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Friday, 18 August 2023 07:44

POSE 21:20: Becomin' Her

The threshold to womanhood is awaiting us, waiting for that moment when we feel ready to cross the line after a long journey of daily discoveries.

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Blooming into the woman we are meant to be. Becomin' Her is Maryanne Alabi's fashion story of this powerful and empowering transformation.


Nigerian style consultant and stylist Maryanne Alabi explores women's development and self-affirmation through the refined power of fashion.

Becomin' Her: Style Notes

Solid blocks of contrasting non-colours – black and white – and a bold thunder of magenta define the silhouette of a newly discovered self with the taste of Old Hollywood glamour. Audacious slits reveal a smoothly full-bloomed body without showing too much; a cascade of golden threads evokes an opulence worn with a noble spirit. The 'her' portrayed in this editorial by photographer Shola Ajisegbede has truly found her meaning and place in this world. She manifests herself without asking for approval.

Through these snapshots, Maryanne Alabi tells a story of grace, resilience and strength in becoming her.

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 Team credit:
Photography: Shola Ajisegbede @sniper.ajix
Creative Direction / Styling: Maryanne Alabi @mayreejay
Makeup Artist: Preye Albert @mzpreyemakeovers
Hair stylist: Tony Aigbogun @tonysbeautyace
Model: Joy Ejiro Niovo @joyejironiovo
Wardrobe: @oboylagos @isiatagamenofficial @mayreejay
Accessories: @mjsstylefactory

Published in Blog

60 years ago, Yves Saint Laurent created his debut collection for the couture house he and his partner, the businessman Pierre Bergéand, founded together. And ever since then, they changed the world of fashion forever.

MAMVP-Salle-Dufy-Yves Saint Laurent Aux Musées-exhibition-60th-anniversaryRaoul Dufy - La Fée Electricité, 1937 - Ph. Pierre Antoine

The collection of Yves Saint Laurent is taking over six of the most established museums in Paris to celebrate the great fashion changemaker. 


It was January 29th 1962 – Paris – when all the important people in the fashion industry in France gathered at 30 bis rue Spontini to watch Yves Saint Laurent presenting his first-ever collection. Just at the age of 26, he became known as part of the greatest fashion designers of the 20th century. Over the years, the designer became a prominent figure in France and this can be seen in some of his work. He shares a deep bond with French art, literature and museum collections.

Portrait de Yves Saint Laurent 1971- Ph. Jeanloup SieffPortrait de Yves Saint Laurent, 1971 - Ph. Jeanloup Sieff

60th Anniversary Of The Designer

This year marks the 60th anniversary of this special moment in the history of fashion and the Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent decided to have a proper celebration for it.

“I thought it would be impossible to get so many museums to agree to our idea, but they were all very interested and hugely enthusiastic from the beginning. It is the first time they have all worked together on one project”, says Mouna Mekouar, the curator of the event.

Yves Saint Laurent-Robe Hommage à Piet MondrianYves Saint Laurent - Robe Hommage à Piet Mondrian, Autumn/Winter 1965

Composition en rouge bleu et blanc II 1937 - Piet MondrianComposition en rouge bleu et blanc II, 1937 - Piet Mondrian

The Centre Pompidou, The Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre and three other museums in Paris decided to honour the french designer and put his garments on display as part of their permanent exhibition. All museums taking part in paying tribute to the designer decided to simultaneously open the doors to the public. It was the date when 26-year-old Yves Saint Laurent presented his first collection in 1962: 29th of January. Other exhibitions are also taking place at the Picasso Museum*, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and will be available till the 15th of May.

Yves Saint Laurent - Veste Hommage à Pablo PicassoYves Saint Laurent - Veste Hommage à Pablo Picasso, Autumn/Winter 1979

Yves Saint Laurent - Veste Hommage à ma maison Yves Saint Laurent - Veste Hommage à ma maison, Spring/Summer 1990

The Exhibitions

The interesting part of the exhibitions is that every museum presents and explores different moments in Laurent's life as a designer. The Musée d’Orsay showcases his love of Marcel Proust, the Louvre compares the lavish decorative arts in the Galerie d’Apollon with his garments and presents the why they inspired the designer. The avant-garde movement linked to one of his collections is portrayed in the Pompidou. While the art museums display his collections, the Museum of Fashion presents the sketches that resulted in the garments. Every single event will combine Saint Laurent’s pieces along with those of famous artists such as Mondrian, Picasso, Matisse, Bonnard and Dufy.

