Face Lace

Last week at So Coco Rouge HQ we received a lovely call from the talented make up artist Phyllis Cohen. Phyllis has worked with some of the most outlandish of celebrities, such as Annie Lennox, Boy George and the Rougettes favourite, David Bowie. Her artistic, bold designs made her the go to make up artist for those wanting an eccentric look and the Rougettes have admird her work for years.

After 35 years in the industry, Phyllis has launched Face Lace. Put simply, these artistic self adhesive designs create a look which would take us professionals hours, within minutes. 

From glitzy masks, to pretty artistic eye designs and smaller floral transfers, there is a Face Lace design for any occasion you need to make the boldest of entrances.

Ringing a bell? Face Lace has already been worn on the catwalks of London Fashion Week, Instagrammed by the cast of Made In Chelsea and used by top make up artists Pixiwoo and Lisa Eldridge in their popular tutorials. Face Lace are also the talk of press, only a few months ago the Daily Mail hailed Face Lace as the latest make up trend, and they have graced the pages on Vogue online. 

Why did Phyllis call a group of scouse make up addicts?!

Well, with Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazar only a stones throw from our beautiful little home and an event with Grazia magazine around the corner, Phyllis needed a Rougette to represent the Face Lace brand. Flick in place and my lips painted their signature red, off I went to tell the ladies of Liverpool about Face Lace! 

We showcased a number of Phyllis's best selling designs including the Crystallised Hipstar Mask and Crystallised Fleurty  which all looked stunning on model Charley, from Impact models. All of the designs proved popular with the audience, and I'm sure there will be lots of scouse ladies sporting Face Lace this Summer!

The evening, held by the Beauty Bazaar personal shopping team, included talks by tanning expert James Read and Grazia make up artist Anne Sophia Costa.

You can purchase yours from Harvey Nichols Beauty bazar or direct from www.face-Lace.com

Boux Avenue comes to Liverpool One

Today Boux Avenue launched their latest stylish store in Liverpool One, and I was one of the lucky few to be invited along to the secret preview!

 

Boux Avenue, the UK's equivalent to Victoria's Secret, is a chain of lingerie stores owned by  Dragons Den star and business mogul Theo Pathitis.

We were greeted at the event by two gorgeous models, dressed in fur and one of Boux's beautiful corsets, complete with a modern take on 1940's Victory Rolls and classic red lips. Once inside, and a chilled glass of champagne in head, the browsing could begin!

 

Boux Avenue's collection includes beautiful bridal lingerie, everyday essentials and a vast nightwear range boosting both thermals nightshirts and barely there negligees! There certainly was something for everyone and every occasion!

 

 

 

Lots of friendly, trained advisers were on hand to assist us in our lingerie browsing, and even offered complimentary bra fittings to those of us brave enough to loose the layers on such a cold winters day!

 

Having taken a sneak peak into Boux Avenues changing rooms, loosing the layers seemed like a perfect idea!

 

Each beautifully decorated room is named after one of the exquisite fabrics used to make our all important lingerie.

 

 

 

But what really makes these changing rooms so different to every other high street store- is the lighting.

 

Boux Avenue, give us ladies THREE options!

Daylight, Dusk and Evening.

 

It really makes a wonderful change to see yourself in the lighting most of us will wear our new underwear in before we've even decided to buy it!

And if you need any extra help with the correct fitting or you require a different size, just press for concierge and one of the Boux advisers will come to your beck and call.

 

 

If that wasn't enough, I was also treated to these gorgeous goodies!

Huge thanks to Fluorescent PR for inviting me to this fantastic event!

 

 

Kryolan Live Event

 

Well what a night it's been!

 

Tonight myself and Robyn, were kindly invited by Propa Ganda to the launch of the re-branded Kryolan range, which was held at The Chemistry Centre, in London's Piccadilly.

 

 

 

For those of you who think you have never come across Kryolan, if Robyn or I have applied your make-up, then you have! In our professional kits and the huge kit we have at SCR, you will find many Kryolan products.

From Derma Blend for Tattoo, scar and blemish cover, to their nifty lip palettes and huge pots of translucent powder, Kryolan is the brand we turn to.

 

This event was to celebrate the recent re-branding and launch of their newest products, giving professional make-up artists the chance to try them first hand.

