Curator's corner Archives - Page 5 of 28 - Makeup Museum: Where Cosmetics & Art Intersect

Sigh. I know it doesn't seem like it, but I actually schedule my posts 4-6 weeks in advance. And when I say schedule I don't mean I have a vague idea about what I want to blog about, I have specific days picked out for posts. Inevitably, no matter how much I plan, my schedule gets off track…which is why my posts have been so massively inconsistent timing-wise. I can only hope this bothers you less than it bothers me! I'm aiming to stick to the schedule I have planned through the month of May, but we'll see what happens. Without further ado, here are some overdue links for April.

– If I make it to the beach this year I'm definitely taking some glitter sunscreen. Alas, Racked is a total killjoy about it, but at least one brand offers biodegradable glitter.

– Out: brow art. In: nose art.

– We are inching ever closer to making the beauty industry truly diverse and inclusive. Almay still needs a lot of work on that, though.

– For years I thought drugstore mainstay NYX was founded in the early '80s, but it was actually established in 1999. This timeline of the company proved rather eye-opening.

– Not sure which is worse, counterfeit makeup or makeup for kids. Yikes.

– Speaking of cosmetics safety, I'm no fan of the Kardashians but if it takes one of them meeting with members of Congress to push for cosmetics regulation, I'm all for it (hypocritical though it may be.)

– Just for fun.

The random:

– In '90s nostalgia, 1995 film Empire Records is getting the musical treatment, and Nickelodeon is rebooting kid favorite Double Dare. Meanwhile, some film critics propose that the decade was indeed the best for movies.

– Elsewhere in pop culture, Broad City is coming to a close. To be honest though, I'm relieved as I thought the past 2 seasons were rather lackluster.

– Every dog has its day…or museum? At least these are real institutions, unlike the spate of Instagram-friendly museums that keep popping up. Maybe I'm just jealous and bitter that I still don't have an actual museum, but I have to agree with this piece that these sorts of places cannot be defined as museums. While I don't have an issue with the overall concept, it's annoying that they call themselves that. Perhaps if I focused solely on entertainment rather than education and history I could finally have my makeup "museum," but I'm not willing to do that.

– Anyway, this mermaid book is at the top of my wishlist! Also loved this piece on the history of merpeople sightings.

How have you been? Are you getting excited for warmer weather and longer days?

Happy Easter Fool's! Let's take a look to see what the interwebz had in store for the past few weeks.

-In what I thought for sure were early April Fool's jokes that turned out to be true, Chanel beauty will now be sold at Ulta, while Einstein Bros. inexplicably released cheese-scented shampoo and bacon-scented conditioner. Equally confounding is the fact that both items sold out.

– The crazy brow trend isn't going anywhere any time soon. However, Racked points out why we fall for these and explains why they're actually not trends at all.

– In makeup history, the Smithsonian outlines Madam C.J. Walker's philanthropic endeavors, and we finally discover what brow pencil Frida Kahlo wore.

– On why J-Beauty isn't the new K-beauty.

– Certainly a novel use for a hairdryer, but I guess when you shell out that kind of money for a Dyson it should do more than merely dry one's hair, yes?

The random:

– So much '90s nostalgia! Twentieth birthday wishes are in order for both Dawson's Creek and one of the Curator's favorite movies (read more critics' thoughts here and here). Meanwhile, '90s-era music is experiencing not so much nostalgia as a resurgence, what with bands like The Breeders, Belly and Superchunk all releasing new albums.

– On the museum front, what's worse than another made-for-Instagram museum? One that rips off legitimate artists. Sigh.

– No idea how I missed this book – it was just recently brought to my attention via Twitter – but it's now on my wishlist.

How are you? Did you have a good Easter/Passover/weekend?

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Why yes, I am late with links again. Sigh. I'm still not sure of my blog plan right now – I may take that break I mentioned a little earlier than I thought, or I might try to get 1-2 more posts up. Either way I hope you stick around!

– Reminder: always check your seemingly "new" makeup before you take it out of the store.

– Temptalia had a good piece on why, despite the success of brands like Fenty, beauty companies are still resistant to expanding their shade ranges. This blogger further explains the latest oversight committed by Tarte as well as their history of racial insensitivity. It would behoove the company to learn about brands and ranges created with women of color in mind. Or at least read this ecstatic review of Fenty foundation.

– Can't roll my eyes hard enough at this…reminds me of the makeup kits designed for "ladies" car models.

– I'm all for makeup being used to effect positive social change, but this is ridiculous.

– AAAHHH!

The random:

– In '90s nostalgia, we suddenly lost the lead singer for one of the most influential bands of the decade. Not all is bad news, however: Dawson's Creek celebrated its 20th anniversary, and as a member of the class of '96, I'm very interested in this new series.