Galerie d'Apollon, Musée du Louvre - Ph. Antoine MongodinGalerie d'Apollon, Musée du Louvre - Ph. Antoine Mongodin

“Saint Laurent was very much inspired by art and this shows the links and dialogue between his work and the museum exhibits. We didn’t want to put the clothes in a room, we wanted them there among the permanent collections. This way the visitors will rediscover those collections at the same time as paying homage to Yves Saint Laurent. It’s like a cultural archipelago” continued Mekouar.

Yves Saint Laurent - Ensemble inspiré de Pierre BonnardYves Saint Laurent - Ensemble inspiré de Pierre Bonnard, Spring/Summer 2001

Yves Saint Laurent - Toile dune cape Hommage à George BraqueYves Saint Laurent - Toile dune cape Hommage à George Braque, Spring/Summer 1988

Yves Saint Laurent, the genius with a remarkable vision, revolutionised women’s fashion and shifted the industry into a new and contemporary direction. Providing modern women with an appealing mix of power and femininity, he permanently transformed their wardrobes and he keeps doing so.

Yves Saint Laurent - CœurYves Saint Laurent - Cœur (1962) - Ph. Nicolas Mathéus

“I tried to show that fashion is an art. I created for my era and I tried to foresee what tomorrow would be.” – Yves Saint Laurent

 

*The exhibition at the Picasso Museum will end exceptionally on 15th April.
Photo courtesy of Claudine Colin Communication

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 22 February 2022 08:55

How Technology is Taking Over the Fashion Industry

Way before the pandemic started, many of us have noticed the rapid evolution of technology. Covid just made all the technological advancements happen faster than anticipated. If you think about it, there are very few things nowadays that people do not need to use technology for. But what about the fashion industry?

Virtual reality versus fashion industry. Ph. Tumisu, PixabayPh. Tumisu, Pixabay

Fashion did not stay behind as new technologies progressed fast forward. The biggest trend at the moment is, indeed, the metaverse and virtual fashion.


Many brands nowadays have easily featured their products and vision in the virtual space with the same value and status they have in real life.

What Is Metaverse?

The term 'metaverse' has become more widely used with the popularity of crypto and bitcoins, a whole new world is being built in front of our eyes. Ever since video games were created, a new virtual reality was introduced and this is now opening many opportunities for artists who are thriving on this new phenomenon. As for the web developers, they are trying their best to save it. But what is it all about? The New York Times defines metaverse as “a variety of virtual experiences, environments and assets that gained momentum during the online-everything shift of the pandemic”.

We can, without a doubt, say that this is a way for the community to realise that sooner or later everything could be moved into a new virtual world.

Is There Such A Thing As A Fashion Metaverse?

If everything is to be moved online nothing will be left behind and fashion is one of the things that are already there, even if it does not feel like it. As people spend more time online, CB Insights Industry Analyst Consensus estimates that virtual goods will represent a $190B market by 2025.1 The way fashion is immersed in the metaverse can be split into two categories: a combination of physical and digital, in which clothing can be worn through augmented or virtual realities, and a fully digital market in which items can be purchased directly from an avatar. Considering there is a demand for such products, more and more high-end brands are trying to make their way into the metaverse. However, with some people being sceptical about moving into virtual, brands are also showing their concerns. To test the virtual environment and digital fashion with all its perks and flaws, the majority of brands have made various collaborations with game, social, and metaverse platforms.

Virtual reality, luxury fashion and the metaverse. Ph. Mo, PexelsPh. Mo, Pexels

The Place Of High-end Brands In The Metaverse

The virtual world is supposed to represent a flawless world, in which everyone wants to achieve perfection. Luxury is a key component in the metaverse and that is where the high-end brands can once again dominate the fashion world. Just because some of us are just now learning about the metaverse, this does not mean that it just appeared. Most brands have been working on various projects and collaborations to establish a status in the online society for years now. Louis Vuitton, for instance, released a League of Legends collection in 2019. The brand entered into a multi-year partnership with Riot Games in September that includes both physical and digital designs for the 2019 League of Legends World Championship. That is just one example of a way to be present in the metaverse. Moschino released skins for The Sims, Gucci released a digital collection for a styling app; Nike, Chanel and Balenciaga have collaborated with ‘Pokemon Go’ making virtual shoe collections.


