BEAUTY EXCLUSIVE - ALL HAIL MARA COSMETICS!
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MARA Cosmetics is an organic skin food hub founded and created by Clare Eluka in 2010. Starting at the tender age of 17, Clare spent the next 8 years working for luxury brands such as Bobbi Brown, The Body Shop and BECCA and on shoots for musicians, film and TV whilst studying as an actress. Clare realised that as a skin care expert, makeup trainer, deputy manager and visual merchandiser there was still a huge gap in the cosmetic market for 100% purely organic skin care. Clare made a transition to beauty writer for online fanzines and fashion blogs in 2008 and began investigated branding, ingredients and companies claiming to be organic. As a young woman with wheat and dairy allergies, it became an up hill struggle to find products that are non-synthetic and do not contain bulkers like Hydrologized Wheat, Sodium Lareth Sulfate and Alcohol which over time damage the skin and aggravate allergies on the skin, hair and even internally. Clare constructed a range based upon ingredients that compliment each other, can be used in their purest form and have an adequate shelf life. “I realised that If I wanted to see a change in beauty regimes, I had to be that change and create the change - hence MARA Cosmetics was born. People have called me crazy for starting a business in the mist of a recession. I think there is no time like the present. Creative people can now afford to take risks and change career path as old structures diminish and new innovative business concepts come through” - Clare Eluka. ‘In Igbo the word for beauty is ‘mara mma’. Because of my Nigerian roots and western upbringing, the collaboration of natural beauty with London style packaging and marketing is the perfect hybrid’. The first range for Mara Cosmetics is The Brantastic Range. The clue is in the name! The prime ingredients of the range are Rice Bran Oil extracted from Brown Rice (the healthiest oil in the world), popularly used in Asian countries like Japan. Mango Butter indigenous to India, is an exotic, quick absorbent used for moisturising dry to all skin types. The range currently consists of a cleanser, toner and moisturiser. The benefits of using MARA Cosmetics are that it is homemade skinfood, good enough to eat! The Brantastic Range is for all skins, including pregnant women, babies, elderly people, men and women. We are a unisex, universal brand whom pledges to appeal to ANYONE WITH SKIN. MARA Cosmetics is an eco friendly brand. We encourage all of our customers to reuse the recyclable plastic packaging by sending it back to us to refill as their next purchase. MARA Cosmetics can afford to be priced at a fraction of what luxury brands are selling because we do not use expensive marketing tools, fancy packaging, colourings, stabilizers and unnatural preservative. We refuse to test our products on animals and have been dermatologically tested on human skin. MARA Cosmetics are free from: wheat/ dairy/ gluten/ parabens/ alcohol/ artificial colourings/ glycerine/palm oil and SLS. It is surprising that in this day and age, many people do not understand the long term effects dangers of chemicals in product. We source the best raw ingredients from a manufacturer on Yorkshire who liaises with China to provide MARA’s Rice Bran oil and our distributor in Surrey who sources our Fair trade Rose Water from Bulgaria. By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
UNITED COLOURS OF AFRICA - GHANA AND NIAJA UNITE THROUGH MAKEUP ART AND FASHION
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A beautiful fusion of Ghanaian Textiles and Fashion provided by Phyllis Taylor’s SIKA DESIGNS teamed with Makeup Art and the creative vision of Nigerian Pro Makeup Artist and Creative Director Clare Eluka using Bobbi Brown & MAC cosmetics. MAC Cosmetic Chromacakes are every artists dream come true. The colours are bold and long lasting. Bobbi Brown’s skincare is my best kept secret. I swear by her face oil and Extra Face moisturiser to prepare the skin. Oil free even finish foundation, teamed with loose sheer powder gives the skin a silky texture and enhances natural tones in our complexions. I am fascinated by contradictions and love breaking stereotypes. In theory, Ghana & Nigeria are constantly in opposition, whether it be in sports, politics, beliefs and traditions. As a nation, it is deeply harmful to set ourselves against each other. It weakens our economical power, has long-lasting negative affects on generations to come and perpetuates the same hatred displayed onto us by other nations. I wanted to show that through beauty and fashion