FACE GOOP: Shiro Cosmetics Review

Make up is fun right? Eye shadows and lip glosses in every colour imaginable. But it can be hard to find quality products that animal cruelty free and vegan friendly. Fear not! Shiro Cosmetics ticks all the right boxes, plus all their products are nerd themed. What’s not to like?

Shiro is a great little indie cosmetics brand based in Portland, Oregon. I first found put about them through a YouTube make up review from Chloe Dykstra (all the thank yous EVER, Chloe). The names of the eye shadows were pretty cool and the colours were incredible. Triforce, Smell Ya Later and TARDIS. Nerd themed make up? YES PLEASE. The coolest thing about indie companies is that because they are small, they include free samples in all their orders. This is usually two eyeshadows and some American candy. I had Hodor in my last order, which is amazing!

The Hobbit Collection, $1-$6.

Super Effective Collection, $1-$6.

The eyeshadows are neatly sorted into franchise collections, with all colours having a similar property, whether it be sparkle, matte or colour palette. Each is available in sample size, medium or full pot. Prices range from $1 (Yes, you read that right) to about $6. So they are a very fair price. Fans of the Facebook page suggest names for the Colour of the Month, with a new shade available for that month. Previous names include Still No Oscar for Leo, TARDIS and Nic Cage Raking Leaves on a Brisk OctoberAfternoon. All are produced as a loose pigment so they can be a little messy… You can buy them as individual colours, full collections or the entire Shiro Eyeshadow range, made up of over one hundred full sized eye shadows. Obviously if you choose this option, there’s a discount. They work out about £2.80 per eyeshadow, which is amazing. A girl can dream…

Along with ALL THE EYESHADOWS EVER, they have a great range of lip glosses. Shiro has just revamped it’s website and added new products, but also sadly discontinued others. Their range of Intertubes was awesome. These were tinted lip balms in all kinds of crazy colours, from blue to coral. They‘ve had to make way for new formulas, but only five new colours are available at the moment so it might be worth keeping an eye out to see if new ones are added soon. My favourites from the Intertubes range are Three Wolf Moon, Why Not Zoidberg, Nyan Cat and Team Buffy. I ordered a butt load of them when I saw they were being discontinued!

New tinted balms, $5 each

Old intertubes

Three Wolf Moon. SO PRETTY.

International postage is flat rate $7.50, which works out around £4.50. Not too shabby. It means you can get a fair amount of decent make up without having to pay a ridiculous amount of money! It’d be great for them to introduce some pressed palettes and maybe some more vibrant colours like Sugarpill Cosmetics, but apart from that I can’t fault them. The extra goodies in the order and the handwritten thank you from Caitlin and her team is what makes this indie company so wonderful.

Need a gift for a nerdy lady friend? Want to treat yourself? If you love make up or fun, head over to Shiro Cosmetics and have a look around. I take no responsibility for the stupid amount of time you’ll lose while you’re on there.

FINALLY, A CAPITOL COUTURE COLLECTION. Worth The Wait?

Let’s face it, who didn’t like the Capitol costumes in The Hunger Games? Ok, so some of the wardrobe for Catching Fire was provided by McQueen, but Trish Summerfield was the lady behind the other great outfits. She has recently released a collection inspired by the movie. But would the Capitol approve?

 Maybe fashion trends like we see in the Capitol should be reserved for Gaga and fancy dress, but I think Summerville could’ve been a bit more daring with this collection. So there’s some interesting panelling and fancy cocktail dresses, but where are the bold colours and crazy proportions? 

Although the name implies Capitol Crazy, the collection is I think based more on the outfits used to portray Katniss than the Capitol look itself. They could reflect the fact that her own clothes were used to build and portray her image into a symbol of rebellion before she herself realized. The elements of this show in the use of bold block colours along with the strong lines, all connected to her strong personality.

Frazzled letters on Girl On Fire T-shirt £60

My other issue is the price. I understand why clothing can be expensive. The process of designing and making clothes is hard work (trust me on this one, it’s not all pretty drawings and sewing machines). But I don’t understand how a brand can print a slogan on a shirt, sew their label in it and whack a great big price tag on it. Especially when there are younger people interested in a franchise like the Hunger Games, who would be interested in getting a nice piece of clothing that is linked to the film in some way. A bit like designer Henry Holland having two labels: One high up fashion house and another smaller one in Debenhams, which younger people can afford.

