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How To Hide Spots With 'No Makeup' Makeup: Male Beauty Vlogger's Advice For A Natural Cover Up

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How to achieve a flawless complexion without looking like you've caked on a mask of foundation, is the holy grail of makeup - one that is sought by women and men alike.

Beauty vlogger Jake Jamie, aka The Beauty Boy, is here to put this beauty quest to an end, by sharing the techniques he has learnt through years of attempting to cover acne scars and blemishes.

makeup tutorial

"For all of you guys and girls that want that no makeup, makeup. Honestly you can transform your face, without an inch of make up being detectable on the skin," Jamie explains on Instagram, adding that his portraits have not been re-touched or photoshopped.

The 23-year-old, from Birmingham, started to suffer from spots aged 18, and put up with it for two years before buying his first foundation.

"I'm focusing on trying to get the message across to as many people as possible that actually it is OK for men to wear make up," Jamie told The Mirror.

"Virtually every man that you watch on television has a face full of slap. I just think why shouldn't guys feel amazing too."

SEE ALSO:

2015 Is the Year Male Grooming Takes Centre Stage

Multimasking: The Beauty Trend You Won't Believe You Didn't Think Of Sooner


Jamie's tutorial (in the video above) includes advice on the best products to pick for a natural look, as well as how to apply them to achieve a flawless finish.

His top tips include how to stop foundation creasing underneath the eyes; how to build foundation in layers rather than applying it in one heavy block; and the importance of blending if you've got a beard.

He also challenges the idea that foundation needs to be applied over the whole face:

"I don't see the point of applying foundation to an areas of skin that doesn't need covering," he explains.


Artist Creates Video Of Kids Reacting To Iconic Fashion Images, And They're Not Impressed

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Some of the images from fashion campaigns can seem bizarre even to the adult eye. So for kids, they must seem like the weirdest photographs ever.

That's why artist, Yolanda Dominguez, asked a group of eight-year-olds to describe what they see in a series of fashion editorial shoots and adverts for her unintentionally hilarious video, 'Children Vs. Fashion'.

The artist's experiment found that while women in fashion campaigns are usually mocked by the kids for looking disheveled or "almost dead", the male models were compared to "superheroes".

kids vs fashion

Dominguez said: "The result shows clearly the implicit violence and unequal treatment of men and women that exists in fashion editorials.

"It raises many questions about the hidden messages generated by the fashion world. Why are such images associated with glamour and luxury? Nobody denounces what influence they have in education. Why do brands support such messages? What can we do to change that?"

kids vs fashion 2

SEE ALSO:

Little Mix Dare To Bare In Makeup Free Selfie

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Little Mix are rarely seen without their trademark dramatic eyeliner and they even have their own makeup range, but Jesy Nelson has proven she isn't afraid to dare to bare, by sharing a makeup free selfie on Instagram.

A photo posted by @jesymix14 on




The 24-year-old shared the photo during a sleepover at a hotel on Saturday night. She captioned the shot: "There was four in the bed and the little one said 'roll over roll over'".

We'll forgive your poor grammar Nelson as the shot is so darn cute.

Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock came over a little camera shy and hid behind their hands, and we think Jade Thirlwall may have applied a little eyeliner, but Nelson embraced her natural look, despite it being a far cry from her usual dramatic style.

#LiveLoungeRadio1

A photo posted by @jesymix14 on




Within two days the photo received more than 75,000 likes and a flurry of comments from fans keen to let Little Mix know how gorgeous they look.

SEE ALSO:

Kim Kardashian Vogue Spain: See The New Makeup-Free Shots

Make-Up Free Stars: 50 Celebs Who Dared To Bare In Public


Little Mix aren't the only celebs to share a makeup free selfie. Check out more barefaced beauties in the gallery below:


Trainer Porn: Ruby Rose Proves Orange Is The New Black

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Ruby Rose is standing by the statement "orange is the new black" with her choice of footwear.

Rose shared a video on Instagram showing her bright orange Busemi Alta hi tops, which she writes are: "so good they should never touch the ground, cos orange is the new black."

A video posted by Ruby Rose (@rubyrose) on




Rose's Alta trainers were hand made in the Marche Region of Italy and feature a gold plated padlock and a concealed "lift" in the heel which adds two inches of height.

But as much as we're feeling the urge to impulse buy Rose's kicks, we'll have to wait for the next payday (or three), as they'll set you back $890 (around £570) and that's before you factor in international shipping costs.

SEE ALSO:

Ruby Rose Is Owning The Fashion World With Her Fierce Looks

Converse All Stars Are Getting A Redesign And They Look Pretty Damn Fly

Trainer Porn For Women: What's Your Fetish?

