Ramani Fernando and Michael Wijesuriya are no strangers to the beauty industry and have often worked together to craft their own special magic. Their latest joint venture is as the official beauty and fashion consultants for the Lux Ruwathi Uwathi talk show which is currently receiving rave reviews from fans.
The much talked about “makeover” segment of the show sees Ramini and Michael put their expertise into action as they provide young women with ‘a much needed platform on which to express their views and live out their dreams and learn how to “play with beauty”.
“The makeover segment is indeed successful and I’m happy with the response it has received. It’s wonderful to be able to bring out the true potential of each of these girls,” says Michael. Ramani agrees. “Many who have spoken to me want to see more of the make over segment and even suggest additional details to consider when effecting changes to existing looks!”
So do they feel that the show really does achieve its objective of helping young women? “The makeover segment in the show has created the perception that every woman can look great with just some subtle changes that will bring out the best in her. Furthermore, makeovers do a great deal to enhance confidence … It is amazing to see how some of the more introverted and timid girls who come over for a makeover show a great deal of confidence as soon as they see a difference in themselves after the makeover. We also find that after the LUX show, we have many requests from people, mostly from the young ones, for changes in their looks and appearances,” says Ramani.
What do they feel is the biggest barrier for Sri Lankan women to making the most of themselves? “Our society,” says Michael immediately. “Our women are restricted because of societal constraints and judgments. But it’s getting better – women are more educated and equal rights are more in force now. They are much more independent and not so susceptible to negative male judgment anymore.”
“While there were barriers earlier I now feel that there is a lot of awareness and a majority of people are conscious of their looks.
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Makeover shows like what we’re involved in, will without doubt enhance awareness and make everyone feel that they too could benefit by a subtle change or two. It will also ensure that they spend some time maintaining their body and skin!” adds Ramani
“From the village woman to the urban woman, most of them are now exposed to beauty and fashion trends and are taking increased care of themselves. Of course, more and more awareness programmes paying emphasis to detail by professionals on how change could help will further enhance their knowledge and encourage their efforts to project themselves better,” says Ramani.
And to help enhance her looks, what are Michael’s ‘fashion essentials’? “I think every Sri Lankan woman should have saree jackets in black, white, silver and dull gold with shoes to match in those very same colours,” says Michael, “you can team those up with any saree. A pair of jeans and a black skirt are also a must – they go with almost anything and sometimes can be just the item you need to dress up or dress down.” Ramani sees it somewhat differently. “To dress according to your personality and figure and maintain your skin and body,” she says emphatically “this is something which you do not require a lot of time and money for…All you need is the will and desire to look good, and to put some effort into it.” | 
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