I heart NYC

Besides the incredible amount of creativity it contains, including this which is a mind blowing must see...

The endlessly inspiring fashion and street art...

The most super fun form of public transport...

And the most enjoyable way ever to spend a weekend, here and here...

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I never fail to uncover some major make-up gems that find their way to the very top of my beauty routine or my set bag and here are a few worth trying out.

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Sensual Skin Enhancer (silly name) from the late, great Kevyn Aucoin is truly the wonder base product I have been searching for,  It is a super creamy multiple product working as a foundation, a blemish concealer and an under eye highlighter providing astounding results.  I find you get the best out of it if you work it into your skin with your fingers, it comes in sixteen shades and is available here in the UK for £36.00 and here in the US for about $56.00.  It's a tiny pot but it goes a very long way and is perfect for a little enhancement as opposed to a full coverage base.

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Doctors Dermalogic Formula - DDF, Ultra lite oil free moisturising dew (long name) is exactly what is says on the label, it's super light but seems to keep my skin hydrated all day and make-up can be applied almost straight after using it. If you have sensitive skin and are searching for a great summer moisturiser give this a go.  Available here for $40.00

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Finally Fresh Cannabis Santal (controversial name, ha!) is absolutely delicious,  it is marketed as a mens fragrance however I found it to be sexy and sultry and seemingly perfect for NYC.  With top notes of Bergamot and Brazilian Orange, heart notes of Cannabis Accord (no it doesn't smell anything like that) and rose and base notes of Chocolate, Vetiver and Vanilla it is simply delicious.

I always find New York City a constant source of inspiration and this time round was certainly no exception.

Cartoon Cuties...

Oh Gosh, some serious sweet...

Snap, Print

A fashion icon...The Polaroid.

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(Helmut newton, world gem flash 1997)

Every now and then a little something comes along that really rocks my world.  Today I found out that this has happened...

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As an MUA polaroid cameras have a special place in my heart.  Before digital cameras (can you imagine?!) a polaroid camera was an on-set staple in the make-up department, we used them to snap a quick continuity shot of our actors in situ.  This was always the perfect way to take a continuity shot as you instantly had a visual reference for the scene you were currently filming.

This is a combination of instant print and digital and I am in love!  On my recent trip to NYC I decided to tote around my FUJI Instax Mini instead of my SLR (Nikon D3000) and I was able capture the city in a whole new light in a way that only an instant print can.

I don't think this little camera will replace a compact digital in my set bag for work, but it is certainly going to be a welcome addition to any social occasion as it feels like an exciting new generation of an old classic.

What do you shoot on?

A Colourful Concept

Having disappeared for what seems like forever, totally consumed with a new comedy, photo shoots, The Queen's Jubilee and a whirlwind trip to New York City, I'm back.  Thank you so much to everyone who kept checking in during my absence your support means the world to 56 to Rivington. 

I have so much to report that I hardly know where to begin but I thought I would kick this summer weekend off with a really bright USA discovery.  Sephora has collaborated with Pantone (Genius!) to create the most vibrant palettes I have seen in a long time.

Having checked these guys out in person I can confirm that the palette is huge (it claims to be able to 'slip' into your handbag but I'm not so sure about that!) and the pigment in the product is rich and blendable, inspired by nature, with a really great variety of colour and tone to create anything from a sultry smokey eye to girly ombre shadow and even a striking neon eyeliner.  This is the perfect product for make up junkies and people who are experimenting with their look alike as it covers all colour bases!

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Not only have they collaborated on palettes but they have also come up with some pretty awesome hard wear too.  These brushes are super soft natural bristle brushes housed in a case that matches the shadow palette (which incidentally are both very slimline).  I really hope this collaboration continues with more collections coming out each season because with a partnership like this one the possibilities are endless.

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Both of these products are really reasonably priced with the palette being $55.00 (£35.20) and the brush set $38.00 (£24.30).  If you are near a Sephora go and have a look, although that place is dangerous I never leave without spending a fortune.

Have a vibrant weekend guys!

Setting the Tone...Jubilee

1) Beautifully Regal interiors inspiration as featured in my home...OK, it's the Queen's home Buckingham Palace.  Understated huh?

2) Limited Edition Lancome - Jubilee Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate, gimicky, expensive, Monarch approrpriate!

3) Adorable crown necklace from cult London label Tatty Devine, perfect for your street party.

4) If you really want to feel like HRH then this is her favourite brand of handbag, Fact! not cheap but if its good enough for the Queen of England then it's....
5) Estee Lauder can always be relied on to release a compact in celebration of, well, anything really and the Jubilee is no exception, Union Jack Solid Fragrance compact, £320.00.
6) Celebrate 60 years in comfort with this cute Changing of the Guards vest from British brand Aubin and Wills.
7) YSL - Rouge pur Couture - A Right Royal Red.
8) Steam Cream in a glorious Limited Edition Big Ben Tin,  Adorable.  


What are you doing in celebration of The Queens 60 years on the throne? Did you even know this was happening?

Little Quirks...

I still adore the pale pink hair trend even though it has been done to the death, it's so pretty and feminine and I really hope it lasts just one more summer.

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Oh Man, These Chanel beauty marks are just killer, what a gorgeous splash of rock and roll added to a really dainty eye make-up.

Amazing, another awesome MAC collaboration, this time with Ruffian.  Resulting in some super fierce temporary talons. How gorgeous are the matt black and gold versions?  

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I just love adding something quirky to an everyday look.  Either Pink hair, a beauty mark or a matt black manicure should do the trick this week! 

I Love Lucy...

Do you ever get the feeling that you have so much going on it's hard to keep on top of everything? Well I am having that feeling! With only a week of filming left to go on the TV series I am currently working on, I can't wait to get back here to fill you guys in on whats been going on and the exciting things happening for 56 to Rivington in the near future. In the meantime here is a woman who knows exactly what it feels like to have things moving just a little too quickly!

 

Don't you just love their hair do's?