– More pop culture excitement: my head nearly exploded with joy upon seeing this little snippet about my favorite band.

– Finally, a belated Christmas gift from my mom arrived! I love it so much. I had been wanting one for years!

How are you dealing with winter thus far? I hate this season so I'm treating myself to lots of homemade hot chocolate and hunkering down with Museum staff under both my new blanket and this furry one.

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Before I get to the first batch of links for 2018, I want to thank everyone who commented here and on Instagram regarding my New Year's rant. I was very heartened by your responses and appreciate your kind words and taking the time to weigh in. Your support truly means the world to me! I am going to keep up with the Museum for now, but will probably take a little break in February. And in August, around the Museum's 10th blog-iversary, I'm still going to determine whether to pack it up. In the meantime I hope I can continue to deliver content you enjoy. 🙂

Enough blather, let's see what the first week of the new year on the interwebz had in store for us.

– My not-so-secret shame is pimple popping videos, so I'm looking forward to the queen of pimple popping's very own TV show.

– Racked had an excellent article on the importance of makeup for incarcerated women.

– First wacky trend and product of the new year goes to Halo Top-inspired hair and this poop-shaped highlighter.

– Makeup with a hidden feminist message? Yes please.

– High five to this woman.

The random:

– In many ways 2017 was yet another dumpster fire, but here are 99 good things that actually happened.

– As a follow up to my musings on the Instagrammable museum, I must admit to feeling a bit of schauenfreude at this.

– I just finished up Twin Peaks: The Return, so was delighted to see this article on the style of one of my favorite characters.

– Elsewhere on the pop culture front, in addition to the fabulous Lady Dynamite, I have also discovered Haters Back Off on Netflix. It's been canceled but worth catching up on, and definitely check out Miranda's YouTube videos. Finally, horror movie fiend that I am, I've marked my calendar for Winchester.

How's 2018 treating you thus far?

Welcome to 2017's last installment of Curator's Corner! Here are some links from oh, the past 6 weeks. As you can imagine, things have been even more hectic than usual. I hope to get up a couple more posts before the new year, including the holiday/winter exhibition, but we'll see if it actually happens.

– Move over 6 Flags, this is THE theme park for beauty enthusiasts.

– Huff Po has a nice little history of red lipstick. (There will be a full history in 2018!)

– I don't expect makeup testers to be in pristine condition, but this was beyond the pale. As was this new app, whose inventors can stick it where the sun don't shine.

– My glitter-loving heart is breaking.

– Racked had some good pieces on the competition between designer makeup brands and the heirs to "grown up" makeup lines like Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier.

– Crazy trends, holiday edition: bauble brows and Christmas tree brows are the latest fads, while candy cane eyeliner has been resurrected from last year. Those are a little too out there for me but I'd be willing to give tinsel lashes a go.

– People are just coming to this conclusion now?

The random:

– In '90s nostalgia, Rolling Stone provides an oral history of Right Said Fred's hit "I'm Too Sexy", while Stereogum catches up with White Town to see what he's been up to since his 1997 hit "Your Woman".

– Something to look forward to during the dark, cold days of January.

– "Their appeal might seem to stem from their role as a vehicle for ironic nostalgia, an opportunity to revel in all that is festively cheesy." Here's a history of the ugly Christmas sweater.

– Get ready for a whole lotta purple in 2018.

How are you? Are you ready for the holidays?

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You might be wondering at this point why I bother attempting to keep Curator's Corner going, given that I always end up back dating it. Even though I can never post this recurring feature on time, I still feel the need to continue because it's a good way for me to stay on top of beauty trends and news – it's just easier, in my strange little mind, to keep track of such things this way. So here are, as usual, some very late links.

– Here's a belated 11th (!) blog-iversary shout-out to A Touch of Blusher! May she keep blogging for many more years.

– Bust had a fascinating piece on what Victorian ladies used to keep their hair in place.

– Far be it for me to blame the victim, but I thought it was common knowledge to never, ever, EVER test cosmetics on any part of your face. Hands and arms only, people.

– The latest crazy trends making the rounds were brow heart cut-outs, Lacroix beverage-inspired hair color and some rather unappealing and surprisingly realistic-looking pimple nail art. One trendy item I did like was this mock Stranger Things-inspired palette. I have so many ideas along these lines, I wish I had Photoshop skills to make mock-ups!

– Meanwhile, companies are coming up with even more extreme products such as whiskey-scented deodorant and a KFC-scented bath bomb. I'm eternally grateful the latter is only available in Japan, as it sounds even more gross than the nail polish.

