Right Now: Aesop’s World Domination

Posted on April 30, 2011 by The Makeup Mole

My favourite Aussie skincare brand, Aesop, is basically taking over the world at the moment with a gorgeous new counter at Selfridges in London, and four new stores to open in New York by the end of the year. Look how beautiful this installation in Selfridges is – if this doesn’t make you want to go and dive in to their skin loving treats, I don’t know what does.

I am currently loving their Geranium Leaf Body Scrub – it’s one of the few body products I use on a regular basis. It contains pumice and bamboo plus geranium which smells amazing first thing in the morning, let me tell you.

I’m not generally a massive body product fan, mostly due to lack of time. The products in my shower have to be quick and effective, and this not only polishes my skin, it’s even managing to compensate for the fact that I’ve given up coffee (and you know anything that can do that, must be good).

www.aesop.net.au

Video: Peter Philips on Chanel

Posted on April 26, 2011 by The Makeup Mole

I found this lovely video on Nowness of Chanel’s Creative Director, Peter Phillips, talking about his career and working for Chanel. If you read MM on a regular basis you know my enduring love for Chanel and for their constant creativity and the incredible luxury and performance of their products, all whilst maintaining and strengthening the extraordinary heritage and the ethos of Madame Coco Chanel.

Peter Philips: Beautiful Dreamer on Nowness.com

The Foundation Files – Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation

Posted on April 20, 2011 by The Makeup Mole

This review has been a long-time coming since I don’t think I have ever found a long-lasting, oil-free foundation I like so much. This is for all those ladies out there who really need a foundation with some muscle to it, that can handle their oily or combination skin, whatever it throws at them. Because really, who wants to look like a disco ball two hours after they’ve left the house? Not me, that’s for sure. Usually I’m a fan of lightweight foundations (I mean, you’ve seen my reviews of Chantecaille, Vitalumiere and Myface, which is what I keep in high rotation in my kit), but they aren’t right for every skin type. What to do if you have oily skin, or just like more coverage?

This is when I send in my Bobbi Brown big guns, her Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation. This foundation contains sponge like powders so it will absorb oil on the skin, yet emollients lock in moisture so skin stays balanced. It’s also transfer resistant, so it’s great for hot or humid climates. Like all Bobbi’s foundations (which are legion, and all the ones I have tried are amazing), they come in a great range of tones, but they are definitely more on the yellow side. Bobbi’s foundations are more comprehensive in colour tones than most brands on the market, from Alabaster through to Walnut. However as always, do check the colour is thoroughly right for you (on your FACE please miss, not the back of your hand or your elbow or on your best friend – it’s supposed to be going on YOUR FACE).

Simply apply with a foundation brush as you would any other foundation, and all those lovely little spheres go to work, mopping up facial oll and generally keeping your complexion looking gorgeous. What I love about this foundation over other oil-free foundations is that it adheres to Bobbi’s philosophy that skin should still look like skin, even if it does have a medium to heavy weight foundation on it. So it won’t look like a scary mask, but like a prettier, fresher (matte-r!) version of yourself. It also has an SPF of 15 so it’s great to know that you have that box ticked at the start of each day.

This lasts all day, and provides flawless coverage. It definitely deals with the oil on skin better than most foundations, meaning much less powdering time. And it’s still comfortable on areas that are dry (something I know about since my skin is that lovely combo of oil and dehydration which can be so hard to deal with).

It doesn’t mean you won’t have to powder at all as you probably will at some point during the day, but you won’t be shiny after 35 seconds. I just top up with either a Laura Mercier or Bobbi Brown powder and a brush, through the T-zone.

If you struggle to find a good foundation in general I do heartily recommend you check out Bobbi’s foundations as she has most of bases covered (please excuse the shocking pun) – the most minimal coverage you can get away with, and a fantastic selection of foundations formulated for all types of skin problems. Viva Bobbi Brown!

www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Current Obsession: Jane Birkin

Posted on April 19, 2011 by The Makeup Mole

This is my favourite Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg song, and I just think she’s so beautiful in this video of them frolicking in Europe in the late ‘60’s. That whole period has got me riveted again – maybe it’s because it started cropping up again on the catwalks in the last spate of shows (thanks Pat and Guido!) or maybe it’s just because I’m sick, OH SO SICK of the 80’s now. Please put them away people, and give them a decent burial. They were great but leggings and Bananarama skirts have had their place in the sun again and it’s time to let them go. Forever, hopefully.

