Disposable Women??? Mac's collaboration with Rodarte

(Image from Google)

As Temptalia brought attention to the upcoming MAC collaboration with fashion brand Rodarte (September release date) the beauty blogging world has been thrown into an uproar. The subject of this uproar: the seemingly insensitive naming of products in the collection. Rodarte state that the collection is to celebrate the beauty of Mexico, instead it seems that names such as Juarez, Badlands, Factory and Bordertown do not seem to celebrate Mexican women, it doesn't even seem to celebrate women at all. The furore surrounding this collection is indeed centered on the naming of such disposable products such as eyeshadow and lipstick; naming them with such loaded terms seems totally disrespectful to the victims of femicide in the notorious city of Juarez.

I would just like to state that I am not Mexican or even American, I did in fact study narcocorridos and masculine violence in Mexico for my Master's dissertation. From this I have learnt that the treatment women receive in Mexico can be harsh, disrespectful and deadly. The city of Juarez is notorious for its violence against women:

• Officials place the number of women killed in Juarez at 400 whilst locals believe that over 5000 women may have been murdered in the city of Juarez.
• Commonly women were aged between 12-22.
• Most were factory workers.

Obviously this matter can not be taken lightly, it is a serious event and it needs to be tackled internally by Mexico's governing bodies. A makeup campaign which takes this lightly and names an eyeshadow after the city isn't really educating or dealing with the matter. MAC has stated that a percent of its profits will be donated but really we need to know how much will be donated. If something like 5% is donated, its not really going to cut it and I can't imagine many people being happy with this resolution. For MAC to really make a difference (and mop up this major faux-pas) a considerable percent has to be donated. I also believe that it would be very helpful if more literature and education was offered so that the situation of Juarez can become more understood.

Overall, this has left a bad taste in my mouth (and probably also for a lot of other make up lovers). For a major company to show little compassion or tact really changes my perception of them. They could have made this a collection which celebrates the vibrancy of Mexico but instead the colours do not strike me as vibrant or exciting. Instead the promotional imagery looks like a deathly woman and again I feel sick at Mac releasing this collection which seems to totally disrespect women and victims of Juarez's campaign of femicide.

A few helpful links about Juarez:

http://lasperlasdelmarfilms.com/juarez.html (details of a documentary on Juarez women)

http://political.detritus.net/juarez/ (another documentary, On the Edge)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKBQHPYdLq8&feature=player_embedded(trailer for On the Edge)

http://revcom.us/a/v24/1161-1170/1166/juarez.htm (an excellent article on femicide in Juarez)

New Direction

Hi guys,

As you may have noticed I'm making changes to my blog's appearance. Hopefully for the better.

I've also decided to focus on film news and film reviews in the future and will look at make up on certain days. I also thought it might be interesting to look at make up departments of films, do some research and also look at characters with great looks.

Hope you like the changes and I look forward to focussing on upcoming movies (I'm seeing Inception on Friday....Just so excited atm and want to review it this coming weekend).

Jo xx

Date for the Calendar-Batman 3!

Total Film have just brought to my attention that filming on Batman 3 should start in April, with a July 2012 release date. Well maybe...if Michael Caine can be believed. What am I talking about, I would never go against anything this man said!

Here's a link to the original article:

http://www.totalfilm.com/news/batman-3-to-start-shooting-in-april

Eczema Woes

Meow...

As a teenager I developed eczema on certain parts of my body (namely ankles, knees and elbows); this didn't really bug me as they were areas that were most of the time safely covered up, due to the coldness of the place I live in.

Two weeks ago I had an awful outbreak of eczema on my face, right near my f**king eye! I've only just started wearing contacts a few months ago, so now the task of sticking something so flimsy in my eye was made worse by the fear of aggravating or getting any emollient cream near my eye!  

Anyway one GP said just stick with E45 (seriously this stuff is rubbish for making any headway on the issue, it merely relieves any discomfort but for me proved woeful in tackling any of the actual eczema).

This week I had to go for an interview so obviously I did not want to appear like my skin was flaking and peeling off.  So I went to an NHS walk in centre (pretty much the best one I've ever been to-was seen and out of the building in under 15 minutes!). The GP then prescribed a steroid which I have used for two days very lightly and thinly on the area affected.  I am pleasantly surprised in how this stuff is quickly clearly the eczema.  The area, although slightly still visibly, is no longer flaky, lighter in colour and almost as smooth as the rest of my skin. This stuff is a God-send!  Anyway I thought I would use it for a few more days and see if it conclusively clears up this outbreak of eczema.

