Studio: Hair throughout the 50's, 60's and 70's

In this week's practical hair session with Lottie, we learnt about the different hairstyles throughout the 1950's, 60's and 70's.  The Bouffant, brushed under bob and short, waved hair were popular in the 50's,  popular film stars like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor influenced these kind of styles.  Whereas in the 60's,  the American's First Lady Jackie Kennedy influenced a whole generation with her elegant outfits and bouffant up-do it, was all about the Beehive and short, sharp cuts.  During the 1970's Liza Minelli’s short feathered cut in Cabaret (1972) and Jane Fonda’s androgynous shag hairstyle in Klute (1971) could be seen in various forms throughout the decade, centre parting and asymmetrical styles were popular.  

1970's

1950's

1960's

 Image Credits: Pinterest. [ONLINE] Available at: https://uk.pinterest.com. [Accessed 31 January 2015].

The hairstyle I chose to create was from the 1960s.

Equipment Needed

Paddle Brush

Pintail comb

Dry Shampoo

Curling tongs

Sectioning clips

Kirby grips

Hairspray

1. When creating this hairstyle, the process would usually begin with blow drying the hair.  One-day hair is best to work with when creating this style, but if your model has freshly washed hair, give the hair some texture by spraying the hair with dry shampoo. 
2. Firstly, take your pin tail comb and create your first section of hair, this should be at the back and top of the head.  To create this hairstyle you would usually use heated rollers, when using rollers you need to make sure that the section of hair is no wider than the roller itself.  However, during my practise l I used a set of curling tongs.  Pull the hair forward, place the end of the hair in the tongs and roll down.  Hold the tongs for roughly 10 seconds, this may vary depending on the thickness of the hair, then release and secure with a small sectioning slip or a kirby grip.
3. Follow this process downwards, around the top and crown of the head.  Once you have completed all your sections, these leave to cool for 5-10 minutes.
4. Once all of the sections have cooled,  gently take the clips/ grips out and backcomb them gently to create volume and lift.  Always back-comb with precision, this will create a better looking overall style, and will help your model when it comes to brushing out the style.
5. Gently tease and move the hair into the position you want it, then secure with kirby grips.  Smooth over the hair with a comb and finally finish with a slightly layer of hairspray. 

Studio: The Catwalk Contour

During our make-up studio session this week, we attempted the 'Catwalk Contour'.  There are various different ways to contour, contouring for the catwalk will vary on what kind of look the designer is going for.  In general, make-up looks are heavier in the winter, therefore the contour will be too.  However, during spring/summer designers tend to go for a more glowy/beachy look, so the contour tends to be a bit more natural with more emphasis on highlighting.

Image Credit: Contouring Highlighting Hacks, Tips, Tricks, Pictures; How To | Teen.com. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.teen.com/2014/11/13/style/beauty-news-trends-ideas-celebrity-inspiration/contouring-highlighting-hacks-tips-tricks-tutorial-pictures/. [Accessed 31 January 2015].

Contouring can be done with various different products, both cream and powder.  You can use different shades of foundation and concealer to contour and highlight or you can complete this process with powders after the foundation has been applied.  If using cream products, always remember to contour using a colour two shades lighter than your skin tone and use a colour two shades lighter to highlight. 

Equipment Needed:

Make-up brushes

Primer

Foundation

Derma Palette/ Concealers

Translucent Powder

Bronzer

Blusher

Highlighter

1. Apply your foundation as normal, making sure that it matches your skin tone.  This will provide a basic coverage and give you a base to apply other products. 
2. If you're using cream products,  select a shade of foundation or concealer that’s a shade or two lighter than your skin.  Taking a tool of your choice, a brush or a beauty sponge work well, apply the lighter foundation to the centre of the forehead and down the bridge of the nose and blend out well.  After this, apply underneath the eyes in a triangular shape.  Finally, you can add a small circle of the lighter colour onto the chin.
3. Now, using a foundation or concealer a shade or two darker than your skin tone,  dip your brush in your contouring colour. Apply to the outer edges of your chin and apply in a thin line between the highlighted areas of your nose if you wish.  When contouring the cheeks, deposit most of the product by the ear and blend downwards to stop a muddy look occurring. 
4. A powder highlighter will allow you to accentuate any features that the light would naturally hit.  You can highlight the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, under the brows and the cupids bow.  By highlighting, your face seems brighter, healthier and fuller.