– Like makeup destruction videos, these clips of people cutting up LUSH bubble bars make me upset rather than soothed.

– I can't believe no one thought of this before.

The random:

– As with makeup, we're seeing an awful lot of food novelties – glitter cappuccinos seem to be the new foam art, while Pepsi has introduced a salted caramel flavor as well as a cake flavor, which, like the KFC bath bomb, is Japan-exclusive.

– This photography/art project seems like a more involved version of one of my favorite Instagram accounts.

– In '90s nostalgia, congrats are in order for the "Bee Girl" star of Blind Melon's video for their 1993 hit "No Rain". But what's even more exciting is that Bikini Kill reunited for the first time in 20 years, something I would have given my eye teeth to see (along with their original performances, of course).

– Pineapple fiend that I am, I'm totally on board with this new holiday decorating trend and plan on adding it to our decor this year. 🙂

How have you been? Are you gearing up for the holidays?

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It's the final Curator's Corner of October, which means soon the Museum will be in holiday makeup mode – so much good stuff this year! In the meantime enjoy these links.

– Bust had a nice little history of lipstick, while Bustle discussed how war shaped makeup usage and trends. Speaking of trends, there was also a piece on the return of the full-coverage foundation, which I really liked since I'm definitely a full-coverage gal – none of that tinted moisturizer/BB cream BS for me.

– The woman who coined "on fleek" not only had the phrase recognized by Merriam-Webster (online, anyway), she's starting her own beauty line.

– You would think after the most recent Dove advertising disaster other big companies would be more mindful of race, but no. And they're still oblivious to the fact that women, you know, get older, which you can read more about in a two–part post by Caroline Hirons.

– Is anyone really surprised that this product was a total fraud? Meanwhile, Allure reveals how fake beauty products make their way to mainstream retailers.

The random:

– As soon as I saw this shirt come down the Dior spring 2018 runway, I knew I had to get my hands on it no matter how ridiculously overpriced because it's the title of my all-time favorite art history essay and I was positively delighted to see it recognized in the world of fashion. The pioneering feminist art historian who wrote it had an unbelievably powerful influence on the entire discipline. On a personal note, she was partially responsible for my feminist awakening and completely re-shaped how I look at art. All of this is a long-winded way of saying, goodbye and thank you, Linda Nochlin.

– On a lighter note, I can't stop laughing at this Instagram account celebrating the most hideous design you can imagine.

– In '90s nostalgia, a slew of movies ranging from the great to not-so-great turned 20, along with Natalie Imbruglia's hit "Torn". And after 25 years, are you still "master of your domain?"

– In addition to holiday makeup releases, there's a lot of good TV to binge on. Besides a new show from the ever-wacky Amy Sedaris, obviously I'll be devouring Season 2 of Stranger Things. Pop culture junkie that I am, I've been greatly enjoying the roundups of all the '80s references in both the first and second season. I'm also looking forward to the second season of another great Netflix show the husband discovered about a month ago. If the trailer doesn't look interesting to you, I have two words to get you to watch: Talking. Pugs.

How are you? Any fun Halloween plans?

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Even later than usual, but here are some links.

– I'm starting the Halloween spookiness early by including this roundup of terrifying beauty treatments. I had heard of some but not all (lard hair pomade, anyone?)

– We might have scoffed and ridiculed the downright dangerous beauty fads of yore, but this photography series points out the absurdity of some of the devices we use today. At least they're not toxic/deadly…that we know of.

– Silly brow trends continue to dominate the beauty sphere, including brows in the shape of lightning bolts, ponytails and Nike swooshes. I believe the craziness has now inspired even more facial hair wackiness like these nostril hair extensions.

– Despite the glory that is Fenty makeup, there still aren't many foundation shades readily accessible and affordable for women of color. And don't get me started on yet another shameful Dove ad. I'm glad the model in the commercial didn't feel victimized, but changing black skin to white skin via soap is a racist advertising technique that literally dates back to the late 1800s.

– Glad someone finally said it.

– Brilliant!

The random:

– There is much '90s nostalgia to be had. Belly announces a crowdfunding campaign for a new album, a reunion of the ever-hilarious Kids in the Hall might be in store, and L.A. Confidential celebrated its 20th anniversary. Meanwhile, an article at the Guardian reflects on why the '90s was the best decade for movies. But I saved the best milestone for last: Bikini Kill's self-titled debut album was released 25 years ago on October 9. I didn't know about them or Riot Grrrl back then, but discovering their music years later was life-changing for me.

