Love this (non makeup)

OMG Everyone is posting this on their facebooks apparently so I'll just post it here, I really like this guy think he has talent....

Half Tom Waits half cookie monster but it works.

Sorry for the off-topic post but think he is really good..............................

Thoughts?

Art box (present I made)

I love makeup and I love art. I enjoy the overlap, such as Chanel's gouaches artbox (L.E) and more recently, MAC's "Art Supplies" (those greasepaints are fun!) So, with that in mind, I am taking the liberty of showing you my latest art work. It was made for my mother, for a special birthday. Inspired by Tunisian tiles...

Musuems such as Victoria & Albert (currently hosting an exhibition on Grace Kelly which is well recommended btw) have a wide array of exquisite examples, if you like this type of intricate tile design. 

Please check my interpretation out below:

UPDATE: IMATS 2010

                                     ### STOP PRESS!!!####

As I mentioned, I will be attending IMATS on Sunday 31st. I am very excited to meet everyone, and of course bask in the glory of ALL THAT MAKEUP! 

But the reason to update is... I have been asked by our esteemed mentor Koren (Enkoremakeup) to be his model as he works on the "Naked" counter. No no my friends, fret not, I will not be flagrantly shedding all my inhibitions on stage (those days are gone). However going bare faced, if that is what will happen, is virtually as distressing to be quite honest. Koren will be working his magic - as best he can with this canvas- for Naked Cosmetics from 10.30am on the MAIN STAGE. Let me know if you will be offering your moral support..... Please!

I have met Koren before when he came to London about a year or two ago and he was so generous with his time and such a very kind person. I am happy to be helping him out the little bit that I can. Though it is slightly terrifying.

IMATS 2010

I'll be there on the Sunday YAY!!!!!!

Who's coming? And who's been? What to expect?? 

I'm back

Just wanted to mention in case anyone didn't know... I'm back in the game. Please subscribe, as if a tree falls and no one hears it, has it really made a sound?

http://www.youtube.com/user/ooglemakeup

1000Heads will roll...

1000Heads, "the word of mouth people" (I've got a word of mouth for them) have murdered my You Tube channel. God knows this blog post has been festering within me for a long while now, but I had thought the situation had been rectified. I have spent time, money and energy on this nightmare but have come to realise there is no solution other than my channel's suicide. I shall here explain, and hope that Google search results prioritise this for people who might otherwise read 1000 Heads' "Respect" section, in particular Rule No. 6: "We protect privacy and permission". (snapshot above)

In all my previous posts, if I ever mentioned PR and blogging/ YouTube, it was probably with faintly triumphant derision. It seemed to me that the little people were calling the shots - I was rather naive. As uninformed individuals, we are in fact exceptionally vulnerable novices and far more disposable than a corporation.

Not long ago, 1000 Heads were asked to draw up a PR showcase for Aussie haircare, and I and several other randomly selected blogs were chosen as "Aussie Angels". The whole convoluted "treasure hunt" seemed terribly infantile and dreary to me but in any case I was unable to make that event so who knows. A few days later, out of curiosity, I checked out the website and was horrified to see my full name listed. Every other blogger had their stage name, and then, starkly contrasting, there was my full name! And, unlike every other stage name link, mine had linked to my You Tube. I was horrified. It was a catastrophe. No-one in my real life has been told about my channel, no-one. Suddenly it's the very first result if anyone happened to look me up.

I had already written and tried to contact by mobile phone these ["word of mouth"] people, with no luck. However I had the wisdom to go to the organ-grinder instead. Aussie haircare is owned, like so many drugstore household names, by Proctor & Gamble. It was easy enough to find the correct representative. Miraculously, I then hear from the ["word of mouth"] people.

I am confident that from henceforth they did their best, just as I am aware that this whole disaster was highly unlucky - i.e that it hit someone who was determined to keep their channel secret - and that all it took was a lapse of concentration. People are human and mistakes happen, but do not hold yourself up as having sacred rules if you are as infallible as any other PR outfit.

Initially, PR speak was delivered to calm me down and assure me that the google results were certainly not permanent and were being erased with ease. Days passed by with no change, yet still assurances were offered up. My case was pushed from one individual to another, and none seemed aware of what had gone on before. I would phone up (one went on holiday without warning), and I'd ask what was going on. I'd always have to give my reason for calling.

"Oh, a blog", a withering voice would intone.

