makeup- beauty

@fashion: my first makeover experience on a TV show!

I have just finished working on a TV fashion makeover last week and I am so excited to share with you what goes into producing a TV show from the behind the scenes work to the final result that I personally loved! Hope you enjoy the process and don't forget to watch the video at the end of the post :) Here is Mounia, a gorgeous soul, who just didn't know - or as she put it - doesn't have the time - to reflect her beauty to the world! The picture of her on the left  is what she sent me from her office, before the makeover. My first impression was that she looked tired, old and frumpy! Getting to know her on a personal level I can tell you she is anything but that!

mounia before_after
mounia before_after

Mounia is a hard working 37 year old career woman with 2 gorgeous kids, who leaves to work at 6am in the morning and comes back home anywhere around 7pm. She often has after office work events to attend to and as she doesn't have the time to commute back home to change, I took that into consideration putting together the outfits below. Her days off on the weekend are spent with her kids and so practical comfort is key here.

Corporate business
Corporate business

Look no 1. Corporate. Structured Grey jacket on white trousers and blouse with statement accessories.

As Mounia is not a big fan of colours, I tried to take her away from the 50 shades of grey and neutrals she lives in to a lighter basic outfit to start with, all white - perfect for the summer - and showed her how to mix and match different jackets to turn it into corporate. The pop colours were added through accessories, shoes with interesting print and bold coloured bags.

Corporate business casual Etoile La boutique
Corporate business casual Etoile La boutique

Look no 2. Cream and gold jacket on same white trousers and blouse with statement accessories. Perfect for office too.

night look Etoile La boutique Ingie Paris
night look Etoile La boutique Ingie Paris

Look no 3. Leaving from office to business event, all she needs to do is change into this amazing statement coat from Ingie Paris, swap her work bag with a clutch,  and add a necklace!

Day to night
Day to night

Look no 4. Using the same jacket and shoes from look no 2, we created a new outfit with this amazing leather fitted dress from Jitrois. Again, all she needs to transform it into a business event night outfit is take jacket off and replace bag with a clutch!

day look casual Etoile La boutique
day look casual Etoile La boutique

Look no 5. As Mounia won't want to spend her weekends in anything close to corporate or heels, we chose this laid back casual outfit that could take her from lunch with the kids to the mall in style.

reveal look Etoile La boutique
reveal look Etoile La boutique

Mounia's wide smile, the final result of the quick one day makeover, is the best reward I can ask for. I personally don't believe in extreme TV makeovers and drastic changes to impress the audience. What I loved about this experience working with Rulan Al Omari and the team of experts,  is that we agreed that our goal is to bring out the best in Mounia by reflecting her true character : Fresh, young, successful  and a woman in total control!

Mounia's makeover included the work of beauty experts Jaques Hanna for the hair makeover, Samira Olfat for makeup tips and Dr Majd for that perfect smile.

Wardrobe from Etoile La Boutique.

Watch the full makeover in video here

Nature unleashed: Jimmy Choo SS 2014 Advertising campaign starring Nicole Kidman

I love it when an advertising campaign captures the soul of the brand and the collection, giving you more than an "in your face" preview of the collection or the celebrity endorsement . You can see/feel that in Jimmy Choo's latest campaign starring Nicole Kidman, whom I oddly only recognised after taking a closer look at the model!

With the theme "Nature Unleashed" serving as the inspiration, the mood was set in cubist inspired perspectives, pictured in a modern jungle where neon and foliage are juxtaposed to create an energetic and vibrant atmosphere. The accessories were meant to be worn as "second skin" which I believe is evident in her sensual yet confident posing and minimal styling approach.

You can watch the behind the scenes film here

Credits: Photographer Sølve Sundsbø Stylist Ludivine Poiblanc Hair Shay Ashual Make-up Val Garland

 

 

Addicted to Red!

Once upon a time, I thought red only came in one shade: red. Down the rabbit hole of Color analysis and makeup and now red is a multitude of shades that keep growing! Great news is there is a red out there for each and every complexion, season & flow! Everyone can wear red - You just need to nail the one that suits you and you will be addicted, I promise. What you really need to know is what undertone (warm or cool ), intensity ( soft to clear) and shade (light to dark) to go for. With an advanced color analysis consultation, you will find the color palette that suits you, as the best color in the world is the one that look greats on you!

ICONIC

The ruby collection from  Dolce & Gabbana is my absolute favorite ! The luxurious formulation of this Classic Cream Lipstick provides bold colour with a smoothness that is simply gorgeous. I am hooked on "Iconic", a shade that is a bit on the warmer and brighter side of red. I wear it for the day in a lighter tint by blotting with a tissue after application to help set the colour and create a softer effect. All you need to take it to night is to reapply lipstick for a more intense color effect.

Ruby Collection by Dolce & Gabbana, ICONIC

And then, a few days ago, I met Lip Maestro from Giorgio Armani at the airport... and well, it was love at first pout!

THE RED 400

This is the first lip stain I have tried with such a comfortable to die for velvet texture and a radiant matte finish. What really sold me is the non-sticky texture which offers hours of hydration and comfort with a color so intense.

My experience with other lip stains is dry, cracked lips and color that fades as you go... not so attractive. As Giorgio Armani put it, this is  the next generation of lip color. I got the shade "400 - the red". I wear it more for the night as it's a bit too intense for day.

What shade of red are you?

 

 

My latest mascara addiction! Tried and tested

Given the fact that I always rave for Benefit "they're real" mascara, where I haven't bought another type for over a year -  I have to say that I have finally moved on and developed a new  love for  Le VOLUME DE CHANEL mascara!

Delivering massive volume as the name promises, it uplifts the eyes instantly with one bold yet elegant swift. The effect is visible  from a single coat as it thickens and separates.

You can instantly see and feel the difference with its short bristles buxom brush wand. Plus it wears all day long without smudging, clumping or flaking.

I seriously recommend it for all those looking for added volume and an eye opening effect.

Now here's a little secret - I still use Benefit "they're real" mascara sometimes by applying one coat after using the Le VOLUME DE CHANEL for a false lash effect by night. I've always been a fan for mixing products.

Have you tried it yet?