MAC Cosmetics A/W16 Trend Presentation

TheFoundationDirectory.blogspot.com; MAC A/W16 Trends

It seems really odd to be talking or thinking about autumn/winter, when we've barely had a summer, but I got the fab opportunity to attend the MAC A/W16 Trends Presentation. Talking make-up and nail trends for autumn/winter this year, based on designs done on the catwalks of fashion week.

Make-up Trends

Let's start with the make-up trends; It's going to be all about the lightweight base, something we are more accustomed to in summer, allowing the skin to show through, no make-up make-up if you like. NOw don't be shocked, but apparently contouring is going out, yes there's an 'anti-contouring' trend on the horizon, according to MAC. I guess this goes hand in hand with a much more lightweight base and skin looking more like skin.

TheFoundationDirectory.blogspot.com; MAC A/W16 Trends

Of course we expect a dark lip for autumn/winter, but MAC is trying to reinvent how this is applied, think grungy but sophisticated. Imperfect lip lines, that are smudgy around the edges. Also glossy lips are in, new technology will allow us to apply a glossy lip that lasts, without the need for multiple reapplications using MAC's lipglass. Eye liner is also being applied haphazardly, as if you've made a mistake, not just sticky strictly to the lash line area. Of course the nude isn't going anywhere either, but think true nudes, that actually look like your own lip colour almost as if you're not wearing a lip colour. It's all about lip prep before application, so you don't actually require that much colour. Also heart shaped lips are in, on the catwalk these were drawn in on the models, where their cupids bows were very exaggerated. Again prepping lips so they look as plump as possible prior to colour application.

Nails

The main thing here I guess is that short nails are out and long pointy nails are in, which is great for me, but I'm sure pointy nails have been in for a while (think stiletto nails). Nails are still matte, but not flat and glamorous, but with an edge and some attitude. Another catwalk trend that may not necessarily translate to everyday is painting the actual fingers, yes, extending the polish down your thumb for instance. It'll only last the night, but it'll be interesting to see if this actually takes off. My favourite of the nail trends however is the idea of not forgetting the back of the nail, that's right a little colour or bling applied to the underside of the nail, which again I guess goes hand in hand with short nails being out! Nail art is going to be paired way back, and be reserved for the underside of the nail too. Also MAC are trying to reinvent the classic french manicure, by leaving them clear instead of painting them white. Pastel nails are also going to be big in A/W, but these are going to be applied with a shimmer topcoat that makes them easier to wear and less chalky. I'd like to see that in practice, as pastel colours can be difficult to pull off on deeper skin tones, it'll be interesting to see if the shimmer topcoat makes a difference.

Obviously trends are just guidelines, and some catwalk trends won't translate to every day wear as easily. Always feel free to continue to wear your make-up and nails however makes you happy, rules are there to be broken after all.

What are your thoughts on these A/W MAC Trends?

Kiko Cosmetics - The Artist Collection

(Source: Kikocosmetics.com via google)

The Italian brand Kiko bring us The Artist Collection, inspired by the world of art and looks at your face as the canvas and these products are your artist's tools. We can now all be our own artist and create a work of art on our face. I love the idea behind this collection, and the collection itself doesn't disappoint, all at very affordable price points.

The full collection consists of;

• Glacial Light Soft Sifter Foundation £12.90
• Velvet Loose Mineral Beauty Powder £10.90 – 4 shades
• Blending Wave Multi color Blush £10.90 – 4 shades
• Fine Art Eye Pencil £5.90 – 6 shades
• Signature Eye marker £6.90
• Artist Powder Face Brush £13.90
• Artist Foundation Face Brush £13.90
• Artist Eye Duo Brush £11.90
• Artist Pochette £9.90
• Blooming Glow £13.90
• Glowing Pearl Cushion Highlighter £8.90
• Artist Stroke Mineral Loose Eye shadow £6.90 - 6 shades
• Colour Click Lipstick £6.90
• Fine Art Lip Pencil £4.90 - 6 shades
• Artist Pochette - Make-up bag £9.90

