Posts Tagged ‘fab find friday’

One of the things I love about my job as Editor of StyleScoop, is discovering new and exciting things… This week, I discovered Emily the Strange - a cute and trendy brand of clothing and accessories.  And, it comes just in time to help you decide what to buy those uber trendy gals in your life for Christmas… yes Christmas – it is only three months away!

Emily the Strange includes a wide range of funky, punk-style clothing and accessories including T-shirts, tote bags, wallets, key rings, jackets and so much more.  Its an international brand that has over 2.5 million followers and it is available in South Africa too.  I love the “WTF” print on this tote bag and tank top, making it both opinionated and very, very cute.

Don’t you just hate it when you go to a club in your favourite, sky-high, killer heels only to end up walking barefoot because your feet just cant handle more than an hour of dancing? Or maybe you love to look at sky high heels, but never actually buy them because you know you’ll end up walking barefoot in any case?  So what do you do? Opt for the simple, “classic” pair of almost-heels instead. Boring!

While many of you will say “stuff it” and walk barefoot on the dirty dance floor; that by the way is probably covered in beer and cigarette ash, I consider myself to be a bit of a snob in that department.  Personally I’d rather suffer with blistering feet than walk around around barefoot at a party – unless of course, its a pool party we’re talking about – Not even I’m that bad.

So, I’m sure you can imagine my excitement and approval when I was sent a pair of Cherry FUPS to try.  FUPS, which stands for Fold-Ups are cleverly designed ballet flats that, as the name implies, fold up, allowing you store them, even in your evening purse.

They come in two shades (black and champagne) and are made from from a satin fabric that makes them very comfortable – Trust me ladies, I put these on to review and forgot I was wearing them.

The soles have been specially designed with two separate pieces, to allow them to fold up, and the elasticated trim ensures, even your throbbing feet will be comfy. So you can stay on the dance floor and still look stylish and in-tact.

So you’re thinking – genius, but now what do you do with your heels?

Of course you can’t shove them in your evening purse and the last thing you want to do is leave them out for someone to take home.  We are after all talking about heels here, your prized possessions and for some of us, our only assets – after all we did spend all our money on them, making them somewhat of an investment.  OK, OK you get the picture.

If you’ve ever seen or used any Bobbi Brown products, you would understand my love affair with this brand and more importantly, it’s founder, Bobbi Brown.  Bobbi Brown is in my opinion, the high priestess of makeup.

She really knows her stuff when it comes to enhancing your features and shows you how to wear makeup without letting it wear you.

While nothing would compare to having Bobbi do my makeup, the closest I can get,  is to read and learn from her new book Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual.

It’s a stunning book that contains everything you need to know about makeup and how to apply it.  From getting the look to eating correctly for perfect skin, this book is a must have resource for every girl that wants to be her own professional makeup artist.  Oh, and speaking of professional makeup artists, this book is aimed at professionals too and will show you how to get ahead in the industry, from one of the industry’s leaders.

Learn how to do your five minute face, be an expert at applying liner or get a bit more advanced with step by step, illustrated lessons in how to apply certain looks.  Creating smokey eyes has never been this easy.

Seriously girls, what are you waiting for?  This book is a definite must have and don’t forget to get an extra copy, one for your and one for your mom for mothers day – there is even a section on how to care for aging skin.  What could be better than the gift of beauty?

You can get this book at most leading bookstores, or ensure your copy by ordering it online now from Kalahari.net.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I think Bobbi Brown has got to be one of the most innovative cosmetics producers of all time.  This woman, not only knows how to make gorgeous makeup that lasts, but she really understands how us women use it too, and to me that’s a huge plus.  That’s why, this week Bobbi Brown gets my Fab Find Friday (again).

Lately, I’m obsessed with her new innovation, The Customizable Palette. It’s basically an empty, mirrored palette that can be customised to fit all your favourite Bobbi Brown eye shadows, blushes and even lip colours and gloss.  So instead of lugging all your makeup in a huge makeup case, that takes up space, all you really need is to (literally) pop your favourite Bobbi Brown shades into the palette and you’re done.

Another plus is that you can quickly replace colours when you run out without having to get rid of the whole palette.  I know I’m not the only one that has bought a palette of colours, only to use one shade and then get rid of it.  This is a great innovation to choose the colours you want and you get the option to change whenever you feel like it. Now tell me that’s not fab!?

The Customizable Pallet comes in three different options: a six pan, four pan and three pan container, all of which are beautifully branded with Bobbi Brown’s simplistic, elegant black casing.  And just like all Bobbi Brown’s makeup cases, these are durable and I love the full sized mirror, that takes up the whole inside.

To give you a better idea of how this box of tricks works, I took some seperate snaps:

1) Here is a view of the very compact, durable 6 pan palette when its closed.