That is just a glimpse into the virtual world. Many more things are being created on a daily basis and many more are disappearing from the real world. There is a place for everyone online, whether for better or worse. Along with trying to keep up with the trends in reality, now we would actually have to keep up with the digital ones as well. It is a challenge worth accepting.

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Published in Blog

We all know that sorting out clothes, shoes and bags can be some people’s worse nightmare. Keeping your wardrobe organised will make life stress-free but what to keep and what to get rid of can sometimes be chaotic.

How to organise wardrobe. Ph. Amanda Vick, UnsplashPh. Amanda Vick, Unsplash

This guide will unveil the secrets of the "craft" of keeping your wardrobe up to date and always well-organised.


There are different ways of dividing and sorting your clothing and accessories, below the easiest and the most effective.

Dividing Your Wardrobe

The easiest way to sort out your pile of clothes is by dividing each clothing piece into categories. For example, all blazers and jackets will be together, all bottoms – such as skirts, shorts, jeans and trousers – will be next to one another. Therefore, when looking for a jacket to match your jeans, you can see them all against each other and, for that reason, styling an outfit would be simpler. Also, when buying more clothes on a shopping spree you will know what items you may need or want to replace, due to all categories being in one place.
An example of this method is the image below, where all the tops are hung together.

Tips on on how to organise your wardrobe. Ph. Priscilla du Preez, UnsplashPh. Priscilla du Preez, Unsplash

The Colour Technique

Another way to organise your wardrobe in a very therapeutic way is by colour coordination. Starting with whites, light pastels, beiges to browns, greys and blacks, making your very own rainbow in your closet. This way, colours are easier to pick out and complement each other. Some of you may have a more neutral rainbow, while others may have bright, bold colours; either way, this is a great way to section your wardrobe to know where everything is and to keep your clothes, looking aesthetically pleasing.

Tricks to organise your closet. Ph. Liza Summer, PexelsPh. Liza Summer, Pexels

Address The Seasons

The last way to arrange your closet is by season, which is a great way to store your clothes in a time when you may not need them.

Winter clothes are bulky and thick compared to the clothes you wear during the summer period. Therefore, it is undeniable that you may need more closet space in the coldest months. Instead of throwing your favourite summer dresses which – you know well – you will not be able to wear, store them. It could be in a suitcase, a box or in a spare room to maintain their quality, just be careful not to store them anywhere damp. This simple way of separating clothes to weather-coordinated will save you storage and money, while also keeping your wardrobe tidy and accessible. Make sure to keep those statement pieces and give away those that are purely a miss.

With these three tips on the ways to organise your wardrobe, you should have a tidy and iconic setup in no time – just without the hassle.

Published in Blog
Friday, 11 February 2022 08:55

Valentino Transforms the World of Haute Couture

Kristen McMenamy, an icon in the fashion industry since the '90s, opened Valentino’s Haute Couture fashion show during Paris Fashion Week. That moment, everyone knew the Italian luxury fashion house had started a revolution in the industry.

Models. Model diversity at the Paris Haute Couture. Ph. cottonbro, PexelsPh. cottonbro, Pexels

Valentino embraced body diversity during the Paris Haute Couture Week, hopefully inspiring other designers to follow their example.

 

The World Of Haute Couture

Haute couture is the world of high fashion. If we were to translate it literally, it means "high dressmaking". In other words, it refers to custom-made garments, designed by world-renowned designers and made from high-end, expensive fabrics and stitched with the utmost attention to detail by companies of the highest quality.

Haute couture fashion shows are a form of art. They are just like staging a play or choreographing a performance. From designing the garments to choosing the right models to deliver the message of the collection to selecting the music of the show. When all these little details come together they create a breathtaking fashion show. One of the most anticipated couture fashion shows is the Paris Haute Couture Week.

Valentino Is Redefining The Meaning Of Haute Couture

The world of haute couture consists of custom-made dresses with six-figure price tags and because it symbolises perfection it is seen as an unlikely conduit for modernity. Piccioli thinks otherwise, he sees the symbolic power of the diversity represented at one of the world's most important events as solidifying the winds of change. The shows during Fashion Week have always been about young, perfectly-looking, thin models walking down the runway displaying the garments. This year the creative director of Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli decided to follow a different path and go with something that has not been seen before. Models with grey hair and women of all sizes walked down the runway wearing the new collection of the brand.

