Monthly Archives: July 2010

Jul20

The introduction of the Edward Bess make-up line.

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The introduction of the Edward Bess make-up line.

Edward Bess is the cult new make-up line that has come in direct from New York to the U.K. The make-up connoisseur first revealed the exciting and innovative new collection back in 2006 and Edward Bess has been solely specialised to Bergdorf Goodman in NYC ever since, that is until now of course!

The range is now available in the U.K and is crammed with impressive formulas and skin perfect shades that flatter every skin tone and all of this is encased in a sleek and sophisticated packaging that will be an asset to any girl’s make-up bag or dressing table.

However with news travelling extremely fast regarding the introduction of the Edward Bess line to the U.K, you better be quick if you want to get your hands on any one of the products in the make-up collection.

It has in fact been reported that all the products have almost sold out and that is only a few days after launch, however fear not if you don’t make it this time as more deliveries are said to be on the way!

Key and favourite products include the fabulous Lip Wardrobe, the Compact Rouge and the Ultra Slick Lipstick and of course the easy to use All Over Seduction piece.

This Edward Bess make-up line is said to be just as big here as it is in the United States! The Ultra slick lipstick is a firm favourite and is priced at a total of £24; this is certainly the product that got Edward Bess noticed.

Jul20

Introducing some of 2010′s new talent in the shape of Dominique Holmes.

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Introducing some of 2010′s new talent in the shape of Dominique Holmes.

Dominique Holmes is in fact an up and coming tattoo sensation who can often be found wearing the skinniest of jeans, statement towering stilettos and a retro rock tee, oh and of course her multitude of tattoos!

The rising tattoo star first became interested in body art at the very young age of 15, when she in fact got her very first tattoo. She now works as a tattoo artist completing two three- hour appointments daily and in addition to that three half hour consultations.

Holmes states that some tattoos can be created and completed within one consultation whilst others may take many more; she begins by firstly spending some time discussing ideas and concepts, creating a variety of sketches and then drawing up a final design. Every design created is a one off and up to five hours can be spent on each.

Most of Holmes clients are regulars and she already has a firm following of fans, stating that tattooing is an extremely personal experience as when you spend many hours with one same person you often build a bond. One of her favourite designs to date is a giant tattoo of a Japanese dragon.


Jul20

Essential beauty secrets.

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Essential beauty secrets.

Everyone has that one ‘can’t live without’ beauty secret, whether it’s a fail safe fragrance or a skincare tip passed down from a mother or grandmother. Wouldn’t it be great if the A-list suddenly decided to reveal one of these beauty secrets, well good news, both the chef Nigella Lawson and model Sophie Dahl have let their top tips out of the bag!

One such beauty tip comes in the shape of the covert facialist and eyebrow pro Vaishaly Patel. This complexion expert has recently introduced her exciting new skincare line to Beyond Beauty. The skincare specialist currently offers her services in the comfort of a chic Paddington Street salon; this is where she shares her beauty tips and knowledge to a growing band of fans.

It has been suggested that 99% of women are in fact using the incorrect products and skincare regimes for their complexion, believing that top priced cream’s must be more effective. Vaishaly however believes there is so much more to skincare than just the price tag.

The Vaishaly range focuses on two essential main beliefs of skincare; these are simple cleansing and nourishing. The skin connoisseur also takes a holistic approach to skincare and each product has been created using organic ingredients when achievable. Her skincare range is based on both skin friendly ingredients and an exquisite facial massage procedure. Ingredients featured in the range include skin-strengthening macadamia nut oil and anti-ageing Rosa Damascena oil

The unique facial massage technique aids to improve and increase the effectiveness of the products by motivating circulation and heartening lymphatic drainage.

Products in the range include a Cleansing Balm, which is priced at £59, a Facial Wash which can be purchased for £35, a Day Moisturiser SPF15 at £45, which is available in two versions in order to suit various skin-types and the Night Cream at a total of £55

Jul20

Designers go OTT at the Haute Couture Fashion Week.

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Designers go OTT at the Haute Couture Fashion Week.

One of last week’s biggest events to take place in Paris was the Haute Couture Fashion Week and it certainly created a massive roar in the fashion world! In fact the exciting and much anticipated show revealed a gold enthused lion, which appeared 45 foot in size, this particular piece was just one of the many highlights of the show and took a total of 6 months to create!