Slightly Heavier Contour

Lightly Contoured

Highlighted Skin

Urban Decay's Picture Perfect Packaging

Along with their selection of products, presentation, promotion and price point, one of the key elements of any cosmetic company has to be their product packaging.  Whilst researching further into Urban Decay as a brand, I came across a really interesting article on www.thedieline.com.  The article consisted of an interview with Wende Zomnir who is Founder and Chief Creative Officer & Amy Zunzunegui who is VP of Product Development.  The Dieline asked Wende and Amy to give their audience more insight on Urban Decay as a brand, and to explain the creative process, the packaging and any for-see able trends.

The first question asked was all about the new 'Pulp Fiction' collection- "How Did The Design For Pulp Fiction Eye Palette And Collection Come Together?"

Image Credit:  Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Collection | Spoiled Pretty. [ONLINE] Available at: http://spoiledpretty.com/2014/07/urban-decay-pulp-fiction-collection/. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Wende Zomnir says that "Pulp Fiction was groundbreaking movie-making, released during the same era as Urban Decay's inception, so how could we not be inspired to bring back the look for the 20th anniversary?".  She also spoke about how iconic black bobs and blood red lips defined the film, so Urban Decays Pulp Fiction products are modernised versions of the lipsticks, shadows, liners and nail varnishes that would have appeared in the film back then. 

The next question was based on the ever so controversial Electric Palette, the die line asked- "The Electric Palette Packaging Seems Like A Hand Air-Brushed Piece Of Art. A Lot Of Your Past Palette Packaging Designs Feature Drawn Line Art. Tell Me How You Decide To Go This Direction And Why?"

Image Credits:  Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Collection | Spoiled Pretty. [ONLINE] Available at: http://spoiledpretty.com/2014/07/urban-decay-pulp-fiction-collection/. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Urban Decays answer to this was that they take inspiration from absolutely anywhere.  Wende Zomnir and Amy Zunzunegui both say that "It might a t-shirt or a greeting card or a paint color that inspires us initially, then the design develops from there.".  All of UD's packaging and artwork is created in house so that they are able to constantly look back at the design, this enables them to see if they are going in the right direction for that product, in that moment.  

The last question, which I found really intriguing was about the much loved Naked Palettes.  Definitely an item that the majority of the make-up loving world can't live without, they asked-  "The Naked Palettes Are Truly A Girls Best Make Up Item. It Seems Like The Packaging Consistently Reflects The Current Trend. What Is The Process You Take To Translate A Current Trend Into The Packaging?"

Image Credit: Rikkes Makeup Blog . [ONLINE] Available at: http://rikkesmakeupblog.dk/2013/11/urban-decay-naked-3-kan-nu-forudbestilles/. [Accessed 18 January 2015].

Zomnirs reply to this final question was "We really don’t follow trends, we’ve always been a bit of a rule-breaker!  We are inspired by fashion, movies, handbags, jewellery, art exhibits, photography, other makeup and the people we work with. We try to be open to all kinds of new ideas and images.". 

References:

Urban Decay. (October 16, 2014). Brand Spotlight: Urban Decay. Available: http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2014/9/16/brand-spotlight-urban-decay. Last accessed 29th January 2015.

Urban Decay...Feminine, Fun or Dangerous?

"Urban Decay is beauty with an edge. It’s feminine, dangerous and fun."

Feminine:

These are some of the images that are placed on the Urban Decay 'Feminine' Pinterest Board.  The images are very soft and girly with the use of a lots of pastel pink and bronze colours.  I think a 'Feminine' customer would value shades from the Naked 1 and Naked 3 Palettes, and their overall make-up look would be fairly natural but still polished. 

