LIKE many Indian women, I like my make-up to be hassle-free, long-lasting and not damaging to my skin. Not only that, my selection of shades and colours should match my own natural skin colour and give me a glow.

After all, the natural look is definitely "in". And Lakme, taking into account current trends and the needs of the modern Indian woman, has launched a new make-up range that will satisfy these needs (below, right).

The range from the long-standing Indian brand, launched in Singapore on Jan 19 at Mustafa Centre - where the products are available - includes make-up for the face, eyes and lips as well as a new nail range.

One item that stands out is the Absolute Mattreal Skin Natural Mousse, which is a two-in-one formula that requires no foundation or compact powder after application. It gives a feather-light finish concealing pores, fine lines and uneven skin tone. Easy to wear, the mousse is available in three shades and lasts for up to 16 hours. It is definitely a must-have in your make-up pouch.

Lakme has always kept up with the times and has spruced up its lip and eye palettes. These days, when peachier and nude shades are preferred for the lips, Lakme is offering the Absolute Matte and the Absolute Plump And Shine ranges in 12 and six trendy shades respectively.

Said Lakme-Unilever International business manager Jesal Mehta: "The new range has been developed keeping in mind the Asian skin tones as well as the tastes of the younger generation. So we have introduced a lot of nude colours, pinks and peaches but we also have our maroons and reds for the older generation and core Lakme consumers."

The launch saw models strutting the runway, displaying five different looks achieved by the Lakme Absolute products.

Said Unilever Asia Private Limited vice president Umesh Shah (left): "The Lakme Absolute range is doing extremely well in India and we expect similar reception in Singapore.

"Also, when we talk about quality, I think the Lakme Absolute products are on a par with international brands as well."

Although Lakme Absolute and the Lakme brand are focused on the Indian woman, the products are also targeting various other Asian skin tones. According to SDL Group director Tonya Tan, more products in this range will be revealed later this year.

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