Shiny Laser-cut Leather Dress £800

 All that aside, it is a nice collection! Made up of 23 items, it’s monochrome with hints of colour and a nice mix of daywear and eveningwear. The active wear has a slight nod to the training outfits worn by the Tributes and designed by Lucas Hugh. My favourite piece is the silver arrow arm cuff- it’s gorgeous! Also the leather jacket. But the ear cuff’s a bit weird.

Oh so pretty Silver Cuff £220

Glorified fanny pack £230

Will I be saving up for a piece from this collection anytime soon? I don’t think so. Maybe the cuff can go on this year’s birthday wish list. If you want to get your mits on a fancy dress, pretty jewellery or glorified fanny pack, head over to NET-A-PORTER, where you can find the whole collection, exclusive to the site.

Thanks to Sarah for making me sound a little less stroppy x

A DAY IN THE CAPITOL

A couple of Fridays back, I took the early morning train to London for A Day in The Capitol, an event organised by Lionsgate to mark 100 days to the release of Catching Fire. The day focused on Capitol style, looking at costumes and make up for the new film. There were makeovers, chats with designers and a screening of the first film. My ideal day out!

FANCY STUFF

The whole event took place in an apartment at The Soho Hotel, which I was surprised at, as I thought it would be a much bigger event. Attending were about 20 journalists, the organisers from Lionsgate, a make up artist, fitness instructor and the creative director of clothing label Lucas Hugh. The scale of the event and the relaxed environment meant that it was possible to have group discussions with everyone and get all the inside info on the wardrobe and Catching Fire.

Anjhe Mules, Creative Director of Lucas Hugh

I mentioned that the creative director of Lucas Hugh, Anjhe Mules, was at the event. Although Lucas Hugh is still a fairly small brand (only three years old), designs from the inaugural collection were picked up on by Trish Summerville, the costume designer for the second film. Lucas Hugh is a sportswear brand that includes garments that can be worn as normal daywear as well as for exercise. The initial collection featured a jacket that caught Summerville’s eye and she saw it as being an item that could not only be worn in training scenes in the film, but also as daywear for the citizens of the Capitol. The Hunger Games has such an influence on them that this jacket is something they can wear because it not only plays an important role in the Games themselves, but also because it has that added glamour that Capitol fashion requires. A fitted slick black sports jacket with gold and silver reflective detailing and hidden pleating at the back is not only classy and elegant, but simple and practical as well. Samples of the jacket along with matching top and leggings we on display at the event for people to have a detailed look at.

Lucas Hugh

Made from polyamide elastic, the outfit is durable and absorbs sweat- essential for the actors when they’re shooting the training scenes! All seams are glued together so they are less likely to split and the jacket has a waterproof spray coating. The pretty reflective gold and silver geometric patterns are hand painted onto the fabric. Wowzers. If you want to spend money to look classy when you’re out jogging or cycling (although no amount of money or fancy clothing can make me look fancy while doing exercise), then you need this jacket!

Training Jacket, designed by Lucas Hugh

Summerville was looking for a fresh new look for the wardrobe for Catching Fire. Based on futuristic sportswear, Lucas Hugh had the design style she was looking for and already had the technology needed to endure high levels of exercise. Every design from Lucas Hugh is sent to athletes from a range of sports. They test and give feedback to the designers about the quality, cut, durability and overall design of the clothing, so Lucas Hugh can produce high quality garments that buyers will love. Celebs such as Jennifer Lawrence’s personal trainer and Madonna are fans of Lucas Hugh and I can see why!

The full training suit used in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The design process for the clothing used in the training scenes took a year and a half (just Summerville and Mules doing the design work), while all the costumes had to be made in just three months. This was Angie’s first time working on a film and she explained how she was nervous about having a key role in such a big franchise, as well as taking care of and maintaining her business at Lucas Hugh.