Dangerous:

The 'Dangerous' board contains a look of darker images, both is style and colour.  The 'Dangerous' customer wouldn't be afraid to experiment with make-up and hair styles, trying new shapes and colours.  Bold brows and sharp liner are pinned numerous times on this board, and definitely convey a dangerous message. 

Fun:

The 'Fun' board is very colourfully experimental.  The images show women with various different shades of hair and a fun, quirky style.  In my opinion, the Electric Palette would appeal to the 'Fun' customer as it is full of vibrant shades. 

Urban Decay on Social Media: Pinterest

Image Credits: Urban Decay on Pinterest. [ONLINE] Available at: https://uk.pinterest.com/urbandecay/. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

After looking through Urban Decay's social media presence,  I have released they often use Pinterest to share images and inspiration to their followers.  They have various different boards, each tailored to a style of make-up, a product or general colour/ make-up inspiration.  I think this is a great way for them as a brand to engage with Urban Decay customers, as in the modern day, most people are able to connect with them as a brand through social media on their phones or laptops/computers.  As well as this, young people, who are the main target audience for UD are always scrolling through apps like Pinterest or Instagram for new make-up looks or new products to try and the UD Pinterest account has this all in one place. 

Urban Decay's Blog: The Violet Underground

Alongside their presence on various other social media platforms, Urban Decay also have their own independently run blog named ' The Violet Underground '.  Not only do they post about make-up, but they also post about News, Inspiration, How-to's and Behind the Scenes.

I think their blog is also great as it gives Beauty Bloggers and Youtubers (or generally people who are interested in make-up!), the chance to share their creative talent with like minded others.  This gives us as viewers of the blog, chance to see old and new products in action and inspires us to experiment with our style.

Urban Decay are also very clever as their Youtube is linked to their website, which in theory should increase the following on both platforms, the same goes with their Youtube and Pinterest accounts. 

Spring/Summer 2015 Beauty Trends

Bare-Faced Beauty

The most frequently heard words backstage at the shows were "natural", "minimal", and "real".  Proenza Schouler only used concealer on the models, while models went completely make-up free for Marc Jacobs.  This barely-there make up would fit nicely when thinking about my high-summer look, allowing the skin to be seen through light application of make up  to give a really natural and glowy look.  This fits nicely with my chosen brand as they have recently launched their 'Naked Skin' line. 

Marc Jacobs

Image Credit: Spring Summer 2015 Beauty Trends: Catwalk Hair & Make-up (Vogue.co.uk). [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2014/10/03/spring-summer-2015-beauty-trends-catwalk-hair-makeup/gallery/1239477. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Make-up Artist: Francois Nars

Inspiration:  Francois Nars said "Marc likes how from the staging to the clothes it's completely styled… he likes to depersonalise the girls".  It was actually Marc Jacobs idea to stick to a bare faced look to create a 'model army'.  "I don't like middle-of-the-road, so I hate the idea of always doing a 'healthy' look. Rosy cheeks and all that," Nars said.

The Colour Purple

Apparently purple is the colour of the season when it comes to eye make-up.  Dainty lilacs, smokey deep purples and icy lavenders were all seen on the catwalk.  A smokey eye using purples instead of the typical greys, blacks and browns would make a nice change for an evening inspired look as Urban Decay have a variety of coloured shadows available.

Vera Wang

Image Credit: Spring Summer 2015 Beauty Trends: Catwalk Hair & Make-up (Vogue.co.uk). [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2014/10/03/spring-summer-2015-beauty-trends-catwalk-hair-makeup/gallery/1239477. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Make-up Artist: Lucia Pieroni

Inspiration: Lucia Pieroni created plum-toned smokey eyes at Vera Wang, with a small amount of mascara to define the lower lashes only.  Pieroni's aim was to create 'sinister' not 'sexy' eyes, with the idea that the models had "been in the woods for a really long time and haven’t seen any sun,”.