 

The evening began with a heart warming talk from both Wolfram Langer and his son Dominik, who explained to us how Arnold Langer, Wolfram's father started the brand back in the 1920's, influenced by his combined passion of the theatre and science.

 

65 years on the brand is still used by make-up professionals the world over. From specials effects in TV to traditional theatre make-up and fashion editorial work, Kryolan has products to suit each genre.

 

After a short video showcasing the products uses, the newest advertising images were released and live models surrounded us each wearing a unique make-up design inspired by each genre.

Like children in a candy store, we were all eager to get trying the products, and boy did Kryolan spoil us! Huge pots of pigment, stacks of glitter and palettes upon palettes of brightly coloured eye shadows were available to play with, and play we did!!

My favourite products included the High Definition 15 shade foundation palette, Shimmering Vision Cream Pigments and the re-packaged lip palettes we already swear by! Luckily, Kryolan very kindly supplied us each with a bag full of goodies to wet our appetite until the new range becomes available later this month.

 

Before the evening drew to a close, I was very privileged to be asked to give a mini interview on my thoughts on the new branding, (which luckily were all good!!) which I'll post here when I receive the finished piece!

 

 

 

The SCR take on LFW SS13

Phew...arriving back in Liverpool and straight back into day to day life at So Coco Rouge. Coffee is most definitely needed!!

 

Whilst our minds are still down in London admiring the upcoming fashions, Robyn and I decided to create our own versions of two of our favourites.

 

First up is Antoni and Alison, which you'll remember was a splash of blue or green with a nude centre panel. Instead we used MAC pigments Mauvement, Vanilla and Naked, mixed together to create a warm natural toned area to the centre of the eye.

Products used-

Art Deco eye base

MAC Pigments- Mauvement, Vanilla and Naked to centre

Lily LoLo mineral pigment in Pixie

MUA Mascara

Estee Lauder gel liner in Black

 

 

Then we decided to create the Topshop make-up, Hannah Murray created.

Gorgeous pink lids with heavy Kohl.

 

 

 Products Used-
MAC Paint Pot- Artifact
MAC Shadow- Perky
MAC Kohl liner- Smoulder
MUA Mascara in Black



 

 

Next up- Louise Gray and Vivienne Westwood- if we dare?!!!?

Vauxhall Fashion Scout- DAS Collection

It seems a shame not to feature any of the upcoming designers at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, so I thought it would be good to introduce my favourite. DAS Collection, which was launched in 2008 by sisters Reem and Hind Beljafla.

 

 

 

 

 

I have always admired Alek Wek, and it was fantastic to see her open the show on Monday at Freemasons Hall.

 

The collections rich jewel colour palette was paired with luxurious silk fabrics, and elaborate gold jewellery.

 

Alek's make-up was kept very simple- dewy and neutral, in comparison to the other models 1950's inspired winged liner and classic red lips. All make-up was provided by Body Shop.  Models hair was slicked back, with a short centre part, into a neat top knot. A look that funnily enough Robyn was rocking on Monday too- how very fashion forward of her!!

 

 

Image- Vauxhall Fashion Scout

 

LFW Day Five

How quickly this week comes and goes- it seems like within the blink of an eye its all over once again!!

 

I have always had a soft spot for Mulberry bags, ever since I first held a Bayswater in Selfridges, Trafford. My love grew when I stumbled upon a beautiful vintage Mulberry in a local antiques centre 2 years ago, for under £100!  So, today as I am very season, my eyes are peeled on their SS collection.

 

 

 

The FROW as it is every year was jam packed with celebrity fans, alongside previous bag name-sakes, Alexa Chung and Lana Del Ray. This year they introduce the 'Willow' bag, which is surely a bargain buy- with its detachable clutch bag!!!

 

Once again, plaits and soft texture were featured in the models hair, whilst skin was left bare and dewy with heavily highlighted cheeks. Eyes were heavily wing lined with black liquid or gel liner, and lips stained with a rosebud pink.

 



Images- Vogue

 

 

 

Then off I head back up north, with a head full of Spring Summer brights yet dressed head to toe in AW Black leather.

 

Goodbye LFW, now let the countdown to February and AW13 begin!

 

 

 

 

LFW Day Two, Three and Four

From day two London is a buzz of sunshine, coffee and a schedule jam packed of the best shows in town.