Effie-esque

Adding crafty touches to an outfit to match Effie's McQueen Butterfly dress that's featured in Catching Fire

SHINY JEWELS

Other things from ASOS

At the event were also numerous items from ASOS, all of which has similar designs to what’s worn in the Capitol. We were able to try things on (along with Capitol wigs) and have a Capitol makeover from make up artist who works for Lionsgate. She has previously worked on celebrities and has done makeovers for other events organised by Lionsgate. I didn’t catch her name, but I know she’s an astrophysicist. All the yeses. Ever. I asked her what the main things to consider when getting a Capitol look with make up. Emphasis on the eyes, bringing the eye shadow lightly down onto the cheekbones to really highlight them and bright lip that falls in the same palette as the colour of the eye makeup. All these must coordinate with the rest of your outfit. She used mainly MAC and Smashbox eye products to create these effects. Also, there is A LOT of glitter with this look. If you wear contact lenses, don’t put the makeup on too heavily. You’ll forget it’s there and occasionally rub your eyes. I did and by the time I got off the train at Bradford on Avon, I looked like I’d gone 10 rounds with Mike Tyson. Not a good look. I’d like to apologise for the quality of some of the photos. I was trying to hold the camera steady whilst simultaneously stopping my wig from falling off and peering through my glittery gloop coated eyes.

Make up from MAC, Bobbi Brown, Smashbox and others. SO MUCH GLITTER.

Make up artists can perform miracles. Effie Trinket/drag queen/Sybil Fawlty.

After we’d all be Capitolised, we settled down to watch the first film. I’d forgotten how good it was. Then we had a personal trainer come and talk about a thing that Lionsgate and the-gym-that-must-not-be-named are doing. I’m not sure how much has been said about it, but basically people can sign up for the twelve weeks before the release of Catching Fire to take part in an exercise regime that is a bit like a routine you’d do if you were competing in The Hunger Games. You track your progress through a series of challenges and see how well you’ve improved since the beginning of the programme. I am seriously considering signing up for it. As tough as it sounds, it’ll be a laugh! We were given goodies at the end of the day in the form of a free copy of The Hunger Games DVD and the second book. I hadn’t read any of the books before seeing the film and was super excited when I finished the book in two days. I’m making it my mission to read the first and third before uni starts again next month.

Goodies from the day

So that was a little snippet of my Capitol day out! (Who am I kidding? This post’s the longest thing I’ve ever written). I had such a fun time and thanks to Lionsgate for putting on such a brilliant event. We need more like this please!

GET THE LOOK: A CAPITOL FACE

You can’t have Capitol clothes without the Capitol face. Theatrical and bold; fancy false lashes and quirky colours are essential. Pick a colour scheme to match your outfit and you’re away!

The Queen of Capitol fashion, Effie Trinket.

A few weeks ago I heard about a site called Shiro Cosmetics. They specialise in nerdy themed make up with equally amazing names, such as The Legends Collection and The Super Effective Collection. It’s also pretty reasonably priced, vegan, handmade and animal cruelty-free. Most eye shadows are available in sample, mini or full size, ranging from $1- $5. However, there are special shadows such as The Hobbit Collection that cost up to $6. Intertube lip-glosses are also available in sample, mini or full size and cost between $1.80-$6.50.

They also have the ‘Derps’ range, which are colours that aren’t the exact shade of the colour trying to be produced. These are available at discounted prices and the colours are still amazing, despite being wrong.

Wait. There’s more. You can order custom lip-glosses. If you see an eye shadow or blush that you fancy and it’s ‘lip safe’, you can have it turned into a lip-gloss! SNAZZY.

After you’ve looked at the ones below, take a look around the whole site. It’s a bit like Etsy, in that you’ll be looking around for ages and get side-tracked by all the cool stuff and ruin your social life a bit but it’s brilliant fun.

They do have a Tributes Collection and it is super awesome. However, I thought the eye shadows from The Super Effective collection were more suitable for getting a Capitol look, as they are brighter and more bold than the Tributes Collection. Although this beauty has Effie Trinket written all over it:

"Happy Hunger Games!"

All of the following products are from Shiro Cosmetics unless otherwise stated.