2) I popped out all the colour pallete blocks.  You will see they have clips on the edges.  When these clip in they fit tightly and they don’t move around.

3) When you purchase your desired colours, they come in a small, single compact (see left).  They clip out of this one and into the 3, 4 or 6 pan palette, which is really cool if you just want one colour to sneak into your clutch purse, but still want the option to carry all your shades in your handbag for everyday or for your holiday.

4) A view of the back, so you can easily see your colour shades.

Bobbi Brown’s motto for this innovation is “Customise, Simplify, Organise”, three words that really do sum up the Customisable Palette.  “I’ve always believed in the concept of personalised beauty and helping women find makeup shades that are right for their skin tone and personal style…This is an easy way for you to create makeup palettes with your most perfect shades.” – Bobbi Brown

I would highly recommend you get the  6 pan palette, which you can purchase at all Bobbi Brown counters and they retail at R200 each.

Think of this as your charm braclet.  The case is the chain and you can spoil yourself every month with a new Bobbi Brown colour.  After all, you work hard, so you deserve it!

When it comes to beauty, there are so many tips and tricks that you can learn to help you apply your makeup more flawlessly.  And who better to “show you the ropes” than professional, celebrity makeup artist Laura Mercier?

Laura Mercier who’s cosmetics range (bearing her name) has been around for over a decade and the artist herself, shares her time-tested beauty secrets inside her 256 page hard cover book.  Everything from when to apply powders and liquids to shaping your eyes, lips and more for an overall effect.

You’ll also learn the techniques that Laura has mastered on celebs such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, Mariah Carey & Madonna.

If you’re stuck on beauty advice or want to polish up your skills, get yourself a copy of this book – its one for keeps!

Today I’m celebrating my 28th Birthday, and while it should be all about cake and presents, I am noticing the signs of aging more and more, as they sneak their way onto my face.

While I’ve always been a firm believer in a good skin care regime – my mom got me started on a 3 step skincare routine from about 13 – running away from fine lines and wrinkles seems to be an inevitable escape, especially now.

One thing I have noticed is the lines on my forehead seem to be getting more and more defined every year.  So, when I discovered this nifty little roll-on genius from Garnier, I was curious, interested and hopeful.

Garnier Skin Naturals UltraLift Pro-X is a lifting, anti-wrinkle roll-on,  that is said to plump up even deep wrinkles.  It also stimulates and tones your skin, making it feel fresh and young.

While I’ve only been using it for about two weeks, It seems to be working.  Or at least my wishfull thinking is paying off – either way the lines are fuller and less defined.  Besides that I love how it feels on my face. It’s almost the same feeling your body gets after a yoga class – it feels longer, leaner and tighter.  Well UltraLift Pro-X gives my face the same feeling – yoga for your face!

I keep a bottle of it on my desk, and roll it over my forehead every few hours.  I may just be an addict!

If you’re looking for a foundation that will stay put come rain or shine, then you will love the foundation that’s part of the new range from M.A.C called Well-Defined.  I got to try out the foundation and am most impressed.

It blends really well and stays on for a long time, keeping my skin looking even and polished.  To apply, I use my foundation brush (not the one from this range, but my normal MAC one),  and the product goes on so perfectly with only a few strokes.  It covers really well and you definitely don’t get that “cake-face” affect.  In fact you don’t even feel like you are wearing any make up all, which is perfect!

You should be able to find this range at your M.A.C counter now as it was launched in February/ March, but hurry because the stock is limited.

Full range details:

• Studio Sculpt Foundation which is packed with SPF 15 and comes in 23 different shades, so you’ll be sure to find your perfect match.  Retailing at R230.00
• Studio Sculpt Concealer to hide any imperfections.  Retailing at R155.00
• Prep + Prime Skin to lock your make up in place.  Retailing at R205.00
• The new 191 Foundation brush, which is a large, flat, square shaped brush to help you blend and distribute your make up evenly.  Retailing at R300.00
• 195 Concealer brush with its flexible, synthetic hairs and slightly pointed tip for precise application.  Retailing at R205.00

* Prices correct at time of article publication

Yesterday, I experienced the magic of Jo Malone for the first time, when the range was introduced at a women’s luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga.

Myself, and StyleScoop’s new contributor (tell you more about that later) Chontell, were invited to join and learn more about the brand of seductive scents, that is Jo Malone.

Before leaving for the event, Evegenia sent me a message saying, “Please promise me you’ll try Pomegranate Noir and Red Roses”.  Eve attended the Joburg launch a little while ago, and has not been able to stop talking about Jo Malone ever since.