Jane was the quintessence of cool back in the day with her gorgeous natural beauty and her affair with her much older French lover, Serge Gainsbourg, one of the most admired artists of the time. Together they collaborated on many songs and films, the most controversial being the fabulous Je t’aime… Moi non plus. The French side of my family always call me Jane Birkin when I speak French, but that is sadly only to do with my terrible French accent, not my effortless cool and striking resemblance to the brunette beauty.

So this season I want long, beautiful hair and a natural radiant glow (with a little gap in my teeth), a groovy wardrobe of flares and just the perfect onionskin thin t-shirt. A bit like Jane really.

Secret Weapon: Prtty Peaushun Body Lotion

Posted on April 13, 2011 by The Makeup Mole

This is a GENIUS product, and my latest obsession. The woman who makes this (US Celeb makeup artist, Bethany Karlyn) must be so damn clever, because it performs on every level. I didn’t think anything body makeup wise could come along and take the place of my beloved MAC Face and Body, (and I will always carry it in my kit), but this guy – well he’s definitely earned a place right in there too.

It makes your skin gleam like an expensive sports car, but it’s not shimmery or too shiny – which we all know is just soooo 2000. I have the colour Dark, and it has topped up my fading tan to make it look like I have beautiful skin – not that I’m wearing shimmery body makeup (and I defy you to find me any woman who wants to look like that). It gives you Victoria’s Secret body skin (sadly not the body as well, Jesus can you imagine if you could get one of those in a jar?) Sexy, smooth, perfect – like it’s been airbrushed, which has to be one of the most over-used terms in the beauty lexicon but in this case happens to be true.

Plus it’s natural – yes that’s right, all natural ingredients. It has 92% raw, natural ingredients, with no parabens, petrochemicals or animal products, AND it’s not tested on animals. So for those of you (and we’re growing by the day) who don’t like to put chemicals on their body, this is for you. And it feels good when you put it on – it’s a sheer weight cream that looks quite dark but it blends on smoothly, with no streaking, and no tell-tale orange palms. It glides on like a dream, doesn’t transfer onto clothes and just seems to set, so you can forget about it. As if all that wasn’t enough, it smells great, and the packaging is the coolest silver screwtop pouch that makes dispensing the right amount of product a dream. Love, love, LOVE this product, and it’s been awhile since I’ve flipped for something. But flip I have for this. Especially with summer around the corner in the Northern hemisphere, you need this in your life (and your makeup arsenal).

www.prttypeaushun.com
Follow them on Twitter: @prttypeaushun

To buy Prttypeaushun in Australia, go to beautyworkswest.com.au

Illamasqua Behind The Scenes – Toxic Nature Campaign

Posted on April 12, 2011 by The Makeup Mole

By now you’d have to have been living in a yurt in Outer Mongolia to have missed seeing the incredible campaign images from Illamasqua’s newest collection, Toxic Nature (Creative Director Alex Box in Uber box Mode on this one!)

Check out what went on behind the scenes..

The. Best. Eyeshadow. Quads. Ever. Chanel

Posted on April 7, 2011 by The Makeup Mole

This post is slightly cheating – really it should be “Best Eyeshadow Ever”, but I just couldn’t pick one brand. I have too many eyeshadows that I like – MAC and Dior and NARS and Illamasqua and Chanel and my old Stila ones and Myface and Laura Mercier – oh, and Bobbi Brown! It would be like Sophie’s Choice but with about 50 kids to choose from. Horrible, and too distressing to contemplate. So instead I decided to cheat and start with Eyeshadow Quads. Chanel win those hands down. I was doing makeup for a private client at the weekend and I got seriously back into them.

I have loads! I have at least nine that come with me on every job. Old ones that have been discontinued for years, and newer ones (like last year’s delicious Kaska Beige), and they all get a regular work-out. The colours are super-flattering and can be mixed beautifully, either from within the quad or with others in the Chanel range – or if you’re feeling crazy, from other brands!

Yes I know, the pigment pay off on other brands can be superior, but the finish is so beautiful! And the colour ranges are gorgeous, and go together so well. And yes they are expensive, but you wouldn’t expect to get a discount Ferrari would you?

One thing I have found though is that I much prefer the US versions of the quads – I just prefer the texture, and the texture is markedly different to their UK/European/Australian versions. But sill I love all of them, no matter where I bought them from. And the packaging, well, there is no substitute for that elegant black lacquer.