Blushing Berry Lips

Every hue of red was present for the spring/summer shows.  Red lips are a timeless, classic feature perfect for an evening and can look just as beautiful sheered out for a daytime look.   Orange hues, bold scarlets and rich berry tones were most popular.  UD has a lovely selection of 'Revolution Lipsticks' that come in a selection of reds, corals and deep berries for a bold lip look.  These lipsticks also now come in a sheer version, named 'Sheer Revolution', which would be perfect for a spring/ summer look.

Topshop Unique

Image Credit: Spring Summer 2015 Beauty Trends: Catwalk Hair & Make-up (Vogue.co.uk). [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2014/10/03/spring-summer-2015-beauty-trends-catwalk-hair-makeup/gallery/1239477. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Make-up Artist: Various, Head MUA: Hannah Murray

Inspiration: The inspiration behind the makeup for Topshop was bright, bold and super retro.  They went for bold lips with smudged kohl around the eyes.  They aimed to create a preppy look with a feminine edge.

The Low Ponytail

An effortless & chic style, I'm so glad the low ponytail made an appearance at the spring/summer shows.  The low ponytail was styled in numerous ways...crimped at Stella McCartney, bedhead style at Giambattista Valli, sporty at Alexander Wang and wet-look at Prada.  Paired with natural or bold make-up, I think this style adds a sophisticated yet sharp feel to any look.

Giambattista Valli

Image Credit: Spring Summer 2015 Beauty Trends: Catwalk Hair & Make-up (Vogue.co.uk). [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2014/10/03/spring-summer-2015-beauty-trends-catwalk-hair-makeup/gallery/1239477. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Hair Stylist: Orlando Pita

Inspiration: The inspiration behind this messy style comes from the girls Giambattista Valli hangs around with himself, they are creative, complex but still relaxed.  Valli wanted the girls to look beautiful but still natural.

The Anti Cat-Eye

Black eye-liner has never really gone out of style, however the way to wear it for spring/summer 2015 is from the middle of the eyes extended past the outer corners just like the models at Céline, Prada and Narciso Rodriguez or in a bold line underneath at Just Cavalli.  UD's 24/7 glide-on pencils are one of their best selling products so experimenting with liner for a look would be interesting. 

Narciso Rodriguez

Image Credit: Spring Summer 2015 Beauty Trends: Catwalk Hair & Make-up (Vogue.co.uk). [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2014/10/03/spring-summer-2015-beauty-trends-catwalk-hair-makeup/gallery/1239477. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Make-up Artist: Dick Page

Inspiration:  The focus was kept on the eyes. “We did as little as possible to the skin and the eyes were just black,” Dick Page explained.  The look was completely inspired by Debbie Harry.

References:

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2015 - No Make-Up (Vogue.co.uk). [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2014/09/12/marc-jacobs-spring-summer-2015-no-make-up. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Vera Wang Spring 2015 Makeup - New York Fashion Week Beauty Trends. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.style.com/beauty/backstage/2014/vera-wang-spring-2015-makeup. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

London Fashion Week SS15 - Day 3. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.getthegloss.com/article/london-fashion-week-ss15-day-3. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Backstage Beauty: Narciso Rodriguez Spring 2015 - theFashionSpot. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/461313-backstage-beauty-narciso-rodriguez-spring-2015/#/slide/1. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

The Top Spring/Summer Fashion Trends 2015

Gingham

Gingham is back this Spring/Summer, last Autumn it was all about Plaid, but for spring it's all about the tiny check.  Cutouts, harsh lines and colour-blocking at Lela Rose for New York Fashion Week added an edgy vibe to this sophisticated print, while v-necks and sheer fabric at Diane von Furstenberg added a certain sexiness to a modern woman's silhouette.

