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!

Men and Makeup: The Truth

It's October, but really it's honesty hour. And by that I mean it's time to breach the whole men and their makeup topic.
You might be going 'life is about the blemishes - deal with them'. Well, yes. There will be blemishes of varying shapes and sizes but the point is that no one needs (or wants) to see them, regardless of chromosomal makeup. Is it really that odd or self-indulgent to not at least try to look our best? The whole aesthetics theory exists for a reason. Men (and women) appear healthier, more successful and certainly more attractive with a clear complexion. And while I'm all for juicing and cleansing from the inside out, sometimes a quick fix is the solution. So with all that in mind, the idea of a man dabbing a little concealer on razor burn is not that offensive, right?

A quick Google search of 'men and makeup' reveals we're definitely thinking about and occasionally doing it, but perhaps not openly admitting to it... yet. And that's not surprising. Most men would avoid confessing to anything cosmetic. Conversely however, in-depth and targeted tutorials indicate that men and their makeup habits are quickly departing the realm of taboo. (Wikihow's "How to Apply Makeup as a Man" is super comprehensive in that it elaborates upon the importance of setting your concealer, while Charlotte Tilbury's "Subtle Undercover Makeup for Men" provides a step-by-step program and product guide on how to achieve a groomed and healthy look.)   

I'm quite familiar with a little concealer. I bought my first tube of Clinique's Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer in Italy (when in Rome, I suppose). Since then I've kept it simple and subtle. I haven't, for instance, experimented with bronzer or guyliner but admire the likes of Bowie and Depp (who definitely have). The fact that Sephora now has an entire category on their website dedicated to men's makeup is hugely significant. The average male's grooming habits are rapidly evolving while the beauty industry waits. And it's ready.

Browse and shop a selection of concealers, below.
- Photo by Alexander Atkins

   

Travel Essentials: Aesop London Kit & Carry-On Case

Aesop really is the best friend anyone could ask for. Good-looking, trustworthy, useful - did I mention good-looking?

There’s not much to argue about. But it gets better. Aesop now curates perfectly compact travel kits for those unexpected on-the-go situations. And because we all hate the inevitable scramble (not least disastrous results) of rushed packing (unless we’re receiving instruction from Louis Vuitton), nothing could be more practical than a pre-packed toilet bag. Can you tell I’m into it?   

Besides convenience (ahem, always a major point) there’s nothing like guinea pig-ing yourself out to a whole bunch of travel-sized miniatures. I mean, they all need to be tested. It’s only fair. The whole thing can be very liberating - you might find yourself deciding: “fuck it. I will try that face mask and listen to Gilles Peterson in Brazil while starfishing on my bed.”  Yo-to-the-Lo. What’s the worse that could happen? You might go crazy and commit to a full-sized product? Ok, I hear you. You’re probably going: “what about my 3 steps? I’m ALL ABOUT my 3 steps.” Yes, you’re right. A solid skincare regimen is great and all, but sometimes the best part about the routine is breaking it. I’m human. You’re human. Switch-it up, no one likes a bore. Now let’s discuss the details.

I was drawn to Aesop’s ‘London’ travel kit immediately, simply because I lived there (probably not the best justification, but whatever - this isn't physics class). Then I discovered it included a few of my favorite products (now staples) from the Parsley Seed range. 

WHAT'S INSIDE  You'll be getting all the necessities including the Classic Shampoo and Conditioner, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser, Rind Concentrate Body Balm, Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser, Toner and Hydrator, and of course the Bain de Bouche. Basically the only thing left to worry about is your toothbrush.

I’d recommend keeping your Aesop travel pack fully stocked and ready for grabbing at any given moment. Life is about spontaneity - not bad grooming practices.

CUSTOMIZE IT  Aesop's brand new Carry-On Travel Case means you can now choose to pack your own in-flight grooming essentials. Designed to conform to international travel restrictions and requirements, each signature amber bottle (100ml) and pot (15ml) can be filled with any of your favorite Aesop products, time and time-again. Because Aesop is all about being thoughtful, blank labels have been included to avoid any mid-air confusion.

Alongside the 'London' Kit, Aesop also makes a 'Boston' and 'Jet Set' Kit. Click here for more details and to shop.

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!

*Click the arrows above to browse the products mentioned and get the look.

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