Cara Delevingne And Alexa Chung Get A Minion Makeover

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Bob, Stuart and Kevin are going to have to up their fashion game as there are some new Minions in town in the form of Cara Delevingne and Alexa Chung.

minions

The team behind online fashion retailer Stylight - are responsile for creating the minion makeovers and Delevingne and Chung aren't the only ones to get the yellow treatment.

Some of fashion's finest including Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld and Jean Paul Gaultier now know what they'd look like as part of the Despicable Me crew.

Scroll through the gallery below to see them all in their Minion glory:



SEE ALSO:

How Much Would You Pay For Sandra Bullock's Minion Shoes?

Kate Moss 'Blacklists Former Pal Cara Delevingne'


We only wish we could see the Wintour, Chung and Delevigne Minions sing the banana song...

How To Do A Quick And Easy Updo For Summertime Festivals And Parties

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Hollie Kiernan, a hairstyle vlogger, has released a quick and easy guide to that perfect summer updo.

The secrets of the quick coiffure, in a bohemian festival look, are revealed with tips for a lasting hairstyle.



SEE ALSO:

Kim Kardashian's Makeup Artist Reveals Beauty Secrets And Shares Before And After Pics

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Kim Kardashian may have recently posed makeup free for Vogue - but that hasn't stopped hundreds of people wanting to learn the ins and outs of her beauty routine.

Fans of Kardashian's style flocked to Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, to see her makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic demonstrate how he creates her signature glamorous look.

Dedivanovic then shared these before and after shots on Instagram showing how he transformed Kardashian during the show.




And the #After. #TheMasterClass @kimkardashian #MakeupByMario

A photo posted by Mario Dedivanovic (@makeupbymario) on




When Kardashian first walked out on stage with her face uncharacteristically free of makeup, Dedivanvic asked the crowd: “How flawless is she with no makeup on?”

But Kardashian was quick to state she wasn't planning on sticking to the barefaced look too often.

“It's way better with makeup,” she said. “I love, love makeup.”

According to the LA Times, Dedivanovic talked the crowd through the routine as he went - moisturiser, brows, foundation, eyeshadow, concealer, eyeliner, mascara, more eyeshadow, fake lashes, contouring and finally lips.

And he wasn't coy about recommending some of the brands he used, such as Charlotte Tilbury bronzer and highlighter, Kevyn Aucoin lip liner and Bobbi Brown stick foundation.




Dedivanovic also shared a video showing Kardashian effortlessly slipping into her famous selfie pouts, which we intend to study until we have mastered the art of always being photo ready.




SEE ALSO:

Watch This Makeup Artist Transform Into 4 Kardashians In Under 2 Minutes

Strobing Makeup Is The New Contouring: Try This Easy Tutorial


Dedivanovic also took to Instagram to share his joy at discovering a new beauty range - Rodial's sculpting make-up including the Instaglam Illuminating Powder, Deluxe Bronzing Powder and Contouring Powder.




"Obsessed with @rodialskincare sculpting make up range I found in London," he wrote in the photo caption. "It's AMAZING! @mrsrodial who is bringing this to the USA? We need this! #rodial #thatPackagingToo."


Do You Dress to Please Others... Or Yourself?

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Fashion can play quite a complicated role in the lives of many women. ‎It fills our media, acts as a social currency for chatting to our peers, and is a regular weekend pursuit for many yet how many of us are truly happy getting dressed? How many of us stand in front of a full wardrobe, feeling we have nothing to wear?

I am lucky to have lots of lovely clothes but inevitably I don the same thing most days: leggings and a baggy top. My husband recently questioned why I wore a long singlet or t-shirt with every outfit and I admitted that I always feel the need to cover my hips. He couldn't understand it, but for me it is about feeling protected... as if my sensitive area needs a fashion airbag!

A good friend who is a fashion stylist explained women on average use just 20% of our wardrobes because we don't dare step out of our comfort zone. Also, once we get new clothes home, many of us don't actually suit or like the styles paraded by lofty models in magazines or down the catwalk. For a start, few of us are 6 foot and even less a size 4. The translation of the trends to the high street can be inspiring for some and daunting for others.

We are all told ad nauseam that we are this body shape (usually a fruit of sorts!) then we are bombarded with fashion hits and misses (critiquing the poor celebs on the beach or the red carpet). In addition dressing often is driven by the 'other person' dimension - a boyfriend, a boss, a best friend. Will a first date respond more to a plunging neckline? Will a group of friends judge me less if I am wearing my slimming pants? These are all tests of our confidence, of whether we feel we are good enough beyond heels, clothes and accessories.