Eventually I decided to take matters into my own hands and seek out a professional expert, who managed to stem the tide. However for some reason after a hiatus, the results are now back. I cannot get the expert I paid for to do the job again without paying again, and frankly, I am not going to start this fiasco anew.

I am upset to be deleting my account as it is the one that was once upon a time in the Metro newspaper and also the illustrious Gossmakeupartist gave the channel a priceless 'shoutout'. However I have been left with no option, due to the carelessness of sloppy data input and my own naive decision to not use an alias. I have certainly learnt that as an individual without the force of advertising, your details may be treated irresponsibly and it is wise to have a stage name behind your stage name for protection. Who knows, perhaps even a P.O Box isn't going too far. It seems that for the sake of free shampoo, I have cost myself all the videos I ever worked on and all the subscribers I painstakingly amassed.

I do appreciate that the company belatedly tried to undo the damage, but it is no good: Google results are tenacious, particularly with a YT result. The harm is irreversible and although I was happy that a brief reprieve was attained, allowing me to go on holiday and relax, the fact that it has now resurfaced will hopefully act as a beacon not only to 1000 Heads, who might be more diligent when dealing with personal information, but also to my fellow bloggers and You Tube reviewers - to see past the dazzle of being approached.

With a heavy heart, I will imminently bid adieu to my Ooglegail channel. I will probably be back "O, be some other name!/What's in a name? that which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet". Indeed.

The Ultimate 5 Tag (tagged by MizzWorthy)

MizzWorthy was my second ever follower and has given me tons of encouragement. Her blog has gone from strength to strength and has firmly established itself as regular reading for most of us. The official poster child for Illamasqua, she is also Kylie Minogue's long lost sister. Check her out if you haven't already! Many thanks for the tag and for the continued support.

So seeing as I mentioned my second follower, it provokes the question of who was my first? Well it was none other than Aestheticcoo who somehow found me and certainly spurred me on. I have become addicted to her blog, with its perfect mix of hauls, reviews, swatches and money saving hints as to various deals and dupes. I always enjoy her writing and her photos, always perfectly clear and to the point.

I also regularly enjoy Hele's blog. I imagine she would have been one of the first to be tagged as she has a hugely popular blog, but that won't stop me adding her in! Hele posts very regularly and has beautiful pictures too. With a balance of hauls, reviews, outfits and home decor posts, it's the ultimate girly blog.

I must mention a blog called Afrobella. Written eloquently and always engaging, this blog may focus on black issues and beauty but I find it regularly gives me a powerful read, whether it be on cultural or makeup related topics. I think everyone should check it out!

Of course no blog roundup would be complete without mentioning BritishBeautyBlogger, who is aptly enough the go-to blog for any upcoming collections in this part of the world. Always ahead of the game, with predictions and leaks galore. An acerbic sense of humour marks this blog as vastly ahead of the pack. And might I add that I am not a little proud to say that I was one of the first followers, I vividly recall there were 7 at the time!!! But I knew that wouldn't be the case for long! Get in the loop and check it out, it's hard to find an unbiased blog which showcases small and large beauty companies alike. All in all, an indispensable read.

And finally no.5 already?! It has to be Gossmakeupartist. I know I'm hardly breaking new ground, but in case anyone doesn't follow him already... make sure you do! To be able to be privy to a true makeup artist is a massive privilege. Just like his excellent YouTube channel, the blog offers information in a concentrated, uncluttered way. With reviews, overviews, techniques and most importantly things to avoid and why, this is an absolute makeup shrine.

There are so many more blogs that I follow and enjoy but they will have to be put on ice for now....!!

OK and now for 5 Things I Love...

1. Marzipan. Not just any marzipan, Niederegger. I could very happily live on the stuff!!

2. Gustav Klimt. Yes I know his work has become somewhat hackneyed... who can look at The Kiss without thinking of grubby student digs. But did you know they are enveloped in a phallic shape?? Well I did him as my artist study for A Level, so I learnt all about it! How intriguing. I love the way he paints people and crowds them with swirling gold.

3. Giving presents, oh and OK getting them!! I love picking stuff out for people - well, as long as it's makeup or clothes or accessories! And I love getting them, well as long as it's makeup or clothes or accessories (or marzipan!)

4. YouTube. I love YouTube. Mainly I watch makeup channels it must be said. I love the socialist angle that anyone can be famous and popular - previously you had to go on reality TV to work out if you were an annoying bore to society. Now you can just upload yourself and find out, without fearing National vilification.