The Meaning Behind The Show

When asked why Piccioli took on this approach to the show, he shares: “I wanted to break these rules and embrace the idea of different proportions of body, different sizes, different ages. But it was impossible to do this with just one house model. So, I broke the rules and got 10 house models with differently proportioned bodies”.

The runway show immediately stood out from all the others. It featured different body types and models of all ages such as Kristen McMenamy, Marie Sophie Wilson and Violeta Sanchez. In an interview with Vogue, Piccioli shares that those same models who walked on the runway were previously discouraged from even entertaining the possibility of walking couture. That is at the heart of the meaning of the collection. It is not made for a specific body type, more like for a variety of women with different body types and ages. The designer encourages the idea that there is no one definition of what beauty is.

Piccioli is on his way to redefining the way runway shows are heading by breaking down the stereotypes in the industry. He is starting a conversation among people in a position of power in the industry and fashion enthusiasts. One thing is certain – women of different ages, shapes and sizes deserve to be portrayed on the runway.

Published in Blog

The detail to fashion within ‘Sex And The City’ has followed through to the much-awaited reboot, ‘Just Like That’. Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), and her friends Charlotte and Miranda (Kristen Davis and Cynthia Nixon), now 10 years later, are showing how fashion will always be the best of you with their lavish and iconic looks.

And Just Like That, outfits from New York. Ph. Hieu Vu Minh, UnsplashPh. Hieu Vu Minh, Unsplash

Carrie, Charlotte and Miranda are serving some iconic looks in 'And Just Like That' as they are strutting the Upper East Side, where the story continues as if it had never stopped.


If you are going to watch 'And Just Like That', you know by now that many fashionable looks will carry your fantasy away. We will start with the protagonist, Carrie, and the dress everyone is talking about.

Carrie's Buzzed Blue Dress

Carrie's midi shift dress sent fans crazy but not because people actually loved the dress itself. The light blue oversized shirt tucked under the ‘hippie-fied’, casual-looking dress is untypical for the character of Carrie. If you are a Sex & the City fan, you would think it is more likely to be seen on Miranda, her co-star. But it was not the style that made fans question the costume designers. It was where it is from that sent fans wild. Many speculations occurred, but designers released that they have no idea where the dress is from as it was found in a thrift shop – contradictory to Carrie's style and obsession for the latest designer everything. The image is from a scene where Carrie was struggling with her addiction to her late husband’s ex and, maybe, designers wanted her outfit to relate to this struggle. However, it was not a must-have for the fans.

Similar dress Izabel London Paisley Print Maxi Dress | Izabel Dress SLSS | M&Co 

Charlotte's Look

With simplistic clothes, yet striking colours Charlotte's springtime outfit wowed the fans. Of course, Charlotte – a very wealthy character within the series – would strut around with a Burberry dog poop bag. She is a fashionable mom who still wants to live in style. Her outfit consisted of a Balenciaga polka dot skirt, layered with a white gipsy top. For once, Charlotte's look represents a calm and relaxed feel, rather than her rigid shirts and skirts. The look is styled with a yellow belt and pumps. The vast array of colours really and finally signifies happiness for the character. In this reboot, she is the one with her head screwed on – suggesting a change for Charlotte.

Similar skirt ASOS DESIGN asymmetric high shine skirt in blue spot print | ASOS
Similar top Fluid Women's Puff Sleeve Wide Neck Top White | Mandmdirect

When Carrie Meets Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera really outdid herself here with her elegant yet modern midi shirt dress. The vibrant colour really makes this piece eye-catching and an iconic dress for Carrie. The chunky black belt accentuates her waist, defining her body well. Matched with some black court heels, her pearl necklace implies her wealth and luxury. And what more would you want when visiting your late husband's ex? Carrie has brought her A-game here, and fans were completely idolised by this stunning piece.

Similar dresses Glamorous midi tiered shirt dress in pastel pink | ASOS
Hot Pink Cotton Poplin Puff Sleeve Frill Detail Smock Dress | Dresses | Smock dress | I SAW IT FIRST

Miranda's Look

Miranda's relaxed plaid dress was a hit from the fans. The neutral colours, from creams to browns and mustard, was loved as these shades are in for the season. Her brown leather belt did complete this outfit to perfection, due to the maxi dress being loose, the belt really enables Miranda not to be lost in the dress. The splits of either side of the dress as well, allow some leg to be seen and makes this entire piece a little more stylish and youthful. The shirt style dress really incorporates Miranda's personality as the character has just begun a degree, whilst the whacky prints and colours leave memories of her past outfits.