It's hardly surprising that lots of us stay neutral, or 'hide'. I personally would rather wear leggings than a skirt, easier, comfier, less showy. For others it's long tops, certain cuts, no black or no beige because of their skin tone. We often don't have the confidence to dress to please ourselves. And we are always being reminded that life is a catwalk, with endless features on 'School run style', 'Fitness Fashion', 'Festival chic' and 'Hot looks for the beach'. Each moment of our lives now comes with a look book!

Yet there is another way: finding freedom in our own style. Thinking about selecting outfits as a reflection of who we are and not who we think we should look like. Clearly we can't practically wear exactly what we want every day, a ‎kaftan probably wouldn't go down so well in a board meeting, but there is a lesson to be learnt from breaking free of prescribed fashion uniforms.

So, for a whole week I took a different approach to choosing my outfit. I didn't immediately reach for my staple of leggings and a tunic top. Instead I asked myself how I felt. The first day was a glorious summery day ‎which made me feel hopeful and bouncy. So I picked a skirt I never wear that flared out and a top covered in peachy blossoms. It wasn't fashionable, nor my usual uniform, but in that moment, it was 'me'.

The next day I had to meet my publisher and I caught myself fussing about what to put on, worrying about whether I looked professional enough. Those niggly insecurities narrowed my options down to a grey skirt and white shirt, nice enough but not really me. Me was a writer of a colourful magical world to help build esteem. By far the best way to sell myself was to be myself. So I put on a pair of my fave jeans and a bright pink top, not because it was on trend, or suitable for olive skin, but because it's my favourite colour.

Each day I stuck with the program of dressing to please me, not the doubtful me, or the judgemental 'other'. Some days it was harder to switch off the voice telling me my legs were too white or butt too big. I tried to focus more on how each garment made me feel, through its colour print and texture. It was no different from picking flowers for my garden, cushions for my bed or wrapping paper for a present. None of those choices are loaded with insecurities about feeling ugly or fat. They are simple reflections of our personal and unique tastes. Going shopping or choosing outfits should be the same. If it's good for us, it should be good for everyone. Instead of endless magazine features with photoshopped models projecting what is cool (and by definition soon uncool), real women should talk about themselves and how their passions, tastes and influences shape their identity.

In the past women and men have been restricted to certain dress codes. Today there is no excuse for dressing to please others, the fashion police, or our inner critic. There are no cultural boundaries or social limitations - skimpy, frumpy, vintage, futuristic, sexy, coy. You could go online right now and buy an authentic kimono, a pair of Aussie boardies or an original flapper dress. Hopefully future advances in technology will bring even greater choice and personalisation - customised outfits, made to measure services and an infinite palette of colour choice. But for now, ignore the do's and don't's of the style gurus, be your own trendsetter. Or as the famous designer Versace said, 'don't make fashion own you but decide what you are and what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live'.

Kylie Jenner Snapchat Videos Show Her Makeup Tutorial Secrets

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Kylie Jenner is the most watched person on Snapchat, Kendall Jenner has the most liked photo on Instagram... Keeping up with the Kardashian's youngest stars are officially breaking the Internet (sorry Kim).

Giving fans a sneak peek of what we can expect from the beauty tutorials on her new soon-to-be-launched website, Kyliejenner.com, Kylie took to Snapchat to share some behind-the-scenes videos of her getting ready process.

In the following clip we can see what really goes on to create the famous Kardashian contour.

Her makeup artist applies a dark shade of foundation below the cheekbone and a lighter shade for highlighting directly below that, all the way down to her lips.




Once her cheek contour and highlight was blended to perfection with a blending sponge, Jenner shared a second video showing her makeup artist continuing the magic.

She can be seen applying foundation a few shades darker than Kylizzle's skintone to her hairline and the side of her forehead to finish sculpting the face and further enhance her browbone highlight.




Will you be recreating the look? Check out our pick of the best Kylie Jenner makeup tutorials to try at home.

SEE ALSO:

Sibling Rivalry: Kendall And Kylie Jenner Go Head To Head In New Online Label

Watch This Makeup Artist Transform Into 4 Kardashians In Under 2 Minutes

Kylie Jenner Takes On Kendall's Instagram Record With Blue Hair Post


Men In Dresses: Will Young On How Skirts And Dresses Make Him Look 'More Masculine'

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What does Will Young have in common with Kanye West, Jaden Smith, Jared Leto and Marc Jacobs?

Aside from a Y chromosome, it's dresses, of course.