5. Creativity. I love writing fiction; originally I planned to have a short story blog, i.e a short story as every entry... But my makeup "hobby" dictated that a makeup blog it is. I also love painting and drawing, though I'm not much good at crafts like sewing or pottery and that kind of thing.

And now finally it's 5 Facts about me...

1. I don't belong in this century, I should have been born in the 19th Century. I'd love to go around in frilly blouses and parasols.

2. I love thunder, I find it relaxing and intoxicating in equal measure.

3. I am trying to gain muscle in the gym as I am naturally very narrow. It's very difficult. Any tips always highly appreciated...

4. I can't cook, even a hard boiled egg is a challenge. (possibly this affects fact no.3)

5. My favourite drink is a Cosmopolitan. I know, it's so passé.

Current favourites (and one current hate)

I've seen this topic going around on You Tube but due to a bad hair situation I've chosen to do it as a blog post. (*Short story is I went to the hairdresser and spent £85, they made me bleach bottle blonde ... and it did NOT look good. I have now gone over it TWICE myself to undo it all; hair ruined, again. Remind me never to get my colour done professionally, no one ever gets it right. Oh and it was Regis in Brent Cross - stay away!!)

Anyway, I do have some clear favourites right now, so let's get going!

1. FROWNIES

I will be doing a full review in a few weeks on my YouTube channel once I can establish if these work. All I can say for now is that they feel like they're working. These little sticky papers act to form a physical barrier to minimise your frowning as you sleep. A box of 144 pads is £17.50, which seems a lot for craft paper, but if these work I will be buying them again and again. Call off the botox! - In fact the other day I was asked for I.D to buy super glue (you have to be over 21) so I couldn't help but beam with joy, inwardly thanking my Frownies. (It was only later that it occured to me that perhaps I just looked like a bedraggled glue sniffing junkie? Banish the thought...)

2. NARS COPACABANA

This famous NARS multiple is £27 but you do get 14.2g so I'm hoping it lasts! At first as I applied I thought oh dear, it's chalky... but somehow a moment after it settles it melts into your skin, giving a natural glaze finish. It's not glittery or greasy looking. It's way better than Benefit High Beam / Moon Beam and it's a great cool colour: no gold (unlike their Albatross, whih I didn't like and was hugely underwhelmed by) and no apricot - just pure sheen.

Again, this is new so lets just hope it contines to be brilliant! But for now, definite fave!!

3. Blusher combination (Both discontinued!!! dammit!!)

MAC Foolish Me blusher

Laura Mercier face tint in Apricot

MAC Sheertone Shimmer blusher in Foolish Me looks garishly neon, but once applied it only imparts a light peach and a gorgeous highlight. Mixed with Laura Mercier's mineral blusher in Apricot (£19) for 9.3g, the colour is ultimate summer bright blusher perfection. Although LM have discontiued this, the shade's replacement is a dead-ringer and I think this is a great product. In my experience, no blusher lasts on your face (or indeed in the pot) like a mineral blusher. Check them out!

4. Laura Mercier Pony Tail brush

If any of you remember, I mentioned recently that MAC's 217 had gone straight to my bad books. Although the shape and size were perfect, the goat hair bristles had started to become coarse and scratchy and even had fallout. The brush was around a year old, yet had got to the stage where it actually hurt my eye, and frankly with that it made me fear wrinkles! I could not use it at all. I had been on a fruitless search to find its (superior) doppelgänger and finally I have hit gold.

This Laura Mercier Pony Tail brush looks more like the 224 but notice its thin, sharp head and you might imagine it does a fabulous job of getting neatly into the crease and softly blending like a dream. It was £27 but if it lasts - really lasts, without the quality deteriorating - then that's a fair price. Fingers crossed!


5. MAC Brave New Bronze lipstick (Style Warriors collection; SOLD OUT dammit!!)

Question: How long does a MAC lipstick last? Because I have 2 backups, but I never want to run out! And this is predictably sold out.

The packaging, I find gorgeous. I love the kitsch animal print overload on the boxes, and the gold tube, though cheap and tacky (As usual) has grown on me. But the real reason I could not compile a list without it is the colour. It's the combination of MAC Kinda Sexy (previously the only nude equivalent I could wear before corpse status was declared) and Velvet Teddy (nice nude but just enough brown overload to make you think Ricki Lake 90s look)but it has more pink in it than the supposed dupe Cherish, which has the same unwanted grey echoes of Honeylove on me. Phew, OK got that? - Basically, it's a stunning pinky brown nude that I reckon would work on anyone. Oh and unlike my Kinda Sexy, this satin formula doesn't feel drying at all! Amazing, just wish it was perm.