Similar dresses Free People Sadie Plaid Maxi Dress in Natural Combo | REVOLVE
Flow The Label Cotton Plaid Dress in Brown | Lyst

This sequel with our favourite girls from New York is definitely making people and fans talk about fashion but in a more in-depth way. As many things have happened to Carrie, Charlotte and Miranda, so too their outfits have changed to reflect the new women we see on the big screen.

Published in Blog
Thursday, 03 February 2022 08:50

The Kinematic Dress and the World of 3D Printing

Fashion started when humans began wearing clothes, so the statement ‘the history of fashion is a history of people’ is a matter of fact. Even with the pandemic in the picture, the world of fashion is still going but with a slight twist: technology is here to stay and be a part of every aspect of our lives, even fashion.

3D design and 3D printing. Ph. Simon Lee, UnsplashPh. Simon Lee, Unsplash

To keep up with the trends, 3D printing is becoming a widely used alternative to fabric in the fashion industry.


We can trace the origin of fashion design back to 1826! Fashion reflects the passage of time and if we look back we can learn a lot about history and culture solely based on the fashion trends. Zooming to the last two years, everyone could notice the rapid growth of technology and it is not a surprise latest innovations entered the industry.

Is 3d Printing Replacing The Sewing Process?

3D printer - application in fashion - kinematic dress. Ph. Tom Claes, UnsplashPh. Tom Claes, Unsplash

The biggest threat in the world of fashion is fast fashion and all the negative aspects of it, from the terrible working conditions to the effects on the environment. Many people nowadays are more conscious about the way they approach fashion. Those new aspects are taken into account and are pushing designers to look for ways to accommodate their customers; this is where new innovations come in handy. It is becoming important to use 3D printing for sustainable and eco-friendly purposes, as well as turning the advance of technology to your advantage. 3D-printed garments can cut manufacturing waste, reduce carbon footprint, and promote circular economy. Fashion is embracing 3D printing due to its many advantages, and there are no limits to the possibilities. From clothing to footwear to accessories, 3D printing offers unlimited opportunities.

Kinematic Garments

One of the most well known kinematic garments is the kinematic dress of design-studio-cum-science-lab Nervous System, founded in 2007. Designers and co-founders of Nervous System studio, Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse Louis-Rosenberg, merge nature and technology in their line of Kinematics garments, including the Kinematics Dress, that was required by the Museum of Modern Art in New York for their permanent exhibition. Rosenkrantz and Louis-Rosenberg say that “the Kinematics Dress represents a new approach to manufacturing which tightly integrates design, simulation, and digital fabrication to create complex, customised products".

This future started at some point in the past, the studio was working at this already in 2013! 

The Making Of The Dress

The dress is made up of 2,279 unique triangular panels and 3,316 hinges, to allow it to be printed as a single folded piece at the Shapeways factory in New York. All the pieces of the dress are rigid individually but, once combined, they function as a piece of continuous fabric that allows the dress to conform to the body and flow fluidly as it moves. The founders of Nervous System wanted to create a 3D printed garment that is both a gorgeous futuristic piece and comfortable for the wearer. At that time, most fashion designers experimenting with 3D printing made good looking garments for a magazine photoshoot, but if you were to wear it, the dress would feel like being covered in plastic. The designers' goal is to create a simple 3D printing method, so they developed an app to allow wearers to indicate their body shape and specify their desired length, patterning, silhouette, and other customizable design details. “We’re interested in computerising the entire manufacturing process” says Jessica, “we’re still in the very beginning, but we envision a future where people end up using their skill and creativity to create an end product that is completely accessible and affordable”.

Envision a future where you will be able to create and print your own unique garment in your bedroom with the click of a button. This is no longer a dream, it is a reality and people are doing it. It is exciting to observe the innovations, tactics, and designs that are created as this technology grows and it’s even more exciting to be a part of it.

Published in Blog
Wednesday, 02 February 2022 19:39

For Eyeing Out Loud: Which Eyeshadow Colour Do I Need?

This is your guide to finding the right eyeshadow for your eyes, plus other tips and tricks to explore with the help of an artistic tool.

Woman with makeup brushPh. Annie Spratt, Unsplash

The number one factor of identifying which shade of eyeshadow best suits you, is to look at a colour wheel. Which colours are directly opposite to your eye colour?