To follow: I'm making a diet plan and hoping that maybe I can work out if any foods are actually causing an allergic reaction which may in turn cause the eczema.  I'm also hoping to look into natural remedies and different ways of preventing eczema in the near future.

Stay tuned xoxo

Kick Ass preview screening

A few weeks ago*....

Thursday night kicked ass. Literally.  And as much as I wish I was out fighting crime, dressed as my favorite superhero alas, I was just watching some kids dress and act like real superheroes on the big screen.  Courtesy of seefilmfirst.com I attended the Manchester premiere of the comic-book action film Kick Ass, at the Odeon.  The added experience of meeting McLovin (seriously) and Kick Ass main character Aaron Johnson (seriously hot) made the film experience even more enjoyable.

After an entertaining q and a session with the two actors (ruined slightly by the inclusion of a key 103 presenter I'd never heard of) and discovering that Brad Pitt never  visited set, we finally got to see the film.  The only minor issue that could have been improved on was how procedures started much later than previously advertised.  Lack of information provided by the cinema chain; mood, however, was totally sweetened by free popcorn and a cute pin badge *yes, I'm still a child at heart!).

The film itself is stunning. Mind blowing. And a number of other hyperbolic one liners that usually adorn promo material.  The difference with this film is that the praise it has received is totally fitting and I can honestly assume that near to nobody will be disappointed with this film.

The main premise of the film centres on the dream that many of us have experienced at least once in our lifetimes.  The ultimate dream of one day being heroic and protecting people against evil.  Ok, I know I'm not the only one that wants to dress up as Batgirl and go kick some butt! Anyway, the original comic by Mark Millar and the film, proves that no I'm not alone, being a superhero is cool but damn difficult to maintain.  Dave Lizewski is a stereotypical slightly geeky comic book fan who yearns to do something right in the world rather than sink into the background of his classroom.  With a massive crush on class cutey, Katie, Dave encourages himself to dress in a scuba suit that leaves little to the imagination and start on his anti-crime crusade.  While his efforts are often comedic, and he gets his ass kicked more times than vice versa, his plight highlights that this crime fighting comic world is extremely hard to implement on the rough streets of New York.  How did Batman manage this at the same time as running a multi-national company? The mind boggles.

So our comedic hero with flaws is in place.  Enter the professional crime fighters with a taste for brutal vengeance.  Big Daddy and Hit Girl may be the most perfect father and daughter duo I've seen in  a while.  Damon Macready raised his daughter Mindy to be one mean killing machine.  The focus of their story is that the evil character of the film (Frank D'Amico), the drug dealing and all round bad guy of the city is to blame for ruining Big Daddy's police career and in the process killing Mindy's mother.  The story of avenging a loved one is not anything new and yet the character of Hit Girl is so magnetic and admired in this film that every time she is on screen the audience is loving her style and cheering her on regardless of the violence she is using.

Ok, so I don't want to ruin any of the plot (although this film has been released in the UK for over two weeks).  The tempo is just perfect quiet in places and then action packed.  The background score and soundtrack is probably my favourite thing and is available to listen to on Spotify.  Ranging from the Prodigy to Ennio Morricone, from New York Dolls to an unforgettable use of Elvis Presley.   The music is the best soundtrack in my opinion since Elizabethtown, and fits comfortably with the action on the screen.

Without going into details, then, this film is something that the cinema-viewing public needed, its witty, dark, violent and super packed with heroes and villains.  Rather than over-pack the film with CGI or 3D gimics, Matthew Vaughn has taken a good comic and turned it into a visually entertaining and funny film.  It was like eating something so delicious you cannot get your mind of it for days after; this was aesthetically delightful and I can still picture every scene and remember the music that was in the background (again credit to how good the soundtrack actually is).  This is a film for anyone that's ever wanted to be a superhero and yet hasn't had the guts to go out and get their ass kicked for it.  This is a film that comic book lovers and cinema goers alike will love and want to see multiple times.

