Baring it all

I admit it, the thought of going out with no make-up on completely petrifies me.  Not if I'm having a duvet day and need to pop out for a pint of milk, I'm not that bad.  I would however flinch at spending a full day out without a spec of make-up.

I can't believe myself, I know I'm no Kate Moss but come on!  Get a grip! I love make-up but I need to be able to live without it.

I can't remember when it got that bad, it was in the last six months I'm sure.  I haven't become more vein or more insecure I've simply got into a routine that I cannot break free from!

Let's assess the reasons for my compulsive make-up wearing (do not judge).

• I have very bad skin - spots around my mouth, dry everywhere else, uneven complexion
• I started wearing eyebrow pencil and now feel like I am naked without it
• If I wear foundation alone I feel pale
• I have to wear bronzer to match my face to my body
• If I only wear face make-up, my eyes look small
• My hair requires me to wear make-up or I face the fear of being mistaken for a boy

So, I admit, I get up a little earlier to allow time to put my make-u on, I actually quite enjoy the process.  However, after careful self reflection I have made myself a promise... When I go to Australia in three weeks I will bare all and not wear any make-up, once I have a tan and my spots have cleared up!

So often make-up is a mask and an essential but I'm taking a stand and reminding myself why I started wearing it in the first place.  It's fun, expressive and should be enjoyable to apply and wear, just like choosing an outfit!

For now I can't live without my Touche Eclat by YSL or my MAC bronzer but I promise I will bare all again soon.

SOMETIMES BE BRAVE AND BARE ALL (it's good to give your skin a breather!)

Make-up vs Maths

TODAY:  I read something on the internet that I thought I would share with you.  It's a psychology theory that asks the question: Are women that wear lipstick less skilled in Maths than those that don't?To my horror the answer was yes!

This artical from www.psychologytoday.com states that research has proven that women working in male-dominated fields feel intimidated and often play down any stereotypically female traits in order to be take more seriously and gain professional respect from male colleagues.

The research shows that these women are not all together abandoning their gender but they are avoiding typically feminine traits such as wearing lipstick, gossiping and flirting in exchange for a more 'serious', masculine portrayal.

Isn't this just awful?

Wearing a little bit of lippie to work will give you confidence in yourself and confidence earns you respect in your own right.  I'm a true believer in flaunting your femininity and embracing who you are, if you are a girlie girl then be girlie!  You can be clever and have a pretty face... some girls just do have it all.

If men have less respect for women in the work place for acting like women then I would advise their wives at home to start possessing more masculine qualities, I'm sure men wouldn't be so happy with that!

Women have all these incredible assets at their disposal, make-up be a massive one, they should not compromise being a girl and wearing some make-up for themselves in order to be taken more seriously by men.

Do take a look at the article and for goodness sakes stand up for femininity in your workplace!

QUOTE: "GOD MADE MAN STRONGER BUT NOT NECESSARILY MORE INTELLIGENT.  HE GAVE WOMEN INTUITION AND FEMININITY AND USED PROPERLY THAT COMBINATION EASILY JUMBLES THE BRAIN OF ANY MAN I HAVE EVER MET" - Farrah Fawcett

 

Tranny Chic

You may not have heard of the new phenomenon know as 'Tranny Chic'.  I'll be honest, it's quite a niche culture.  

Let me explain the concept to you:

• Tranny Chic is a style of make-up worn my FEMALES
• The idea is to look like a man in drag
• It's increasingly common in the East-London fashion scene
• These females are often good friends with actual drag queens and gay men
• A lot of inspiration is taken from the 'Club Kids' culture 

TODAY - I was on the internet when I saw something referring to Jodie Harsh, the famous London based drag queen that hosts club nights, DJ's and is friends with the likes of Amy Winehouse and Kelly Osbourne.  I looked at the pictures of Jodie and under closer inspection I realised what an art that kind of make-up really is.  There are many girls on the party scene in London right now trying to look just like a drag queen, their make-up is bold and outrageous.

I've always looked at these girls at places like Circus at Soho Revue Bar on a Friday night and wondered if they were confused about their sexuality.  Why would a girl dress up as a guy dressed up as a girl?  The truth is the make up is fascinating when you look in detail.  The key elements seem to be big exaggerated eyebrows, false eyelashes and a lot of colour.

It's so extreme that it would be fair to say it is a kind of mask, worn to protect or hide the person underneath.  I have found the people wearing these masks often have a lot of pain and aren't comfortable or happy with who they are.