The only downside is that they have terrible tendency to encourage you to want more – as in new ones every season, as every new collection is more delectable than the last. Ombres Perlees de Chanel for Spring? Don’t mind if I do!

www.chanel.com

The Interview: James Pecis

Posted on April 5, 2011 by The Makeup Mole

Tagged last month by British Vogue as one of the rising stars of the international creative firmament, New York based hairdresser James Pecis is going from strength to strength, booking editorials with photographers like Mario Testino, Liz Collins, Tim Walker, Miles Aldridge and Mariano Vivanco. His work regularly graces Harper’s Bazaar, British Vogue, Numero and V magazine, and aside from being a wonderful hairdresser he’s one of the nicest people I have ever worked with. Last time I worked with James we shot a TopMan Campaign together in London (with the rather gorgeous Louis Simonon, son of iconic Clash guitarist, Paul Simonon), and James is just such a wonderful person to be around. Plus he has the best tattoos I’ve ever seen – his hands alone are a work of art!

What are you working on at the moment?

Last week was Teen Vogue, French Vogue, Numero and now we are starting the campaigns for the season. It’s a fun and busy time.

Favourite hair job ever?

I don’t think there could be a favorite. I’m fortunate to get to do, see, and travel to amazing places for my job. I couldn’t have a favorite… just lots of amazing memories and more to come.

Top 5 products?

Surf Spray by Bumble & Bumble
-Elnett hairspray by L’Oreal
-Tecni.Art Pli by L’Oreal
-Light Elements Texturising Cream by Aveda
-Water – by mother nature

Best hair tip ever?

Hair grows

How did you get started in the business?

Years of assisting and hard work.

How is it different to when you started?

A lot has changed in a short time. The obvious would be the switch from analog to digital and the use of new electronic medias and moving images. Most photo assistants today could not load a 5X4 back and most hairdressers could not do a full head of marcel waves properly with tongs. But the competition is stronger than ever before which increases the demand to not only be creative, talented, and professional, but you also need to be fast, nice, and have impeccable taste.

Favourite looks for the next coming season?

Girls being creative and styling their own hair. Twisting, braiding, back-combing, pinning…. Just developing their own styles. Mixes of vintage with modern. Having fun and enjoying playing with their hair.

What do you love doing in your spare time?

Hmmmm….spare time….not a lot of that…..I may get this new operation so I don’t have to sleep anymore. I can stay awake 24/7. Then I’ll have more spare time. I like to keep my hands and mind busy. I sew, make books, make felt hats, stickers, write letters, spend time with friends, yoga, exhibitions, etc.

James is represented in New York and London by D+V Management. You can view his portfolio at www.dandvmanagement.com

In My Makeup Kit: Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash

Posted on April 4, 2011 by The Makeup Mole

So I can now die a happy lady. The ONE thing that used to disturb me about my kit was my nasty bottle of chemist dry soap – I have bought it in Paris, and London and the US, and no matter what brands I tried, it just never looked chic. Because when you have all your lovely bottles and tubes of La Mer and Kiehl’s and Chanel laid out, it was always jarring to have a tacky little bottle of Aqium or Purell stuck in the middle. It screamed “Here I am! I’m a hand sanitizer!” Not the first thing I want to jump out at a client when they look at my work table.

But now my prayers have been answered – and at the risk of my blog turning into an Aesop infomercial, it’s the good people at Aesop who have answered them. It’s an alcohol based hand wash to cleanse and refresh hands – so it’s the Chanel of Aqium basically. And best of all – it comes in their classic brown bottles, but, wait for it, IT’S PLASTIC. So there’s no carting glass around (which, whilst chic would also be heavy, and let’s face it, potentially dangerous). And it’s only 50ml, so it’s perfect for planes, or throwing into your handbag for a little on the spot refresher wherever you are. Clean hands without water! And I don’t know about you guys, but I get increasingly germ phobic as I get older. It all started on the Paris Metro when I saw a guy scratch his nose – except he had no nose, it had been eaten away by some devastating disease. Poor man – but then he wrapped that itchy finger back around the Metro pole and I nearly passed out at the thought of what detritus he was leaving everywhere. So at the risk of sounding all Howard Hughes, hand sanitizer is my friend.

This one smells gorgeous, and has Mandarin Rind and Rosemary Leaf in it, plus unlike its nasty chemist counterparts, it contains moisturizing agents to ensure skin is left clean but not dehydrated.

So now my kit looks classy AND clean. Delish.

www.aesop.net.au

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