Image Credit: Spring 2015 Fashion Trends From Fashion Week: Glamour.com. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2014/09/spring-2015-fashion-trends-from-fashion-week/3. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Suede

‘Suede is having a real moment – we have bought more for spring 2015 than ever before,’ Ben Matthews, buying manager at NET-A-PORTER.COM says.  Trench coats, A-line skirts, and classic boot-cut trousers were key pieces on the catwalk. 

Image Credit: Marie Claire's Ultimate Guide To The SS15 Fashion Trends | Marie Claire. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/blogs/547491/spring-2015-trend-report-fashion.html. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Sportswear

Alexander Wang took the sportswear trend one step further for spring 2015.  Mesh bomber jackets, fluorescent two-pieces, and soft touch clutch bags were all created, inspired by a simple trainer.

Image Credit:  Spring 2015 Fashion Trends From Fashion Week: Glamour.com. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2014/09/spring-2015-fashion-trends-from-fashion-week/3. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Crop Tops

This Spring/Summer, designers still can't get enough of the much loved crop top.  Floral prints were a big hit, along with pairing up a crop with a high-waisted skirt for a real feminine feel. 

Image Credit:  Spring 2015 Fashion Trends From Fashion Week: Glamour.com. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2014/09/spring-2015-fashion-trends-from-fashion-week/3. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

One Shoulder Cuts

One-shoulder tops and dresses (a twist on spring 2014's off-the-shoulder ones) are back with a bang this spring/summer.  One-shoulder cuts still add that edgy feel while still keeping a feminine touch.

Image Credit:  Spring 2015 Fashion Trends From Fashion Week: Glamour.com. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2014/09/spring-2015-fashion-trends-from-fashion-week/3. [Accessed 29 January 2015].

Studio: The Clean Catwalk Face- Matte vs. Dewy

The 'Clean Catwalk Face' is a key skill for a make-up artist.  The key to creating a great, clean base all begins with skincare.  Before creating dewy and even matte skin, the face needs to be cleansed, toned and well moisturised.  

There are different types of base that you can create with foundation for fashion and beauty; matte skin, dewy skin and satin skin.  The aim is to keep both bases flawless, however matte skin has no sheen.  Dewy skin is luminous and glowy.  Matte skin is seen most often during the autumn/winter time and is great paired with statement eyes and lips, whereas dewy skin is most polar during spring/summer to create that golden summer slow. 

Equipment needed:

- Make Up Brushes

- Primers (Dewy and Matte)

- Foundations

- Concealers

-Highlighter

- Translucent Powder

Creating Matte Skin:

1. As I have said before, always start with a cleansed and moisturised face.  Start by finding the right shade of foundation for your model/ client. 
2. After this, either apply a matte primer to the skin, massaging well into the face or mix the primer into your chosen foundation.  This will create a matte look to the foundation, but will also sheer the foundation out too.
3. Take a foundation/buffing brush and start applying the foundation, start in the centre of the face and blend the foundation outwards.  This will prevent you applying too much product and will help to create a natural, flawless look. 
4. Once all the foundation is blended out across the face, making sure to go down the neck and onto the ears also, apply some concealer.  Apply a slightly lighter shade under the eyes, and a concealer that matches your models skin tone to any blemishes. 
5. Finally, powder the face.  This can be done with a sponge or a large brush.  Either way, apply the powder by rolling the puff or brush over the face. 

Matte Skin

Matte Skin

Creating Dewy Skin:

1. Again, start with a cleansed and moisturised face.  Again, find your perfect foundation shade.  You may want to use a foundation with a dewy finish to enhance the luminous look.
2. After this, either apply a dewy primer to the skin, massaging well into the face or mix the primer into your chosen foundation.  This will create a glowy look to the foundation, but will also sheer the foundation out too.
3. Take a foundation/buffing brush and start applying the foundation, start in the centre of the face and blend the foundation outwards.  This will prevent you applying too much product and will help to create a natural, flawless look. 
4. Once all the foundation is blended out across the face, making sure to go down the neck and onto the ears also, apply some concealer.  Apply a slightly lighter shade under the eyes, and a concealer that matches your models skin tone to any blemishes. 
5. Next, apply a highlighter to the high points of the face.  These being the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, cupids bow, and under the brow bone.
6. Lastly, if you have an oily complexion, very lightly powder your t-zone.