6. MAC Quite Natural Paint Pot (Limited edition)

Well whoever named this got it in one - this is indeed 'quite natural'. It's like MAC Mystery eyeshadow (minus the crappy texture) and perhaps a little more muddy. It first came out with the N Collection and is now here again as a limited edition. It does crease so expect to use UDPP as with any paint pot, but as a colour base it's perfect for any brown smokey look or even more neutral looks - you might even use it as an independent crease colour! Current fave for sure.

And one big disappointment....

Urban Decay cream eyeshadow (in 'Weeds')



The colour is the same as MAC's sweet sage fluidline, i.e, beautiful golden green. However as UD are notoriously guilty, this is stuffed full of annoying chunky glitter. But more to the point, I thought the fact that this is infused with UDPP would mean a reliably crease-free green base. But no, this creases. So all in all, completely useless. I also don't like the doe foot applicator. It was £10, and a total let down.

What are your current faves/ hates? Let me know!

Beauty Tag

So it's another tag! Thank you Lamiats!

What's your favourite make up look?
Winged eyeliner on the outer third of my eyes, pale eyeshadow, rosey cheeks and a deep lipstick.
Do you have a beauty vice?
No, the very idea of a beauty vice is sacrilege to me... It's an oxymoron.
What part of your body do you love?
Hmm tricky, I'll say kneecap, sometimes thigh?
Who is your beauty icon?
Audrey Hepburn, and to a lesser extent, Dita Von Teese.
What beauty product makes you feel instantly sexy?
It has to be mascara, doesn't it? Although I haven't found the ultimate HG, I am pretty satisfied with Lancome Hypnose.
How do you look after your skin?
Aargh sensitive subject! I am seriously considering booking in for my first ever botox. I am just worried about how high maintenance it'll be. I might try Glycolic acid first. But right now, I am in a quandary.
What is your signature scent?
I most often wear Elizabeth Arden Green Tea, but my special signature scent is Hermes Un Jardin sur le Nil.
What are your haircare secrets?
Oh dear you've hit on another raw nerve. My hair is in rather a pickle too. There is a good hair mask you can get at Sally's called Osmo, that's helped somewhat...
How do you pamper yourself?
Green and Black's dark cherry chocolate. Makeup shopping spree. Long bath. In that order.
What is your beauty pet peeve?
Orange faces, I just don't understand.
What would your desert island must haves be?
I have to say sunscreen (I'm curently using Lancome's and it's ok), my MAC TLC in Popster from the Hello Kitty collection, tweezers, my waxing kit. OK moving on....
Finally, do you have a beauty philosophy?
Actually, in response to my contest, someone said very accurately: "If it doesn't feel right, it probably doesn't look right". And that's very true. You can feel great in a bold eye and bold lip and bold cheek - and look cool, or wear the same exact makeup but feel self-conscious - and it will look too much. It's all in the execution.


I tag....

LoveLipstickandLime (check out her blog if you haven't already!!)

Llyangel (check out her blog if you haven't already!!)

LizzClare (check out her blog if you haven't already!!)

Hope I haven't re-tagged anyone... Please do the tag! Thanks! xx

Neno's Blog Award (Tagged by Mizzworthy)

So once upon a time someone randomly created from scratch an award fashioned out of her namesake, and now it's spread like wildfire. I am the latest honoured recipient, thanks to Mizzworthy. The rules have evolved somewhat since its inception, so perhaps I might be allowed to take that as my cue to not be too stringent...

Rather than the suggested ten blogs, I will be taking this opportunity to nominate just a handful of top blogs that I visit regularly, and highly recommend. I hope you will take the time to check them out too! I chose them specifically because I think they deserve a wider audience.

1. Erryn's Health & Beauty - And not just because she has generously supported my recent contest! Erryn is an absolute expert in her field and regularly posts interesting and highly useful insider knowledge. An extemely valuable blog resource.

2. Glossy Couture - I absolutely love Kathy's popular Youtube channel, and I find her blog really useful. She does loads of review comparisons and dupes, which are excellent to have on hand.