Blusher: Get those cheeks rosy with this Potion mineral blush… 

Potion Mineral Blush

Eye shadow: From the Super Effective Collection use Elite Four, merged with Smell Ya Later and lined with a bit of Team Rocket.  

Elite Four

Smell Ya Later

Team Rocket

Eyelashes: Rose Lashes from the ‘British Collection’ at PAPERSELF are beautiful and wonderfully dramatic. Perfect for the Capitol look (£12.50).

The British Collection: Rose Lashes

Lip-gloss: I’ve picked two different colours of intertube lip-gloss from Shiro Cosmetics’ for the Capitol inspired look. Although they are both great colours, I think the first one will compliment the purple eye shadows more. The second one is just bloody amazing.

Gloss 1: Insanity Wolf. A white gloss that’ll compliment purple eye shadow and add to the quirkiness of Capitol dress. 

Intertubes: Insanity Wolf

Gloss 2: This lip-gloss is awesome. Not just for the fact that it’s the perfect shade of Capitol pink, but also because it has the best name for anything ever created. ‘Smashing.’ Why so brilliant? It has a picture of Nigel Thornberry’s face on it. It completely changes how you say ‘smashing’ in your head.

Intertubes: Smashing

If you want to see how to blend all these lovely eye shadows properly, head over to Queen of Blending’s youtube channel. She doesn’t use Shiro products, but you’ll get some tips for how to apply them, along with eyeliners and false lashes.

With a Capitol face like Effie Trinket’s, the fashion odds will be ever in your favour.

“LORD NELSON’S TROUSERS, IT’S A YETI!”

GET THE LOOK: CAPITOL DRESS

I recently did a thing for Geek Syndicate where I wrote about the Capitol Couture revamp. It’s a Hunger Games based site that’s been re-launched in celebration of the new film, Catching Fire, due to be released November 22^nd this year. The new Capitol Couture has more of a focus on high fashion similar to that of Capitol fashion seen in the films.

I wrote a follow-up post, which showed how to get the Capitol look but with high street garments instead of high-end fashion. You can find that post here (when it’s up on the site). I then thought it’d be interesting to do a ‘Get the Look’ post for a more expensive outfit using high-end high street, and also one achieving the make up style of Capitol fashion. The make up post can be found here.

Dress: This stunning number from French Connection is a classic example of Capitol fashion. It’s fitted waist and gathered skirt reflect Georgian dress and is a lovely neutral colour, which you can team up with any bold accessories.

French Connection Dress, £200.00

Shrug: Exaggerated shoulders and shape is what comes with this beautiful feather shrug from Ted Baker. Key elements of the Capitol look. 

Ted Baker Shrug, £199.00

Belt: This ASOS gold metal belt will synch in your waist and break up the dress to create an hourglass silhouette. It’ will also match your other gold accessories.

ASOS Gold Belt, £30.00

 Jewellery: Layer this gold collar from ASOS over your feather shrug for a glamorous and classy look.

ASOS Gold Collar, £25.00

Shoes: These boots from ASOS are called ‘Trinket.’ Need I say more?

ASOS 'Trinket' boots, £50.00

So that’s your outfit sorted.

Next up: How to get a Capitol face.

Abstract Illustrations

Today I’ve been working on my journal I’ve had to write as an intern helping the 3^rd years. I’d run out of things to write, so I’ve done some experimenting with illustrations as it’s been mentioned in my journal and in conversation with my 3^rd year partner that it’s something I need to work on.

So with this work, I decided to mess about with shape and proportion and work on some more abstract stuff that I don’t usually do. I’m pretty happy with the results, so I thought I’d blog it.

Most of the pictures on these are from a magazine called Citizen K. I get the French version as reading it every now and again keeps the French in my head after not studying it for a couple of years. Plus it’s €1 instead of £6. BARGAIN.

Ok, it’s not exactly illustration. I’ve just cut up body parts from magazines, matched them with clothes and drawn a couple of things on them. Not much, but it’s a start! For someone who doesn’t usually like doing illustration, I like the surreal effect this kind of collage illustration gives. I’ll definitely look into exploring this idea of size and proportion and try and incorporate more of my own drawing into it soon.