The 36-year-old former winner of Pop Idol has been sharing his new style on Instagram and revealed in a new interview that he thinks dresses and skirts make him look more masculine.

Taking note that menswear catwalks have been filled with them for the past couple of years, Young feels his new look is at the forefront of fashion and we reckon he's right.

New tea dress #menindresses#mini traveller #ray bands and chunky boots!!!

A photo posted by Will Young (@willyoungofficial) on




"Honestly you wouldn't believe how free and manly you feel in a skirt," he told the Telegraph.

Young also took the opportunity to share his fashion advice with other men: "Don't go for highly feminine colours. Rummage around vintage shops or just walk into Gap. And Muji is great for simple styles for the smaller man."

The singer is such a fan of the trend, he even chose to don a skirt on the shoot for his upcoming album cover.

Phuket, Thailand, shooting the 85% Proof album cover

A photo posted by Will Young (@willyoungofficial) on




Check out the best outfits from the #menindresses hashtag on Instagram:

#menindresses #legs#glastonbury #winnie

A photo posted by Will Young (@willyoungofficial) on




Last nights outfit #menindresses

A photo posted by Will Young (@willyoungofficial) on




#ootd as in #outfitoftheday #menindresses

A photo posted by Jirka Vinse Jonatan Väätäinen (@jirkavinse) on




Gótica suave. #gotica #washim_looks #dress #allblack #vestido #modamasculina #modafeminina

A photo posted by Washim (@washim88) on







#menindresses

A photo posted by Wiktor (@thewiktordiet) on




SEE ALSO:

David Beckham's Best Fashion Moments On Instagram

Why There Needs To Be An Empowering Movement For Plus Size Men

Beard Art Is A Thing And It's Amazing


Bronde Hair Colour: Cara Delevingne, J-Lo and Jessica Alba Show Us How To Work The Trend At Any Age

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As Jennifer Lopez is proving, it looks like 'bronde' hair is here to stay. More than just a (very clever) L'Oréal marketing term, bronde blurs the line between blonde and brunette hair.

For years, women have been trying this colour blending beauty trend, but now there's a handy term you can use to describe the look you want to achieve when at the hairdressers.

With the likes of everyone from Cara Delevingne to Jessica Alba rocking the look, this versatile colour technique suits all ages and skin tones.

bronde

According to Tai Walker, head of colour and technical development at Mahogany Hairdressing, the key to creating the best bronde colour is to find the right marriage of tones and hues.

She told HuffPost UK Style, "Rich chocolate bases should be teamed with warm golds or caramels - leave the cool and pearlescent blondes to ash or smoky bases.

"Avoid placing any lighter pieces directly through the parting area, keeping a veil of dark to fall and camouflage any regrowth for the ultimate in easy maintenance.

"Along with tonal refreshes, lighter sections around the face should be the only upkeep, something that could easily be refreshed in a lunch break."

Feeling like switching up your hair colour? Read Walker's guide to working bronde hair at any age:

In your 20s...

cara delevingne

Now's the time to be your most daring. Embrace your youth and make use of strong contrasts of striking blonde tones with clever placement of bold internal panels.

In your 30s...

jessica alba

Mid contrasts of depths are key. Keep colours in the same tonal family; think mochas through to soft creams.

In your 40s and beyond...

jennifer lopez

Keep hues blended as much as possible - there should be a minimal visible connection between colours. Complexions tend to change a little through the latter part of the 40s, so slightly lighter bases are more flattering.

With white hairs coming through, staying on the lighter side of bronde will mean a lower maintenance 'do.

SEE ALSO:

How To Do A Simple Updo Even If You're Crap With Hairstyling

Beauty Tips: How To Remove Dye From Your Hair

How To Get Taylor Swift's Wavy 'Lob' Hairstyle


Jane Birkin Wants To 'Debaptise' The Birkin Croco Bag - Hermès Says: 'We're Still Friends'

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Jane Birkin wants nothing more to do with the iconic crocodile handbagHermès named after her, after learning about alligator slaughtering practices - and the fashion house has said it agrees with her stance on animal cruelty.

"Having been alerted to the cruel practices reserved for crocodiles during their slaughter to make Hermes handbags carrying my name ... I have asked Hermes to debaptise the Birkin Croco until better practices in line with international norms can be put in place," the British actress and singer said in a statement.

jane birkin

Jane Birkin


After learning of Birkin's remarks Hermès responded that her stance was not at odds with their relationship:

"Jane Birkin has expressed her concerns regarding practices for slaughtering crocodiles," read a statement the company released.

"Her comments do not in any way influence the friendship and confidence that we have shared for many years.

