Magic moments meeting with Kajal
Beauty and lifestyle writer and make-up artist Viksha Hurrinarain chats to actress, model and entrepreneur Kajal Maharaj about work, family and beauty. Maharaj is married to actor and rapper Nesan Pather and they have two children Zorion
YOU are a mother of two gorgeous boys under 3 years old; how do you do balance work and family life?
It is important for moms to know that even a superwoman needs to take break. As mothers, we feel guilty about the choices we make. Are we spending enough time with our kids? Are we spending too much time? So, I have to say: ‘Moms, don’t be so hard on yourselves. You are doing the best you can.’ My daily mantra is prioritise, plan and pacify.
If your children wanted to follow in your footsteps and take on a career in entertainment, what advice would you give to them?
As a mom, I will forever advise my children that they are capable of achieving anything their heart desires. Entertainment, like any career, is challenging.
They need to persevere and to not let criticism get the better of them. We’ve seen you light up the social scene lately. How do you prepare for a night out?
The nigh-before ritual is a face and full-body scrub. I also apply a great mask, oils and body butter. On the day, I like to try out easy hairstyles that come out looking like it took hours to complete and my go-to make-up look is a smoky eye with a nude pink lip.
You recently starred in a play called Selfie. Can you give readers a few pointers on how to achieve a perfect selfie?
Firstly, lighting is imperative. I have learnt how to find the best lighting in a room or outside.
To practise, hold your phone in selfie position and turn around in one spot. You will find which direction lights your face in the most flattering way and then snap away.
Secondly, after you apply your make-up, take a test selfie. You then have time to correct common problems – too little highlight, colours that do not complement your skin, etc.
And lastly, play around with different heights to enhance your features.
HOW TO ACHIEVE KAJAL’S SULTRY SIGNATURE SMOKY EYE LOOK:
STEP 1: Prime your eyelids. A primer holds your eyeshadow in place and makes it last longer.
STEP 2: Create a wing with your eyeliner and then join that line going halfway across your crease line. Smudge this line using a smudging brush. This creates a softer look.
STEP 3: Add your chosen eyeshadow to the eyelid. My signature smoky eye is the classic black look.
STEP 4: Highlight the brow bone with a light whimsical colour.
STEP 5: Apply mascara to your lashes. This creates a shelf for false lash application.
STEP 6: Apply false lashes.
STEP 7: Once your lashes have dried, add a second coat of eyeliner and allow it to dry.
STEP 8: Line the bottom waterline.