3. Ondine - There is something very relaxing about this blog, I always enjoy browsing through her posts - especially, I must confess, the cocktail series!

4. Lamiats - Again, there is something eclectic about this blog that I enjoy. Always entertaining and engaging, I remember her very first post (insert wistful sigh.)

5. Aestheticcoo - Another fun blog, mainly has interesting hauls, deals, swatches and reviews. Often includes enterprising suggestions on dupes, makeup combinations, or shopping ideas! Great stuff!


I am very tempted to dash off and create my own "Gail Award" and see how that one goes, but for now, I hope this Nemo Award can serve its admirable purpose, spreading the word on great blogs that YOU should check out! Enjoy! xx

[[closed]] Contest!!!! Describe your signature look.

I admit to being oddly mesmerised by people's signature look: everyone has one, even if it is a different look every day - it still is bound to have the use of your regular technique.... Or if you deny this, prove it!! I want to know your tips and tricks and the way you feel your features most benefit from your makeup. In return, you'll get a selection of makeup, haircare, nail care, trinkets and Topshop accessories (well it is my favourite shop after all, and I need to distinguish myself from all the other billion contests going on right now, n'est-ce-pas?) - as picked by me and as sponsored by haircare expert Erryn. Erryn's blog is so packed out with tips that it's literally changed the way I act on my haircare and hopefully has already shielded me from a multitude of hair disasters.

Please browse her store, Erryn's Health and Beauty to decide what you might spend $50 on.... because yes, that's something you'd do if you win first prize! But that's not all, you'll also get the Guerlain Kiss Kiss Laque lipgloss I've been loving, GOSH Darling lipstick, China Glaze nail varnish... the list goes on below - scroll down for photos too!


Anyway hopefully this video will explain all:


Here is the list:

FIRST PRIZE

$50 Voucher to "Erryn's Health and Beauty"

Guerlain Kiss Kiss Laque lipgloss (shade 721 Purple Star)

GOSH Darling lipstick

Mavala "Deep Blue" nail varnish

China Glaze "Shower Together" nail varnish

Essie "It's in the bag" nail varnish

Creative Nail Design "Solar Oil" nail treatment

Creative Nail Design block nail file

Tigi "Rockaholic Shine Blaster" hair treatment

Trucco "Jewel" in "warm iridescent rose"

Jewelled heart double sided compact mirror

Professional tweezers

Trucco retractable lip brush

And... Topshop

- Flower brooch
-Leather/bead flower bracelet
-Dangly sparkly earrings




SECOND PRIZE

Paul Mitchell Colour Protect trio: includes Shampoo, Conditioner and Reconstructive Treatment

Joico reconstructive hair treatment

Barry M nail varnishes (in "Bright Pink" and "Fuschia")

Trucco lip pencil in "Soft Plum"

2 Handbag sized hand moisturisers, one Jasmine by O.P.I and one Blackcurrant and Fig by Creative Nail Design

Topshop flower brooch

Topshop polka dot bow earrings




THIRD PRIZE

2 new pairs of false eyelashes (each has little glue tube inside)

Lip polish by Graham Webb


An assortment of samples from Erryn' store, includes specialist shampoo, cream, Trucco lip gloss etc

Topshop zip star wallet keyring

Topshop hairband with silk flower detail

** CONTEST WILL RUN UNTIL 7th JUNE!!!! **

GOOD LUCK AND PLEASE ENTER!

((I got it!!!)) And OTHER EXCITING NEWS!!!!

I just got a text saying my MAC Cool eyes lemming has been satisfied. I feel oddly empty now.

And thinking maybe I should have asked for Bronze Eye/Cheek instead... maybe I'll ask her to get it on the return leg of her journey haha. The lemmings never die do they, oh fellow addicts! It's just sometimes I start to doubt myself, and feel a bit old for all my colourful eyeshadows...

Anyway, now for some other exciting news, which I'm giving YOU, my delightful blog readers!

Over on my YouTube channel (which between you and me, is my second love, way below this blogging lark) I mentioned that I'd be holding a small first contest. It's not yet been announced, but I am here to reveal that one of my followers, Erryn, who incidentally has her own blog, has very kindly offered to help me out with my contest and make the prize something worth getting even more excited about! I am going to be announcing it once it's all been finalised and organised, but I'm tentatively aiming to get it ready by this month.

Be sure to read Erryn's blog - I genuinely am an avid follower myself, trust me: my hair would be even worse if I hadn't learnt all those hints and tricks! It's packed with useful info, straight from a professional.

