Review: Bourjois 123 Perfect Colour Correcting Cream

I had been looking for a different base product for a while as I was disappointed by the lack of coverage I got from a best-selling BB cream I was using at the time. I tend to wear makeup everyday so I generally prefer to use lighter products on my skin, hence my forgo of using foundation for a BB cream. But I found this particular product wasn't doing anything for me so it was time to move my way down the alphabet and try a CC cream to test this whole new notion of 'colour correcting'.

Admittedly, I went in search for 'the one' blind. It was much more of a grab and go scenario, relying on pure whim to get something of quality, but at the same time within my lowly student budget.

Bourjois' CC cream appealed to me almost immediately when I saw it. The packaging is pretty persuasive, lets be honest. It claims that the cream contains three colour correcting pigments for 'a fresh and luminous result' which are apricot for anti-fatigue, green for anti-redness and white for anti-dark spots. So, aside from the fact this cream is basically anti-everything-bad-complexion, it also contains SP15 (we all need a bit sun-protection, after all) and is said to provide 24-hour hydration.

Well, it certainly won me over.

It's been three weeks now and I can honestly say I am really happy with the amount of coverage Bourjous' CC cream provides. I find that a little really goes a long way and my blemishes are effectively neutralized and seem much less dramatic (to me, anyway).

It's oil-free formula does provide the luminous glow it boasts to give your skin but without the oily sheen other products tend to leave. I would say that this is probably one of the best things about this cream if, like me, you prefer a matte complexion. Having said that, the cream has a really smooth texture and my skin genuinely feels moisturized when I apply it.

Before 

After 

Overall I would say that this product is great for those looking for a quick fix and a natural glow without having to rely on additional concealors or illuminators to make sure you get complete coverage.

On my first use, I was told that my skin looked 'flawless'. Yes, really. And at only £9.99 it's a definite steal.


Top image courtesy of bourjous.co.uk 

Lady Gaga - ARTPOP

Lady Gaga's highly anticipated third album, what she described as "a reverse Warholian expedition",  ARTPOP was finally released early last week and was introduced to the world in all its glory, living up to its title through artRAVE, an exclusive art-music event to party its release.

Upon the cover, designed by Gaga's favourite, Jeff Koons, is some large blue orb sitting encircled by a naked Gaga's legs who is sitting behind it, holding her breasts with a poker face stare and a long, blonde boxed-fringe wig (her signature do back in The Fame era). Behind her is a rather artistic montage combining the The Birth of Venus by 15th century artist Sandro Boticelli and Gianlorenzo Bernini's sculpture of Daphne- the love-struck nymph- provoking images of rebirth (another era), femininity and sexuality.

It's quite telling that the orb is a reflective object that, if you look closely, exposes the set and the camera men. That shine on the orb? Yeah that's the flash from the camera. Here we are allowed a small insight into the reality behind the art- that of which is supposedly embodied in her music.

Gaga opens the album with Aura- I killed my former/Left her in a trunk on highway 10/Put the knife under the hood/If you find it, send it straight to Hollywood as it then proceeds with a few seconds of evil laughter from the lady herself. It seems Lady Gaga's only gone and killed Yuyi the Mermaid in her departure from her previous album, Born This Way, as she sings "Enigma popstar is fun". So everybody say Yaaaaaaas Gaga- as she introduces another set of alter-egos in her art-pop endeavor.

Let's start with Venus in her seashell bikini and garden panties- Gaga becomes a goddess- a sexual one at that as we see in songs like Sexxx Dreams. And then there's Mary Jane Holland; her other pot-loving alter ego: The grass eats up my insides and my brunette starts to sprout/Introducing ladies and gentlemen/Mary Jane Holland!

The album is 100% pop goodness with oh so many catchy hooks and electric, synth popping melodies like that of Swine and Donatella that it'll have you singing along in no time.  But it is clear that Mother Monster plays around with different genres throughout the album, with a hip-hop track Jewels and Drugs featuring T.I, Too Short and Twista, not to mention her collab with R. Kelly on the R&B inspired track Do What U Want.

Another song, entitled Dope, the only slow tempo melody, expresses Gaga's relinquishment of her weed addiction as she sings "I need you more than dope".

The album ends with Applause, ironically her debut video for this album, which allegedly refers to her perseverance during her last tour, encouraged by the applause fans gave her after each show whilst performing with an unknown broken hip.

