"Love of beauty is Taste. The creation of beauty is Art" - Ralph Waldo Emerson (American poet)

Tuesday, 22 March 2011

Product Warning For Your Nails

Important message. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT! It has ruined my nails!

I shouldn't have used it anyhow not knowing if it's animal tested or not but I was out of my usual O.P.I. product and had this kicking around in an old makeup bag. I have taken it off today after three days as a base coat and my nails have completely split. I am shocked - what the heck is in this stuff? Whatever it is it's bad - very very bad.

Revlon Multi-Care Base & Top Coat

BAD!

Tuesday, 15 March 2011

Danielle Scutt - Lipstick Inspiration

Why do I want these shoes!? Why do I want these earrings?! Because they're bloody awesome that's why! I would never have anywhere to wear them but oh I so wish I could carry it off!

Danielle Scutt for Topshop

"In times of economic crisis, the two 'luxury' items which flourish in the women's sector are lipstick and jewellery," says Scutt. "With that in mind, the collection plays with themes of luxury, feminism and surrealism."

Monday, 14 March 2011

Shellac - Welcome To The Future!

My friend Helen from work just came into my office and she had the most beautiful nails. She said she's had this new Shellac treatment done. It was beautiful - her own natural nails. Lasts for at least 2 weeks (circa £25 a pop - some nail salons could differ). Toes are said to last up to 6 weeks.

"Shellac is the breakthrough, patent-pending UV3 technology that combines the ease of wear of polish, with the permanence of gels.  A true innovation in chip-free, extended-wear colour.  Shellac applies like polish—no pots—just a bottle and brush.  And removal is just 10 minutes!  No filing.  No buffing.  No drills."


Friday, 11 March 2011

Interview With Linsey

Linsey is a good friend of mine whom I have known for quite awhile now. I suppose we originally met because she and I shared a boyfriend (at different times and she had him first). It's a strange twist of affairs but I love her - we always have fun (sometimes more than we should). She's an ex-Glaswegian and a muse for me because she always looks amazing and has excellent taste. Oh yes - we also share a love of beardy men. So thank you to my favourite Scot for taking the time out today.


1) What is your evening and morning beauty regimes?

I'm pretty low-maintenance – in the morning I just slap on some Weleda Rose Day Cream and Kiehl's tinted moisturiser before I go out. At night I cleanse and then use Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. It's expensive, but it has a pipette, so it feels like science. I'm a sucker for a pipette.


2) What are some of your beauty tips if any?

Keep it simple. Rather than overload your face with lots of different products, invest in a few great ones. A good cleanser and a great moisturiser/tinted moisturiser is pretty much all you need. And the fewer ingredients the better, especially ones with made-up names such as Boswelox or Youthadrine or whatever.
I gave up smoking recently and have been amazed by the improvement in my skin. I am planning to start drinking water at some point, but it is so very boring.


3) Favourite product?

My favourite product used to be Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil. But since I've given up my job, I'm looking into making my own cleansing oil, using Castor oil, extra virgin olive oil and some essential oils. I'm going thrifty! Argan oil is also great. I think for ladies of a certain age, we need to preserve ourselves in oils :)
My makeup staple is Mac's Brow Set. After some zealous over-plucking in the 90s, I have to draw in my brows every day and this looks the most natural. Apparently you can also use it on your sideburns. (http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/149/305/Brow-Set/index.tmpl)


4) Favourite scent and why?

I don't really like scents too much – I hate when people smell too cloying or unnatural, especially on public transport – I actually think it's just as rude to inflict your stink on other people as it is to have crap headphones – it's nose assault. I sometimes use Kiehl's Musk body lotion. Body lotions give a much nicer, more gentle waft of a smell.


5) What is a complete turn off in a man grooming wise?

Oh, difficult – there are SO many, poor souls :) As mentioned, any overpowering aftershave/scent is horrible (those Lynx effect ads should show actually women running for the hills, covering their noses), as is any kind of complicated hairstyle that needs product. Over groomed can be worse than under groomed.


6) What is a complete turn on?

Simple things – an out-of shower smell, a good haircut, nice shoes. And a beard, obviously.


7) What look do you despise for girls out there - anything you wish would disappear?

I just don't get that weird, super-tanned, mega-makeup'd, ultra-dyed hair look. Let your natural beauty shine through ladies! I also hate people who look young and beautiful – they're just showing off.

Wednesday, 9 March 2011

Orange Lippy

I didn't think I would ever carry it off. It's been a very hot trend on the catwalks this year so far and I love the futuristic/tropicana look of it. It screams "welcome to Miami" or something like that. I bought Lord & Berry's Mandarino duo pack and it's absolutely gorgeous. It looks good with pale skin too. I prefer in matte rather than glossed up. MAC has a really beautiful one plainly called Neon Orange but sold out on their website already - keep an eye out for it!


Wednesday, 2 March 2011

Pretty Boys Of Rock

Some boy rockers like a little eyeliner - some like a whole lot more than that. Thanks to the friends that helped me brainstorm this handful. Who else?


The Icon. Nobody does it better.

Not just pretty faces.
Nick Rhodes mastered a look in the 80's and to this day it's rare he's seen without makeup.

George - almost on trend - minus the corn rows. I've seen him around
a couple times, once in Shoreditch with his trademark makeup on and then again without. He's much more interesting with it on. It's amazing work. 


Some strange choices but did it work
for him or what! Glossy lips = 80's icon!


Marc Bolan - Glamtastic.
Little Richard wore eyeliner for exaggerated eyes and foundation with powder for a matte finish.


Eyeliner and more eyeliner!

They tried it without makeup for album "Lick It Up" but had nowhere near the commercial success. Give the kids what they want! 


Brian Molko - While Molko was brought up in a strict household that disapproved of artistic expression (his father wanted him to become a banker) he rebelled by affecting an androgynous image, wearing nail polish, lipstick and eyeliner, and listening to punk.


Robert Smith - he made Goth cool.
Trademark smeared red lipstick, pale complexion, artfully disheveled black hair.
He's sported this look since the 80's and to this day.




Tuesday, 1 March 2011

I Am A Golden Goddess

Sorry dar-links! I have been busy deciding what next to try out (for your benefit of course). I have been ebaying things I don't want for makeup I do want hence the delay in posts. However - I have a treat for you today! Voila! Behold my new babies! I will be disco chic don't you think?

Gold Member Cream Blush - NARS £20.50.
 Moisture-rich cream finish formula that provides smooth, silky color for naturally luminous skin. Delivers long-lasting color with a velvety texture and blends easily for healthy glowing skin.
  • Provides a sheer, flush of color for all skin tones
  • Enriched with Vitamin E
  • Rich pigments blend effortlessly
Find it works best using a primer underneath. Will come off easily but after applying some fake tan this makes me look - well - radiant! Use on eyes, cheekbones, bridge of nose. More of a highlighter than a blush.

NARS Limited Edition Spring 2011 Desperado Nail Polish £13.50
Featuring a hardwearing formula, it is chip resistant for a glossy, long-wearing finish with added UV protection to prevent discolouration.

I'm in love with this. I would snap it up now - set to be another hard to find item this Spring.