we are unified through colour, creativity and passion for fashion and art. As a makeup artist with 8 years experience, I sought after training Junior Makeup Artists and celebrating the work of Professional Makeup Artists by creating a directory (Spikes Makeup Artist Directory - S.M.A.D). This directory is based in Central London and allows Juniors the option to train, shadow and work with Pro MUA’s and for the Pro MUA’s to gain more exposure whilst building their portfolio’s. We are also proud sponsors of TMC 2010. Concept: The Maxi Dress immediately inspired a 60’s look that influenced the choice of the bouffant hair design. I chose to make the eyes the focus in a bold block flag design. The accessories are simply black like the star of Ghana, emphasizing the hair and the chic dress. GET THE LOOK! By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
10 BEAUTY WONDERS I HEART ABOUT SPRING 2010
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Spring is truly here (Thank God!!). But don’t go getting too excited, you still need a sturdy jacket and a good pair of tights to keep you from that chill outside. British weather is always in transition mode, never quite knowing whether it is one season or a fusion of all of them. Here’s some recommendations from the beauty world to keep you looking good come rain or shine. In no particular order: 1) Chanel NO. 5 Perfume £67 Accessorise your perfect 10: Spring doesn’t have to be a dull prelude to summer. Discover new things and hang onto your golden beauty treats which cheer you up and love your skin. BY Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
AVOID AND CONQUER! BEAUTY TIPS FOR MATURE WOMEN
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Being a young lady in the prime of my life, I sometimes limit my advice to that of teenagers and twenty something’s so I’d like to apologise for the neglect from my mature readers. Women of all ages need advice about Beauty, Skin and Health Care. Women who hit thirty are made to feel old, unattractive and ‘past it’ by the constant parade of scantily clad youngsters on TV and Film, the hype and overt promotion glorifying plastic surgery and by their male counterparts who may be indulging in a mid life crisis. Women over thirty, in reality are mature girls, young at heart, beautifully enhanced with laughter lines and know a lot more than us when it comes to sex, beauty tricks and career choices. Let’s share some tips with our mature girls, just in time for Mother’s Day! - Eat more greens! You probably know this, but make it more interesting by making a beautiful salad with grilled chicken, green beans, cucumber blended with yoghurt for a natural dressing. Stunning Girl’s over 30; Shakira, over 40; Monica Belucci, Over 50; Sade Adu. I’m sure you are privy to all the rest; exercise twenty minutes daily, drink 1ltr of water daily, take vitamin supplements, get your hair trimmed every six weeks blah blah blah. Remember this - becoming a mature girl, woman, lady is part of the natural order of evolution. We must all experience this process. It’s the most serene thing when you can look back and say ‘hey, that gorgeous girl used to me and still is… just with a little more life on her!’ and be happy for the woman you have become. By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD INSPIRED MAKE UP
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Whilst our minds are set on getting away from this gloomy Winter scene and welcoming warmer, sunnier days, designers are one step ahead and are showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2010/2011 collections during the London Fashion Week extravaganza. Vivienne Westwood’s collection was a showstopper not only in terms of clothes, but also make up. This time make up was not used with a standard lips-eyes-cheeks technique. It was used a facial contour enhancer. And the effect it gave was one to remember. Although the catwalk show blended in various colours as dark or as eye catching as possible, it is necessary to remember that not every runway trend can be pulled off in real life. Good news, this is the fabulous one that is very wearable minimally, as well as for a more dramatic look. If minimalist make up is your cup of tea, try underlining the contour of your face using a bronzer rather than rouge. After all, spring is not at all far away. Firstly apply foundation, but make sure that its colour closely resembles your skin tone. Next, go for the eye brow pencil, fabulously highlighted eye brows always give a confidence boost. Afterwards, use the bronzer to slightly highlight the skin under the cheek bone. Not sure where is that? Just smile in front of the mirror and put the bronzer on the line that appeared from your mouth to the corner of your ear. Remember, simplicity is key here, so always tone down, if you feel that the cheek bone line is too noticeable. Don’t grab your eye shadows just yet - highlight them lightly with the bronzer. For your lips, use nude, matt or pastel shades. This is a great way to look fresh and natural. However, if you want skip the everyday look and go Westwoodesque - use darker browns and contour everything, including your nose! By Edita Lozovska - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