The lifestyle that accompanies this specific look is not a particularly healthy one, the 'Club Kid' is often a notorious drug taker and hard party goer, think of the movie Party Animal.

Although I don't in anyways condone the lifestyle of Club Kids I put my hands up and admit I've been a bit narrow minded, if boys can wear this make-up in an attempt to portray an exaggerated version of a female why can't a girl be an exagerated vesion of herself?

DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER, DON'T JUDGE A FACE BY IT'S MASK

Life in Plastic, is it really fantastic?

There is so much more we can do to ourselves these days beyond putting on make-up everyday.  Not only are there billions of products that plump, smooth, exfoliate and prepare our faces before we apply our face paint but there are plenty of more permanent fixes available.  Please forgive this post if it seems a little of the point, I promise you you'll see the relevance.

TODAY - I have been reading the beauty section in April's ELLE magazine.  On page 247 (check it out if you have it) there is an article called 'Lipo: Is this a step to far?'  It's not a particularly long piece but it's thought provoking and I have spent a large part of the rest of today considering how far I would go in the quest to look good.

The article is written by Avril Mair who describes her experience of getting a the new 'wide-awake liposuction'.  She describes how she hates her chin and how this new Vaser Liposuction as it's formally known is the 'latest and most promising development in this endless quest for far removal'.  As the article goes on, in turns out that she ended up being in a lot of pain with a red scar on her neck which she claims, to my astonishment is worth it.  Even while the swelling is still apparent, at the end of the article she states her neck has been 'tightened, perhaps even transformed.'  She the goes on to say that it will take another month for her to be sure... I'm frankly astonished.

What a joke, the woman's face hasn't even healed and she's convinced that a transformation has taken place.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not against plastic surgery at all, I'm sure it boosts confidence and raises self esteem.  I am however against glamourising surgical procedures being carried out on the face where a bit of make-up know how but have worked wonders.  I understand this woman had a complex about her neck but she failed to weigh up the alternatives and although (credit where credit's due) she did outline the dangers I think overall she depicted a much rosier picture than reality.

We all have insecurities, many of us about our faces but plastic surgery does not need to be the answer and shout not be viewed as a quick fix.  Make-up is a wonderful thing.  There are many tips and tricks to be discovered, a nose can be thinned, a jaw line can be softened even your skin can be transformed with a little know-how and research.

THINK ABOUT YOUR LIFE BEFORE YOU GO UNDER THE KNIFE

Moody Mornings Mean Messy Make-up

My boyfriend has brought it to my attention that when I put on my make-up in the mornings, the style and quantity is often influenced by my mood.  I have to give it to him, he's one observant male!

I have been thinking about myself in the past and have come to the conclusion that as far as I am concerned it may well be true.  I'm quite guilty of going to a party without making enough effort and ending up bleary eyed with smudged make-up.  Note to self: Cheer up before making-up! 

TODAY - I woke up at a reasonable time, did not get ready in a rush and was in quite a good mood owing to the fact that it was a beautiful day and my friend was due to move into my flat with me.

I was a little disappointed to see two brand new spots staring me in the face when I looked in the mirror so this probably had an impact on the thick layer of foundation that was applied.  The beautiful sunshine outside meant I dressed rather spring like today and my girlie make-up reflected this.  The outcome today was, bright day, bright mood = pink, girlie, up-beat make-up.

A FEW WEEKS AGO - The story was not so happy.  I was going through a particularly miserable time feeling unwell with a chesty cough, and run down with a lot of spots (spots are something I suffer badly with by the way, although I'm quite good at covering them).  My make-up that week was a true reflection of my mood each morning, dark and slap-dash.  Although I'm not the kind of person to be moody I think my mood is evident in my make-up and it certainly has an impact on what I do to my face in the morning.

I've been observing members of the public and have noticed a trend.  Precise make-up if often worn by people that seem up-beat and content.  Thick make-up (during the day) is often worn by those who have something to hide and make up that looks a little careless is probably the result of getting out of the wrong side of the bed.

My advice is fight the mood swings and apply your make-up as if you're in the best mood possible, you never know, your glowing face might just turn that bad mood into a good one!

MOODY MAKE-UP IS NOT WORTH GETTING UP FOR

London Fashion Weekend - Middle aged glamour

On Wednesday night I went along to the natural history museum in South Kensington for the opening night of London Fashion Weekend.

We sat down in our front row seats eager to see what the catwalk would offer but of course it was running late, so I found myself looking around at all the guests.

