Interview with Lea Rajendran, director and founder of Sundari Cosmetics.
 It was a sticky steamy Sunday afternoon last week when LA-AH stepped into a dark staircase that leads to a wonderfully lit bright open planned office floor. The white walls were met with the beautiful natural light and some foliage, which illustrated a quiet, peaceful and organized office.
There, LA-AH was greeted by no other than Lea Rajendran, director and founder of Sundari Cosmetics. Lea is no stranger to the industry, having previously experienced life over in London as a make up artist working backstage in numerous fashion shows. It was only a couple of years ago that Lea decided to start Sundari Cosmetics and despite her youthful business, she has already managed to secure a highly sought after office location in Prahran, Victoria for her business. She has also had the amazing privilege of being able to work in conjunction with The Caulfield Racecourse and also be involved in Miss India Search 2013.
We then took to the empty room to our left for a short interview during this hot steamy Sunday afternoon.
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A: What are you wearing today, As in Eyes, Lips, foundation and Blush?
So today, Iâm actually wearing the silk crĂšme Foundation in number 7 and on top of that am the silk crĂšme foundation powder, which is a medium-dark. On my eyes, Iâve actually got the colour silver in the loose powders with negra black smoke on the outer eye and in the inside of my eyes Iâve got chubby silk crayon to line the inner corner of the eye - which is actually a new product coming out this year and itâs in a white, dusty, champagne color, which helps pop your eyes and is finally lined with black liquid liner. For my cheeks Iâve used a bronzer in a shade called Cambia and then for my lips, itâs one of our new products as well, which is quiet pigmented with carmine.  In the mineral makeup world its hard to get lip sticks with color, a lot of them are sheer so what we are bring out this year, or should I say, very shortly in conjunction with the new look book are 5 new bold cultured lip sticks, which are very on trend right now.
A: Was that the colour that was used on me for the shoot?
Thatâs one of them, one of the colours. The one I have on today is probably a lighter tone, more so that you can have the nude and the reason I have gone for this one is it caters to darker skin tones because a lot of the nudes out there cater to for lighter skin tones so on us it almost looks like we have chalk on our lips.
A: So on average, how long does it take you to do your makeup?
I would probably say about 10 minutes to apply my make because I know what I am doing and it does become a routine after a while.
A: For me it takes forever [laughs]
Well, I love make up and I love working with different colors and different things like one day I might do bronzer on my cheeks the next I use blush or might even use highlighter. So I like to play around.
I do, if I go out then I contour using a number 8 crĂšme foundation on the underneath part of my cheekbone, just to make my cheek bones pop as I do have a square jaw.Â
A: What's a fail-proof way to pick the perfect shade of foundation?
I think the best fail-proof way is that it needs to be applied in natural light and also when you put it on the skin it should melt into your skin, it should not be sitting on top as a color. It should in a sense, absorb into the skin to the point that you canât even tell itâs there.
A: And would it be better to use a brush, sponge, or fingers for blending?
I generally go for brush but thatâs more for hygiene purposes, especially when I do it for other people, but it depends. Some people like the sponge as it feels like it gives them a little more coverage. However, Iâm a fan of the tools of the trade.
A: And what are your preferences in looks: Natural or Dramatic?
Ooh thatâs a tough one, I think for every day I do like the natural look, a little bit of bronzer and minimal make up. I think sometimes less is more and especially in our climate of Melbourne, it would actually make your skin feel better by the end of the day and is more comfortable to breathe in as well. If I were going for a night out, I love to vamp it up and put nice big bold lip also some false feathery lashes to enhance what I already have.
A: What is your current obsession, such as: lipsticks, eye shadows or earrings?
For me I love lipstick, at the moment especially because the bold lip is very on trend as itâs almost like you can get away with it and people are not going to look at you and say its outrageously bright, rather they would say it looks awesome.
A: Yeah thereâs a lot of color coming out in Melbourne, in both lips and hair.
Well with hair, thereâs a lot of Chalking and I think that goes really well with obviously the bold lips, which are your currents, magenta. We have Rihanna, who is doing really well with the bright purple lipstick and also the deep purples and brown colored lipsticks looks amazing on her dark skin tone as well.
A: If you had to wear only one thing, (not including foundation) what would it be?
The one product I cannot live without would be concealer.
A: And what are some essential tips for a glowing complexion?
Glowing complexion begins from the inside out, so having a healthy diet, which consists of lots of water, a variety of fruit and vegies and also fish oil for omega is detrimental for our inner health and beauty. Fish oil is very important, itâs number one for me as itâs amazing. Externally if you want that glow, what you need to get is a really nice foundation that is lightweight and dewy, also maybe use a powder that has little micro or flex in it and that it has a hint of shimmer to help with the glowing look. And at the moment highlighters are really in. Highlighters can even be used in your primers, in your moisturizers, you can use it as an eye shadow, or even as a contour and that just really makes your skin glow.