WORLD CLASS HAIR STYLIST NATASHA WALKER TALKS TO A-SHU ABOUT TECHNIQUE AND INSPIRATION
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CE: Hello Natasha, when did you start hair styling? NW: In 2000, when I was 19 years old. My interest in hair styling came from my mother who used to own a salon. I would watch her and try to re-create what she was doing. She slowly taught me the basics and when I left college I went straight into becoming a Hairdressing Junior. CE: What is the best thing about being a hair stylist? NW: The creativity. Being able to change a person’s look by simply changing the hairstyle. CE: What does 2010 look like for you? NW: Busy! I am embarking on setting up my own hair salon. I will be taking part in Hair shows and Exhibitions to build a larger clientele. CE: Who are you Hair inspirations or where do you get ideas from? NW: I often gather my inspirations from travelling. I do not follow other stylists work, however, I like Nicky Clarke, Errol Douglas and Charlotte Mensah, as they always remain innovative in their hairstyling. Idea’s can come from anywhere, including my dreams. I’m always sketching and planning new styles to keep my clients a few steps ahead. I sometimes change my client’s hairstyles as often as every six weeks. CE: What products can you not work without? NW: I work with Keracare; I use the whole range of products including the aftercare Silk N seal. I use Avlon and Clynol for my Chemical and colour treatments as I find they give the best results. CE: Are GHD’s really the best hair straighteners? NW: In my opinion, no. I have travelled and have noticed that other brands are just as good. At present I am using an American brand called Genie’s which have the same features as GHD’s in relation to heat temperatures and design. Nicky Clarke’s also do a great job and are sold at a fraction of the price! CE: Explain the word ‘FOR’ that comes after your name NW: It stands for all the different services that I combine and offer my clients at present, which will become more efficient in the salon. Natasha Walker FOR Hairdressing, Body, Mobility and Photography. CE: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? NW: Running my own business, becoming a fully fledged Hairdressing Teacher so I can pass on my expertise to the next generation. CE: What is the one piece of advice you would give to any of our readers starting out? NW: Invest in the consultation process. Take into consideration what your client is looking for. Take note of critical influencing factors; Face Shape, Hair Texture and Density and say clearly what you can achieve to counteract miscommunication problems and unhappy clientele. Interview By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK - MAKEUP FORECAST
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Seeing some of the finest gowns from Caroline Herrera and Marc Jacobs is always an inspiring occurrence, but what was more interesting to notice was the ‘industrial death’ look for makeup. Whilst most brands are promoting corals and peaches to enhance a spring time feel, the catwalk contradicts this embellishing a very cold wintry look which actually works! The central theme is this: heavy definer on the cheek bone, natural cream eye shadow to pop the eyes effortlessly and a tint of red lipstick to emphasize a sort of a burnt or pretty chapped lip - think Lady Gaga in the bath tub for her Bad Romance video. To pull off this New York look you need to invest in a powder foundation, which seem to be rearing their ugly heads again, after many years of neglect from me. It appears that women prefer a matt finish more than dewy glowing skin which I think keeps skin looking younger and wrinkle free. For a decent matt foundation, check out: - M.A.C for a FIX foundation £18, hard core ‘mattify-cation’ for all day wear To indulge further in the New York makeup swagger, add a touch of taupe or grey eye liner to define the eyes for evening wear. Get ghastly! By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
DETOX YOUR SKIN FOR A FRESH START THIS DECADE!
