Sculpt your face perfect

 










MAC’s Studio Sculpt foundation is the most innovative formula for a flawless look that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Or your face.

In pursuit of celebrity perfect skin that gleams impeccably in our busy cosmopolitan lives, there is one particular product I believe achieves a near enough flawless look (which is what all of us women unquestionably desire). A good make-up artist friend of mine told me that foundation is the most important part of make up because your skin is literally the largest surface area on your face – therefore most visible, noticeable and therefore essential part. Invariably, one experiments tirelessly over some time and is often left pretty disappointed. This was until I was recommended MAC’s Studio Sculpt foundation a few months ago, and consequently I’ve never looked back. Studio Sculpt, priced at £25, is a gel formula. The creamy texture, enhanced by shea butter, no less, is a deeply conditioning and nourishing ingredient. It is easy to blend and easy to contour on top, with no nasty after shine effect- lessening the need for setting powder on top. (Incidentally, Studio Sculpt’s other ingredients include hyberlea leaf extract, beet root extract and tamarind seed, which all help to hydrate the skin; meaning it’s ideal for skin that lacks moisture or feels especially weather-tired in this chilly season). 

 MAC also claims that there are silicone coated pigments in this foundation, which we know is a good thing as it promotes anti-ageing as well as boosting elasticity in your skin, which also explains how the creaminess and gel-like texture is actually formulated. What you’re simply left with is a flawless, even skin tone that’s non-greasy, smooth and even. The reason that the gel texture is easier to apply is because unlike a traditional liquid foundation, which often results in far too much emerging from the pump, MAC’s adoption of the squeezy tube that expels the product at will is a huge improvement on the pump not only because you can withdraw the amount you actually want, but also avoids all those unwanted explosions in your brand new designer make up bag. If you’re going for a fuller coverage for evening make-up, it’s quick drying, so you can really layer it up in no time. On the other hand, if you prefer a smaller amount for minimal coverage (in case you already have wonderfully clear skin, in which case the rest of womankind probably resents you for anyway) you won’t waste any excess product, therefore you won’t be wasting money.  

At £25, this foundation does not only deliver in every way you want to by the way of coverage and kind to your skin, it is also very reasonably priced. If you relish in applying oodles of foundation every day, like I do, this tube will last you at least three to four months, meaning it doesn’t work out to be hugely expensive. For the rest of you, a good six months (at least) should suffice from this little tube. Needless to say, it really does accommodate for all the functions you would expect of a long-lasting, cost-effective and skin nourishing make up product.

I said yes, Lazy Oaf

 I'm completely in love with Lazy Oaf's collection at the moment. Their "I said Yes" skirt and jumper caught my eye while checking their website a few weeks ago.Their boutique store near Carnaby Street in central London is lovely; quirky, unique and all about Spring-y bright colours. The YES jumper was a stretch at over £60 but I know I'm going to wear it all the time- the cropped oversize look is a nice throwback to the 80's and 90's highwaisted/cropped everything. 

It's a yes from me.

Fashion Writing Competition

I've entered Modeconnect's International Fashion Writing competition, berating Abercrombie and Fitch for their lack of ethical procedure when it comes to their excess stock.I was successful in getting through both first and second rounds, being awarded second place overall, meaning I was awarded a one day salon visit to Polly King & Co during fashion week SS15.

Here it is then.

Abercrombie and Fitch: the ‘Pride and Prejudice’ retail giant

Abercrombie and Fitch: “Authentic American clothing since 1892”. Yet my scepticism challenges this particular adjective. The only “authentic” character that could legitimately pride themselves on this label is the heart­throb Channing Tatum of American chick flicks; the athletic private­school type whom the shy female dotes on and admires his burliness from a distance in his too­tight ‘A&F’ t­shirt bursting with a pubescent muscular frame. In other words, the only type that can pull off Abercrombie and Fitch is an American high­school television cliché that doesn’t exist in real life. Authentic? I think not.

But my argument for Abercrombie’s lack of authenticity digs a little deeper than a frivolous sneer at their fan base. I’m not even referring to the scandal that emerged last year about the label refusing to manufacture extra­large sizes of their clothing, which merely foregrounds a self­important Abercrombie grandiose that only thin is beautiful enough (indeed, apparently you don’t wear the brand, the brand wears you). What I am referring to is something,perhaps, far darker. Even darker than their nightclub­like interiors that bombard you with pumping subwoofer bass music and agonizingly over­sculpted hunky sales assistants. In 2011, it was found that Abercrombie and Fitch send all their faulty stock to be destroyed by incineration. The CEO, Mike Jeffries, insists that this is for a justifiable cause. According to an online business journal: “any clothing that has any type of blemish, including things such as a stitch missing or a frayed fabric, gets sent back to the company for immediate disposal.” Furthermore, any seasonal stock rejected in the last survivals of their clearance sales is also promptly returned for incineration, rather than donated to charity shops or homeless shelters­, which is the more logical solution.

