BATH UNIVERSITY COMMERCIAL 2013

Back last year I was involved in a commercial shoot for Bath Uni (Hair & Makeup). Some of you might remember my ‘14 HOURS ON SET, A TAPED UP MANNEQUIN AND TOO MANY CUPS OF COFFEE!’ post? Well, below you will see the outcome of that day!

The students were awesome to work with, as were the rest of the team!

BEAUTY HIGHLIGHT: FACE-LACE

I'm not sure if you have seen the video for Pink’s new song ‘Blow Me (One Last Kiss)’?? Aside from being a kick ass song, the video features Pink wearing a lace mask. Originally, I thought wow, that makeup artist must have one hell of a steady hand to be able to draw that on in such detail!! That was until I discovered that they had actually used Face Lace. 

Images taken from Face-lace.com

The creative genius behind this product is British Makeup Artist, Phyllis Cohen. She is a true artist and I have been a fan of her work since discovering she was the body painter behind the iconic Pink Floyd painted ladies.

Image taken from Phyllis Cohen's website

The product was launched at the Corrie Nielson Show at London Fashion Week 2012 and can now be purchased online at face-lace.com or from Harvey Nichols (it's cheaper to buy direct from Face Lace and they have a better selection of designs). The face lace designs are absolutely stunning and I'm so keen to get my hands on some!! They aren't a day-to-day wearable look, but they would be perfect for a costume party or masked ball! I really need an excuse to buy some!

FOSSILISED PLASTIC JEWELLERY BY SUE GREGOR

It was an absolute pleasure to work with Shikha, at Odd& Eden Studios, shooting a collection of jewellery by artist, Sue Gregor. This particular collection is ‘inspired by Masai Tribes women’s discs shaped wedding necklaces’ and are so beautiful when the light shines through them, projecting a shadow onto the wearer. She describes her method of dying and embossing plastic, as ‘fossilised Plastic’. Using ‘quite ordinary plants and weeds’, Sue manages to create truly unique and stunning pieces of wearable art.

To find out more about Sue, her collections and how to get your hands on these beautiful pieces of jewellery, visit http://www.suegregor.co.uk/site/. 

LOOK INSPIRED BY MCQ AND DRIES VAN NOTEN A/W 2012 CATWALK

I quite obviously wouldn't win photographer of the year with these pics! 

I wanted to share with you the look from this weekend’s shoot with Alex Gregory (pictures to follow!) and the inspiration behind the hair and makeup.

McQ                     

THE HAIR

The McQueen brand never fails to disappoint. I love how they really push the fashion boundaries and challenge our perception of beauty. I want to say that the look is somewhat grotesque, but in a really beautiful and mesmerizing way. This may not be to everyone's taste, but the artistic brilliance of McQueen can never be denied. The inspiration for this look actually came from their sister brand, McQ (pictured left). For more information about their collection and catwalk images visit Elle.com. 

Dries Van Noten  

THE MAKEUP

Many designers and makeup artists have embraced bold, block colour this season and I am happy to tag along! Peter Phillips, Makeup artist for Dries Van Noten, provides an excellent example of block colour at its best. Find out more about his inspiration and the products he used to create this look at Style.com’s ‘Beauty Counter Blog’.

I used...

Eyes: MAC paint sticks in Yellow/Red/Cyan/White and Makeup Forever’s Matte Eyeshadow in Tangerine.

Lips: MAC Lip liner in Redd, with MAC Lipstick Lady Danger.

The skin was kept fresh and clean with a emphasis on highlighted cheek bones, achieved with MAC Strobe Crème.

JEWELLERY: STELLA & DOT

I have recently been introduced to Stella and Dot and if I had all of the money in the world, I would buy every item of theirs as they are simply gorgeous!  The packaging is equally as gorgeous, including the box it was delivered in! I even got a lovely card thanking me for my purchase and that I will ‘look fabulous in my new Stella & Dot’, which I strongly believe that I do! This was such a nice touch and really makes you feel like you are purchasing a luxury item.

I’ve seen a couple of items featured in Vogue and was quite excited when my Mum said that she was going to have an at home jewellery party. To be honest, I hadn’t really looked into the company and had no idea that you could have a ‘trunk show’ and become a stylist/representative for them. 

We had such a great night and our stylist, Ashley Patterson, was so lovely and helpful. She came packed with items from their Spring 2012 catalogue and everything was really beautifully presented. It was so nice to be able to try some of the jewellery on and hear all about the company and their designers. They have such a variety of pieces in their collection, from high fashion on trend statement necklaces to classic vintage art deco drop earrings.  Celebrities such as Katy Perry, Fergie and Kourtney Kardashian have all been pictured wearing Stella and Dot (I have a slight/massive girl crush on Katy Perry, so this caught my attention straight away!).

So how would I describe Stella and Dot? Hmm… Are any of you like me and wish that certain items from Topshop were slightly better quality and made in silver/gold plated, so they could stand the test of time? Well, wish no more my friends because Stella and Dot are here to save the day! However, if you are going to buy high quality items, then you have to expect to pay a little more for them. Some items on their site do not come cheap, but there are some great reasonably priced items and they currently have a sale on, so get in there quick!

Pictured above are a couple of items that I have purchased and have had lots of really nice comments about. You can find links to all of these items below.


Happy shopping! (I apologise to your purse in advance for uploading this post). xxx

EVER AFTER NECKLACE – Currently in the sale! (Beautiful gift idea for your bridesmaids).

DEVI BANGLES – Currently in the sale!

LIMITED EDITION: NAHLA EARRINGS

I think the Renegade Cluster Bracelet might be next on my purchase list (as worn by Katy Perry!).

BEAUTY BREAKDOWN: POP OF PINK

PHOTOGRAPHER: JOE JENKINS 

MODEL: AIMEE RAMSEY

FACE:

YSL TOP SECRETS FLASH RADIANCE SKINCARE (read review)

MAC STUDIO FIX FOUNDATION - NW25

MAC LUSTRE DROPS – PINK REBEL

BOBBI BROWN CORRECTOR - LIGHT BISQUE

BOBBI BROWN CONCEALOR – SAND

MAC PREP + PRIME TRANSPARENT FINISHING POWDER

CHEEKS:

MAC BRONZING POWDER – GOLDEN

MAC POWDER BLUSH - WELL DRESSED

EYES:

URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION (read review)

MAC EYESHADOW – SHROOM, OMEGA, EMBARK

BOBBI BROWN SHIMMER WASH EYESHADOW (HIGHLIGHT) – BONE

MAC POWERPOINT EYE PENCIL – ENGRAVED

CLINIQUE LASH DOUBLING MASCARA – BLACK

EYLURE NATURALITES LENGTHENING STRIP LASHES – 116

LIPS:

MAC LIPSTICK – GIRL ABOUT TOWN

ACCESSORIES:

HEADBAND / EARRINGS – FREEDOM @ TOPSHOP