Dewy Skin

Dewy Skin

Studio: Volumised Hair

Voluminous hair is a key look with the fashion and beauty industry, one of the best ways to give the hair volume is by blowdrying it.

Tools Needed: 

- Water Spray

- Heat Protectant & Mousse (if desired)

- Paddle Brush

- Round Brush

- Pintail Comb

- Sectioning Clips

- Curling Tongs

- Hairspray

1. To start the blow drying process, spray the hair until fairly damp.   For a voluminous blow-dry, add some mousse throughout the hair too, from the roots to the ends.
2. Once your products are applied, rough dry your hair with a hair dryer. Rough drying means that you use no brush.  You want to make sure that the hair is about 80% dry, hair takes shape from damp to dry, there is no point in trying to create shape or volume while the hair is still soaking. 
3. Next, divide your hair into clean sections. You don’t want them to be too big or messy; they shouldn't be wider than the width of the brush.  Start with the sides or the back, just make sure that the hair you aren't drying is clipped out the way.
4. Take your hair dryer, making sure that the nozzle is attached, as this will easily direct heat. Start at the top of the section of hair, placing your round brush under the hair at the roots.  Lift the brush up high, drying underneath and on top to create lift.  Once you have dried the roots, gently pull the brush through the mid section of the hair and then through the ends, turning the brush slightly as you go. Remember: Always hold the hair dryer in the same direction of the hair, this will give a smooth and sleek finish with no fly-aways. 
5. After this, work your way all around the head in tiers—the bottom and then the next row and the next row above that.
6. Once you get to the crown, be sure to dry this in upwards motions, this is where you want the most volume. 
7. If you wanted to set the hair, after you have dried each section, you have the option of using the cool setting on your dryer.  Simply go over the section with cool air, which will set the hair in place. 
8. Once you have finished blow drying the hair, take some curling tongs, and loosely curl the ends.  Using a tong with a large barrel will give the best effect when create a voluminous blow dry.  You can also back-comb the hair slightly using a comb to give even more volume, but this is optional.  Another way of adding volume is crimping, however you should always make sure the crimping is done purely at the roots and is well hidden.
9. To complete the style, spritz with some hairspray.

Volume at the crown

Volume at the roots

Added curls at the ends

Finished Look

Trip to London: Brand Research and Shopping

On Monday (09/02/15), we had a course trip to London.  We started off in Covent Garden, where we went to a few make-up boutiques for demo's, to get advice and opinions on products, and to learn more about the individual brands that we have chosen to study. 

Luckily my chosen brand, Urban Decay, offered to give us a make-up demonstration.  The demo was really interesting and allowed me to learn even more about the brand as a whole.  Danielle, a senior make-up artist for UD, lead the demo and showed us how to create a dramatic cut-crease with bold brows and lips.  As she was applying the make-up, she talked though the products she was using, the best way to apply them and which brushes worked best for different parts of the application process.  Danielle made sure to tell us, when creating a strong eye look, to complete the eyes before applying your base products.  By doing so, this will stop any fall out from the dark shadows or liner being smudged onto your foundation.

Danielles Finished Look

After the demo, we had a Q&A, she was really helpful when answering questions about the brand and gave us a real insight into the heart of Urban Decay.  With the help of Danielle, I am now able to write various blog posts with in depth information about Urban Decay as a brand and their products.

What is Urban Decays signature look?
There are three signature looks, us girls that work at Urban Decay usually fall into one of these categories.  These catergories are  fun, feminine and dangerous.  I definitely fall into the Dangerous category, I love my drag make-up and experimenting with dark, vampy colour and sharp lines.