I haven't posted what I thought of the event sooner as I've been stupidly ill (see I just don't think I have the immune system to be a hard-ass superhero).  I hope people have been to see this film and of course then had recurring dreams of blasting a villain through a window with a bazooka.  That would totally kick ass!

Jo xoxo

Cat Eye look with Illamasqua Android

I was so bored. Job hunt+no money+cold=misery defined.  I decided to add a bit of glitz to my normal cat eye liner look I usually wear.  I topped a normal black eyeshadow(from a Jemma Kidd palette) with Illamasqua's Pigment in Android.  I love this colour, I love the reflects of green, red and silver you get from it.  But, alas, my camera couldn't pick up it's absolute beauty.  Sad.

Products used:

Jemma Kidd black eyeshadow

MAC Ego eyeshadow

MAC Paint pot Bare Study

Maybelline the Falsies mascara

Illamasqua Pigment Android.

ps. I STILL don't know how to use the Falsies mascara properly :S

xoxo

Alice Palette Look 1

Boring Sunday yet again.  I managed to get my paws on the limited edition urban decay palette which coincided with Alice in Wonderland.  I have not used it yet.  Just looked at it.  So toavoid a pointless purchase I created a purple look using urban decay eye products.  

Products used:

MAC Bare Study Paint pot

MAC Studio Finish Concealer NW15

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation Siberia

Nars Powder Foundation Siberia

Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil Ransom

Urban Decay Underland eyeshadow (Flash)

UD Queen eyeshadow (LastCall)

UD White Rabbit eyeshadow (Polyester Bride)

Maybelline Lash Stilleto Mascara

MAC Prep and Prime Lips

MAC skinfinish By Candlelight

MAC Creme Cup lipstick

Shutter Island

I cannot formulate into words how utterly excited I've been about this film.  The combination of Lehane, Scorcese and DiCaprio was too much to pass up on.  First and foremost, the narratives of Lehane are mesmerising, these crazy twists and turns are what make cinema enthralling.  I can state right now that Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, and now Shutter Island, have all entertained in an intelligent thought provoking way and have also given me some terrifying nightmares.  

The story focuses on a high security mental asylum in the 1950s.  One Word.  Grim.  Insanity and the brain were sujects which were (and still are) issues that confused and intrigued.  Dicaprio plays a tormented federal marshall who experiences dark visions and has some worrying questions about the asylum where he is sent to investigate a missing inmate...I mean patient.  The setting and the subject matter are huge players in Scorcese's work and the viewer cannot escape  the feeling that madness is everywhere and everyone.  As Dicaprio's Teddy ponders-is insanity contagious?

Theslow unravelling of the story is a delight to take in and slowly absorb facets and images of the film.  The tempo, although slow at times, suits the temperament and gothic imagery of Scorcese's vision.

Overall, this was an enjoyable psychological thriller with convincing turns from Leo Dicaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley and Max von Sydow.  There is a chilling atmosphere that takes the audience on an emotional journey following the tribulations of Dicaprio's character.  Importantly, the themes of the film have remained relevant and asks potent questions about the notion of madness and how it is near impossible to shake being labelled insane.  I cannot praise enough the twists and turns especially near the end of the film.  I just hope I never have to try and escape a mental asylum.

Film 9/10 

Soundtrack 7/10 The music fits beautifully with the action especially when Teddy visits the psychiatrist's retreat and the music takes him back to standing in Auschwitz.  Utterly breathtaking.

Setting/Costume 8/10

Entertainment value 9/10

Wordless Wednesday

xoxo

What's in my bag (January 2009)

I thought I would do a mini tour of what's in my new handbag (Christmas present heaven!).  Handbag and a few of the accessories pictured are from French Connection.

I usually carry around a few make up essentials, a few lip glosses and lip balms.  Another Christmas present was a portable perfume stick (it's called My Crazy Stick).  This was a complete surprise present, supposedly it's stocked at Space NK in the UK. It is a brilliant idea especially since sometimes the perfume I apply in the morning slowly gradually dies.  This is a quick and easy fix.  It's a subtle rose scent which is perfect as it's not too overpowering.

I also NEED a book in my handbag just for long periods of train delays, etc.  At the moment I'm reading Legacy of a Suicide which is not depressing, as it's title seems to suggest. (Still reading this in February!)