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So, you polished off a box of Forerro Rocher and lots of turkey stuffing, then ran down to the January sales to see if Balenciaga had your favourite tote handbag you’d been eyeing up all Winter on sale. Forget about wellies and umbrella’s for a moment - protect your face by detoxifying all the Crimbo naughtiness and restoring it to an optimum level of loveliness. The best thing to do is start of with a great facemask. I’ve tried them all from St Ives to Givenchy and I have to admit that the best one on the market is The Body Shops Honey N Oat 3-in1 scrub mask, £7.30. This wonderful product smears onto the skin with the aid of it’s community traded Organic Honey whilst the oat granules exfoliate you gently whilst the kaolin clay locks draws out all the impurities. Leave on for 15 minutes and once a week. When we feel lazy and lethargic, we start to get lazy with our normal skin care regime. The first thing I notice that women say they miss out is Toner. A) Because they never really understood what it does, and B) because it is like expensive water. For the record, Toner is a vital part of your cleansing system. This is the product that removes your cleanser and any hidden impurities in the dermis (2nd layer of skin) and seals the pores so you do not invite any other nasties into your skin. My favourite toner is Bobbi Brown’s Face Soothing Tonic, £18.00, with delicate Cucumber and soothing Lavender extract to calm and clarify the skin. Use twice daily. You’d be daft to think you could go on using your lightweight moisturiser during the harsh season of Winter. And let’s remember that British winter lasts until July! The best thing to do is invest in an extra nourishing moisturiser. Head down to Neal’s Yard and delight yourselves with Nourishing Daily Orange Flower Moisture, £19.80. Orange flower oil, or Neroli Jasmine as it’s also known, has long been revered for its skin-nourishing, hydrating qualities. Naturally replenishing, it helps combat wrinkles, boosts skin’s elasticity and being antioxidant, helps protect against premature ageing. Why let your face get lost in a Snood, when you can Mask, Tone and Nourish it! Start the New Year with a fresh face detoxed by the high streets finest. By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
GILDED GOLDS AND CHOCOLATES - THE ULTIMATE XMAS LOOK 2009
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It’s the time of year we all look forward to. Whether you’re young, mature or too busy to care, we all make an effort at Christmas. This Christmas I am going abroad, so I want to make an extra special effort to look my best. Makeup trend 2009 has seen black lipstick, illuminated eyes, some of the best palettes and collections but there is one more look in that everyone should have under their tree this Crimbo - gold eyes and chocolate lips! The best way to play it is bold on the eyes - use your normal base eye shadow, all over (hopefully a cream long wear one so you don’t have to top up later). Then use your chosen gold all over the lid, just higher than the lid to elongate your lid shape. Spikes recommend: Pat on your chosen eye shadow for a stronger gilded finish and line the eyes with a chocolate brown liner. Lips, glorious lips! My favourite piece of makeup is always a lippy! Now, choosing the right one can be a joy or a total nightmare. Spikes recommends: You are literally glistening like a golden star. Your lips are a present in their own right, your friends and family will wonder how your lips escaped the chocolate box. Have a fantastic Christmas holiday! By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
ANGELIC FACE - BEAUTY TIPS FOR CHRISTMAS 2009!