A: It's quiet apparent that your aware of the current market in the fashion industry with your previous experience as a make up artist in London for fashion shows and also as a make up artist who is closely connected to trends, what would be your favorite color combination/palette for this season?
I think my colour combination at the moment would be a nice big magenta lip, minimal eye make up complimented with liquid eyeliner and a bit of highlighter on your cheeks. To top it off with a pair of feathery lashes, just keep it simple and keep the main attraction to the lips.
A: What product release are you most excited about? Because I know youâre doing a fair bit.
Yeah, we do have a fair bit going on but the most exciting would have to be the look book. Iâm really excited about that because the shoots of the girls are just gorgeous, but it will also showcase Sundariâs 2013 range really well and also show how you can be so versatile and that you actually donât need many products to produce a great look.
A: When is that being released?
It will probably be around April.
A: We will be looking forward to that! What are some of the highs and lows of opening your own makeup and beauty studio?
Some of the highs are obviously having complete control over what comes out of the manufacture plants and deciding on the colours. I have control on what goes into those products as well. Whereas, when youâre a consumer you just have to take whatâs out there. Another high would be working for myself, having the autonomy to work my hours to really decide the direction of the company as well. What I really love is being able to work alongside some amazing sponsors like The Melbourne Racing Club, The Butterfly Foundation and soon to be The Miss India Quest 2013. And for me, that is exciting because as I get to meet amazing people with amazing personalities, who are very talented creative, and I mean all that in one day. Being involved in such events is just absolutely a dream.
A: I was at the Caulfield Races and I saw you judging the fashion show looking all serious and professional, I was going to say hi but I didnât want to disturb you, but you were a great judge!
Oh thank you! You should have come over to say hi!
Some of the lows would probably be the inconsistency as no two days are the same and you canât really predict anything. In your first start up stage itâs all about the cash flow so everything that comes in actually goes out. You donât really have much for yourself and you have to be really disciplined. You really you have your heart out on the line so if anything fails, you have only yourself to blame. Also the lack of staff to push the business forward would be another low.
A: But itâs great youâre getting a lot of exposure by getting involved in events and promotions. Whatâs your inspiration to continue?
My biggest inspirations would be the fact that this makes me happy. Being happy and positive helped me follow my dreams. I believe that happiness is contagious.
A: And what are your weaknesses? In terms of shoes, purses, clothes, jewelry, eye shadow, lipstick, etc.
Oh boy, All of the above. [laughs] Anyone who knows me will say my weakness is shoes. Thatâs a sure thing and I also have a thing for jackets! Thatâs why I love winter, layering on and accessorizing. You can have one outfit and accessorize it differently in so many ways.
A: It actually matches how you put on your make up, you like it natural with minimal make up with main feature, which are the lips. And then you have your whole layering concept in regards to what you would wear.
A: Whatâs next step for you? Your next big project?Â
My next project will be the Miss India Quest that we are focusing on right now and also will be having the grand final in June. At the moment we are in the process of choosing contestants. We are focusing on searching for women of all ages, who are confident, sassy, intelligent, have the right attitude to all aspects of their lives and essentially beautiful both on the inside and out. Also with my business I am also heading into the direction of attaining a sales representative who can pitch my products to salons and chemists nationally. And eventually I would like to focus on starting up a training school to train those who will be selling my products how to apply and utilize the make up products correctly and also educating customers on how to apply and make the most out of their purchasing experience.
S: How exciting! In regards on the Salon school, is that something like Napoleon or Gorgeous Cosmetics?Â
Our workshops will be catered to all levels of experience, people with no knowledge of how to do make up, people who want to gain insider tips, master classes with guest appearances from industry experts for the more experienced who want to get creative in an environment that is fun & interactive.
S: I think that would be perfect for girls who basically want to focus more on mineral and healthier alternatives on make up. Especially with how the Australian public is turning towards being more aware on being eco-friendly and focusing on sustainability, just having that, as a backbone is a really good fall front for you.
 The workshops that I want to do has a different edge and approach, yes itâs about the mineral makeup, but itâs also about understanding why mineral make up is better alternative and also talking about the concept of a healthier body, mind and soul. Which is the epitome of Sundari. So, just having that little bit extra for girls who are wearing make up so they are not suffering from body image issues or anything like that, theyâre actually doing it because women are beautiful inside in and out. Thatâs one of the reasons I have chosen to partner up with Butterfly foundations as they works along side our philosophy.
A&S: WE should celebrate that! We learnt a lot today!  Thank you so much for your time!
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