TheFoundationDirectory; Kiko Artist Collection

Firstly I love the packaging of this collection, the clean white with splashes of colour, how the lip pencil is literally shaped like an artist's pencil and the push click delivery system of the lipstick. I will be discussing the latter 5 items on the blog today, starting with the Glowing Pearl Cushion Highlighter, that literally has a cushion ball applicator like how an artist may use a sponge to smudge colours into a canvas. You twist the applicator up from the bottom, and the smudge or dab onto areas of your face you would like to highlight. It's a gorgeous pale golden shade, that can either give a subtle lit from within glow or built up for full on look for you highlighter fiends out there. Then the Colour Click Lipstick that's very reminiscent of Chanel's lipstick delivery system, where you push the bottom of the lipstick and it pops out. There are 5 shades in total, I have the shade 03 Clamourous Strawberry, it's a bright pink shade. This lipstick is super creamy and glides on the lips, it has a satin finish. Then I have the Fine Art Lip Pencil in the matching shade, which is highly pigmented, creamy and also glides along the lips. They have a sort of rounded triangle shape, in the guise of an actual artist's pencil, great for stopping it from rolling away while you're doing your make-up. Now for the Artist Stroke Mineral Loose Eye shadow, I have the shade 05 Skill Blue, a super glittery royal blue colour. I love the mesh style delivery system in the packaging, so if you dropped this eye shadow you wouldn't make as much of a mess as with typical loose eyeshadows. And finally is the Make-up Pochette, a gorgeous make-up bag that I would be more inclined to carry as a clutch bag on a night out lol!!!

Kiko is a great affordable brand, that offers great quality items at affordable price points. If you would like any items from this collection, I wouldn't hang around as it's limited edition, you can find what's left of it here.  

Ojon Damage Reverse Treatment, Rare Blend Deep Conditioner & Oil (Plus Giveaway)

If like me you've been living under a rock and didn't realise that the retail giant Estee Lauder had acquired Ojon in 2007, now you know lol!!! However the founder of Ojon, Denis Simioni remains as president, now Ojon sits alongside Origins. Origins was founded in the 90's by Estee Lauder's son William P. Lauder, and is one of the original Lauder companies. I was invited down by Origins to the Ojon Restorative Hair Clinic to get a hair consultation by the fabulous Jennie Roberts, and was given a hair prescription of Ojon products to cater to my hairs needs.

The basis of the Ojon range is 'Ojon Oil', which is included in all their products, and Ojon refer to as nature's golden elixir. It's Palm Nut oil that grows on trees in Hondura, the oil within these nuts is extracted by hand by a local community in Central America called Tawira, Tawira in their native language literally translates to 'people of beautiful hair', Ojon states their products are clinically proven to transform hair back to great health.

Ojon Damage Reverse Treatment, Rare Blend Oil & Deep Conditioning Treatment

First up in my prescription was the Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment, a pre-shampoo deep conditioning treatment for damaged hair. This claims a 64% improvement in dry, damaged hair after just one treatment, when left on overnight, which I'm yet to try this method. It's a highly concentrated balm textured intensive hair treatment, that hydrates and improves the condition of damaged hair. Fortified with pure 'Ojon Oil' that is rich in essential lipids similar to those found naturally in hair, you apply this to dry hair, rubbing the product to transform it into an oil first. I left this on for 20 minutes in conjunction with my Heattreat Cap, my hair felt soft and hydrated following this, I then rinsed my hair and followed with shampoo.

Next is the Rare Blend Deep Conditioner, formulated with potent hair repairing oils, it protects, softens and boosts shine.  it contains two Potent phases;

1. Amber Phase; A restorative blend of 7 rare oils, including hair repairing ‘Ojon Oil’, African Shea, Brazilian Muru Muru and Indian Kokum butters.
2. Ivory Phase; A moisture rich cream infused with deeply nourishng plant derived conditioners.

I apply a generous amount to wet hair, comb through with a wide tooth comb as it has a nice amount of slip it's great for detangling, I leave it for 5-10 minutes and rinse. If I’m not using the Damage Reverse Hair treatment, I would use this as my deep conditioner and leave on my hair with the Heattreat Cap for about 20 minutes. This can also be used as a leave in if you like rocking your natural curls out.

Last but by no means least, is the Rare Blend Oil - Total Hair Therapy, for thick or coarse damaged hair. Ojon gathered potent natural oils known for their healing powers and infused them into 3 hair reparative phases; Amber, Crystal and Red. Ojon state that only one drop is needed for this oil to protect, nourish, repair and transform dull, dry or damaged hair. On my hair type I required more than a drop, this oil is lovely and lightweight, that still left my hair feeling nourished and hydrated.

Ojon Damage Reverse Treatment & Rare Blend Oil Giveaway

You can find all these products and more at Origins.co.uk, but so you can also experience some of the Ojon magic, I am doing a twitter giveaway, where you could win the Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment and the Rare Blend Oil - Total Hair Therapy. All you have to do is go to my profile (twitter.com/aallexxy) and retweet and like the pinned tweet, you must obviously be a follower of mine, the giveaway closes on the 20th May and a winner will be chosen w/c 23rd.  

Good luck