I really hope we get a good response for this, I am so looking forward to it and I've already decided on what the contest will be. Oh and I'm opening it out to anyone and everyone, you don't even need to be a subscriber or follower (hey, it's a free country after all) though of course I would urge you to check out her blog and website, as I know you'd enjoy it!

Please see this teaser for more info in the meantime, before the official unveiling...

http://errynshealthandbeauty.blogspot.com/2009/04/blogger-partnership-contest-coming-in.html

P.S. Back to normal posts soon, thanks so much for your comments I love reading them! Gx

Random... Facebook, motivation, Hello Kitty mania. Plus, Topshop skinny trews anyone?? (Kate Moss/ Alice McCall)

Motivation

I'll blame the weather, but lately it's been really hard to motivate myself. I have neglected the gym and all my very hard-earned strength has vanished as it's been so long since I kept up my 3 times a week gym habit. I used to get anxious if I hadn't been in 2 days; now I'm secretly relieved when I hear rain starting, because it means it's not my fault- it's the weather. But the fact is, I'm angry with myself for not going. I know it's not just me though, because when I ultimately do drag myself there, it's practically empty.

Facebook

The other night I made the decision to de-activate my Facebook account. I used to love Myspace, though I haven't been on for months, at least it was creative- you could change your background, add music, discover bands and artists... find gig listings and blogs. Facebook is like the geeky cousin: everyone has their page, with a neat wall. Granted you can muddy it up with a billion applications, but ultimately there is something abit sterile about it in comparison. Also, you leave yourself suddenly vulnerable to being 'found' by all those people you were glad to shake off. Initially Facebook was so exciting, giving you the opportunity to locate long lost loves and childhood friends etc, but generally this quickly revealed why you weren't in touch in the first place. When it gets to the stage where most of your 'friends' are 'frenemies' or people who barely know, it's time to take stock. I had an extensive list of 'friends', suggesting I was some wildly social maverick, yet a grand proportion were people I would cross the street to avoid. And not accepting friends leads to particularly awkward moments when you run into them at gatherings and such.

Every time I logged in, the same usual suspects had changed their profile picture to an even more ecstatic pose, or had given themselves pointless straplines "__ is so angry about the weather"; "__ hasn't been to the gym. Again." (Yes, yes- I do see the irony.) And then my real friends would post events on there, but it'd be drowned out by aforementioned individual's status updates (aka gloating). At best, Facebook would gobble up hours of my time whilst I became embroiled in photo albums of exotic locations, or luxurious weddings and exclusive soirées. And then feel guilty for snooping. I just want my friends to contact me directly, I didn't actually enjoy the round robins followed by the convoluted 'threads' clotting up my inbox.

I also know of course that employers - and even prospective friends etc, will routinely assess you based on your facebook profile, which I find annoying and slightly stressful. So, I'm off it now and I'm very glad!

Regressing into childhood?? What IS this trend: Hello Kitty, Smurfs, Barbie, whatever next... Teletubbies!!!?????

At my age and upwards, it's natural to see makeup as a crutch to look younger. But how much younger... do we really need to induce this all- out nostalgia?! MAC is of course bringing out the long antipated and much-hyped Hello Kitty line; Stila is having a stab at Barbie, aiming presumably for the same electrifying results that MAC had with her first time around; and Too Faced have a Smurf palette out. None of these are available in UK as far as I can see, so I cannot comment on the products themselves, but I certainly see a bizarre pattern. Is it a strategy to rope in the young'uns, just like banks rope in university students with funky leaflets and promises of free ipods or rail passes? To form the brand allegiance early??

I think Barbie in many ways transcends ages, having become rather a classic example of misogyny or feminism, depending on your point of view. (i.e: Is Barbie looking sexy in a pilot's uniform A. patronizing or B. empowering??)

Besides, any make-up loving consumer probably wants elements of Barbie's polished perfection, so logic prevails. Stila have even incorporated a 'Foxy' Barbie set, to pre-empt any objections that Barbie panders to the blonde stereotype. This all should sit fine with a new make-up collection theme. Well, that is, aside from the whole 'sloppy seconds' effect and lack of loyalty to one make-up brand... come on, Barbie, can you really be everything from astronaut to police officer to cowgirl to spoilt Dynasty- inflected rich Barbie with luxury walk-in closet (my fave) and also 'love' MAC and Stila!!? [Yes.] Personally, if I were in Stila's marketing department, I would have chosen 'prefers' or something to cheekily acknowledge her past preference, rather than come over all copycat- like. But anyway, Barbie passes the test. Because she can.

