Links for the week.
– If you're not up for reading the full history of Estée Lauder, Beautylish provides a brief overview of the brand. Bellasugar also got in on the cosmetics history action by writing up a short piece tracing lipstick's origins thousands of years ago to the present day.
– I'll be featuring her work in a few weeks, but for right now check out artist and doula Susan Merrick's enlightening account of going makeup-free for a full month.
– Remember that fancy gold facial I mentioned on Curator's Corner a while ago? Some lucky editors at Refinery29 got to check it out. Between this and testing out gold nail polish I'm very interested in knowing whether they're hiring.
– Loved this parody of Dove's "Real Beauty" commercials.
– The gluten-free trend spread from food to makeup a few years ago, but by and large was limited to more indie, lesser-known companies. I'm pleased to report that mainstream brand Vincent Longo is hopping on the bandwagon and reformulating some of their products to be gluten-free.
– Via Bust, I learned of an interesting art project that combines the ideas of identity, makeup and empowerment.
– WWD reports that Lancome will be collaborating with three Paris designers to create limited edition couture makeup bags, debuting in June. Of course, the article is behind a paywall but you can read the full scoop at Yahoo. While these bags are too pricey for me ($500-$1,500) I love the idea of a couture makeup pouch!
– Speaking of the City of Light, Into the Gloss profiles a Paris beauty boutique that sounds right up my alley – vintage-inspired (and I mean vintage – think early 1800s), gorgeously packaged goods with natural, fresh ingredients that you can mix and match.
– These new enamel compact mirrors produced in Birmingham, England's Jewellery Quarter are so lovely. If you're looking for a Mother's Day gift one of these would be perfect! Or you could just treat yourself. 😉
The random:
– Today is Berlin's Museum Marathon! Some very energetic folks will visit 26 museums throughout the city. This is such an awesome concept, but I'm a little sad the Lipstick Museum isn't on the route.
– I have often wished Andy Warhol were still alive today, as I would have loved to see his take on social media and the digital age (could you imagine his Tweets?!) While that won't happen, I am comforted by these recently discovered images he created on a computer back in 1985.
– I'm pleased to see this Tiny PMS Match project in which Inka Mathews matches everyday objects to Pantone swatches – similar concept to my Color Connections, no?
– I knew all of these 25 things about Kids In the Hall's Brain Candy movie except for two of them! In other '90s nostalgia, National Geographic will air a 3-night mini-series on the decade in July. Can't. Wait.
– Lots of news and fun things about pizza. First, check out this hypnotizing pizza remake of Cinderella's dress. Next, a photographer snaps photos of pizza in "natural" habitats, a project he dubbed Pizza in the Wild. Finally, I have two words for you: pizza cake.
– On the local front, I have to say I burst out laughing when I read this headline, even though I shouldn't have. Great job, Baltimore! I just hope similar issues don't plague the Maryland Bacon Festival taking place today at Rash Field.
What's going on with you?
I was out of town last weekend, so here are links from this week and last.
– An editor at Refinery29 tests out a $500 nail polish made with 24k gold. As we know, I'm a sucker for over the top beauty products so naturally I want to try it too.
– As much as running makes me feel like death, perhaps I should keep doing it since a new study shows that exercise has anti-aging benefits for the skin.
– Speaking of anti-aging, a new study confirms what we already knew: teens are so fickle when it comes to products there's no point in trying to hook them early with anti-aging claims.
– Another unsurprising study shows that beauty is totally subjective (unless you're a plastic surgeon.)
– In offensive advertising news, Veet unveiled some truly horrific commercials. Fortunately the backlash was swift and fierce the company pulled them.
– Mental Floss rounds up 9 vintage beauty tutorial videos.
– Equally fascinating was a slideshow of vanity tables from Into the Gloss. I love the Marcel Wanders one!
– How gorgeous is this new Jo Malone collection designed by Michael Angove? And if you can't get enough pretty perfume bottles, check out highlights from the Masters of Fragrance exhibition over at Art Info.
– I was intrigued by this very interesting point/counterpoint between Slate and Jezebel on the politics (?) of not wearing makeup. I'm inclined to agree with the latter piece – sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
– I'm very curious to check out this new documentary on beauty standards.
The random:
– These fashion predictions from 1893 were truly hilarious.
– Loving this new hip-hop/art history Tumblr (via Hyperallergic.)
– One of the Curator's favorite artists, Marcel Duchamp, gets his very own dictionary.
– In '90s nostalgia, the Offspring's Smash turned 20.
