Get a glow on your face as easily as you fix a 100 watt bulb, says Ruchira Bose

Love the way movie stars look gilded and glamorous? You could be a golden goddess too - if you use the right products. "Knowing what products to use and how to use them, is what makes Bollywood glamour," says celebrity make-up artist Slash.

The latest buzz on the lips of Bollywood's glamour dolls are skin primers, reveals Slash. Mostly silicone-based, "these under-make-up make-ups can turn skin that has been up all night into a face that radiates like the morning sun," she promises.

"It's like an instant booster for the face, especially when actors have been working or partying late. These products cover everything by putting a thin layer of non-toxic silicone between your skin and make-up. It creates the look of a totally flawless complexion," says the make-up pro who has trained in movie make-up at Los Angeles, US.

The best part is that these silicone primers help solve issues like enlarged pores, acne scars, and even fine lines and wrinkles - temporarily, of course!

Get The Glow

The dewy luminescence made famous by stars isn't all that out of reach. Products called 'skin illuminators' can do the trick, say experts. These are pearlised shimmer creams that reflect light onto the skin.

"These products were a great breakthrough in make-up technology because by reflecting the light, they make the skin look smoother and younger," says celebrity make-up artist Cory Walia. Cory says he starts with

a primer, then adds a lotion with a small amount of pearl essence, which he says he blends over the entire face or, better still, mixes into foundation or even moisturiser. The result is, he says, the fresh-faced look frequently seen. However, he cautions that skin illuminators should not be confused with 'sparkle powder' - these are products with large chunks of metallic powder, mostly mica, that should never be used on the whole face. "Sparkle goes only on the high points of the face - the cheekbone and under the brow," says Cory. Stay away from sparkle if you have large pores or wrinkles as it can age the face faster than you can say 'Eureka'.

Seductress In The Building

If you're looking for a slightly lower wattage and a more sophisticated glow a la Katrina Kaif, Cory advises you to use a buttery cream foundation that stays moist on the skin. "Regardless of which product you use, just read the label.If it says 'metallic', avoid it; if it says the foundation will dry on the skin, it won't help you. It has to say cream or soufflé on the label and have a buttery cream consistency that stays moist, in order to get that soft glow going," he adds.

Lip Smacking

What about duplicating those bee-stung juicy lips? Aromatherapist Blossom Kocchar advises you to skip the lip-plumping products and pick up a bottle of ordinary cinnamon oil. "The oil brings blood to the lips which causes the plumping and the effects last about three to four hours," says Kocchar. However, she does warn that cinnamon oil allergies are not uncommon, so patch test it on the inside of your arm before smacking it onto your lips. If there's any redness, swelling or itching, you'll know it's not good for you.

Glow On The Cheap

Although some of these products are reasonably priced, others can set you back mega bucks! To do it all on the cheap, try applying a layer of Digene all over your face. Yes, you read that right; the digestive can set you aglow. It contains salicylic acid, and if you put a coating on your face, let it set for a few minutes, then wash it off. Your skin will have a mega glow that shines through even after you put on your make-up. And it's gentler than many salicylic acid-based skincare products.

More Celebrity

Beauty Tips

• For an instant puffiness reducer, dip a spoon in ice cold water and press the back of it against your under-eye area, cheeks, chin or any where else to reduce the bloated look.

• Looking for the best under-eye concealer? Choose a product that is thin, not thick, and then build it on in layers, patting - not rubbing - each layer in until you cover your flaws.

• For better under-eye coverage, choose a blue-based concealer, it will reflect light and make the eyes look brighter. For extra heavy dark circles try a yellow or orange-based concealer, it will neutralise darkness under the eyes.

• To keep that eyeliner intact all night, thin it with a drop of Visene eye drops. The viscous quality of Visene makes the liner go on easier and move moistly while helping it to last longer.

• For glamour-girl hair, look for shampoos that contain dimethicone copolyol, a volume booster. And always put on hair spray from underneath, which gives the roots some extra lift.

• To get a sun-kissed glow without the sun, use a powdered face bronzer, but choose a shade in pinky-brown and avoid orange tones. To keep the look natural, use a fat brush and feather it out into the hairline, down under the jaw, and onto the neck.

• The biggest eyebrow mistake? Making them too thin or too dark. Fix a gaffe by choosing a powder brush colour in a shade or two lighter than your hair to create a look that is more natural. Top it with a brow wax to keep the brow neat and in place.