Hello Kitty and The Smurfs, on the other hand are rather less natural choices. MAC has dealt with this by making Hello Kitty lose all her coquettish charm and become instead some sado-masochistic cypher.

Did you see the photos of those male models with hideous Hello Kitty black (gimp?) mask:

Not to mention the packaging is black, with crappy stencil design. I think I'd be embarrassed to pull out HK make up in public. Even the rhinestone encrusted one looks like it was bought in Wembley market. Oh but I haven't seen it yet, so I'll be repeating this like a mantra and hoping it does the trick.

Smurfs packaging is as childish as its namesake, Too Faced don't seem to have strived for any irony like MAC's. Still, the colours look nice. And I can see how pulling out this jolly compact would cheer you up on a gloomy Monday morning.

Hmm... maybe even energise you so you can face the gym in the evening?? Is this at the heart of why these novelty collections mean such big business?!

Topshop trews...?
And lastly, not to turn this into a sales blog, but I recently bought 2 pairs of trousers from Topshop but I really don't need them... Not sure where receipt is as I'd already put this in my heaving wardrobe. But they both still have tags on and were £50 each. One is from the Kate Moss range (skinny flare pinstripe, see below) and the other are studded skinny Alice McCall trousers from the limited capsule collection she designed for Topshop recently. Both are now sold out, but I will naturally accept less than I paid if anyone is interested then drop me a line... [size 10]

MAC Holiday 2008 plus general makup obsession intro... finding MAC

Well Estee Lauder has been my favourite brand...until Youtube tutorials exploded on my horizons, and the fact that every Guru depended on MAC. MAC, like Clinique, is housed within the threshold of "High End", yet their basic packaging and overt pursuit of the younger market, left me somewhat alienated.

In particular, (at the time of my most flagrant makeup consumerism, if one can pinpoint its beginnings) I recall MAC's ubiquitous Mary J Blige soundtrack further confirmed this- making me feel stiff, outmodish and stuffy. Compounding the initial trepidation, MAC's almost unbroken rule is that their staff be as surly and sneery as is possibly conveyed through several thick inches of Studio Fix Fluid and MSF and Blot (these sound like articles for your car bonnet's upkeep right? Compare these functional and blunt names and chunky black plastic compact designs to their feminine sounding Estee Lauder counterparts: 'Lucidity'; 'Spotlight'; 'Double Wear', et al. Not that this is unintentional: MAC pride themselves on this professional, rather than consumer- friendly, appearance.)

Anyway, having seen these Youtube Gurus extoll the values of MAC for any self-respecting makeup obsessed individual, I took to looking at my huge stash with the realisation that the only MAC I owned (through recommendations from that hallowed temple known to us as Makeupalley) was MAC Blot pressed powder (undeniably the best there is for oil minimising without any caking) and a MAC foundation pump, which had been lovingly attached to my favourite and most fundamental item of all, Estee Lauder Double Wear, in my discontinued shade, Soft Beige no.11. (the day I realised it was gone was a sorrowful one indeed; I have stocked up several years' supply, perhaps a decade's worth, and hope to God they never go bad in my immediate lifetime. Unlike MAC, Estee Lauder do not regularly bring back items from the dead and taunt and tempt and confuse you with their lineup, so it seems any hope to see it again is doomed to ridicule).

So, with only the two MAC items of my own, and countless pretty tutorial faces, I had easily been persuaded that, indeed, MAC warranted serious investigation. As detailed earlier, MAC's heavy affiliation with music and celebrities is at the heart of its appeal to trendy young things. Their PRO scheme also means most makeup artists would naturally use the MAC lineup, as other comparable ranges would become more costly, hence the prevalence of MAC at fashion shows and professional kits, which reinforces 'MAC's superior quality'. In addition, no other readily accessible range has half as many eyeshadows, and few have even a fraction, if any, pigments- and certainly not in huge tubs like MAC.

Previously, ambitious eyeshadow had been reserved for nights out, and daywear was merely: full foundation (on eyelids too), perhaps Prescriptives matte yet creamy pale yellow eyeshadow, thick pencil winged eyeliner, Lancome mascara, some Blot powder, Bare Escentuals blusher and some deep lipstick. A ' signature look', if you will.