Do the nail varnish sets release in the UK?
Very rarely, they released some sets in House of Fraser a while ago but I think that's it.  They only really release Limited Edition sets in the UK, as they don't sell as well here as they do in the US.

What are your staple products for the everyday make-up bag?
The Naked Palettes are a must for every make-up lover, they last ages.  I've had my Naked 2 Palette for nearly two years now and I'm only just hitting pan on some of the shadows.  The eye primer and setting sprays are also amazing.

If you could release any products for Urban Decay, what would they be? 
Big things are happening for Urban Decay this summer, we are realising our Summer Collection very soon.  I can't say much about it, but it will change the brand in a big way.  All I can say is that a lot of the product will revolve around lips and cheeks, so take from that what you like!  If I was creative director, I'd bring out a whole new range of matte shadows because the ones we have already are amazing and so versatile, so having more would be great!

What is Urban Decay's most versatile product? 
The Naked Basics Palettes are my absolute favourite, you can use them for anything from brows, to eyes and even highlighting. 

All About Advertisements- Urban Decay

Whilst researching Urban Decay's advertisements, I have struggled to find many that incorporate a lot of colour.  None the less, their campaigns are all unique and equally stunning.  To this day, any advertisements that I've seen from the company have been online or in magazines, never have they broadcast adverts on the TV. 

Image Credit: Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.miwitch.com/2012/07/launch-urban-decay-naked-skin.html. [Accessed 18 January 2015].

Image Credit: Urban Decay Cosmetics for Eyes, Lips, Face, Body and Nails. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.urbandecay.com. [Accessed 18 January 2015].

Image Credit: Urban Decay Cosmetics for Eyes, Lips, Face, Body and Nails. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.urbandecay.com. [Accessed 18 January 2015].

Image Credit: Urban Decay Cosmetics for Eyes, Lips, Face, Body and Nails. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.urbandecay.com. [Accessed 18 January 2015].

However, I did recently discover that there is an Urban Decay Cosmetics Youtube Channel.  The Channel features videos about new products, up-coming trends and even make-up tutorials from some of the companies make-up artists as well as a handful of beauty bloggers/vloggers.  These tutorials vary from how to use a specific Urban Decay product to creating various different day & evening looks.  Their channel currently has over 35,000 subscribers, showing that they connect well with their audience through social media, this is no surprise considering I believe that as a brand they appeal more to the younger, tech-savvy generation.  

As well as Youtube, they also have a huge following on Instagram (1.6 million) and Pinterest ( 64,000).  They are constantly posting pretty pictures of products onto their Instagram, and even ran a competition on their Pinterest account last year.  Followers were asked to pin looks they would love to wear to Coachella Music Festival in America with Urban Decay picking a winner to give tickets to at the end.

Urban Decay Make-Up Must Haves

At the moment, the brand portfolio from Urban Decay Cosmetics only includes make-up and a variety of nail polishes.  Here are a few of Urban Decays highest rated and best-selling products...

The Naked Palettes

Image Credit: Rikkes Makeup Blog . [ONLINE] Available at: http://rikkesmakeupblog.dk/2013/11/urban-decay-naked-3-kan-nu-forudbestilles/. [Accessed 18 January 2015].

The Naked Palettes are how UD do neutral! The first Naked Palette contains an array of warm neutrals, its far from a group of boring beige shadows. Packed with gorgeous neutrals, the shades range from delicate champagnes, glistening golds to dark, gritty gunmetal.  Next, comes the Naked 2.  I would say that this palette is the cooler sister to Naked 1.  The shadows are definitely more taupe and greige based.  

Onto the last palette of the Naked sequel, Naked 3.  Naked 3 is definitely the most unusual out of the bunch...containing 12 never before seen roses-hued neutrals.  Each of the palettes contain smooth mattes and shimmery shadows, and all come with a double ended brush!

Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Image Credit: Urban Decay. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.urbandecay.com/featured/highest-rated. [Accessed 18 January 2015].