Gaga's attempt to combine art and popular culture in ARTPOP is definitely evident, more so than her previous albums and is definitely a change and, though pop, holds a different and varied kind of sound.

I have to admit since I bought the album I've been listening to it non-stop (yes, I'm a fan), it's artistic in the sense that Gaga does pop music well. I can't wait to see the music videos that come with it. Personal favourites include G.U.Y (I wanna be the Girl Under You), Gypsy, where Gaga proclaims in repetitive glory: I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm a gypsy gypsy gypsy hey! Mary Jane Holland and Fashion!

Book Review: Vintage Beauty Parlor by Hannah Wing

Are you longing to wear your hair like Brigitte Bardot? Flutter your eyelashes like the doe-eyed actresses of yesteryear, Anna Karina and Marilyn Monroe? Or perhaps you're wanting to strut the glamorous allure of Marlene Dietrich... 

Well great because Hannah Wing will show you how with her practical little manual with step by step guidance on how to master such beautiful and iconic vintage styles of the 20th century.  

As a professional make-up artist and stylist who runs her own business, Bellus Femina, and just so happens to write beauty and style blogs for The Vintage Festival, Wing is certainly the expert when it comes to vintage fashion and beauty.

Her book is an essential go-to-guide with tutorials which cover basic make-up and hair styling tips alongside several chapters dedicated to recreating looks from every decade, from the classy, sultry look of the 1920s and the 1930s debutante, down to the disco divas of the 1970s and the bold punk looks of the '80s. Every decade comes with its own colour palette (how useful is that?!) and suggestions on how to complete your look with suitable fashion pieces, accessories and even fragrances!

Wing goes on to provide readers with expert knowledge about each era and how the prevailing trends came about, like the stylish, yet practical victory rolls of the 1940s, inspired by the desire to stay feminine in the workplace as women took over the British workforce during WW11.

This book is great if you're wanting to spruce up your every-day look and add some glamour to your wardrobe and equally as good if you're in need of some advice for a fancy-dress do.

Treat yourself and order Vintage Beauty Parlor from Ryland Peters & Small for a modest £14.99.
I would especially recommend this book for any vintage fashion enthusiasts and fashionistas!

Have an arctic time at Below Zero London.

After hearing a lot of talk about Mayfair's famous Ice Bar London I naturally grew curious. 'OMG, I know, I'll book it for my birthday!' I thought with excitement. 'How uber cooooooooooooool' (s'cuse the pun).

So after searching vigorously for some sort of birthday package I learnt that the ICEBAR doesn't do birthday gigs and claims that the experience is "so novel and sensuous that it is a special occasion in itself". Fair enough.
It costs a rather modest £16 per head, or £20, if you want to treat yourself and go down the champers route. You can book online for up to 8 people or call and make a reservation if you have bigger party of people. Sessions are for 40 minutes.

ICEBAR by ICE HOTEL promises a unique experience and, let's be frank, that's exactly what it was. It is truly unique, where else in London is there an Icebar? It's a glacial delicacy in a, fairly small, venue based in central London. The bar was crammed with extravagant icy sculptures and large ice walls that made for quite a squishy experience, considering the amount of people that are allowed into the bar during one session. There were 2 ice tables with leather sofas which meant huddling somewhere along the others for 40 minutes. There is also a timer on the wall, haunting your experience, to remind you how long before your time is up.

It's the world made of ice! 

Now I'm not trying to put a downer on the whole experience, there were loads of photo opportunities and we got to wear 'designer' thermal capes and mittens to keep warm. You receive a free drink on entry and prices for a top-up vary from £6-£8 depending on what type of drink you want. The bar was made of literal ice, drinks were served in glasses made of ice (what else?) and you can't help but feel at least a little excited when stood in the middle of a room of ice. It was cold but it's in the name really..

It's definitely one for the 'to do' list.

HARD ROCK 2K12

Ok so these photos don't actually give the festival itself any justice but they reflect the awesome time I got to experience as a VIP crew member throughout the festival!

I have also written a review of the Festival that is on the Digital Spy website, read it here!

Thanks guys!

