gel – I picked this up at The Rebirth Store, a franchise specializing in organic, natural bodycare products. Free of parabens, sodium laurel sulphate, and other harmful chemicals, the active ingredients in this unique clear gel moisturizer are Aloe Vera Juice, paprika, tumeric, and a host of essential oils – frankincense, lavendar, juniper berry, and cedar wood. For approximately $2, it is quite the steal! It is the ideal morning moisturizer, keeping oilies at bay while hydrating my skin. It would also be an ideal after-sun moisturizer. I can’t wait to put this in my makeup kit – it’s perfect to mix with foundation to create a tinted moisturizer.

Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash – Himalaya Herbals is the holistic Neutrogena of India – you can buy it almost anywhere, and their products are widely known to be non-irritating and highly effective. I saw that this product contained “Neem” and I was sold, as the best nail product I have ever used is Dr. Haushka’s Neem Nail Oil Pen, so I assumed the antibacterial tree leaf ingredient would cure it all. When combined with the anti-inflamatory Turmeric, it packs a major pimple-fighting punch. It sells for about $1, and it works better than other face washes that I’ve paid an arm and a leg for, removing all traces of makeup, including mascara, without stinging. The added bonus, of course, is that it has helped clear my skin dramatically, and it has only been about a week and a half.

Khadi Natural Rose Water - I’ve heard for quite some time that Rose Water makes the best toner, but never had the chance to try it. I wish I had started sooner! I picked up this Khadi product at a natural foods store near where I live, drawn to the fact that the ingredients were only rose petals, and, obviously, water. After washing my makeup off, I applied it all over my face and neck with a cotton pad. The intoxicating scent would be enough to keep me hooked, but I think it has tightened my pores and added a bit of moisture to my skin. I also soaked cotton balls and used them as compresses on my eyes for about ten minutes, which was supremely relaxing. For $2.50 (in India), this is a must-buy.

Kama Ayurveda Les Jardins D’Inde Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15 – I never thought I would be able to love another sunscreen as much as Josie Maran’s, which I stocked up on before coming to India.  I despise the typical “Banana Boat” coconut-chemical scent, and many mineral sunscreens leave a strange white cast and weird texture, and Josie’s Argan Oil sunblocks were the only ones I have been able to find that are void of these properties. Well, I think I just found a much cheaper, and even more wonderfully-scented alternative. Besides the lime, ginger, and nutmeg scent that is reminiscent of my favorite Jo Malone cologne, this lotion doesn’t break out my sensitive skin or lose effectiveness when applied under makeup. So far, I’ve only tested it walking around during the day in Mumbai, I can’t truly prove it’s effectiveness until I head to Goa for a holiday in the sun.

Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Miraculous Beauty Fluid – I saved the best for last. I’m fairly certain that this is a gift from the Hindu gods to give women perfect skin. When applied after toning with Rose Water, to the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, this blend of oils and herbs makes skin glow, without an oily texture. In ayurveda, saffron oil is used to help illuminate skin color, while sandalwood, vetiver and lotus clear blemishes. This is an incredible product that is supposed to work on all ages, and I am certainly hooked. Unfortunately, it costs about 3 times as much in the United States as it does here in India, but I think it’s worth it.

Bombay Dreams

          I can safely venture to say that in the past week, I’ve learned more than I have in 20 years. India has been incredible, and this is just the beginning.

View of the Arabian Sea from a coffee shop in Bandra

         Last night, on a terrace atop a sixteen-story building with an uncompromised view of the Arabian Sea, I contemplated how blessed I was to be somewhere as incredible as Bombay. lt’s a city of contrast, change, dreams, opportunity, devastation, poverty, wealth, and above all – an enchanting magic.

         Because my courses have yet to begin, I’ve had a little time to explore, but I’ve only scratched the surface. From the Gateway of India to Marine Drive to the fabulous seaside enclave of Bandra, there are numerous hotspots in Mumbai that I have already fallen in love with.

         My day isn’t complete without a fresh coconut water, and the colors of the city have inspired my dress and makeup style tremendously. The weather thus far has been a dream: about 80 degrees during the day, and a breezy 65 degrees at night. This means that all of the spring/summer trends I’ve been dying to try out since I saw them in September are wearable without potentially contracting frostbite, as they would have been at this time in New York.

Very chic girls wearing stunning saris

My finds so far: an embroidered pillow, jewelry

An Indian-style arm party

These earrings reminded me a bit of Chanel pre-fall: Paris Bombay

         I’ll end this post with pictures, because I think they express far more than my words could. Tomorrow I am doing makeup for a photoshoot, so a post about that should soon follow!