Paris Fashion Week usually reveals an array of A-list faces and money clad socialites and it’s no surprise with an array of extravagant and equally pricey gowns and accessories on offer. Each piece showcased resembled a work of art, some of which can only be described as Oscar appropriate attire.

Last week however revealed a new twist on the normally seen dress in the shape of a democratic style. Renowned fashion houses Chanel and Armani Prive introduced a series of easy tailored separates to their current collections that were in fact appeared appropriate for everyday on goings.

One of the main attractions however was the beaded creation by Givenchy; this particular creation took an immense total of 1600 to produce! Other much wanted pieces included the array of glittering lingerie that was showcased at John Paul Gaultier and modelled on Dita Von Teese.

All in all the evening failed to disappoint, leaving many of us dreaming of wearing such attire.

Jul20

Create this season’s ‘winged eyeliner’ look with MAC Cosmetics.

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Create this season’s ‘winged eyeliner’ look with MAC Cosmetics.

Winged eyeliner is a timeless make-up style that can be worked both day and night. There are three simple steps that will allow you to create this sultry, smoky eyed look.

You should firstly begin by defining and emphasising the brow bone. In order to do this you should invest in the MAC Angled Brow Brush in no.208, team this with MAC Copperplate Eye Shadow and MAC Concrete Eye Shadow to create a grey and brown smoky hue. The brush will aid in defining the brows by both enhancing the arch and lengthening the brow.

Using a very fine, angled brush such as no.266 and the MAC Liquid liner in Point Black you should apply a small dot at each side of the eye, this should be kept in line with the end of the brow and also appear under the lash line. This dot will act as your guide. Begin at the lashes and join the dots along the lash line, be sure to angle the line so that it finishes at the end of the brow.

Finally finish with a lashing of glossy black mascara and a little blusher; MAC Prism blusher will contour your cheeks perfectly. Apply to the depths of the cheekbones to highlight them. The lips should be kept nude and low key, use a natural and matte lip shade such as MAC Lipstick in Honey Love.

Jul12

Grooming Advice from cosmetics brand Kyoku.

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Grooming Advice from cosmetics brand Kyoku.

To say first impressions are everything may appear shallow but it’s a fact that people will make their preliminary suppositions about what kind of person you are from the way you look, and this certainly seems to begin with the face. This is why it is always important to invest in a good skincare regime and in turn take care of the complexion.

The infamous cosmetics and skincare brand Kyoku have come up with the perfect regime regarding men’s skincare. As men generally don’t feel comfortable covering up blemishes with both the latest foundations and concealers, it is important that they take good care of their complexion. This in turn will mean there is no need for such make up products and the face will appear healthy and clear from unsightly blemishes and skin disorders.

Kyoku recommend that you follow a few simple rules in order to keep your skin looking tip top. This begins with a 3 step plan which involves basic grooming; firstly you should always cleanse, then scrub and finally fuel. These three stages should become part of your daily routine and applied both day and night.

A great cleanser is an important product and will work wonders on the skin, cleansers will not only free your skin of dirt and oil, but they will also increase the circulation, bringing blood to the surface of your skin, which in turn promotes skin cell regeneration, improving both the skin’s flexibility and elasticity.

The Kyoku for Men’s Daily Facial Cleanser can be used as an everyday cleanser, and it is strong enough to clean deep down to the pores as well as beneath the skin’s surface. Skin friendly ingredients housed in the formula include ginseng and peppermint leaf. This will both awaken and also rejuvenate the skin. Elements of camellia seed work to gently inject the skin with moisturise and oat straw extract combats irritation.

Jul12

Work the ‘Top Heavy’ look for 2010.

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Work the ‘Top Heavy’ look for 2010.

The heavy black eyeliner flicks are still proving to be an extremely popular choice in terms of make up looks for 2010, they have been seen on both the A-list celebrities and adorning an array of models at the various catwalks shows.

However this season designers have taken the rock’n'roll look to a new level, adding even more edge to this already on this heavily dramatised eye make-up.

At Lanvin, models were done up as if wearing the make up of the night before, with a heavily drawn line appearing on the top of the lashes, smudged over the lids to deliberately work that rebel edge. Hair stylists worked a wet-look into models lock and showcased hair that was swept back into a neat and tidy bun; a few subtle fly away hairs left the look a little messy. Lips were kept soft and natural looking with a small lashing of gloss. This intentionally dishevelled make up complemented the chic collection of sculptural, brightly coloured satin cocktail dresses perfectly. All the attire appeared extremely girly and feminine in style.

