by Zanita Careem
Forget the hype, fancy packaging a clever cosmoeutical warding you can’t fathom, that helps sell other major makeup brands the world over. Gunter Hilgartner’s of Givenchy approach to make up so devastatingly simple, you wonder why no one else has shown such plain common sense. It all boils down to two things making the best of yourself and feeling good about yourself.

Gunter Hilgartner was here from Paris, the fashion capital of the world after years of experience as a professional makeup artist, having done thousands of women’s faces. An Austrian by birth Gunter has been living in Paris for more than 26 years, where he studied Derormatology and Esthetics. He has also spent three years in the opera de Paris where he had the opportunity to do make-up for famous artistes such as Monstserrat, Caballe, Agnes etc.

He believes that looking pretty is not just about doing good makeup or possessing exceptional God given features . ‘No I am convinced that confidence is probably the most compelling element of real beauty. Makeup should be quick and easy says Gunter who believes in a simplified, organised approach to make-up.

"Beauty should be simple real and approachable" he continues. A woman’s true beauty style in Gunter’s opinion is not about following the latest runaway trend. Rather it is about wearing makeup that’s say enhancing "women look their best when they flatter their features rather than try to mark or distort them, he explains adding that "I look at a woman and I don’t see what’s wrong with her. I see what’s right".

His foundation, concealers and powders-all complement the skin tone, rather than making it look unnatural.

In Sri Lanka Gunter was working with the ‘Parfumerie’ at Odel and Majestic City. He represented Givenchy’s new cosmetic and skin care collection. He was here from the 10th to 14th, during that short period he was doing makeup for women of all ages.

"Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and Sri Lankans are beautiful and they have nice features' said Gunter. He was quick to point out that the Sri Lankans are very interested in skin care but regretted that most of the women he treated had dehydrated and oily skins. The harsh climate is bad for most skin types and most Sri Lankans have oily skin he said. They should treat their skin by cleansing, morning and evening, moisturing and also should use a good toner. A good moisturiser is essential for this climate. Daily cleansing morning and evening is a prerequisite for a glowing skin says Gunter. The Givenchy beauty range has sun protecting creams. Proper cleansing is the first step for healthy skin.

Sleep, healthy food and large amounts of water adds to a good complexion. In addition be sure to buy a foundation that is the perfect colour for your face" says Gunter.

"Sri Lankan climate and the lifestyle are different. So makeup should blend with the social ethos and the climate of this country." "I prefer bold vibrant colours for local skins. In Europe the pastel and lighter shades are preferred and that is very much in vogue. The climatic condition are different there and here people need colour he points out. The logic behind adjusting makeup from day to night is the fact that light is usually much lower in the evening, so make-up must be better defined for a total effect.

"Think about switching to a darker deeper or brighter lip such as red or burgundy. "Sexy" lips are the ‘in thing’ in Europe and in other parts of the world say Gunter. "You are all beautiful women with nice eyes and sharp features so why not make use of the opportunity to do up your face.

Watching him making up some of our women was intriguing with lip shiner, defined brows, good foundation some of our women were transformed into beautiful women without heavy madeup faces. Lip shine give the women the so called sexy lips.

Evening makeup should be more sophisticated points out Gunter. Even in Europe the colours differ from winter to summer. What do you mean by sophisticated makeup in the evening? We queried. Sophisticated make-up means a more dramatic but a subtle look. Foundation should be light, transparent and clean looking and the cheeks should be blushed with a blusher.The eyes should be higly made up. A liquid eye liner with eye shadows to complement your skin and outfit is part of the evening make-up.Well defined eyes should dictate the expresion says Gunter.

He recommends for all women to use fliuide scillante from Givenchy. This liquid gives light to the face and gives it a glow and highlights features. He also says that it is good to match your lipstick and blend the eye shadows with the outfits. Black, grey and brown go with everything say Gunter. You should select your lipstick as you do your jewels, in terms of what you are wearing near your face.

For Gunter every individual has something gorgeous and special about them. It’s not the question of age or having perfect features. It is to do with the personality of the person that makes them shine out.

Givenchy’s new make up collection composes core products, a silky smooth foundation,a blusher and eye shadows, all these if worn corectly give the wearer a radiant and a classic look.

Givenchy’s star product in which Gunter played wonders was fluide scillante kind of fluid, it is made for all skin types, youe e can either use it alone or under the foundation to give a veil of light to your face. It transforms your face in minutes, a few touches of the new blusher applied to the forehead, cheekbone adds golden gleam.

Givenchy’s new range of lipsticks bonds with your lips to give a perfect tone. They have a variety of colours in luscious shades. It comes with a charming surprise too. Each lipstick has a tiny integrated pivoting mirror and allow the user to steal a glance at her lips and apply a quick touch up. The height of discretion!