I think you had BECCA!

Posted: December 19, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Beauty, Make Up, Women | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hi Guys!!

Just 6 days until Christmas!! How are you tackling the mission that is the big ‘Christmas Shop’ ?

Well, if you are looking for inspiration, I would highly recommend a gift from the Australian make up brand BECCA!

The lovely ladies at the BECCA London office invited me to an exclusive industry event last week, which was hosted at the newly renovated boutique, located on Pelham Street in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea!

As I had mentioned in a previous blog post, I had learned about the BECCA brand when it was sold in Space NK – but this was the first time that I visited the stand alone boutique.

The interior is a blend of the sumptuous textures of descendant chocolate velvet and sparkling mirrored panelling and lighting which creates a  chic interior that is both welcoming and luxurious.

The All New BECCA Flagship Boutique (image: becca.com)

If you have to buy a present for a cosmetic obsessed friend or family member – you really can not go wrong with a choice from BECCA, as the brand has a range suitable for ALL skin tones, plus many other services that I for one would be extremely happy to find under my tree.

Game, Set,  MATCH

Stick Foundation - Almond

It was so much fun to further explore the product range.  The foundation range is fabulous – as a black woman,  I know that finding a shade that suits not only my complexion, but works well with my skin type (which is slightly on the oily side – a common feature of dark skin) can often prove to be a challenge.  I did find my match – the Stick Foundation (£30) in Almond.  It literally disappeared upon application…perfection!  I also really liked the Shimmering Skin Perfector (£33) in Topaz – fantastic for creating a dewy finish – perfect for the party season!  The water-based moisturiser has a SPF of 20+ and light-diffusing particles of shimmer that creates instant radiance and vitality.

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Shimmering Skin Perfector - Topaz

Make – Up MaestroBECCA is loved by the professional MUA – and you too can gain the skills to enhance your beauty by attending the Introduction to Make-Up Application 2  day course at the BECCA Make-Up Academy.   Perfect for the fashion aware, professionals who need to maintain a polished appearance at all times, or the busy mother who wants to enhance her personal makeup routine. Taught by a BECCA International Makeup Artist, the course focuses on skincare, makeup preparation and brush use.  During the course, attendees will also receive an exclusive 30% discount on all product purchases!!

Introduction to Make-Up Application – £480

I really enjoyed the event and will be definaitly following the brand in the New year – not only did it celebrate it’s 10th birthday this year, it was also featured as the runner up in the inaugural category for the ‘Best New Product for Darker Skin’ in the 2011 Grazia Beauty Awards – as voted for by…US!

Who’s going to argue with that?

Winning ways for BECCA

Hair to the Throne

Posted: December 3, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Hair Extensions, Hairdressing | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I love visiting the salon! I am a devoted wearer of hair extensions and I visit my wonderful stylist at least every 8 weeks!

Hair extensions (or ‘weave’ as it more commonly referred to by black women) have  increasingly becoming a staple beauty item for the woman of colour and weekend after weekend talented hairdressers perform their magic and transform the look of countless women  in a matter of hours.

I visited my hairdresser last week and she is a true inspiration.   She opened her small but busy salon in the East End of London 12 years ago and she has astutely managed and grown her business by providing an excellent service at a very fair price. She is an example of the type of enterprising entrepreneurs that this nation needs – entrepreneurs that not only provide an invaluable service to her customers but also vital employment for others.

Her passion is palpable as she tends to your tresses.

As she worked away on the afternoon of my visit, she told me about a program she had watched on the trusty British institution that is the BBC (which has produced some EXCELLENT programming this year – well worth the licence fee!).

Vidal Sassoon CBE - 83 years young! (Image: BBC)

It was a retrospective of the life of the British hairdresser, Vidal Sassoon, CBE – part 4 of the Imagine series on BBC1.

She was practically effervescing as she retold his story – how he ascended from poverty to styling the crème de la crème of the 60’s set – Sassoon is a visionary, an artisan and a connoisseur!  She found him to be a true inspiration.

Sassoon (born 17 January 1928) is credited with creating a simple geometric, “Bauhaus-inspired” hair style, also called the bob.

Nancy Kwan - the image that put Sasson on the world stage

Sassoon’s works include the geometric perm and the famous  “Nancy Kwan” hairstyles. They were all modern and low-maintenance.  In 1963, Sassoon created a short, angular hairstyle cut on a horizontal plane –  The 5 Point Cut  – which has been a key force in the commercial direction of hair styling.

His styling epitomised the revolution of the Britain in the 60s, framing the faces of influencial trend setters such as fashion designer Mary Quant and model Grace Coddington.

Model (and current Creative Director of American Vogue) Grace Coddington showcasing the 5 - point cut

Sassoon and Quant

I have to agree with my hairdresser – he is a true inspiration.

The ‘Twittershere’ was also awash with commendations for the great hairdresser – here are just a few tweets…

@EmmaR_Mac  Just watched BBC’s Imagine; Vidal Sassoon, A Cut Above. What a life. What a man. Amazing. Love him ♥ xxx #VidalSassoon

@speckyx  Catching up with the Imagine doc about #VidalSassoon it is bloody brilliant. What a top bloke. Defo getting my graduated bob cut back in!!

@elliesharpe ‘the only place where success come before work is a dictionary’ #VidalSassoon

What I enjoyed the most about the documentary was witnessing Sassoon’s zest for his profession and sheer dedication to being the best he could be. He radiated a contentment that is not often seen – despite a tumultuous personal life, he is genuinely thankful for all he has achieved and attained.

This short video (courtesy of the Telegraph.co.uk) sums up his sentiment to a tee.

Enjoy.