 

Picking my favourites was tough- but here is a quick breakdown the ones that caught my attention the most!! I'd suggest you grab yourself a brew (Starbucks chai skinny latte for me por favour!) and a comfy seat before we begin!!

Day Two and we head first to the Topshop space in Bloomsbury to marvel at the fabulous Holly Fulton. The lip's at the Fulton show, are to me, what spring summer should be about- Experimenting with bright, loud colour.  The lips were a clever blend of tangerine and fuchsia, blending seamlessly together. Models skin was beautifully sunkissed by Sienna false tan, and a sheer coverage base was used to create a bare dewy look. Eyes were kept completely make-up free- ensuring all eyes were on those fabulous lips!!

 

Image- She Said Beauty

 

 

Once again we saw plaits emerging in the SS shows. This time alongside deep side partings and textured swept fringes.

 

Mavla headed the nail teams, creating these colourful intricate designs featuring beach balls! Well it is Spring Summer after all!

Image- She Said Beauty

 

 

 

It was then onto Somerset House, and one of my favourite designers. John Rocha. I always find his show inspiring, and adore the ethereal look he always creates.

 

Today was no different. Sam Bryant designed this years make-up, creating an ethereal smokey eye, using light brown earthy tones with a cream texture, extenuating the contour of the eye socket. This was paired perfectly with a chiselled cheek and jaw and a matt bare lip.

 

Image- MSN

 

 

To complete my day two favourites with a holiday feel, its off to House of Holland, and the FROW everyone wants. Celebrity friends galore!

 

MAC designed and headed the make-up, focusing soley on eyes. Back was the favoured bleached brow, along with a softly blended brown smokey eye. Skin was bronzed, complete with faux freckles, contoured cheeks and a nude lip. The sunkissed theme continued into the tousled beach waved hair, softely pinned.

 

Image- Facebook

 

 

Day Three, usually the day when your bum gets numb, your body stops responding to your usual cappuccino hits and  you slowly turn to an espresso. But this year, all you need is a little bit of Val Garlands creative flare to get you right back into the swing of things!!

Image- Getty

 

Vivienne Westwood Red Label- the one show that will make SS13 stick in my mind.

Think 1950's-1960's. Think Andy Warhol. Think Techno Colour.

 

Add a touch of the wonderfully bizarre personas Val creates for Lady Gaga and you've got it.

 

Beautiful 1950's set hair, the perfect hourglass figure and make-up you can only begin the imagine.

 

Once again the word on everyones mouth was Westwood. (And Garland the Goddess!!)

 

 

Its then onto Topshop Unique, which started off as such a small show, yet has grown to be one of the hottest tickets in town. Hannah Murray as always headed the make-up team.

Hannah like all pro make-up artists likes to mix it up- so used pinky blusher on lids, soft peach lipstick on cheeks and a neutral shadow on lips- and boy did it work!!

 

The Kohl lined eyes added an edge of grunge, which is so hot this AW, one can only hope it can continue way into SS.

 

Image- Inside Out

 

Finally Day Four-  and we are back off to the Topshop space for Louise Gray.

Once again this is a show like Westwood- known for being a little alternative and brimming with creativity.

This year was not a disappointment. You thought 'Scouse Brow' was a bold look? Then the 'crowned' brows here probably aren't a trend you'll be inheriting!

Like House of Holland and Westwood, at Gray faux freckles and beauty marks were also created- but in the un-natural tone of electric blue- which was also used as a liner across the socket line.

Tangerine lips finished this bold make-up, which is now slowly becoming my SS shade of choice.

 

 

 Image- Vogue

 

Its then onto Burberry- yet another favourite of mine, mainly due to my love of a trench coat.

This seasons trench has had an injection of metallic colour, many describing the final collection looking similar to a box of Quality Streets!

 

To keep with the Burberry tradition-hair was kept soft and simple with deep side partings paired with simple eyes and a classic red lip. Beautiful.

 

Image- Reuters

 

 

Four days down and one to go. Lets up the espresso intake, crack open more bubbly and celebrate our wonderful city in all its glory.