If you have blue eyes, warmer tones like oranges will be perfect for you. Green eyes are best contrasted with reds; while brown eyes will pop if partnered with greens or purples. Now that you have understood what shades are suitable for you, we will get on to the tricks!

Brown Eyes

Brown eyes are typically dark; therefore, the shades used need to brighten up your face, so that people will be attracted by your eyes. Bright purples are not only eye-catching themselves but, when paired with brown or hazel eyes, this abstract colour becomes more natural, while giving a sense of life to those dark eyes. Lime does the exact same: it will make your eyes look shiny and strengthen their brown hue.

woman with blonde hairPh. Nora Hutton, Unsplash

These shades are obviously quite bold and can be frightening when first approaching them, but you can also use bright purples and lime in a discreet way. A tip is to use a light brown or nude in your crease and apply purple glitter all over your lid. You will still gain the effects of this contrasting colour but in a subtle way.

Links to products: Urban Decay Naked Ultra Violet Palette,  Anastasia Beverly Hills Primrose Palette

Blue Eyes

Blue eyes are brighter and there are many different varieties, but the biggest tip is – again – to complement your eye colour with an opposing shade that will accentuate your natural blue.

woman with blue eyes Ph. Charlie Octavia, Unsplash

Orange and warm tones are the best due to eyes being a cool tone: they are the complete opposite. Typically, blue-eyed people tend to have round doll eyes or cat eyes. Therefore, when applying the eyeshadow for a cat-eye shape, apply eyeliner and make the edges sharp to elongate your eyes. However, if you have doll eyes rounded both sides, this will create a more circular shape, making your eyes appear bigger.

Links to products: Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette,  NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette 

Green Eyes

Green and red make the perfect combo. Because green eyes are the most unique, the eyeshadow colour of your choice has to be bright and accommodate the green hue of your eyes.

Woman with green eyesPh. Nora Hutton, Unsplash

Warm tones like reds or orange-reds should be your number one choice. They will highlight your crystalised eyes, making them the main feature of your face. Due to the red being a dominant colour, no eyeliner is typically needed, because of how bold and abstract both the colour of your eyes and your eyeshadow are.

Links to products: Afflano Red Apple Eyeshadow Palette - Amazon.co.uk: Beauty

Makeup is also a game of opposites and attraction!

Published in Blog
Wednesday, 26 January 2022 20:32

Spotted! The 10 Biggest Hair Removal Mistakes

In 2021, an estimated 980 thousand women in the UK used hair removal products once a day or more (statista) - that is a lot of razor heads and wax strips! Are you aware of the most common mistakes we make when shaving or waxing? An expert told us...

hair removal Courtesy of Sparkle PR

Our trusted waxing expert and founder of Sugar Coated, Rosie Khandwala, reveals the 10 biggest mistakes women are making when it comes to DIY hair removal.


Shaving Mistakes

woman shaving her legsPh. KoolShooters, Pexels

1. Not Storing Your Razors Properly
"Storing razors in the shower leads to corroding and weaker blades. You should clean and dry razors after each use and store them outside of the bathroom to avoid moisture and extend their shelf-life."

2. Not Prepping Your Skin With A Hot Towel
"Prepping your skin with a hot towel before you shave will soften the hairs allowing for a closer shave. Never prep your skin with cold water since this can make it more difficult for the shaving cream to fully penetrate the skin and be effective."

3. Neglecting To Exfoliate
"Exfoliating your skin before you wax, or shave will enable you to achieve smoother results. Exfoliating on a regular basis can also help to prevent ingrown hairs."

4. Not Shaving In The Direction Of Hair Growth
"You should always shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the grain can cause irritation and increase the chances of razor bumps."

5. Shaving In The Morning
"When you sleep your legs can swell which makes shaving in the morning less than optimal. Shaving at night will allow you to get a closer shave."

Waxing Mistakes

hair removal gf71b7616a 1280Ph. flaviasaad, Pixabay

Rosie says "Waxing is having a real viral moment right now due to the aftermath of the lockdowns."  You would be surprised but #Waxing has 9.6 Billion views on TikTok!

1. Waxing Right Before Or After Your Period
"If you’re extra sensitive to discomfort, avoid waxing right before, during or after your period. Hormonal fluctuations during these times can make waxing more painful. Instead, opt for a wax mid-cycle."