But now I learnt that eyeshadows came in multifarious shades and finishes, and different specialist brushes were essential to achieve the full potential of your expensive shadows. I had been happily using a free gift Lancome eye shader brush, natural bristle but nothing remotely fancy. My first purchase at MAC was the much lauded 187. I begrudgingly paid £28 for this two toned brush. Luckily, even in spite of my high hopes, the brush revolutionised the way I applied my foundation. Although I'd been happily using my fingers to stipple in the foundation, now I could never turn back. Indeed, recently my brush was dirty and I used my fingers- and I could barely believe this had been my daily ritual for so long. In a way ignorance is bliss, because now that I know how quick and seamless the 187 is, even to the point where you can use less product for the same effect, I just have no patience to carefully blend stipple blend blend, when I can now just dot, stipple and blend, in moments. After this initial MAC succesful purchase, I returned to buy some eyshadows. I got 'Mystery' and 'Blanc Type' for everyday neutral eye looks. 'Blanc Type', part of the Matte 2 squared Collection, is wonderful and on a par with Prescriptives' best shadows (they can be hit and miss but many are unrivalled for their creaminess.) 'Mystery' is less so, as it is limited. Although it's a 'Satin finish', it behaves more like a chalky 'Matte', refusing to apply evenly. I also bought the apparent must-haves, as dictated by all- Yes, the 217 and 239. The 217 is certainly essential and a pleasure to use, 239 took a little getting used to, for a while I preferred the angled 272 for my bulgy round eyes, but I now too join the ranks who recommend the 239 as the ultimate eye shader brush.

OK, after a good few purchases, I have numerous eyeshadows, I also have the gorgeous bright Manish Arora palette, the quads from Cult of Cherry, and I have quite a collection of pigments too. I have full sizes of Silver, Naked, Silver Fog, Violet, Teal, plus various samples. The full sizes are unfeasably large and messy, it seems a little extreme for the average pleb. But Teal is especially beautiful. I also have various blushers, my favurite being 'Blooming', part of- surprise, surprise, a limited edition collection ('Cult of Cherry'). Others however have disappointed- Pink Swoon is very chalky, like a drugstore cheap blusher really. And the lasting wear is very underwhelming, my 'Mocha' blusher would be my ultimate everyday blusher but it fades oh so quickly! I have tried the famous MSFs in 'So Ceylon' and 'Petticoat' but found them underserving of their cult following.

I have found that MAC brushes are helping my application a lot though, and the recent MAC Holiday 2008 introduced the ideal opportunity for a new MAC collector to conveniently increase their wares. However, the horrific croc texture and gaudy fake 'gemstone' was effective in keeping them at bay. The 'Little Darlings' collection though, were irresistible. I got the Warm and Cool sets, but the Cool sets had pigments I already had, and Frost, with its gross chunky unworkable texture, was wholly unwanted. Indeed, as a pale cool tone myself, I was surprised by the inclusion of several red tones (surely pinked mauve is warm?) so I exchanged for a second Warm set, which in fact had cool toned golds in which proved far more suitable for cool skintones. The warm set contains a variety of delicate Golds, and even the glitter is a rich tone and not too prone to fallout.

The lipgloss was an especially welcome chance to sample the variety of lipglass, lipgloss, lipgloop, lipplush and whatever else they call their, erm, lipglosses. At £12.50, lipglosses seemed rather expensive...considering they only charge £14 for their face powders and £11 for a lipstick...and never a fan of sticky shining wet lips, I had never been tempted. Therefore getting a set of 5 little sizes was wonderful and so far I am enjoying them. Plushglass seems a little piquant on the lips, but stays far longer than any lipgloss I have ever tried in my life: I'm impressed.

...Then MAC did the unthinkale: 20% off! Is the economy in that much trouble?? Jesus! Well gaudy gross packaging is all very well when it's a full asking price, however such principles quickly dissolve at the sight of a sale. I got the Smokey palette as it's perfect for one such as I, building up MAC staple shades. And I am adoring it. It's a cool toned selection of browns and greys, perfectly coordinated. The only somewhat let down is the Silver colour, as it behaves rather like the dreaded 'Lustre' formula, although it claims 'Frost' status. But it is nice to have, and makes the palette the perfect one stop shop for taking away, as it's fully loaded to cope with any look from the humblest to the most dramatic. If you haven't taken advantage of MAC's holiday collections yet, get to it!!