Shoreditch Festival '10

World in Motion Day


The Shoreditch Festival 2010

The summer of 2010 seems to be guaranteed a glittering sunshine and a heat so hot that all you really want to do is doze off into the dreamland of cool. However, on Sunday 18th July, with a 30°C heat, crowds of people crammed into the once silent patch of land at the Shoreditch Park to join in on all the revelry of the Shoreditch Festival, and I volunteered to help. It’s renowned for highlighting London’s multicultural society and it promised to have something for everyone with creative and dance workshops, dramatic and musical performances on a main stage and a separate dance stage.

The main stage hosted an array of performances from London’s up and coming young stars like hip hop dance group, Boy Blue Entertainment who took to the stage with an awe-inspiring performance. With the beat of the music and their moves well in sync, audiences eagerly anticipated the next one. Eyes were gazing up onto the stage whilst a casual number of flashes flickered from camera phones which captured a shot of the group. After numerous flexes, defined moves, flips and vigour only accomplished from the professionals, they soon came to centre stage for the finale where they broke down into more various moves that ended their already astonishing performance.
Furthermore, music from the Grand Union Youth Orchestra promised a taste of Reggae joie de vivre with a special Roots of Reggae at Shoreditch Festival programme, which included Caribbean artists like, Gilzene and the Blue Light Mento and The Viceroys, a Reggae band formed in the 1970s, who allowed a serene atmosphere with their smooth vocals as the crowds below soaked in the sun and listened. Other acts such as, Bomba Esteréo, a Columbian band with their own unique sound of tropical folk music from the Caribbean Coast mixed in with Electronica, reggae and hip-hop are designed for today’s young audiences and also for those who just want to have a good time.

Aside from the commotions of the main stage was an interesting range of workshops and displays dotted around the park including a ‘Spoken and Word Tent’ which hosted an array of performances like readings, folk music and soliloquies, combining Music, Drama and English from young bands and acclaimed artist and writer Ed Hillyer.

Moreover, The Anne Frank Trust was ready and raring to go on this sunny day at the Shoreditch Festival. With their choices of a Manga illustration workshop with Ed Hillyer himself, the tent promptly became filled with young visitors wanting to have a go. Concentration was in the air and with some help from Ed, many successful drawing were completed. Additional drawing and mask decorating activities were set up for youngsters to get their hands into, allowing creative freedom for all. The table was covered in glue and glitter, the disorder was stunning, but the aim was trying to keep the children happy by making sure they had the correct colouring sheet or a felt tip pen of the right colour.  All donated masterpieces were pegged up in the tent on display alongside the Anne Frank Exhibition and a Hope tree, where visitors could write their aspirations and wishes on luggage tags and tie them on the tree. It really was an all round fun atmosphere for kids, parents, and curious wanderers. 

Alongside all this entertainment and the high temperatures that accompanied the day, a selection of food and drink stalls offering Caribbean favourites like sizzling Jerk chicken, a Middle Eastern, vegetarian option of Falafel scrumptiously wrapped with humus and fresh salad were on offer. The food was prepared fresh in front of your eyes and the smell from the numerous barbeques overwhelmed my nostrils, adding to the summery ambience of the festival. But if any of these didn’t take your fancy, a jacket potato with a filling of your choice amongst other foods were just some of the various options that were available to choose from. I soon ordered a marinated chicken wrap kindly complemented with salad to settle my appetite.

Walking down and along through the park as I was attempting to grab the attention of a wandering by-passer were many stalls. Some set up to appeal to the public about some current crises in our world today with petitions, readily waiting to inform, whilst others were so beautifully arranged in order appeal and sell. Jamaican fashion stalls with vibrant coloured garments, small sculptures carved from wood and other items illustrating the British-Jamaican culture deeply rooted here in London.

My role as a volunteer for the Anne Frank Trust was to aid in preparation and to make sure, with my peers, the activities in the tent ran smoothly. Helping parents and children with their activities helped me achieve this and it really was an enjoyable task. Additionally, as an event assistant for the Shoreditch Trust, I was given a task to carry out a questionnaire to members of the public which was a good opportunity to gain insight on what people thought of the event and talk to some people from the Shoreditch area.
Overall, all feedback was generally quite positive.When I first heard about this festival, I didn’t think it was going to offer as much as it did. I thought it was going to be one of those ‘small do’s’ where not very many people turn up because there isn’t much going on because there has never been much going on. I’ve definitely learnt not to prejudge anymore. It was really a delight to be a part of and there was just so much to do and to see that it actually is a festival that is not to be missed.

The Shoreditch Festival 2010 was well good!