"Hermès respects and shares her emotions and was also shocked by the images recently broadcast.

"An investigation is underway at the Texas farm which was implicated in the video [produced by Peta]. Any breach of rules will be rectified and sanctioned.

"Hermès specifies that this farm does not belong to them and that the crocodile skins supplied are not used for the fabrication of Birkin bags.

"Hermès imposes on its partners the highest standards in the ethical treatment of crocodiles. For more than 10 years, we have organized monthly visits to our suppliers.

"We control their practices and their conformity with slaughter standards established by veterinary experts and by the Fish and Wildlife (a federal American organisation for the protection of nature) and with the rules established under the aegis of the U.N.O, by the Washington Convention of 1973 which defines the protection of endangered species."




Birkin told the Telegraph the Birkin bag's iconic design was inspired during a 1981 plane ride, when the contents of her straw bag spilled out, and Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas remarked, "You should have one with pockets."

"The day Hermès makes one with pockets I will have that," she replied. "But I am Hermès and I will put pockets in for you," Dumas told her. The pair sketched out her ideal bag on an Air France sick bag, and the Birkin was born.

But after 34 years, the bag's reign on the arms of Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham, could be coming to an end after Birkin watched a PETA report into the slaughtering processes used in the production of alligator skin bags.

The PETA report alleges that the alligators and crocodiles whose skins go into the bags live out their short lives in inhumane conditions, and they can wriggle in agony for hours after their attempted slaughter.

Responding to Birkin's statement, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk said: "PETA, on behalf of all kind souls in the world, thanks Ms Birkin for ending her association with Hermès, which makes grotesque handbags that were revealed in a PETA exposé to be constructed from the skins of factory-farmed and cruelly slaughtered crocodiles.

"We call on Hermès to stop plundering wildlife, factory-farming crocodiles and alligators and slaughtering them for their skins.

"Once, Birkin bags marked people as celebrities or at least members of the super-rich, but soon, no one will want to be caught dead carrying one, and animal advocates will then breathe a sigh of relief."

Animal protection charity OneKind have also praised Birkin for her comments.

"OneKind fully supports Jane Birkin's decision to disassociate herself the Hermes brand and the methods used to create crocodile skin handbags," OneKind spokesperson Louise Robertson told HuffPost UK Style.

"Ms Birkin should be commended for taking a stand against animal cruelty and we hope this decision will encourage Hermes to reconsider how these handbags are produced."

Prices for Birkin bags start at £6,700, but can cost as much as £100,000 depending on the type of materials used with the priciest versions typically made from the skin of the saltwater crocodile.

SEE ALSO:

Victoria Beckham Sent Mock-Croc Vegan Birkin Bag By Animal Rights Group PETA

Lady Gaga's French Bulldog Stars In Coach's New Campaign


German Beauty And Style From The Past 100 Years

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The beauty and fashion trends of women are often the reminder of the political frictions and conflicts of the time.

Cut Video have charted historical haircuts from around the globe, from Iran to Russia and now they have recreated a century of German style.

From the Nazi government in the 1930's to the divide of East and West in the 40's, the Germans have seen their fair share of defining eras.

100 hairstyles germany

In the 1930s Adolf Hitler was in the midst of his rise to power and by 1933 he had been appointed Chancellor of the government.

The plaited hairstyle reflects the reserved and 'traditional' values that were being dictated by the political powers of the time.

In the 1940s, war had broken out across Europe. At the beginning of the decade the Germany military had already invaded Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and then France.

100 germany

The war torn years that followed saw many of the German population called to serve in the army.

During this era under Hitler's power, women were subject to follow the German Fashion Board's (Deutsches Modeamt) advice, which was a Nazi attempt to influence how women should look and dress.

Amidst the collapse of Hitler's reign, the country split into sections divided by the Superpowers in 1945.

100 germany

East Germany, ruled by the Soviet Union, was characterised by Communism and the West, ruled by Britain, America and France was a beacon of democracy.

A wall was built across Berlin to physically divide the two areas which caused many citizens to try and flee the East to the more prosperous West, where more freedoms were granted.

And it could be argued that the hairstyles in each part of the country reflect the social structors imposed.

german 100 hair

By the 1980s a dramatic divide in the styles can be seen as the East leaned towards a dark, gothic fashion and the West contrasted this with light and colourful looks.

The decade marked the last ten years of the conflict and in October 1990 the country once again unified.

germany 100 days

In the years that followed, Germany regained control of its political landscape and is now regarded the "most trusted" country in Europe.

The modern look of 2010's Germany reflects the current thriving culture and fashion industry.

