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Showing posts with label La Mer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label La Mer. Show all posts

Halloween How To: Edward Scissorhands

It's the 11th hour and you're stuck. Worry not! Tim Burton exists for one simple reason; to inspire you every Halloween.
There are many things to thank Mr. Burton for (Beetlejuice, Mars Attacks!, and let's not forget the sheer awesomeness that is Sleepy Hollow), but Edward Scissorhands tops my list any day. Why? Vintage Johnny and Winona wrapped-up in an epic love story about a hairdresser (basically, right?) can't be topped. It's really that simple.  

Let's start from the top and work our way down. Know this: hair is everything. Either you spray yours black, or grab a wig and chop it to length (get into character, you're supposed to be good with your hands, right?). In terms of product we want to go thick, wild and promote extreme texture. Start by applying a dry shampoo to your roots - this will ensure volume from the scalp up. Alterna's Cleanse Extend Translucent option is ideal, partly because it smells like bamboo leaf which almost definitely means you'll end-up attracting a panda (which could be fun). Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Hairspray is your next step. Remember we're building volume here so apply generously. Finish the whole thing and achieve those clumpy strands with Jack Black's Body-Building Hair Gel. Finally seal the deal with your hairdryer. 

Don't be daunted by the makeup part. Keep it basic with Kryolan's Aqua Color in white. I'd recommend cleansing first, probably with Fresh's Soy Face Cleanser, followed by a healthy application of La Mer's The Concentrate (which will ensure easy application). Once you've painted your entire face white using a makeup sponge you'll want to use eye shadow for detailing. Urban Decay's Basics Palette has several neutral shades that will work perfectly under and around the eyes, but also as outlines for those lovely keloid scars.

In terms of the outfit, ideally you're veering towards something black and strappy. Anything Rick Owens would be exceptional (we're talking ideal situation here, FYI). But the real point is to have fun, duh! And if all else fails go as the Scarecrow from Batman - all you'll only need is a brown paper bag.

Stay spooky!




The Look: The Great Bowie (Sorry Gatsby)

So I guess I'm supposed to be all about Gatsby. I mean I tried (for a sec) but I just can't. Instead I'm still all about Bowie.
Don't get me wrong, Baz Luhrmann's whole visual overload-to-the-max thing was impressive and excessively indulgent (thing's I usually enjoy), but I just need something more, well, me. Enter the completely unrelated Bowie alter-ego of Ziggy Stardust (the original Sasha Fierce?). Essentially it's like how can you not be inspired? A mullet-wearing, lightening bolt-ed original gender benderer from the 70s! It's all incredibly fun.

Let's chat hair. Now I'm not saying I've given-up on my most recent bout of hairspiration (the whole long and wavy thing is slowly happening for me). All I'm saying is I'm into getting funky (just like Major Tom) - besides there are many a theme party to attend these days, and I'm over onesie's. I vaguely remember the mullet being cool in 2004, when, on my first solo venture to Toni & Guy I kind-of ended up with one. Needless to say it was scary (if not a tad lesbisch). But I'm older, potentially wiser now, and I'm thinking about things. If I were to venture into mullet-land I would definitely use a great volumizer, like Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Full Form Mousse and then seal the deal with some Thickening Hairspray - just to be sure, you know?

Now this may sound slightly intense (if not extremely opulent) but La Mer's The Concentrate is the best primer ever. Its smooth, rich consistency means skin is left feeling undeniably silky and treated (ie makeup application is a breeze). Also a high-consistency of the coveted and very secret 'miracle broth' means your basically getting a facial underneath your Ziggy-glam. For the perfect lightening bolt I'd use Giorgio Armani's All in One No 2 Palette. We're looking for strong color, and that red means business. The use of an eye-patch is completely optional, but always a great idea if face-paint sounds a bit daunting.

Here's to a Ziggy Stardust-infused Memorial Day Weekend!


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- David Bowie, performing 'Ziggy Stardust' at the Hammersmith Odeon, 1973.

Oil Your Face: Shu Uemura Skin Purifier

This is going to be weird. I mean why add oil to your face, right? Wrong. Do it. Shu Uemura's Skin Purifier is the answer.
At this stage you're probably thinking: so how did this all happen? Well let's just say unexpected sleepovers result in unexpected skincare routines - Noxzema was definitely involved (not to mention a weird toothbrush situation - don't ask).  
I've heard chatter about moisturizing oils for some time now (Rodin's Luxury Face Oil comes highly recommended) so I thought, why not. Carpe-that-Diem, etc. Besides I've always loved using La Mer's Radiant Serum which is kind-of oil-ish, I guess. After gently applying a few drops of Shu Uemura's Skin Purifier to my face in small circular motions I was impressed. My skin had a definite glow and felt beyond smooth without leaving any oily residue. Absorption complete, I finished the whole process off with Kiehl's Ultimate UV Shield SPF - which coincidentally is oil-free (I'm guessing a more-is-more approach doesn't apply to this situation). 

And it gets weirder. While researching for this post I discovered that the Skin Purifier is actually a make-up cleanser, which leads me to conclude the following: whatever works, works. Don't argue the oil, no matter what. 



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