– See, you CAN actually get a job with a humanities Ph.D.! Suck it, everyone!
– I don't care what this new study says. You will pry my weekend daytime naps from my cold, dead hands.
– Lots of Easter fun! Check out 10 internet memes as illustrated by Peeps, or find out what kind of Easter candy you are by taking this quiz. Also, did you know Peeps introduced flavors like Blue Raspberry and Party Cake this year? Hmm…that actually sounds kinda gross. Not as gross as jelly bean flavored milk, though.
– Back to the good Easter stuff – my parents sent me a truly obscene amount of candy. If you don't hear anything from me in the next few days it's because I've slipped into a diabetic coma.
How was your week? If you celebrate Easter, what are your plans tomorrow?
Links for the week, plus some long overdue pictures. 🙂
– Autumn at The Beheld discusses customer loyalty programs, using Sephora's VIB program as a case study of sorts.
– This week the Beheld also featured a post by the author of an excellent new-to-me beauty blog, Beautiful in Theory. Definitely check it out!
– This is pretty awesome. The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam held its first Rijksstudio Award this year, and the winners (out of a whopping 820 entries) were two designers who created a makeup line inspired by five portraits of women at the Rijksmuseum.
– Bust brought to my attention the work of artist Jessica Ledwich, whose latest series of (very graphic) photos takes on the demands placed on women's bodies, from childbearing to beauty standards.
– Forking over nearly $2,000 for a facial treatment made of liquid gold is certainly excessive to us average folks. But I have to admit that if I was a supermodel like Bar Refaeli I might just try it, if only out of sheer curiosity.
– Makeup for men is trending strongly, according to Bella Sugar and Total Beauty. Meanwhile, Jane at British Beauty Blogger reviews The Art of Male Makeup, a book by Illamasqua head of product development David Horne.
The random:
– Dying to see this exhibition on high heels at the Brooklyn Museum.
– This traffic sign encouraging Monty Python-style "silly walks" is absolutely genius.
– Happy 2nd birthday, Grumpy Cat!
– On the local front, I'm so excited the Baltimore Farmer's Market re-opens tomorrow.
– Finally, I managed to pull some photos off my phone of the Philadelphia Flower Show, which was over a month ago (!). My awesome parents took the husband and I since they're members of the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society and could bring 1 guest each for free. This year's theme was "Articulture", in which the exhibits connected art and horticulture.
Some highlights include this Kandinsky-inspired display:
Mondrian:
Caricatures of Frieda Kahlo, Van Gogh, Warhol and Dali:
Of course, what captivated my attention the most were the miniature displays depicting various themes encased in one of the walls. I love anything miniature and the details on these were amazing – the plants and flowers used were spot on. There were about 10 of them but these were my favorites.
The Lady of Shallott:
Hitchcock's The Birds:
The gardens of Babylon:
There was also plenty of swag to be had. I ended up getting a plain t-shirt with just the show name and date on it, but I got a kick out of these:
And look! Real 4-leaf clovers!!
My parents knew we'd love this show because of the art theme, but I could totally see us going every year no matter what the subject is. (Note to Mom and Dad: let's make this an annual get-together.) Oh, and after we hit up the legendary Reading Terminal Market for some delicious lunch and sweet treats. We also took Sailor Babo to the flower show and market – you can see his escapades here.
So what's new with you? Are you excited that spring is actually starting?
Is it spring yet? No? Well, while we wait for everything to thaw check out these links from this week and last.
– Loved this slideshow of '90s beauty products from Elle.
– Karen at Makeup and Beauty Blog spotted a new eyewear line from Bobbi Brown. I am intrigued.
– Beautylish shares quite an illuminating article on the history of Max Factor and the man behind the brand.
– The Nailympics just concluded in Rome. I found the highlights much more entertaining than the Sochi Olympics, sadly.
– So this is exciting: NARS will be teaming up with Phillip Lim for a nail polish line to be released in the fall.
– Less exciting is that Madonna will be introducing a Japan-exclusive skincare line. I'm honestly a bit surprised she hasn't jumped on the beauty bandwagon prior to this – it seems that every pop star has their own fragrance or nail polish line.
The random:
– Uglydoll is releasing yet another Babo. However, I'm not finding him to be nearly as adorable as the rest of the little scamps in the Babo family, plus I'm not a Kiss fan, so I think this will be the first Babo I will not be purchasing.
– Sooooo dying to hit up the newly opened Ladurée in Soho! I've been waiting for it to open since I spotted that it was coming back in September.