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Chilled, frosty, ashy and cold. All words we try and stay away from in the bid for warmth, heat and hot. This Christmas, let yourself embrace the angelic and supernatural with a beautiful sheer lip, a shimmery cheek bone and a frosty gel based eye lids to give you that youth and cult-classic ‘heroine’ look with sophistication. All the brands have something to offer, I think this look is suitable for day time weekends when your off ice-skating at Somerset house or going to the cinema with your mates. To shimmer your skin try BECCA’s Luminous Skin Colour SPF 25+ in a shade suitable for you. You can mix this with your foundation, paint it onto your cheekbones for highlighting or use as a base; £33. To make your eyes sparkle try ILLAMASQUA’s Illuminator is a wonder-stick! It can be used anywhere on the body, but I love it best underneath the brow bone for a real lifted eye brow and great base for eye shadow; £11.74. To covet frosty lips head down to Superdrug for Max Factors Bloom Sheer Cream in Shy. This product is a 3 ‘n’ 1 gem for eyes, lips and a pop of colour on the cheeks; £10. Effortless beauty constructed through classic sheer and shimmery lips and skin. The fairy doesn’t have to be stuck on the tree this year - the frosty goddess is you! By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
AN INTERVIEW WITH KERRI-ANN MURPHY ON TRENDS, INFLUENCE AND 2010 BEAUTY!
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Hi Kerrie, firstly, congratulations on this years achievements - working on sold out show ‘Wig Out’ at the Royal Theatre and your fantastic portfolio. C.E: Where do you get your makeup inspiration? K-A.M: I can be inspired from anything to a serious conversation evoking a vision of a powerful woman in my mind to love and romance bringing visions of a soft angelic blonde to my brain. It could be a song, a dance, a poem, a flame or a good/bad day. I am constantly inspired. Some of my best ideas have come whilst on set, during the flow of things, something new will always pop to mind. C.E: What is the most important tool to you in your makeup kit? K-A.M: My kabuki brush. C.E: If you were teleported to Mars, what 3 pieces of makeup you take with you? K-A.M: Mac zoom lash mascara, Mac pigment in Gold dust and a Chanel base. C.E: Who is you favourite makeup artist and why? K-A.M: Obviously Pat Mc Garth is incredible, I was lucky enough to meet her at a Diesel U Music party and her energy was wonderful, light and bright. Her work speaks for itself and goes beyond makeup. C.E: What trend forecast predictions can you see occurring in 2010? K-A.M: To be honest I am not a fan of trends, what’s “in” and how we “should” be wearing makeup. Fashion is one big circle. I’m sure in Winter we will be told yet again that rouge lips and a grey smokey eye is what’s hot, and in Summer the candy treatment will come back. C.E: Which celebrity do you wish you could do makeup for? K-A.M: Linda Evangelista C.E: If you could put your style of makeup into one sentence, how would you define your application or creativity? K-A.M: Without boundaries: spontaneous and beautiful. And there you have it! Miss Murphy may not be a fan of trends but her work has been critically acclaimed in the Guardian and the Evening Standard. Beauty is an individual epitome; re-define your beauty forecast for 2010! BY Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
LIP SERVICE! BE POUT-TASTIC!
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Don’t get caught out with dry lips like I did! OK, I was coming back from swimming, so it was kind of inevitable that my skin was going to be drier than normal. The rules: …And away you go! It is a bit of long process; that is why I’ve called it a service. If you do these simple steps each time you reapply your lipstick during the day, your lips will stand the test of time and the harsh weather constraints leaving you looking and feeling pout-tastic. By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
REGAL BEAUTY IS THE NEW COLOUR TREND FOR THIS WINTER