The brand validates this cause: “Abercrombie and Fitch doesn’t want to create the image that just anybody, poor people, can wear their clothing. Only people of a certain stature are able to purchase and wear the company name.” Initially, this quote from Jeffries implies a man of conceit and ostentation (incidentally, two traits I tend to associate with the Hollywood prep character referred to earlier). But on second reflection, it actually demonstrates a truly disgraceful and backward attitude in a twenty­first century world that still harbours very real and relevant global issues like homelessness. 

Jeffries is ultimately a powerful and wealthy individual who is in a position to help but actively chooses not to. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, over ten thousand people were left homeless. Even in a so-­called modernised Western society, this clothing giant would turn their backs on them­ almost literally speaking. Statistically, Abercrombie reported a loss of $15.6 million in 2013, or 20 cents a share, compared with a year­earlier profit of $84 million, or $1.02 a share. One considers how much of that $15.6 million loss was due to surplus stock that was deemed unprofitable, and therefore purposely incinerated with flames of prejudice and philistinism.

Yet the term “authentic” has endured for the brand since 1892, apparently. This slogan offers a semi­nostalgic flair for the yesteryear foundations of U.S. culture, reminiscent of July 4th
celebrations that asks us to appreciate American independence. Though it is an irony, is it not, to consider that the War of Independence that America engaged in to relieve them of transatlantic authority resulted in thousands being injured and impoverished; if Abercrombie and Fitch had existed in 1780, they would not have supported the men who helped make America the nation it is today (indeed, the one they so proudly associate themselves with).

The reality is: Abercrombie and Fitch believe that only those with class and elegance would purchase their clothing. But in reality, their appalling prejudice demonstrates that they are not
all that they seem. One individual did something incredibly mischievous, but brilliant, in response to this.YouTube filmmaker Greg Karber scavenged a Los Angeles Goodwill store for Abercrombie and Fitch clothing, proceeding to then hand them out to homeless people on Skid Row, notorious for the impoverished and destitute.  He then called on his viewers to do the same through social media using the hashtag #FitchTheHomeless. As a matter of fact, the label has received a lot of negative press regarding this issue. Online magazine ‘Elite Daily’commented: “it seems like the world is finally figuring out that the glamorous ideals of A&F were really implemented by some of the most hideous personalities known to man. It’s people who dedicate their lives to helping those in need who should be endorsed and idolized, not those who don’t value compassion and generosity.” I couldn’t agree more with this. In a sick and twisted way, a malicious personality surfaces behind that sickly ­sweet Californian smile their too-­thin model wears in their website photographs. One that is backward and indisposed with sadistic policies unbeknown to their adolescent shoppers. Let’s pray that they won’t inherit these like­-minded classist beliefs.

Obey Stussy

Turn your attention to my very sassy and beautiful friend Karen. Always oozing urban coolness, here she wears some of my favourite labels. Classic Stussy t-shirt (Incidentally, the iconic International Stussy Tribe Collection inspired by the classic varsity jacket, is worth a look). Karen also wears slim fit Levi 511 commuter men's jeans (around £85) AND they're waterproof; rather appropriately, Levi calls them "high performance, iconic style". 

         

Karen also wears vintage Dior slightly tinted glasses; a quirky 90s throwback. Her beanie is an Obey classic. Her socks are also Huf plantlife at £13.99, an exclusive edition from their collaboration with Thrasher magazine.

Missguided's Monochrome

 This look features Missguided's gorgeous white skort for £17.99. This is a contemporary half-way between a skirt and shorts-- obviously. I love the irregular shape as it's flattering to the legs. You only have to be concerned not to spill on it! The vest I also love because its an ordinary cami with gold chain straps- that one's Primark though. (Well done Primani!) Today I just wore this with standard white chuck taylor converse and faux fur leather jacket- see my previous post. Yves Saint Laurent and Marc Jacobs were shaking up black and white textures in their SS14 collection and that's what inspired the monochrome look for me.

Here on the right is an image of the gorgeous Karlie Kloss rocking the monochrome in retro black cut-offs and plain white long sleeved top. Simplicity, simplicity! No need to overdo it on bulky accessories. Here is my amateur interpretation-- although the hairstyle was inadvertently copied this time! These would also work with Astrix boots in keeping with black and white colours, and could also dress it up for evening time - see Chunky Leather Heights post for more details.

Sports, Illustrated.

I know again these are Topshop labels but it just goes to show that the brand is versatile, as this look is quite different from the tartan 'do before. The baseball t-shirt is from a concession called Project Social at Topshop, but it's a bit pricey at £25. I just cut up some old tights to make the long socks- the only downfall is you need to hoist them up quite a lot. I just teamed it up with Topshop faux leather jacket with a fur collar which I'm absolutely in love with. Oh, and standard white chuck taylor converse and a messy side plait.

Everyday Display

I like using this soft brown eyeshadow as it complements the ombre tones in my hair.

This is my simple everyday look using Bobbi Brown metallic brown eyeshadow (£17). I also use this on my brows with a thin brush. I use La Prarie foundation (ridiculously overpriced - this was a gift!) and Mac studio sculpt foundation at a more reasonable £25. I've used a Guerlain bronzer as well and Maxfactor mascara.