– I'd love to see this exhibition on the history of women's shoe design…too bad it's in the Netherlands!
– Just about died when I saw this trailer. Two words for you: Killer. Mermaid.
– I was equally excited when my favorite Kids in the Hall character, Buddy Cole, made an appearance on the Colbert Report! On a related note, I never really "got" Stefan on Saturday Night Live until I started binge-watching KITH on Netflix and witnessed the genius of Buddy Cole. Then it all made sense. Buddy is essentially the original Stefan.
– One final pop culture note: if you're not watching Broad City you really should start.
How was your week?
Links from this week and last.
– Ommorphia Beauty Bar breaks down Chanel's glittery yet ethereal beauty looks from at their spring 2014 couture runway show. More cutting-edge couture looks are rounded up at Fashionista.
– Science proves that it's not my fault that I'm attracted to shiny objects - it's simply human nature. Maybe all beauty addicts are just dehydrated?
– The BBC banned red lipstick for its female hosts of children's programming, claiming that it's too provocative. I'm not really sure where to start with the many ways in which this is absolutely ridiculous.
– I love the combination of chocolate and mint as much as the next person, but not in my toothpaste. Ew, Crest!
– In other cosmetic abominations, the latest trends apparently include eyebrow implants, boob deodorant, and earlobe lifts. Oof. Is there any body part the industry won't seize upon?
– Having said that, an XO Jane writer shows us that it's possible to work in the industry without making women feel bad about their appearance.
– Loved this student concept for a girls' skincare line.
– Benefit is teaming us with Le Sportsac this spring. I spy a few new bags in my future.
The random:
– This is awesome: a supercut of every "all right!" uttered by Linda Belcher of Bob's Burgers.
– Dude, I voted for you twice. Don't diss art history. Without art history, for example, no one would understand Christian Louboutin's spring ad campaign. Beautiful shoes are important, no? 😉
– Habitually Chic gives us the grand tour of the home of By Terry creator Terry de Gunzburg.
– California has gone crazy for cats: A cat-themed art exhibition opened in L.A., while San Francisco got its first kitty cafe.
– One of a curator's worst nightmares took place at the Tate. Can you hear me shuddering through the computer?
In '90s nostalgia/things that make me feel old, Green Day's Dookie turned 20 today.
What have you been up to this week?
Links from this week and last. :)
– Loved these gorgeous Egyptian-inspired beauty tools created by Sarah Linda Forrer.
– Remember how I mentioned that I wanted to see this exhibit on vanities and dressing tables? Well, lucky duck Meli at Wild Beauty got to see it. Check out her review.
– Here's a great piece by Sali Hughes on judgemental Internet comments on beauty blogs.
– Benefit has some exciting news – they'll be the exclusive beauty partner of Tim Gunn's new show, Under the Gunn (which I can't wait to see since I have such a massive crush on him!)
– The Disney beauty empire continues to expand with these admittedly awesomely designed perfume bottles.
– These beauty tips from the 1950s published at Glamour Daze show that some of the tenets we rely on today (i.e., splurge on quality foundation, don't use too much powder) were founded over half a century ago.
– While beauty pointers of yesteryear may have been useful, ads were a different story, as evidenced by the vintage ad blog Do I Offend? Read an interview with the founder here.
– I'm not really sure what's more horrifying – the idea of DIY plastic surgery, or an app that lets "girls aged 9 and up" perform virtual plastic surgery on Barbie. Fortunately there was enough backlash against this abomination that it was pulled from the iTunes store.
– What's the total cost of the makeup/skincare you're wearing right now? For Martha Stewart, it's $2,000. (I actually don't think this is THAT bad, especially for a celebrity…my average is somewhere around $350.)
– I was so sad to learn that Beaute.ie was folding, but by some miracle they have decided to forge ahead! Long live beaut.ie!
The random:
– If you're in NYC, check out this new exhibition on 1930s fashion at FIT.
– Some fun mermaid things: Charlotte Olympia released a nautical-theme collection for spring-summer 2014, which, as I hoped, included an adorable pair of shoes with mermaids, while this photographer situates mermaids in different cities across the globe. And a "sushi artist" made this mermaid sushi, among other images.
– Speaking of mermaids, who wants to go to an underwater art museum?
– I loved reading these interviews here and here with my idol, but I seriously got heart palpitations when she hinted at a possible reunion of my favorite band.
