Cindrella was lucky to have a fairy godmother who transformed her for the ball. Since then the stock of fairy godmothers seem to have diminished and most women share Cindrella’s predicament. Clothes can be purchased but every woman has to do her own makeup at some point in life. Make-up is an art by itself so it needs expert advice.To help the women in Sri Lanka on correct techniques of makeup and beauty the ‘Perfumerie’ the one stop boutique for makeup and fragrances got down the international make up artiste Christian Ribot of Givenchy. An expert on beauty care from France he represents the new Givenchy range of cosmetics and skin care.

This international make up artiste said that Sri Lankan women are keeping abreast of latest fashionable trends and are now very fashion conscious. He said that every decade brings in new trends and women should realise they can’t sport the same look that reigned 30 years ago.

Sri Lankans have a good skin but due to sun exposure it can be easily damaged.So the women here should take extra care of themselves. The basic need of a good moisturing is the first step to a clear skin. The skin should be cleansed, moisturised and toned before applying make-up." When I first came to Sri Lanka some years ago it was difficult for me to convinced the young and the old of certain fashionable trends, they were conservative in their outlook and was not daring enough to change their classical looks. This time things were different, women were ready for radical changes. They accepted new colours in lipsticks, eyeshadows and wanted to keep up to the trends. This time at Majestic city. and at Odel parfumerie boutiques I have made up so many faces both young and old and I felt they were ready for the new look in make-up" said Ribot. He emphasised on the colours of the lipsticks. Light colours like beiges, brown, pinks are the "in" colours this season. Lipsticks applied with a gloss are much in vogue in the West.

Young women should avoid the pencilled lip look says Ribot. Instead go for a lip brush whenever you apply lipstick."You can skip the eyeliner entirely and instead use frosty glittery or glossy eyeshadows. For a stunning effect use colours like gold, silver etc. A mascara provides eyelashes with the much needed look. Stay away from thin brows. Always emphasis on the soft look said Ribot.

When applying foundation, hide dark circles under the eyes with a good concealer, preferably a shade lighter than the colour of the foundation. Blend carefully with a wet sponge near laugh lines so that the foundation blends well into the skin. Even the conventional colours of the eyeshadows can be changed and more emphasis can be made to your eyes with colours to suit oneself.