LFW Day One

This morning was a tad different to the most.... its  not everyday you are sat on the tube surrounded by a gaggle of 6ft beautiful yet unique looking models and plentiful stressed out journo's rushing from venue to venue, skinny Starbucks in one hand, blackberry in the other- it can only mean one thing.

Day One of London Fashion Week.

 

I have loved Fashion Week for as long as I can remember. In fact I'm pretty sure I strutted my first steps inspired by the likes of Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell. So being in London during this period feels like home. A busy, stressful one mind.

 

Over the next week I thought I would post a few of my favourite make-up, hair and nail looks that have been showcased. And no doubt, before long I will be showing you the interpretations we create back at So Coco Rouge!!

 

Antoni and Alison kicked things off this morning with an explosion of vivid colour and unique eye make-up. I love the concept- bright blue and green shadow, applied randomly leaving a naked centre panel on both the lid and under eye area. Cheeks were lightly contoured and lips left soft and nude.

Although I can't see this exact look transpiring onto the high street, I think we can easily take inspiration from it! Definitely one for Robyn and I to play around with back in the studio!!

Hair was keep slick and simple, looks like the pixie crop really is here to stay.

(typical as I'm growing mine out!!)

Image- Vogue.co.uk

 

At Maria Grachvogel, the nails immediately jumped to my attention. Reminiscent of my school days producing a french polish with tippex- the pure white nails will be perfect against with a sun kissed glow next summer. I can't wait for Katy, our Beauty Therapist at SCR to try the look out on me, using our favourite brand OPI. Make-up was kept clean and simple, with a touch of a pink stain to enhance the models lips. Hair was again inspired by the playground- centre parting, tight braids and plaits- which have funnily enough be highly requested this month. Perhaps us Liverpool girls really are ahead of the trends?!!

Image- Harvey Nichols Pintrest

Then, at Corrie Nielsen we had a much more advant garde approach with make-up. Not a favourite look, but one that definitely made me sit up and take note! A selection of warm toned red's and peaches were buffed into the models skin, with the deepest concentration of colour around the hairline, blending down towards the cheek area.  Gelled side parting with textured crimped lengths gave the models hair an ombre effect, something which is still pretty big this AW.

 

Image- Vogue.co.uk

 

 

All in all a fantastic start to SS13- long may it continue!!!

Vogue Fashion Night Out

Luckily for me, I happened to be working down in London this week! Which meant I could FINALLY attend a Vogue Fashion Night Out!! In a nutshell FNO was the brainchild of Vogue's Anna Wintour. The event encompasses fashion and music , with guest lists mixing of celebrities with the general public, to celebrate, shop and raise money for the Refuge charity.

First up we headed over to Carnaby Street (I resisted my favourite shop, Liberty, knowing that once in there I very rarely leave!) to an event being held by Think Publicity, who SCR Pro regularly supply creatives to. This event was celebrating the millinery talent of Rosie Olivia and a chance to showcase her AW12 and SS13 collections. Rosie is currently stocked in Fenwicks on Old Bond Street and thorough website Love Hats, which even lets you virtually try on her creations!!

I was lucky enough however to try one on for real!! I love this little leopard number, and think it should become part of my daily attire!!

Next stop was the Chanel Pop Up Boutique in the heart of Covent Garden- well with a business called Coco, how could I not?! Myself and my long time friend and designer Jen (Vasey Knitwear) tried all the new products including the gorgeous Coco Noir fragrance, which may be knocking my favourite Mademoiselle off its shelf!!

 

Our favourite items however were the limited edition Vogue lipstick and nail varnish sets, which you bought from a special Chanel vending machine!!! I couldn't even get near the machine to grab a pic myself, so here is good old Twitters version!!!

As a make-up artist I always love looking at little touches like these face charts. They were presented in a gorgeous Rouge (how fitting!) book and featured in depth step by step instructions on how to use the new products to create this seasons hottest looks.

The weather this week has been gorgeous- finally Summer has arrived!! If like me you suffer with humidity hair (thankfully I'm not as bad as Monica in that episode of Friends!!) then this ingenious idea from GHD is right up your street!!

This space ship looking vehicle is in fact a pop up hair salon, which parked itself in the centre of Covent Garden!

Passers by were able to drop in for a wash and blow dry at the fraction of the cost of a London salon.

However- I definitely wasn't brave enough to sit in the crowds with wet hair! Would you be?!