I carry a few make up items like French Connection lip glosses (which are in my Ferbruary favorites which I'll post soon), Nars lipstick in Damage and a concealer from MAC; other than these few items I don't carry that much make up around and like to keep it understated and simple when I'm walking around all day in Manchester.

Every day make up (January 2009)

Hello!

Since I've moved back home from university, after four years of going out and drinking, I have reverted back to toned down every day make up. I still buy ridiculous amounts of glittery eye shadow but don't really go all out bold colours during the day.  Since I'm hoping January will be a busy month with *hopefully* interviews and my Masters graduation in two weeks, I'm sticking to toned down eyes with simple lips.

Even though it's a Sunday, I straightened my hair as well as I could (damn my stupid tempestuous hair) and did my make up.  Then just sat reading a book and watching cricket.  Sundays indeed send me a little crazy.  I don't even understand cricket.  'Googly' anyone?? no thought not!

Anyway products used include Label M Frizz Control Serum, Lee Stafford Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist and my wonderful god sent GHDs. As a base I use Loreal Studio Secrets resurfacing primer.  As I'm not leaving the house for anything important I don't put on heavy foundation, instead just use Mac Studio Finish Concealer (NW15) underneath my eyes and as a cover up. Then use MAC's mineralize skinfinish natural in light as a very very foundation.  

For the eyes I used Mac Paint Pot Bare Study as a base on my eye lid.  Then lined the eyes, kinda not very heavily since this look is meant to be quite natural and not too showy, with MAC eye kohl in Smoulder (love this colour).   Usually I stick with Maybelline Stilletto lashes but for a change used a free sample of Clinique's lash power mascara in Black Onyx.  Results were good but, need a little practice with the tiny, sample wand! To line my water line a little I used MAC technakohl liner in Obviously Orange. I don't know why but I love this colour. I usually just apply it very lightly as too heavy and it looks like I have weird sore eyes!  On the cheeks I used quite a good helping of MAC Well Dressed Powder Blush. (My first, and only MAC blush...not sure what colour to go for next....).

On the lips I used my favorite combination.  When I had my make up done by Yannick (a NARS artist) this is what he chose for my skin colouring. And I love it. I put on about two coats Nars Damage lipstick and then after a few minutes cover this with a sweep of Nars Chihuahua gloss. Even if I sometimes dislike the rest of my makeup this lip combination never fails me!

Anyway, heres a picture of the end result. Apologies if I look a weird colour, still not taking great detailed pictures qwith my SLR so had to use my compact camera.  Excuse the fairy wings in the background :)

Lots of love, jo xoxo

Nars collection

Hello!

Thanks to my amazing friend who works in Harvey Nichols I received a voucher for over Christmas which gave me an amazing 30% off! Of course I bagged a whole lot of Nars goodies!  I bought eurydice from the current collection, and picked up Blade runner duo eyeshadow and chihuahua gloss which I have been waiting for for AGES.  When I had my make up done by one of their international artists in October, the guy used Blade Runner and it was so utterly beautiful that I had to have it----shock horror, all nars stockists in the whole of Manchester were out of stock.  I have waited three months for this colour and it is beautiful. My most cherished eyeshadow ever!

Here's some pictures of my smalls Nars collection.  A little preview. Next week will provide some swatches once I can get my SLR to take decent pictures of them!

Products shown above include, Cairo eyeshadow, Blade Runner duo eyeshadow, Sheer Glow Foundation in Siberia, Eurydice duo eyeshadow, Chihuhua lipgloss, and eye pencil in Kaliste.  IN the centre are three mini lip glosses which the amazing sales assistant gave to me as a freebie :) They are in Stolen Kisses, Moon Fleet, and Risky Business.  I'm totally falling for the three trial shades so I guess I'll be going back to the Nars counter soon...

jo xoxo

Growing Momiji collection

So...I may be obsessed with these little dolls; my brother's girlfriend bought me my first one and now I want tonnes! Love the brand!

Here's my *small* collection :( I have my eyes on about ten more! Also, my amazing christmas haul included one of the limited edition Christmas dolls (Bubbles). Very pretty yet pacakaged in the most inconvenient tin bauble thing-looked very pretty put after a few days was becoming impossible to open and so the doll now sits outside of it :(

Once in a blue moon...

31st December 2009