SEE ALSO:

MC1R, Magazine Dedicated Entirely To Redheads, Proves Being Ginger Is Awesome

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If you're a redhead, or if you're obsessed with people who are (come on, who doesn't love Prince Harry?) then we have good news for you.

A magazine dedicated entirely to gingers has recently been launched.

The publication, titled MC1R, is the brainchild of Hamburg-based lighting design student Tristan Rodgers and is named after the gene that yields red hair.

Considering the fact that between 1% and 2% of the world's population are estimated to have crimson tresses, gingers are very much a minority.

The magazine hopes to give redheads around the globe the representation they often lack in the fashion world, as well as show case remarkable stories from people who have ginger hair.






Speaking to Vice, Rodgers explained that MC1R started out as a photo project, but grew into a magazine as his network of red-headed beauties flourished.

"I discovered that there’s a big network of and for redheads emerging around the world, and I’m now a part of this movement," he said.

"People really connect at redhead festivals; they share what they’ve made or their experiences - it’s big, positive hype right now. Some people argue that focusing on the hair itself is a paradoxical method, but if people are identified by the way they look, making work about it allows artists to represent themselves and create a positive feeling for everyone."

As well as stylish images and profiles, MC1R discusses social advantages and disadvantages to being a redhead.






Its pages also feature other popular projects in the redhead world, such as Thomas Knights oh-so-fabulous RED HOT photo series - an anti bullying campaign of gorgeous redheads that went viral in 2013.

The first issue of MC1R was published in German, but the second issue of the magazine has been created entirely in English, as Rodgers hopes to reach an international audience.

You won't find the magazine on newsstands just yet, but the second edition of MC1R is available to order online.

SEE ALSO:

Thomas Knights' Red Hot Is Proof That Ginger Men Are Gorgeous (But We Knew That Already...)

Ginger and Redhead Mean the Same Thing and Should Be Used Interchangeably


Air Conditioning Wars: How To Dress For Your Freezing Office In Summer

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You've been waiting to show off your warm weather wardrobe for the best part of a year and now the time has finally come...

Until you realise the majority of your waking hours are spent in an office with the air conditioning turned up high enough to make you think it was December.

Here are the very real struggles of working in an office with air con:

Wearing something summery and light on the way into work...



Only to immediately layer up as you get to the office door...

cold

Constantly having to adjust your outfit due to the arguments over whether to have the air con on or off...

Making actual work enemies over which team you're on. It's On vs Off...



Keeping socks in your desk draw to slip on under your peep toes when someone turns it up full blast...

Or your fluffiest winter jumper for when you're called into the sub zero meeting room...

Constantly getting a cold from the dry air con air...

cold

Knowing there's no point grabbing a cool icy drink outside when you'll start shivering the moment you're back in the office...

And don't even get us started on salads for lunch. We need as much warmth as we can get...



Feeling a deep envy for those enjoying the sun when you're sat shivering in July...

Then realising you're actually the only person on the tube home without sweat marks. Maybe it ain't so bad...



SEE ALSO:

Do You Dress to Please Others... Or Yourself?

From Kanye West To Will Young, Dresses Are It, Guys

Gigi Hadid's Topshop Autumn/Winter Campaign Looks Stunning



In the Hairdressers: What We Say Vs What We Think

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I got my hair chopped the other day. It didn't turn out quite as I had hoped. The experience reminded me of Very British Problems - how bloody polite we can be out loud when really we are thinking something very different. The following situations will apply to people who, like me, are not lucky enough to have found a regular, reliable hairdresser. (If you do have one and this still sounds familiar, I hate to be the one to tell you - but you should probably look elsewhere)...

2015-07-27-1438033809-7746932-haircut3.jpg

Image credit: Pixabay



When did you last get your hair cut?

We say: "Erm, about three or four months ago, perhaps?"

We think: It was 8 months ago. Maybe more. Guilty.

Is the water temperature OK?

We say: "Yeh, it's great!"

We think: It's freezing/scorching (delete as appropriate) but I couldn't possibly tell you that.

How much would you like cut off?

We say: "Just one inch please - I'm trying to grow it." *show one inch via finger to thumb hand action*

We think: I swear the hair falling to the floor looks four inches long?

So what do you do? Are you going away anywhere this summer? Oh, isn't the weather humid?!

We say: "I do [insert job], I'm going [insert holiday destination], yes - the weather is humid."

We think: I really want to close my eyes and enjoy some quiet time.

(Note: On my last trip to the salon my hairdresser informed me that the current weather was making him feel sleepy. That's right - he was moving towards my head with a pair of scissors, feeling SLEEPY.)