The eyeshadow Primer Potion is UD's best selling product, applied before your eyeshadow for more vibrant crease-free colour that lasts for 24 hours. This is the most legendary primer in the beauty industry.  The Eyeshadow Primer Potion is coveted by makeup artists and makeup junkies alike.  This Primer is available in 4 shades, perfect for matching different skin tones or make-up needs.

24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil

Image Credit: Urban Decay. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.urbandecay.com/featured/highest-rated. [Accessed 18 January 2015].

These award-winning pencils are said to be creamy, waterproof and forever- lasting.  Created with 50% moisturising ingredients suspended in a sophisticated waterproof formula, 24/7 Eye Pencils offer long-lasting colour and a dreamy, creamy feel when applied.  Urban Decay really do offer every colour of the rainbow with these liners, with 40 shades available. 

All-Nighter Make-Up Setting Spray

Image Credit: Urban Decay. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.urbandecay.com/featured/highest-rated. [Accessed 18 January 2015].

All Nighter...my favourite setting spray ever! Developed in an exclusive partnership with SKINDINÄVIA, this groundbreaking, clinically tested formula is suitable for all skin types.   All Nighter keeps your makeup looking gorgeously just-applied for up to 16 hours – without melting, cracking, fading or settling into fine lines. 

My Chosen Beauty Brand- Urban Decay

Image Credit: Urban Decay, la Cina ed i test sugli animali | Le Shampiste. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.leshampiste.com/urban-decay-cina-test-animali/. [Accessed 17 January 2015].

One of my favourite beauty brands has to be Urban Decay, I truly believe they are a unique brand that offers make-up from every colour palette.  They offer some of the most colourful cosmetics on the market, but do neutral just as well!

About Urban Decay

Urban Decay is an American cosmetics brand headquartered in Newport Beach, California. The company was founded in 1996 by Sandy Lerner, a co-founder of Cisco Systems, Wende Zomnir, and David Soward.  Urban Decay started nearly 20 years ago when pink, red and beige dominated the beauty market.  Sandy Lerner and Wende Zomnir were recognised as creative and strong-minded businesswoman with a determination to shake up the cosmetic industry. 

The team mixed nail polish in Zomnir’s Laguna Beach bungalow. From there, they launched Urban Decay in January 1999, which included a line of 10 lipsticks and 12 nail polishes.  Their colour palette was inspired by the urban landscape with names such as Roach Smog, Rust, Oil Slick and Acid Rain.  The first magazine ad was named “Does Pink Make You Puke?,” fuelling the revolution as other cosmetic companies then tried to keep up with Urban Decays ever growing make-up line. 

Image Credit: "Does pink make you puke?" | Flickr - Photo Sharing!. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/superflysparkle/6220266392/. [Accessed 17 January 2015].

Urban Decay is known for some unusual shades and new, experimental products.  They are primarily known for their Eyeshadow Primer Potion, highly pigmented eye shadows, waterproof 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Sprays and three of the best-selling eye shadow palettes: Naked, Naked2 and Naked3.  Urban Decay are also a cruelty free company.

Image Credit: The Style and Beauty DoctorThe Style and Beauty Doctor. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.thestyleandbeautydoctor.com/2013/11/new-beauty-floor-at-macys-herald-square/. [Accessed 17 January 2015].

Beauty and The Brand: An Introduction to my New Project

Our new project, Beauty and the Brand, will focus on make-up and hair for Fashion and Beauty.  Fashion and Beauty is a key feature within industry and definitely the style of work that I am most interested in pursuing further, so I'm really looking forward to learning more about this area of work and expanding my skills.  Throughout the project, I will be looking into one of my favourite beauty brands, thoroughly researching them, before creating 6 different looks in the style of my chosen brand.  These look will include: 1 daytime image, 1 evening look, 1 Spring/Summer inspired look, 1 beach look and another image focusing on other items my chosen brand sell.  

We will also be completing a timed assessment, the outcome produced for this will be an advertising campaign for our chosen beauty brand.