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This side of the year always brings me out in browns, jade and my favourite colour - purple! Purple has come a very long way; from once being a shade associated with witchery and beetlejiuce to now being the most worn sought after colour wave of 2007/8 and indeed 2009. Purple really is the new black! Finding a strong-pigmented purple is no walk in the park. Getting the right purple for you is essential too. Pink based ones work well on fair skins and blue toned shades compliment dark skin. Spikes Recommends: Try M.A.C’s purple pigment in VIOLET, £15.00. for a universal true hue of purple. Invest in FLASH by Urban Decay for a sharp smokey purple, £12.00. For a kit with highlight and base colour go for Eva Longoria’s L’Oreal star secrets quad palette, £10.00. A nude lip is a great touch with mauve. It allows the full attention and focus on your lids. For those women that have not realised, purple is the colour of royalty. I’ve known this since I was a child because it my star sign colour - that is probably why I’ve always favoured princesses style beauty - clean, modern and bold. Add a touch of regal to your makeup collection this Winter. By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
WONDER CREAM IS EIGHT HOUR PROTECTANT BY ELIZABETH ARDEN
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As the brand it self needs a small face-lift, the cult product that keeps it’s name alive is Eight Hour Protectant. This product follows me around everywhere I go! Recently I have used it as a base for all my eye shadows to give them that glossy wet look finish but most of our readers will know it as the fabulous lip and hand ointment, which soothes chapped lips, ashy knees and elbows and a great cuticle salve. 60% of the ingredients is petroleum jelly, the same ingredient found in Vaseline - it’s a testament to the power of old school remedies still finding their place in the mainstream beauty market. Elizabeth Arden products can be found in any Boots or Superdrug stores in UK retailing at around £15.99. With the harsh rain and weather conditions ahead, make Eight Hour Protectant the skin seal to protect you for the wet and windy duration. Written by Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
GET YOUR KIT ON! BEST MAKEUP COLLECTIONS 2009
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With all the Xmas parties coming up and the Secret Santa faffing around drawing closer, it’s a wonder that people do not take leave from work for the sheer mental exhaustion of it all. This Christmas, make life easier for yourself by grabbing a makeup kit. Take a good look around and sample the features of the kit before committing. Clinique - Best of Clinique 2009: Containing best sellers for 2009, this kit offers a little bit of everything (Deep comfort Body Moisturiser, Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad, Clinique Happy perfume) to keep you refreshed on a night out and perfect if you’ve had to stay out all night long; £125.00. Nars - Palette 9941: Nars always have a way of making women stop, look and smile. With a range of cute palettes that coordinate colours for the eyes, the lips and the cheeks in warm sultry shades ready to warm you up this Winter, packaged in a sleek case; £53.00. Guerlain - Volga Princess Palette: This beautiful petite eye and lip palette is so chic and classy; the Russian theme will make you feel a touch of regal. The eye shadows have a true pigment, with non-sticky glosses for long lasting plump lips; £48.00. Estee Lauders 2009 Makeup artist colour collection kit is an excellent set, which provides a 15 eye shadow palette, eye liners and a glitzy gold bag to dress up any outfit. You cannot get much better than that! Available for £49 - with any fragrance purchase. Bobbi Brown - Chrome Palette: It’s a wonder Bobbi are on top of their game, the amount of limited edition products the brand produces. This winter do not miss out on the Chrome Palette - a sexy fusion on monochrome eye shadows with bare and nude lip colours with a lip and eye brush; £59.00 - if you miss this, try to grab the Earth Metal palette (Just as gorgeous); £48.00. So there you have it. Why pack up your clutch bag with single items, when you can have all your needs compact in a cute palette? Before you take your kit off, put your makeup kit on! By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
NEW BODY CARE PIONEER TAMU HAS ARRIVED!