2015-07-27-1438033634-8067139-haircut1.jpg

Image Credit: Pixabay


Would you like a coffee?

We say: "Yes please!"

We think: Please may you allow me to move from this frozen position so that I can drink my coffee. I will have no problem grabbing that biscuit, though.

Do you ever cut your hair yourself?

We say: "Noooooooooo."

We think: Yes. Regularly. With the kitchen scissors.

So, you want your hair to look like Caroline Flack's?

We say: "Definitely. Here's a photo."

We think: This will never work and I am very aware that it's going to take more than just a haircut to look like Caroline Flack.

What do you think?

We say: "It's PERFECT!"

We think: I hate it.

But do we say it right there and then? Gosh, no - one of the following then happens:

- We greet everyone with an, "I know my hair is awful".
- Say, "I need to wash it and style it - you know - do it my way".
- Call the hairdressers from the comfort of our own home to say we don't like it. If we dare to return, we arrive sheepish and hoping it's quick, painless and our hair looks a whole lot better than the lopsided mop we left with earlier.

Now, if you will excuse me - I'm off to trim my fringe...

Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Sells Rap-Themed Clutches For $1,695 (But They're Not Going Down Too Well)

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Gwyneth Paltrow is a huge rap fan, you guys! And she wants the world to know.

Paying homage to her favourite ever rappers, the actress-turned-lifestyle guru has just launched a collection of hip-hop themed clutches on her blog Goop.

Created in collaboration with cute clutch curator Edie Parker, each all-acrylic bag features two rappers names emblazoned on the front and back.

The most Goop-y part? They retail for a whopping $1,695 (around £1,085) each.

shady hov

One version has a "Biggie" (The Notorious B.I.G.) and "Pac" (Tupac) combo, while another has a Shady (Eminem) and Hov (Jay Z) - one of Paltrow's real life BFFs.

However, there seems to be a bit of a problem with the pairing on the Biggie and Pac 'Flavia' clutch, as the two rappers were embroiled in one of hip hop's most famous feuds.

Many actually speculated that Tupac's ex-friend and rap rival Biggie Smalls was behind his fatal shooting in 1994.

Oh Gwyneth...

biggie pac

We can't say we'll be rushing out to buy one, and they don't seem to be going down too well with fellow fashion publications by the looks of these hilarious reactions:

HuffPost Canada Style: "In this case, we say a conscious uncoupling is very necessary."

Like Refinery29: "Just because you like kale and buttercream frosting doesn't mean you should put them both in the same green juice."

Dazed: "The wallets feel like Gwyneth’s gone, 'right, I want rap purses', Edie Parker’s team has gone 'fuck, we really don’t know any rappers'."

NY Mag: "Even if someone started a GoFundMe to raise money so I could buy one of those bags, I wouldn’t do it."

People: "Gwyneth Paltrow isn’t just a normal lifestyle curator. She’s a cool lifestyle curator."

Style Blazer: "If anyone can bring rival hip hop fans together it is Gwyneth Paltrow."

Paper: "We hear they make a great accessory to a vaginal steaming appointment."

The Fashion Spot: "The homage is out of touch but not really unexpected from the woman who wants to teach us how to yawn."

SEE ALSO:

Gwyneth Paltrow Is Launching A Goop Skincare Range


From Kanye West To Will Young, Dresses Are It, Guys

Converse All Stars Are Getting A Redesign And They Look Pretty Damn Fly

What's My Mummy Style?

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As a teenager I was a goth and in my backpacking early twenties I was more of a hippy, but now at nearly 29 with a husband, baby, blog, freelance career and country cottage I'm not really sure what my style is anymore.

I'm not the most confident person in the world and the whole goth thing was an escapism from school bullies whilst the hippy thing was simply the vibe of Brazil, Thailand, Australia and other countries I found myself exploring on my worldwide adventures. I've never really chosen a particular fashion, rather I've indulged whatever happened to be around me at a given time but with lot of different aspects to my life now, I have recently found myself uncertain of what to go for and therefore sticking with the easy option - generally skinny jeans and a baggy top.

Last month was BritMums Live and whilst it's not exactly London Fashion Week, I wanted to embrace having a couple of days where I was just me. Well, the 'me' without snot and banana on my trousers from the little person and the 'me' that could drink some wine without worrying about getting up for a night feed. Phil, Toby and I went clothes shopping to find me an outfit and I felt so down in the dumps about it. How stupid is that? A fully grown woman with a husband and a child, sulking because nothing looked right, utterly ridiculous!