– Late to the Archer party, but I've been greatly enjoying it since I'm a fan of both Sealab 2021 and H. Jon Benjamin. Naturally I liked this interview with creator Adam Reed.
– On the local front, a stolen Renoir that had been missing for over 50 years was rightfully returned to the Baltimore Museum of Art.
– It's only the first month of 2014, but Uglydolls has already released a new Babster! Can't wait to get my hands on Space Babo!
That's all for me this week…how are you?
Happy new year! Here are some links from the very first week of 2014 (and some from 2013).
– Congratulations are in order for legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, who was named an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for her work in fashion and beauty.
– Do you dare to try the mismatched eye liner trend? Eh, I'm passing on this one.
– Something I'm not passing on, however, will be Makeup Forever's new pressed HD powder. I've been a fan of the loose powder for years so I'm stoked I can get a pressed version to toss in my makeup bag – much less messy for touch-ups than loose.
– Dezeen presents some spectacular masculine packaging for men's makeup. Will it be enough to get guys stateside to wear it? Amazing design aside, I'm leaning towards no.
– Salon gives us a thought-provoking piece on feminism, animal cruelty, and wearing makeup. It's good, I just wish I could fully enjoy makeup without this author and others making me feel bad about it. (And you will pry my Latisse from my cold, dead hands.)
– Apparently we're beyond BB and CC and even DD creams – EE products have arrived. I really hope ZZ creams will be end of this ridiculous alphabet-named product craze.
– I'm bidding a somber farewell to beaute.ie, a great Ireland-based beauty blog that decided to fold after 8 fabulous years.
The random:
– There are some really cool-sounding exhibitions going on that I wish I could see, including this one on snow (yes, the cold powdery precipitation) at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, 19th-century toys at the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden in New York, and an exhibition on the history of men's suits at the London Museum.
– The authors at Bitch Flicks write an excellent piece describing why Tina Belcher of Bob's Burgers is such a wonderful character.
– Here are some art masterpieces rendered in Lego form.
– I love sweets so naturally I found this candy-inspired furniture very appealing.
– Horror movie fiend that I am, I watched Insidious: Chapter 2 last night and was scared out of my wits! If you like horror movies and the first Insidious definitely check it out…in my opinion, it was WAY scarier than the first one. I was a bit shocked at how the plot actually stayed together too. Usually horror movie sequels don't make any sense or are just plain stupid, and although a few loose ends could have been tied up, it was surprisingly good.
– Finally, we've had some pretty nasty weather here in B'more and the sidewalks have become death traps. For this brief post at Gawker, I say THANK YOU. (Seriously, it is so hard to shovel and salt the five feet in front of your home/business?)
How has 2014 been treating you so far? Any big plans?
Links from this week and last.
– How Christmas-appropriate: Cosmetics Design offers a brief overview of frankincense, gold and myrrh in beauty products. I don't think, however, that this is nearly as interesting as their previous story on a new marijuana-based skincare line. I wonder how this new one compares to another hemp beauty line I mentioned early in 2013.
- Apparently the nail polish/nail art craze is fading. Too bad – this news comes just after the first "Nailympics" were launched.
– Speaking of trends, move over vajazzling! The latest for your ladyparts is steaming. File that under WTF.
– Love high heels but hate the pain that sometimes goes with them? Try this foot numbing spray! (Ugh, seriously?) Or maybe you could try out these new heels that apparently are as comfortable as sneakers – the inventor even ran a 5K in them.
– Even if you don't watch South Park, this piece at The Beheld is a must-read. (It's beauty-related, I promise!)
– A photography student takes the use of Photoshop in beauty ads to task, and does a damn good job of it. Now, won't someone please shut down the notion of a "bride body"? The fact that there is an entire company devoted to helping you "look your best" (i.e., help you lose weight) for the big day is revolting.
– The first LUSH spa in the U.S. is due to open in NYC in early 2014. I was all excited because I love LUSH, then I remembered that what I don't love is strangers touching me (hence my aversion to spa treatments.)
– I do, however, plan to indulge in these new luxurious Clarisonic brush heads. While they are gimmicky (they provide only a 9% improvement in cleansing) they are much softer than the regular brush heads. Plus one of them is called the "Cashmere Cleanse". I can't resist such finery!
The random:
– I loved these vintage Christmas cards featuring fancy Christmas trees, along with this contemporary project that examines the design of various eggnog cartons.
– Look, now you can officially be a card-carrying feminist! (via Design Crush)
– There's an exhibition devoted to vanities and dressing tables at the Met, which obviously I'm dying to see. I was also drooling over the ancient jewels in this Christie's sale.