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With so many exquisite brands of skincare on the market, starting up your own business as a body and skin care specialist is no easy task. Afriyie Donkor took to the challenge like a duck to water using her business skills combined with her heritage of Ghanaian resources, namely Shea butter from her mothers village Gaoso in Ghana, Africa. Tamu’s ethos is: Beauty with Responsibility. The process of handcrafted cosmetics in Ghana enables care and community trading with the local women and children of the Ghanaian villages. Tamu is a brand with extreme integrity, respecting the traditions of homemade beauty remedies with the intensive 14hr labouring process of extraction from the Shea nut to decanting the pure form into recyclable bottles and jars. Tamu products are naturally against animal testing and refuse to include parabens and chemical preservatives which enables it seal of approval as one of the best premium body care brands of our time. Tamu is a fabulously chic range of beautifully rich whipped body butters all based with unrefined Shea Butter and no preservatives whatsoever! The delicious scents are provided with raw essential oils like coconut and lime, lavender, ylang ylang, lemon and ginger and Moroccan rose. The Moroccan rose range is a sensuous treat that includes a relaxing bath soak with rose petals to enhance the spa tranquil feel at home, the fantastic sensuous body oil - (which I now swear by as a great all over body oil for hair, face and body after I finish my daily swim). The soaps are traditional blocks of soaps, cut to measure your needs, which again are unrefined 100% organic. Get your hands on the African Black Tea Tree and honey soap - it is the best thing for oily and blemished skin. It’s rich lather and African herbs will leave your skin feeling super silky. With such wisdom and blessing of African ingredients and long-term benefits to community trade for the financial independence of Ghana, Mrs Donkor deserves our hats taken off to her. Goodbye high street imitations filled with glycerine and watered down by artificial fragrances… Hello Tamu! Afriye’s wonderful range is available to purchase online with a fully comprehensive history page and list of her superior ingredients and is also stocked at Waterloo Body Station and in Cherry Picked Boutique in Greenwich. By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
BURLESQUE BEAUTY BY SUGARLESQUE
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Why should we wait until Valentine’s Day every year to be sexy and artistic in the bedroom? With the recession kicking off and less money in all of our pockets for dinners out and cinema trips, us women must create ways to find entertainment at home. Burlesque dancing and lingerie has made it’s way from being a sordid underworld to an glamorous past time thanks to the likes of Dita Von Tesse and the burst of burlesque dancing as a respected aesthetic and profession. Sugarlesque, founded by Ruka Johnson, a trendy humble North Londoner is a burlesque lingerie fashion house, which specialises in handmade lingerie and accessories such as nipple-tassels and fascinators (creative top hats). The ranges are: Hattie, The Duchess, Alice, Bunny, Queenie and Down The Rabbit Hole. They differ in frill patterns, fabrics, colour and stitch finish. Pick a style that suites you - make your way to the check out by using the online basket and wait for the postman to deliver your goods! It will last a lot longer than any cinema ticket or slap up meal in town! Miss Johnson is not only a seamstress and expert craftswoman; she is now offering lessons on how to make your own nipple tassels and gorgeous lingerie. The next one is December 6th 2009. Check the Sugarlesque site for location details and fees. In conjunction to this - do not miss out on the Sugarlesque/ Doctor Sketchy burlesque still life drawing sessions at local pubs and bars. Find more info on Facebook (Dr. Sketchy London). Makeup is always an accompaniment to any outfit. The Sugarlesque makeup artist Rosalia Culora added her magic to the new website photo shoot using traditional burlesque eyeliner and pale foundations for a pastel baby doll finish. Warm up your boudoir this Winter - get Sugarlesque’d! By CLARE ELUKA - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF BEAUTY WITH 'BEAUTIFUL' FROM LAUDER