The majority of them were, as you can imagine, wannabe fashionistas wearing all their best clothes for what was probably the highlight of their year.  The make-up was thick and plentiful with a variety of different looks available for me to observe.

Sitting across the catwalk from me were a mother and her daughter.  The mother looked absolutely fantastic, she must have been in her early fifties and had dramatically dark hair which was elegantly swept back from her face, the face itself was exquisite.

As I sat staring at this wonderful looking woman I decided that she was probably not English, her skin tone was too olive and her fashion sense too continental.  She had dark eyes which she had made up using soft browns, black would have been unforgiving on her.  Her eyebrows were beautifully shaped and a soft pencil may well have been used for precision.

What really stood out though was the deep shade of red lipstick she was wearing.  Her lips were so full and perfect, it reminded me how glamourous women can be at that age and how no woman should ever give up taking pride in their appearance.

To create the Hollywood glamour red lips use a good lip liner for definition and a look that lasts.  A matt red is better than a shiny one in this case, Chanel do the best shades.  A deep red is better for anyone over fourty, some like to call it blue-red.

GLAMOUR HAS NO AGE LIMIT

Guyliner

Men wearing make-up has traditionally been associated with homosexuality some would say. Well, not anymore.

TODAY:  I was on the train from Sheffield to London after a long weekend.  There was a couple sitting opposite me, a guy and his girlfriend.  They were sweet to some extent, however two hours of kissing, cooing and generally loving each other was a tad sickening. 

I studied them out of boredom, she was nothing to write home about (badly applied foundation and not enough mascara).  He on the other hand was something to comment on for he, to my shear and utter joy was wearing GUYLINER.  Thats right, eyeliner on a heterosexual male.  Oh happy day!

Please don't misunderstand me, he was not a 'goth' or in anyway resembling Alice Cooper, he was simply wearing a simple black line of khol pencil under his bottom lids.  It looked great in my opinion, a true example of a modern man, comfortable enough with his sexuality to wear make-up and oddly enough all the more masculine looking for it. 

You see what men don't realise is that a little eyeliner won't make you look gay or feminine it will simply enhance you eyes and deepen your skin tone.

Heterosexual men wearing eyeliner is just screaming confident, comfortable with their sexuality and totally 'modern man'.  More men should be embracing it, it's becoming more and more common especially on a night out.

There is even a guyliner pencil on sale now at Superdrug, click here to see it, only £5.09 and click here for the first time users guide!

GUYLINER - COME ON GUYS, LINE THOSE EYES!

Faking it

Hair extensions - Acrylic nails - False eyelashes - Fake tan

I put my hands up, I've experimented with all of the above.

TODAY: I witnessed a sorry sight.  A poor, mislead, classic example of the british female.  Visible yellow hair extensions, inch long white tip acrylic nails, orange tan and badly applied fake lashes.

With the right approach, none of these 'additives' need to look cheap, tacky or intentionally FAKE.  With careful application, the knowing when to stop and the right product they can enhance your look, boost your ego and turn heads for all the right reasons.

HAIR EXTENSIONS

I've had fixed extensions twice in my life.  The first time I had single bond, glued 22" extensions fixed in one by one over a six-hour painstaking period.  The second time I had six rows of tight, uncomfortable weaves sewn onto my head.

My advice is DO NOT HAVE THEM FIXED IN.  Buy a packet of hair (real human hair if possible) from a hairdressers, buy some hair glue and have a practice.  The hair is only £20 and the glue is less than £5.  You'll soon be an expert at putting strips of extensions in when you need them.  This way can create an even, layered, realistic look when you need it! Or alternatively buy some Jessica Simpson clip-in's.  They're amazing... just make sure you match your colour well.

ACRYLIC NAILS

I love to have my nails done, they make you feel feminine and confident when using your hands.

My advice is keep them SHORT.  I personally don't like white tips, this season go for short, dark colours.

Long fake nails look cheap and nasty, in this case less is definitely more.

FALSE EYELASHES

A personal favourite of mine.  Stick with MAC eyelashes and you can't go wrong.

If you're going out in the evening, choose a thick black set and TRIM THEM TO YOUR EYE SIZE.  Not trimming them leaves them hanging to far down, looking badly applied.  

Another trick is to apply the glue then leave it to dry for five minutes, apply the lashes when the glue is almost dry, they'll go into place better.

If you're confident enough go for really OVER THE TOP eyelashes.  The look fake anyway so there's no natural look here.