The”Fragrance Arc” with is collection of spicy, citrus, fruity, light green floral, floral and woody scented candles, colognes and body cremes, were laid out for the women to sniff, sample and enjoy.  The “ohhing” and “ahhing” , clearly indicated their delight and approval of the Jo Malone range, which is elegantly packaged in a minimalistic white box, tied with a simple black blow.

Of course, Chontell and I also did the rounds of sniffing and sampling, and with one spritz of Pomegranate Noir, we we had both found our favourite scent.

There is something so

Yesterday I posted my Star Beauty Feature and showed you a full range of funky nail colours for bold and beautufil finger tips.  But I have a confession to make, I kept the very best colour for last, and today in my Fab Find Friday Im featuring One Perfect Coral from Revlon.

It really is just that, perfect! A stunning, summery colour that looks sexy, perky and is very flirty.  It looks awesome against a tanned skin, and by adding multiple coats you can go from a simple, pretty shade to a bolder, more daring colour in no time at all.

This colour looks really good with a simple LBD and hot heels, or adds that perfect finish to a summer dress and metallic flip flops.

The Revlon One Perfect Coral nail enamel lasts really long and with 2 coats, does not chip easily.  If you add more coats for bolder colour, add a clear top coat to lock it in.

Try this shade ladys, you’ll fall in love… I did

I’ve always been a bling, bling girl – ok not always, but I’ve been told (by the source) that my mom has fond memories of me in pre-school (those days it was still called nursery school) wearing not one, but every single plastic bangle, necklace and ring I owned – all at once.  She used to call me “Bijoux” and say that my teachers could hear me, ding-ling and dangling miles away.

My bling-blinging slowed down for a good couple of years, and slowly started up again when I was 18 and worked part time in a jewellery store, that sold fabulous silver pieces.  Nowadays, I just can resist buying more bling, and although Cindy (our resident Bags and Bling) lady has quite the collection, I vow to catch up.

I’m not that keen on jewellery – the real stuff – apart from my engagement ring and wedding band, I don’t wear much “authentic” stuff and I am not that interested in gawking at jewellery store windows either. But take me to an accessories shop like Claire’s or Sass Diva and I’m in my element.

I like the three B’s – Big, Bold and BLING.  So unless I can afford a 10carat diamond, Ill stick to wearing my costume jewels – thanks!

I discovered this FABULOUS little book packed with lots, and lots (and lots) of little bits of interesting information, to inform and inspire the goddess in you.

A Year in High Heels written by Camilla Morton, bestselling author of “How to Walk in High Heels” is a must have for every bedside table.  With that said, if you don’t have this book – go out and get it.  It will take the diva in  you from zero to super-diva in 500 pages flat.  Educating and informing you with social intelligence, fashion and style, history, culture, facts and challenges, and give you everything you need to know about, well, just about everything.

Published in June 2008, A Year in High Heels is the ultimate guide, taking you through a monthly chapter, filled with fascinating stories, interesting ideas and sensible advice.

Discover how to learn French, be an artist, get a taste for the opera, tease or write a postcard.  Lean to deal with moths, customise your cakes or make a face pack.

In each month, Morton pays tribute to a monthly Muse – Iconic women who inspire our sense of style, beauty and fabulousity – from Jacqui Kennedy to Elizabeth Arden, Cleopatra to Cinderella, and not forgetting the ultimate icons, Marilyn Monroe and the mademoiselle herself, Coco Chanel.  Each month also contains stories

Buy the book from Kalahari.net (R139.95 – softcover)

About Camilla Morton Source: Hodder & Stroughton Camilla Morton was attending fashion shows long before she was invited. She studied at St Martin’s and worked on Vogue. She moved to Paris to polish her look, rather than her French, and worked for John Galliano at Dior. She has written for the Times, Telegraph magazine, Harpers Bazaar and Time, among others. Her first book, HOW TO WALK IN HIGH HEELS, has been translated into seventeen languages.

I found the perfect little handbag goody this week from Giffarine -  a natural cosmetics range that’s imported from Thailand.

The Giffarine Lip Colour – Liptester Palette is a super slim compact, containing 10 different shades of gorgeous gloss, an applicator brush and a mirror.

The shades are superb and offer a full coverage, long lasting colour and a super silky texture.  It’s perfect for a girl on the go who loves to change her look,  and it comes in four different sets of complimenting shades.

This little palette measures at 8.5 x 5.5mm and is probably less than a millimeter in thickness. So, its really, really small and can be slipped into your handbag for gloss on the go.

For more information about Giffarine products, the Liptester Palette or to find a stockist near you, please contact deirdre@makeovercentral.co.za.  The recommended retail price for the Liptester Palette is R140.00

Giffarine has over 10 years of experience and research in developing quality cosmetics – using medical and pharmaceutical knowledge and expertise. The production process is based on scientific principles, adheres to international standards and is subject to strict hygiene and quality control.