Master Strokes

“For over two decades,I have lived in Delhi but my Hindi is as bad as my Malayalam. Thankfully I can converse in English,” said Pillai,as she addressed a select group of women at an interactive workshop hosted by Himalaya Herbals on Tuesday. “We were four sisters and would end up using the same creams and lotions that my mother bought,” she said.

For someone who puts out new make-up trends on the ramp every season,Pillai is the best person to be dishing out tips. “A pop of neon colours is a must this summer. Just don’t go orange on the lips,” said Pillai,who is working on taking her signature make-up line online.

Speaking of trends,Pillai says she is a firm believer that it’s best not to try “too much” or “too hard”. “While an eye-liner with glossy lips look is a classic,this summer it’s also about colourful eyeliners and the winged look is in,” she said. If you are having a tough time keeping your tresses under control,Pillai is happy to share that a messy,out-of-bed look is in. “But that doesn’t mean untidy and unclean,” she added. And,if you mother has been hounding you to oil your tresses,Pillai says she’s right.

“Hot oil hair massage is great but don’t leave the oil for too long,” she said. Pillai also recommends going back to braiding but with a twist. “The fishtail braid is fashion’s favourite this season,” said Pillai.

Strangely,she’s shied away from working for Bollywood films. “The only film I did was Taal with Aishwariya Rai and I just feel it’s not my cup of tea. I find fashion more challenging and exciting,” said Pillai who has been looking to bring her salon to Chandigarh for a while now. “Punjabi girls are so beautiful and though they don’t need to do much,I have a big clientele from Punjab,” she says.