– I swear I'm completely in sync with Scandinavian home trends. I was doing hygge long before I even knew the word for it when the trend exploded last year, and for the past couple of years I've been desperately trying to keep the Museum's collection neat and just try to declutter more generally. This is not because I'm bothered by my crap sitting around but because I don't want anyone to have to deal with it if I get hit by a bus. It's less of a fear of death and more of a fear of being a burden on people once I'm gone; I'm enough of a nuisance alive, and I figure trying to clear out all my stuff after I'm dead would be even annoying, so I've been forever trying to come up with a firm plan for the Museum's collection (which would be in addition to my will and 5-page accompanying memo – yes, I am a chronic worrier) but also get rid of as much stuff as possible while I can. Turns out, pre-death tidying is known as "dostadning" (literally "death cleaning"). KonMari never worked for me, so I'm definitely buying the death cleaning book when it comes out in January…if I'm still alive, of course.

– On a less morbid note, I'm hoping to get up to NYC in December to see this new MoMA show. Even though I haven't seen it, I can tell you that one of the featured items is considered a makeup classic…but I will save how I know that until my exhibition review. 😉

What's going on with you? Are you enjoying fall thus far?

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Ah, the first Curator's Corner of fall 2017.

– Racked had an interesting piece on the GWP, although I think they leave out the most obvious reason it still endures: people just love free stuff, even if they're not going to use it.

– Adored this interview with "Mother". (insert heart-eye emoji here)

– Trending: Bratz doll inspired makeup, flare highlighting, negative space brows and glass skin. And for a little dose of creepiness (Halloween is coming, after all) check out this, um, hairy manicure.

– If that wasn't enough you can take a gander at the world's longest finger nails and longest eyelashes. Thankfully they do not belong to the same person.

– Nothing will ever replace mermaids in terms of my favorite fictional creature-inspired makeup, but I did get a chuckle from Jezebel's competition and eventual winner.

The random:

– Speaking of mermaids, an octopus "city" was just discovered. I bet mermaids hang out there a lot…and also take naps with jellyfish.

– On the art front, a museum devoted to street art is opening in Berlin, and YSL is getting not one but two museums.

– Move over #PSL, there's a new fall latte in town. (I can't wait to try it!)

What's been catching your eye lately?

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Some long overdue links.

– Racked had an interesting history of makeup during the Cold War, while this fearless woman painstakingly recreated lip colors based on historical recipes completely by hand. Neat!

– I'm loving this beautiful eyelash art. Totally impractical but so pretty to look at.

– Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Rihanna's new line dropped yesterday to rave reviews and applause for its commitment to diversity – the collection was clearly developed to meet the needs of non-white women, as evidenced by its 40 (!) shades of foundation. And let's hear it for Cover FX, who just launched their "Nude Is Not Beige" campaign, along with Mented's new glosses. While these are great leaps forward for an industry that has always left women of color by the wayside, L'Oreal still managed to move backwards…but Rihanna may save the day again.

– Speaking of L'Oreal, the founder has quite a sordid history that I wasn't aware of until now.

– Sorry, Feministing, but I'm with Jezebel regarding this author who claims that makeup is a waste of time.

– Now onto lighter fare! Brow "trends", if you can even call them that, have really gotten out of control: from foil and braided brows to squiggle brows (which managed to migrate down the face to becoming squiggle lips), people are inventing ever weirder ways to adorn their brows. Fortunately makeup artist Huda Kattan is here to poke gentle fun at them.

– Other crazes include inner eye strobing and butterfly eyes, both of which I think are quite pretty. Less so is taco eye makeup, but it's fun nevertheless. Also, the glitter fad is still going strong. I must say I think people really need to stop putting it into every orifice. What's next, glitter armpits? Oh wait…

– I still don't really understand the ASMR concept, which is why these lipstick destruction videos are the exact opposite of soothing to me.

– I'm down for PSL-scented beauty products, but I draw the line at deodorant. *shudder*

The random:

– In '90s nostalgia, we have plenty to celebrate, including the 20th anniversary of Ally McBeal as well as Netflix, along with Chumbawumba's "Tubthumping". Going back even earlier, Def Comedy Jam will be revived for its 25th anniversary, and Right Said Fred's 1992 hit "I'm Too Sexy" somehow ended up mixed into a new Taylor Swift song.

– Not all the nostalgia is pop culture-related: check out this well-preserved house featuring some quintessential '90s interior design.

– Possibly the only thing that makes me feel older than '90s milestones is aughts milestones. Can you believe the hashtag turned 10? (It's taken me about that long to stop referring to it as a pound sign.)

– This new poster museum sounds pretty cool. And I wish I could see this exhibition of exquisite Chinese boxes, some of which were used to hold cosmetics.

How are you? Are you ready for fall? I miss summer, but I did enjoy my first PSL yesterday. 🙂

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