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?