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So much of our time is spent on applying makeup. We focus on the eye shadow, the daring lipstick and the contoured cheekbones but pay less attention to our signature fragrance. Your scent says so much about you. Are you powerful, delicate, sweet or a musky lady? I personally sift through different perfumes to reflect my many moods. This winter Estee Lauder are celebrating 25 years of their signature fragrance BEAUTIFUL. In 1985, Beautiful made its debut, which created a stir in the fragrance market that at that time was dominated by darker fragrances and overtly sexual messages. It was an instant hit. Everything from the glass bottle, with its romantic waves and rose-shaped stopper, to the heady, romantic scent, to the romantic visual message, spells classic. Beautiful emits a vibrant, feminine florally of rose, lily, tuberose, marigold, muguet, jasmine, ylang-ylang, cassis and carnation accented with fresh mandarin and bright fruity notes. It finishes with warm back notes of orris, sandalwood, vetiver, moss and amber. Beautiful is a fragrance best worn for afternoon/ evening. It will awaken a feeling of calm and nature whilst inviting your senses to a place of serenity and demure. The limited fragrance comes in a solid Perfume Compact: £100. Beautiful Body Spray, Sheer Light, good for day time: £35.00. Beautiful Purse Spray, EDP, rich and will last all night: £65.00. And various gift sets- starting from £35.00 upwards. Be bold, feel benevolent and smell BEAUTIFUL. By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
AUTUMN INDULGENCE FROM LAURA MERCIER
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As the weather starts to beat us up and make us feel like not emerging from the covers, think about smothering yourself with something sweet, rich and uplifting. I have taken solace in reaching into my bathroom cabinet for my Laura Mercier Crème Brulee Soufflé body cream. At £41 it is not the cheapest body cream on but is a wonderful indulgence I use to comfort myself without putting on any pounds! The scent reminds me of West Indian cornmeal porridge - (better to smell yummy than blot out your tummy)! With vitamins A, C & E for nourishment and Shea Butter for moisturising, Crème Brulee gives the skin optimum moisture levels so the body isn’t over greasy. For optimum results layer the product with other items from the same range (Shower cream, honey bath soak and perfume). By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
LFW BEAUTY - HOT BEAUTY TREND SEEN DURING LONDON FASHION WEEK
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This years London fashion week has kicked off with psychedelic colour versus cult classics. I guess the only makeup look to unify these differences is noir Black Smokey eyes. This classic trend is seen most Saturday nights and is usually amped up with a dark eye shadow. The trick here is to use a natural eye shadow colour first all over the eye, apply your black gel liner using a thick liner brush on the top line of your eye and on the bottom. To finish the look, slightly smudge the line so it has a smouldered finish. To W.I.N (Wear It Now) Spikes top three are: 1) MAC Fluidline in Black Track: £12. By Clare Eluka - Beauty writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
STRIKE GOLD WITH ESTEE LAUDER'S ULTIMATE RED COLOR COLLECTION A/W 2009
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This winter, there is no other collection to drape yourself in than ULTIMATE RED by world class Estee Lauder. The brand has really made me and other makeup artists do a double take and notice why they are still one of the longest standing beauty houses on the globe. |
BACK TO SCHOOL - AUTUMN BEAUTY 2009
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September is the start of many things: the official run up to Crimbo, the month Jordan and Peter Andre got divorced and for kids, teenagers and mature students it’s the back to school month. Lord, where did the summer go? Do not despair, even for professional women, the idea of the back to school look is achievable, longwearing and highly economical. Here’s the 411: 1) Liquid foundation and concealer I don’t know about you, but it’s been a while since I donned a pencil eye liner - liquid and gel are more attractive but the pencil does give you the ‘I’m not trying to hard’ glare whilst a tan pout offers you that effortless lip attention. To W.I.N (Wear It Now) Spikes recommend: 1) Lips - Bobbi Brown’s new lip crayon in Honey Suckle £18 from the NEW Ivy League collection Fix your blazer, straighten your hair, apply your back to school look and feel like a freshed face intellect this Autumn. By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
TIME SAVING BEAUTY TREAT - BOBBI BROWN CLEANSING OIL
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Time is precious, especially if your like me and do more than two jobs to make a living. I guess women of the world just do not have time to take supplements, go for a morning jog and eat healthy all the time. The least you can do is let your skin eat healthily. Bobbi Brown have just launched a dream product ‘Cleansing Oil’ which is a 3-in-1 Cleanser, Toner and Moisturiser, the first real competitor of its kind. Donning ingredients such as ginger root, olive oil and jojoba, it is sure to thoroughly remove makeup, seal the pores and leave the skin glowing. I applied this before bed and after two days ditched my other night time regime! My skin was left supple and radiant with one single product! If you are oily skined, I would suggest teaming this product with a tonic water base product to remove excess oil. Enjoy! Spikes O meter ^ ^ ^ ^ (4/5). By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
