Global Goddess Shalini Vadhera

Shalini Vadhera is an internationally recognized celebrity makeup artist for numerous A-List clients. Most recently, she traveled the world to author her own beauty guide, Passport to Beauty: Secrets and Tips From Around the World for Becoming A Global Goddess, which hit no. 1 on health and beauty lists. Clutch sat down with Shalini to learn more about Global Goddess, the beauty industry and her latest project.

Q: What was your inspiration in creating your makeup line, Global Goddess?
After traveling my whole life, being enchanted with global beauty and writing a book uncovering the great beauty secrets from around the world, I was inspired by what women did to look and feel beautiful. I took a lot of their secrets or their best beauty assets and created Global Goddess to represent them and share all these great secrets!

Q: I love the fact that your makeup offers a holistic approach by using natural products to nourish and maintain our skin. Can you explain some of the benefits of using these natural ingredients?
When talking to women in different countries, I noticed that most of their beauty rituals began in the kitchen with natural ingredients or with oils and ingredients that were indigenous to their locale that had been used for centuries. Almost all of those were natural and had even been used in holistic medicine.

Q: The winter season has left some of us with dry patches and dehydrated skin. What Global Goddess product can you recommend to revive and enhance our youthful appearance?
The Upgrade Complexion Face Primer will be your best friend. The Silicone Base will make your skin feel silky, the Russian Licorice will soothe dry skin as well as brighten the complexion and lighten spots, and the vitamins A, E and C will protect the skin. The Primer is very hydrating and the Light Reflection will bring back your glow.

Q: What are the hottest trends this Spring/Summer for makeup?
Defined Lined Eyes are all the rage, we created a Liquid Kohl Liner infused with Cleopatra’s secret of moringa oil to achieve this look. Red lips are another trend we are seeing paired with a golden glow and blue and green eye shadows are all the rage – sexy and shimmery textures!

Q: There has been a lack of success of “multicultural” boutique beauty and cosmetic brands. Do you have any advice for upcoming brands that would like to reach the success of Global Goddess?
Create colors that actually match! There are a lot of lines that tout their colors match mid-skintones. I have never found one that matched my skintone (I’m Indian American). I spent many years creating colors that matched that hard to match mid skintone by literally matching a color to every skintone.

Q: You have successfully launched your book, Passport to Beauty: Secrets and Tips from Around the World for Becoming a Global Goddess. What I love about your book is that it doesn’t focus on promoting brand names and high prices. Most of your recipes and remedies can be found in our kitchen cabinets. Can you offer our Clutch readers an example of one your homemade remedies?

Here’s one of my favorites!
TROPICAL ESCAPE BODY POLISHER
Rice and coconut are staples in the Thai diet, but are also used as secret ingredients in many Thai beauty routines. Rice works as an excellent exfoliator because of its gentle but gritty nature, and coconut nourishes the skin with its rich hydrating properties. Try this recipe at home and for an instant tropical escape and full body glow!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ground rice
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut

Mix ingredients together to form a thick scrub. Apply the mixture using circular scrubbing motions all over your body. Rinse and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Q: Your book travels through six continents delivering age- old, and time tested secrets to help women look and feel beautiful. Of all of the secrets you have uncovered, what are your most favorite?
One of my favorites is the secret of strong hard nails from the women in the Dominican Republic – they chop fresh garlic and add it to clear nailpolish. Then they let that concoction brew for 7-10 days. When they polish their nails, they claim to have stronger break proof nails.

The other is the one I grew up with and also our best selling product now – it’s a weekly scalp massage with coconut oil for traffic stopping shiny hair. The women of India swear by this ritual and never have to spend money at the hair salon. The rub it in their scalp and leave it on overnight, when they wash it out their hair shines and looks healthy and thick.

Cleopatra’s secret for soft smooth skin is another favorite. She knew that the lactic acid in milk make your skin look and feel amazing. Instead of lugging a gallon of milk to your tub, I use two cups of powdered milk and add it to my bath water. My dry skin always thanks me afterwards!

Q: Last but not least, what is in your Clutch? (meaning what are you favorite beauty brands/products by Global Goddess and other companies.)
I’m obsessed with my Exotic Eyes Blackest Mascara. I always have people asking if my lashes are fake! I can’t put my makeup on without my Upgrade Primer first. It’s truly the most addictive of the line! I also always keep my Complexion Perfection in my bag. It’s an easy way to look flawless all day without having to carry a bottle of makeup. The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is another favorite!

I have been going a little more smokey on my eyeshadows lately, so I have been using the Sizzling Serengeti Shadow Quads in Arusha and then using the Chai Tea I-Define Pencil to smoke it up. It’s smokey but very daytime friendly. Chapstick all natural is another must have. Works great on my lips and cuticles when I fly. Evian Spray Water is another must have to set your makeup and helps keep my skin looking fresh between meeting and shoots.

1. I-Divine Eye Liner, $16, Sephora 2. Boho Exotic Eyes, $40, Sephora 3. Jet Setter Mini Tool Case, $45, Sephora 4. Passport to Beauty: Secrets & Tips From Around the World for Becoming a Global Goddess, $14.95, Amazon 5. Shine Control Amila Revitalizing Hair Treatment, $45, Sephora 6. Goddess Glow South Pacific Shimmer, $32, Sephora 7. Exotic Eye Lash Building Mascara, $23, Sephora 8. Moroccan Mystique Lip Veils, $15, Sephora 9. Chai Cheek Color Blush, $20, Sephora 10. Shangra Light Shimmer Lips, $43, Sephora