Picture this: It’s one of those days when you are feeling down and out. But instead of indulging in retail therapy or a bowl of gooey chocolate fudge to perk up your mood, all you need to do is apply some lipstick and voila! you are grinning from ear to ear. Yes, it’s true — mood-enhancing make-up is now a reality. This was predicted as one of the hottest trends for 2010 and it’s already creating waves across the world. While these products are expected to launch in India by the end of the year, experts in the country are already underlining their benefits.
“Mood make-up goes beyond the usual aromatherapy or Ayurveda where certain ingredients that have a positive influence on your brain are mixed into the product. It is full of neurotransmitters that have a psychological impact on the user. There are a variety of phytochemicals, anthocyanins and other ingredients that come together to alter one’s mood,” explains Dr Varsha Joshi, a cosmetologist and skin consultant from Mumbai.
While it may not be possible for these cosmetics to drastically alter one’s mood, they come with one guarantee — they are definitely uplifting. “These are not drugs that give you an instant high. The chemicals here take some time to react. To simplify it, let’s just say that these neurotransmitters contain feel-good chemicals that are similar to endorphins. What they do is eliminate pain or stress,” says Palak Manchanda, assistant manager of a premier brand of cosmetics.
One of the off-shoots of this new technology is that experts say it may reduce a woman’s dependence on surgeries in the future. Dr Joshi explains the logic in a simple way, “We always tell people that only when you are happy from within, will you look good from outside and it’s a proven fact that staying happy keeps you younger. So if these products are going to make a person happier, that will definitely have an effect on the way that person looks, especially over a period of time.”
Technology may have made its inroads into the cosmetic world, but the one major component of mood enhancing make-up can be traced to the basics — colour.
“It is very well-known by now that colour plays a huge influence on a person and this is the base of mood. The thought behind this is that by applying certain colours, you can change the way you feel. For example, we advise customers who feel dull all the time to include bright reds or oranges in their palette,” explains Nishita Bose, a make-up and skin consultant.
“It’s not just about applying colours to alter your mood, it’s also about matching these hues with your personality which will help you get the best results. Like those who are grounded must use earth tones, while those who are dreamy and romantic are compatible with pastel shades,” she adds.