2. Exfoliating Right After You Wax
"You need to let the treated areas rest for at least 2 full days before it’s safe to exfoliate. Exfoliating prior to that can be very painful and result in redness and irritation."

Laser Hair Removal Mistakes

sugar coated body wax Source: Sugar Coated

1. Expecting Permanent Results
"Despite often being marketed as providing permanent results, laser hair removal simply offers significant hair reduction and won’t get rid of hair forever. Occasional touch-ups will be needed in order to keep you smooth."

2. Not Shaving Before Treatment
"Shaving before treatment ensures that the hair follicle will be destroyed. Any residual hairs will prevent the laser’s heat from fully penetrating the hair shaft. It can also cause the treatment to be more painful."

3. Neglecting After Care
"Your skin will be extra sensitive and more susceptible to skin damage afterwards. Wear sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation. Avoid hot showers and steam rooms for at least two full days to let your skin heal."

Rosie says "choosing the correct hair removal method is so personal to the consumer, a lot of thought goes into it such as time, money, results. When creating Sugar Coated I set to make something that gave salon-worthy results, without breaking the bank, or taking too long to master."

"Sugar Coated sugar wax is 100% natural and the only UK manufactured wax that is vegan and cruelty-free. This means our formula of just pure sugar syrup and water is gentler on the skin, and more effective for hair removal as it sticks directly onto hair and pulls them straight out from the root - giving you smooth results each time."

You can find Sugar Coated Sugar Wax Full Body Kit available at Feel Unique (£12.99 for 250g). 

Are you making any of these mistakes? You are still in time to shave or wax correctly and get rid of unwanted body hair the right way and for longer.

Published in Blog
Monday, 17 January 2022 13:59

How To Wear Pantone's Very Peri With OPV Beauty

The new year wraps up in a new colour: 'Very Peri', Pantone's Colour Of The Year 2022. You too can add this shade of royal purple with independent brand OPV Beauty.

Very Peri Pantone Color Of The Year 2022 - OPV BeautyCourtesy of OPV Beauty

With UK Google searches for Very Peri up by 5,000%, here is how to incorporate it into your beauty looks all year round, with the help of OPV Beauty...


About "Very Peri"

Pantone announced their colour of 2022 as 'Very Peri' describing it as "displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives."

Just A Sprinkling Of 'Mild Peri'

Shift Loose Pigment by OPV Beauty - Very Peri makeup products

If you have opted for a more natural makeup look after all the lockdowns, add just a sprinkling of Very Peri to your eyelids, and customise it to create your own style. Whether it is a brush along the crease, a stamp in the inner corner, or a smokey blend out from the outer corner, this shade makes an impact.

Use the Shift Loose Pigment by OPV Beauty (£8.50 on opvbeauty.com), a highly concentrated pigment that is easy to apply and create whatever look you are going for, as well as also being vegan and cruelty-free.

Graphic Liner But Make It Metallic

OPV Beauty's Metal & Glitter liner in shade 909 - Pantone Color Of The Year

The Graphic Liner trend is going nowhere with #graphicliner having over 770 million TikTok video views!

Add to the colour of the year, the trend of the year with OPV Beauty's Metal & Glitter liner in shade 909 (£10). Long-lasting and smudge-free, this liner is perfect for adding a shimmer to your look or being your entire eyelid look. The precise applicator sweeps seamlessly for a smooth, professional finish.

Father, Son, And Purple Eyelids

GoldLust

 Lady Gaga stunned at the House of Gucci UK premiere with a floaty purple dress, and glitter purple eyeshadow to match - almost like she knew it was going to be the colour of the year.

If you are heading "out out" this year, make your eyes more eye-catching with Pressed Glitter in shade Gold Lust by OPV Beauty (£8). Cruelty-free and waterproof, this pressed pigment stays super sparkly for hours.

The Queen's Lipstick

Deepen 'Very Peri' with a full-on vampy purple lip like Anya Taylor-Joy. Perfect for those winter nights or summer parties (fingers crossed!).

 OPV Beauty Mystery Liquid Lipstick - Very Peri Pantone's Colour Of The Year 2022

Be bold with the Mystery Liquid Lipstick from OPV Beauty (£8) that gives you an effortless application, and your lips a tender coverage that dries to a gorgeous matte finish.

Very Peri will give you confidence and a halo of mystery and we are sure including it in your palette will give you much fun with OPV Beauty.

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