A more sophisticated look was adopted by the fashion house YSL, where a chic 1940′s theme took centre stage; ladies wore their hair in bouffant up-dos and accessorised locks with cutesy hair bands. Neat flicks of eyeliner on the top lash created an incredibly feminine and sophisticated style, with complexions kept to an even tone. Nude matt lips finished this subtle look perfectly.

Jul12

This year’s finest fragrances

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This year’s finest fragrances

This season there are an array of fragrances on the market, from dark and seductive to fruity and floral. One such fragrance that is perfect for the summer season is Armani Code Summer Eau Fraiche. This particular perfume is priced at £39.50 for a size of 75ml and offers a seductive yet sophisticated aroma that is an interpretation of the original Armani Code, but instead offers a lighter fragrance with both fruity and fresh notes. It comes in an aesthetically pleasing casing which is slightly frosted in appearance. Once the perfume has been applied, hints of vanilla, a soft musk and white wood are revealed.

Another fragrance that is perfect for the summer months is Christian Dior’s Diorella Eau de Toilette. This fragrance again offers both floral and fruity notes yet has an add kick of fizz. The scent also features notes of peach, melon and jasmine which make it an extremely classic scent. The added kick of clove, sandalwood and vetier add an almost masculine edge to this scent.

Acqua di Parma Iris Noble Edizione Speciale Eau de Parfum is priced at £92 for 100ml and is the king in decadence. Perhaps this scent is one of the pricier on the market but then again it does sport 22-carat golden irises which adorn the casing. When applied to the skin, vanilla notes instantly blend with the warm base notes of patchouli and oak moss. Hints of ylang-ylang and ambretta can also be found featured in this equistite scent and create an extremely statement and vibrant scent and one which lingers on the skin. The casing also looks extremely pretty and is an asset to any dressing table.

Jul12

This season work the ‘Pearly Queen’ look.

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This season work the ‘Pearly Queen’ look.

Say hello to the eighties era once again with one of the hot new trends for this summer; think iridescent colours in pinks, purples and gold. This particular era is certainly favoured by an array of makeup artists, as these hues and shades offer an instant lift and shine appeal when applied to the lips and eyes, shimmering shades and shiny metallic styles made a predominant appearance throughout this season’s shows.

Take Zac Posen for instance, this particular designer works a modern take on the eighties look, with pearly lips created in shiny light purples and pretty pinks. Skin was finished with a light dusting of glowing bronze for a healthy sun kissed look and eyes were pronounced with an array of golden shades for an all over radiant and illuminated shine.

Achieve this eighties style and re-create the look with a high gloss lip shine. Lancôme’s new Pink Irreverence collection will help you to create that perfect pout with La Laque Fever in number 312; this can be purchased for a price of £17.50.

Dior revealed an altogether toned down look for this season, with models looking both beautiful and bronzed with high shine skin. To re-create this look use the Laura Mercier Golden rose Glow highlighter, this clever little product is priced at a total £24 and works to define and highlight cheekbones. It can also be used on both the eyes and lips. This versatile product boasts to update and uplift your look, revealing a bronzed, sun kissed complexion in minutes.

Jul12

Elizabeth and James, the up to date lifestyle brand for the new generation.

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Elizabeth and James, the up to date lifestyle brand for the new generation.

Designer duo Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen have decided to bridge the gap between designer looks and present-day fashions. The spring 2010 collection is a combination retro pop enthused pieces; created in washed down fabrics. This is a collection of attire that certainly evokes a rough downtown 80′s New York vibe.

Every item in the range has been inspired by the New York City’s Mudd Club era; the collection therefore includes tonal tie-dye elements that add depth to the luxury jersey must haves and the extremely popular and favourite buttonback shirt that has been revitalised with the addition of an amendable zippered gusset.

Strong and edgy are the key words that come to mind when seeing this collection for the first time, pieces have been styled with statement leather panels and distressed linen. These washed out and edgy fabrics are contrasted by delicate floral gauze and silk button downs.

One of the must have pieces that seems to stand out in the Elizabeth and James range is the distressed James blazer. This particular item of fashionable attire can be purchased for a price of £350 and works well thrown over a cute black dress or alternatively faded jeans and a retro T-shirt!

The Elizabeth and James line is available in most prestigious department stores stocking the brand, or alternatively it can be purchased online.