In the end, I found a gorgeous pair of floral print trousers which were the exact opposite of any style I would expect myself to wear. Phil teamed them with a lovely floaty black top and I was sorted, yet still I felt so nervous putting them on just in case the magical changing room mirrors had lied and actually huge pink flowery trousers weren't a good match for a short ginger girl. Can't imagine why I'd think that... Yet, all worries aside, I had a few people telling me that I looked good and suddenly I started to feel good too!

I'm slowly building my confidence. It helps that I have an amazing husband who tells me he loves me and that I'm beautiful all the time. It helps that I have fab friends, both in 'real life' and 'blogging life' (many cover both of those categories now!) who are supportive of me, who notice if something is new and different but also if I'm not quite myself. The most important bit, though, is that I'm realising that my style is not one image, one type of trouser or top or dress which defines me as a whole, but rather an array of clothes which are suitable for the different versions of 'me'.

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There isn't one label for who I am as a person now, so why should there only be one style of clothing? When I'm Mummy, I'll stick to the comfy clothes which allow me to crouch on the floor and play with Toby. When I'm Wife I'll dress up a little, stick on a pretty dress and some heels. When I'm Professional I'll be somewhere in the middle, along the lines of my BritMums outfit or maybe a nice a-line skirt and a blouse and when I'm on holiday (one day!) maybe I'll bust out a bit of the old skool hippy!

As a busy working mum and wife with a passion for rock music and travelling, I am an adaptable person and I'm realising that I am not defined by my clothes, I am defined by the steps I take, my actions and my choices. My clothes simply have to work with whatever Hannah hat I'm metaphorically wearing on any given day.

So to my original question, what is my mummy style? Well it's comfortable, it's most definitely machine washable, is dress up or dress down-able. It's fun on fun days, smart on professional days, heck maybe even a little bit alluring on date days or nights. It's whatever I need it to be and it's flexible. It's me, in all my forms.

Did you have a crisis of style confidence after becoming a mum? What are your favourite outfits and brands? I'd love to hear about them so pop on over to my blog or find me on Twitter or Facebook and show me your mummy style!

Lady Gaga Shiseido Campaign: Singer Stars With French Bulldog Miss Asia Kinney

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Lady Gaga has brought her Born This Way ethos to a new beauty campaign for Shiseido.

The 29-year-old pop star is the face of the Japanese brand's new Be Yourself campaign in which she tells viewers: "Be Yourself - that's what makes you beautiful."

lady gaga

In typical Gaga fashion, the 29-year-old pop star manages to pack in five outfit changes in the 30-second clip, but she also has a very important message for her fans.

lady gaga

"Everyone shines in their own unique way, but only you know what your beauty is," she says.

"Don't let anyone tell you what makes you beautiful."

Yes, it's an advert for a beauty brand, but it's a positive message nonetheless.

lady gaga

Gaga isn't the only star in the video, her French bulldog Miss Asia Kinney also plays a feature role.

And this isn't the first time her pooch has landed a starring role in a fashion ad, having recently been announced as the face of Coach's fall 2015 campaign.

lady gaga

Along with the new video advert, Gaga also appeared in Shiseido's 2015 New Year campaign, taking 50 selfies to show the "real" effects of their beauty products.

The photos then appeared in different Japanese newspapers over the New Year, along with Gaga's Instagram (naturally).

lady gaga

SEE ALSO:

Has Lady Gaga Gone Too Far With Her Explicit Disney T-Shirt?

Gaga's Take On The White Jumpsuit Trend Is Predictably Eye-Popping

Gwyneth Paltrow's Rap-Themed Clutches Are As Terrible A Combo As P-Diddy And Sting


Adidas Star Wars Trainers 2015: C-3PO and R2-D2 Shoes Have Just Been Unveiled

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Official Star Wars trainers are now actually a thing and you can soon buy them from Adidas.

The limited edition trainers come in metallic gold and silver and are embroidered with an image of the world's most famous robots: C-3PO and R2-D2.

star wars trainers

The news was first unveiled by The Drum this morning, who got us all excited when they posted the tweet below.




The website reported the trainers will set you back a not-unreasonable $110 (£70) and that Adidas will also be offering full customisation. Cue Star Wars themed laces, Stormtrooper prints and Darth Vader moulded backs. Although not at the same time - you don't want people to think you're weird.

We reckon this will make waiting until 18 December for Episode VII: The Force Awakens to hit cinemas that little bit easier.

SEE ALSO:

Converse All Stars Are Getting A Redesign And They Look Pretty Damn Fly

Band T-Shirt Fans Will Drool Over These Classic Album Inspired Nikes

Why So Serious? These New Nike Trainers Are A Big Joke


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