NB.  When you buy your MAC eyelashes most MAC make-up artists will apply them for you there and then free of charge.

FAKE TAN

I love to look brown, who doesn't?  Fake tan does not need to be orange or streaky.

Use FAKE BAKE spray.  It's dark brown and the air brush style spray means no streaks.

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT... FAKING IT DOESNT NEED TO LOOK TO LOOK SO... FAKE!

Lip Gloss Bitches

Two nights ago I went out with some close friends to Bouji in South Kensington.  It's not my usual scene but I'm open minded and had a really good night.

One thing caught my eye though, Bouji is one of those clubs where a certain type of person goes (we actually saw prince Harry), the girls all have big blonde hair, very orange tans and more money than sense (thanks to Daddy!)

I wouldn't have even have given these girls a second look but I began to notice every time  went to the toilet the same group of three were standing in there, smearing on lipgloss, pouting in the mirror and bitching about the people they had come with!

I just could not believe it, these girls were in there all of the SEVEN times I went to the toilet over a four hour time period.  I'm the first to admit that I wear a lot of make-up but these girls were taking it to a whole new level.  I couldn't even get to the sink to wash my hands for fear of getting a dirty look, it was just awful.  The worst part of it was, underneath all the fake tan and foundation these girls were probably very pretty. 

This is such a perfect example of using make-up to cover up insecurities.  It's such a shame, make-up does give you confidence but you have to be comfortable with who you are to feel secure.  Spending your night out staring in the mirror won't miraculously change your face.

PUT YOUR MAKE UP, BE COMFORTABLE WITH WHO YOU ARE AND ENJOY YOURSELF, LIFE IS TOO SHORT... DONT BE A LIP GLOSS BITCH! 

Mascara Mysteries

A friend of mine always has the most beautifully applied mascara.  Her lashes are long, curvaceous and the thickest I've ever seen. 

I always think mascara must be the one thing most girls would take with them if they were only allowed one item on a dessert island.  It's that staple piece that all of us have i our make up bags, for some women out there it's the only piece.

So, are you using the best mascara?  And what does your Mascara say about you.

I'm a 'layer it on' kind of girl, the thicker the better in my opinion.  Thick long eyelashes say feminine like nothing else.  I always thought this was the only way to wear it as I'm of the opinion if you're applying something to you're face why not let everyone know!  Today my smokey made-up eyes were opened to the natural look.

TODAY -  I was waiting in the car for my Mum while she was in a shop, I saw a woman coming walking with her toddler, she must have been in about her early thirties.  She had an enviously dark tan (why do people who have just been on holiday feel they have to wear a white t-shirt upon returning home... it's not summer here for at least four months!)  Her face was golden and her hair naturally highlighted, her eyes a piercing blue, beautifully complimented by the softest stroke of natural looking mascara.  A perfect example of how often, with the right mascara, lashings are not required.  Less can sometimes (I hate to admit) be more.  Perfect example being Heidi Klum.

I'll let you into a little secret, it is often said that YSL is the best mascara... You'll see it's not if you try Clarins.

Check out this month's ELLE page 307 for this season's hottest make-up trend:  Coloured Mascara.

TO BE A NATURAL BEAUTY REMEMBER LESS IS MORE.

Lipstick: Is Black Back?

TODAY:  I was strolling along a busy street, taking in the watery February sun when a group of fourteen to fifteen year-olds walking towards me caught my eye.  The only way I can describe them was 'emo' although this is a term I'm reluctant to use as I have many 'emo' friends all of whom are clean, upbeat and in a quirky way quite fashionable.

This particular group of youths were not only what I would consider to be unclean they seemed to be relishing in their own misery and to be honest it's no surprise.

I cannot say that dressing head to toe in black and wearing thick dark make-up will make you miserable because anyone that knows you will tell you that I dress in such a manner on a daily basis.  There is however, a limit.

I cannot see the need for BLACK LIPSTICK on a fourteen year old in the middle of the day.  Nor do I see the need for THICK BLACK EYE SHADOW caked on in a panda like fashion right up to the eye-brow.

As I studied them I considered it ironic, here I was thinking this when in fact earlier at breakfast I read how dark lipstick is very 'in this season' having made a huge come back last week at New York Fashion Week.

Each to their own I suppose, at least they're on trend even if they do need a few tips on application.