– Finally, some holiday cuteness. Check out Lil Bub's holiday video, which, as far as I can tell, is just the little scamp purring in front of a crackling fire for an hour. Trust me, it doesn't get old! But this Nativity scene takes the adorableness cake.
Off to attend to some Christmas activities now – got lots of presents to wrap!
Links for the week.
– Chic Profile shares a sneak peek of a spring palette that will surely "bee" a hit.
– British Beauty Blogger gives us a little taste of another gorgeous spring collection.
– I declare this weight loss-encouraging bra (yes, a bra!) to be one of the worst inventions ever. It's even worse than its predecessor, given that it doesn't even count calories.
– To get your mind off that, check out this amazing eye makeup by Israeli makeup artist Tal Peleg.
– Glamour Daze provides proof that even as early as 1926 Americans had an intense fascination with the style and beauty habits of French women.
– A must-see: makeup artist Nick Barose's photos of toys applying makeup. It's exactly what it sounds like (and the products are disturbingly appropriate for each toy!)
– Why wear sunscreen when you can wear a Facekini? (via Beautylish)
The random:
– My favorite band reunited!!! Okay, it was just for one song and it was a cover, but I'm kind of glad because I would have totally lost it if they had done one of their own songs.
– On the local front, it's impressive someone took the time and effort to create Baltimore Barbies, but at the same time the stereotypes could be considered fairly insulting. And I can tell you that the one for Mt. Vernon is not accurate.
– A very clever blogger got the idea to make all the burgers on the menus from Bob's Burgers.
– Speaking of animated TV shows, need a gift for the Simpsons fan in your life? Take your pick of these great Threadless t-shirts (via Nitrolicious). I am partial to Ralph Wiggum's school picture and "Everything's Coming Up Milhouse!"
– Get in the Christmas spirit by admiring famous museums made out of gingerbread. (via Apartment Therapy)
How was your week?
Links for the week.
– Clarisonic gets more design-y with their Year of the Horse-themed cleansing system.
– This account of one woman's experience at Sephora annoyed the hell out of me. I know it can be overwhelming, but there are literally thousands of beauty blogs that can help you navigate the aisles and determine which products you need. You're not helpless so don't act like it! And certainly don't blame the store for you not knowing your own hair type or for having expensive products. Finally, it's makeup, not rocket science. You'll figure it out. And if you buy something and it's not right, return it – Sephora has a generous return policy.
– Diamonds in beauty products, while luxurious, don't offer too many tangible benefits. Still, if you're Lindsay Bluth Funke, these expensive products are positively a bargain.
– There seems to be lots of new offbeat scents lately. In addition to the fried chicken-scented candles there's also George Takei's new fragrance, as well as one developed with a commonly used font in mind. If you've always wanted to know what Helvetica smells like, now's your chance.
– I must remember to include this Too-Faced Chocolate Bar palette if I ever re-do the Sweet Tooth exhibition.
– Like last year, I fell asleep before midnight on Thanksgiving and thus did not get MAC's Hautecore lipstick (I roused myself at 6am yesterday in the off chance it was still available, but as I expected, it was sold out.) However, rumor has it that it will be offered in the upcoming Punk Couture collection on December 26th, so all is not lost.
The random:
– Since the births of my nephew and niece, I have aspired to be what this writer describes as a PANK – professional aunt, no kids.
– The Punk Singer, the documentary on my idol Kathleen Hanna, has been getting tons of good press. Check out articles here, here and here.
– On the local front, I'm so excited that Trinacria, a fabulous Italian deli near us, is coming to our very own neighborhood and bringing its delicious sandwiches with it.
– Finally, a Thanksgiving picture! Museum Advisory Committee member Sailor Babo poses with cookie butter blondies, a pumpkin cheesecake (with a very messy crust, oops), and apple pie. The husband made the menorah. 🙂
Unfortunately, several food disasters fell upon my family this season. First, my baking confidence took a major tumble. While that apple pie looks yummy, the filling was completely soupy. I have no idea why it didn't thicken but I was so upset when we cut it and discovered it was all watery! Also, not in the picture above, is the chocolate orange mousse I made which was also liquified – it was more like pudding. But I think these incidents pale in comparison to what happened to my dad, whose turkey brining bag managed to collapse and spill gallons of brine over the entire kitchen, which he then had to spend hours cleaning up. Oof. So, not our best Thanksgiving food-wise.
How was your week?