REMEMBER BLACK IS BACK BUT USE WITH CAUTION AND IN MODERATION

All that Glitters at the Britters

On Wednesday I found myself, like every year, watching the Brit Awards.  Just like every year in the past the show wasn't particularly amazing however I watched on none the less.

It was not a total waste of two hours though because five girls in particular brought a smile to my face, Girls Aloud.

They are everything women in their twenties should aspire to be, successful, energetic, positive and above all confident.  All you have to do is look at them to see that they are glowing with confidence.

I realise that we are not all pop stars and that they are to some extent a p

roduct of great publicity as well as 24 hour hair and make-up styling but one the less, their beautiful looks and fantastic make-up is not totally out of reach to us mere mortals.

Take Cheryl as an example, hailed as the nations sweetheart, her girl next door look and down to earth persona is simply a result of careful styling.  

Her use of lashings of mascara really open her eyes.  Teamed with the soft kohl eyeliner she uses this gives Cheryl her wide eyed appeal which melts the hearts of the population everytime she appears.

So, for the warm hearted appeal of Cheryl Cole buy yourself a good Mascara (I recommend YSL or Clarins) and a soft kohl eyeliner.

A bit of Kohl for your eyes, a bit of Cole for your heart.

An interesting fact for you...

I have just had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine.  We speak everyday at regular intervals, she's a fashion design student and I find her outbursts of general knowledge very intriguing, here's one fact she shared with me today...

"Did you know, that when the economy is at a low make-up sales increase?" I pondered this and she went on, "People don't have enough money to buy new clothes so they opt for something cheaper like a lipstick".

On reflection of this I can certainly believe it, how many of us have no money but go window shopping anyway?  I know more often than not a new piece of face paint certainly cheers me up and often it wasn't an intentional purchase!

So, in middle of the doom and gloom of the credit crunch why shouldn't we cheer ourselves up?If it makes the British public momentarily happier then GO AND BUY A LIPGLOSS!

A LITTLE LIPPIE IS A LITTLE LOVE

The Eyes - the window to your soul?

I think you can tell a lot from someone's eyes... you may disagree. 

Think about having a conversation with somebody, what do you look at?  Unless you are a man in which case you may well be looking at the breasts, the likeliness is you're looking into someone's eyes.  

You might be having a total emotional breakdown and covering it up with an oscar-worthy performance to those around you.  However, if anyone takes a minute and looks you straight in the eyes, they'll see it and you'll probably crack.

So, the eyes being such a focal point it is no wonder many of us spend hours making them look their best!

TODAY - I was waiting in the queue at the checkout in Waitrose when I glanced at the woman behind me, she was looking down at her magazine while she waited, giving me the opportunity to examine her beautifully applied liquid eyeliner.  My goodness what a sight!  Liquid eyeliner is one of those mediums we all play around with but many of us never master.  This woman was a master of the art.  

(NB: please do not think of Amy Winehouse's liquid eyeliner disaster!).

Her fresh dewey complexion required little make up anyway but this hint of boldness in her choice of eye make-up spoke a thousand words.  The presison of her application was evidence of I what I can only presume to be a confident personality (and a very steady hand).

As I packed the last of my shopping I glanced up at her taking in her naturally open hazel eyes and though to myself "Thank god for women like you".  My pre-conceived thoughts were confirmed as she engaged in happy up-beat chit chat with the cashier.

CONFIDENT EYES = CONFIDENT PERSON... THE EYES TELL NO LIES

What does your make-up say about you?

I've always looked at other women in an inquisitive way... It is not that I am jealous nor am I insecure, it is just that I am one of life's fascinated observers.  In particular I just love to observe and consider (if not scrutinize!!) the way women present themselves.

As much as I adore checking out another girls clothes and handbag what really does it for me is the MAKE-UP...

You cannot pretend you don't see a girl once in a while and think "what were you thinking this morning" in the same way you can't help but stare when faced with someone with such beautifully applied mascara that you find yourself wondering if they are false eyelashes.

I find myself constantly thinking the same thing "what is she trying to tell the world?"  Because let's face it girls, our make up says something about us, it might be that a little foundation is simply helping you lie to the world, that you are not struggling after that second bottle of wine last night or that your blood red lipstick is telling your co-workers that, yes you are a woman, and yes, you are a sex symbol but your simple flick of black liquid eyeliner shows you still mean business... who says you can't have it all?!

The truth is, we're all making a statement through the war paint we spend hours applying but the image we might think we're portraying might not be the one being perceived.

Think you're getting it right? I'll keep you posted....