New York State of mind

Phew, What an amazing, exhausting and totally inspirational trip that was. Here are a few moments from yet another fantastic visit to one of my very favorite places. I promise to fill you in on all of the details as soon as I have caught my breath.

(all images via 56toRivingtom)

A Genius at Work

Bill Cunningham can only be described as the true originator of fashion documentation. His work is an endless source of inspiration for so many dedicated fashion bloggers. Relentlessly cycling the streets of New York City, he has been documenting the absolute finest and most unique the Big Apple has to offer for decades.

With London fashion week drawing to a close, my fashion fire must continue to be stoked! So, I secured tickets for the opening night of the new documentary film by Richard Press detailing his legendary life so far.

(image via)

It opens on March 16th at the Film Forum in new York City. It is going to be a few hours of calm during a busy trip across the Atlantic for myself, where I can't wait to walk you through a few of my favorite streets in New York, and, where we will also have a look at some of the finest make up stores and products to be had in the USA.

Tape up

The countless uses and delightful projects involving Japanese masking tape or 'Washi' tape have been floating around the web for quite a long time now. This still didn't stop me from purchasing more of it than even the most crafty of crafty people would know what to do with, and just when I thought my Washi tape binge was over.

This happened. Styled beautifully with a little leather handle that I simply could not resist. The Japanese really have the cute, gimicky, must have but really not sure why products down to an art form.

I mean does anyone really need this addition to their craft collection, do they?

Erm apparently yes, I do, Its a washi tape printer. It comes with all different types of tape to feed through it, and it prints in both Japanese and English with plenty of little boarders and pictures to choose from to customize your labels further.

And of course in true Japanese style even the box is aesthetically pleasing with tremendous attention to detail.

My make up storage has never been so labeled and organized.

(images Kye Corfield)

I knew it would come in handy.

Happy Valentines Day

(image via)

Lip Service

My addiction to lip products was always going to be fed in Japan, Having discovered some brilliant balms purely by trial and error (due to minimal English on the packaging) in Hong Kong the year before I knew I was in for a treat in Tokyo.

This product instantly caught my eye because of its adorable name 'MuruMuruButterMu' and the balm itself doesn't disappoint. A yummy mixture of cocoa butter, vanilla and moisturizing properties thanks to what I'm guessing is a beeswax base. Delicious. Although, I assume sadly this product is pretty hard to come by outside of Japan (please correct me if you know otherwise).

(images Kye Corfield)

So here is my absolute favorite Lip treatment after trying out what I believe to be hundreds. Created by French Make up artist and skin care Queen Terry de Gunzburg. It is definitely on the pricey side but is worth every penny. Giving a Luxurious creamy pink sheen to the lips, totally eliminating the need for a gloss, and with a light rose scent it has most certainly kept my lips soft and smooth through the really cold winter months. It is absolutely one of those make up bag must haves. Go on treat yourself you won't regret it I promise.

Tissue Issue

Personal hygiene is of utmost importance in Japan as is the notion of being 'green'. Whilst traveling around Tokyo I noticed that most people carry handkerchiefs or small towels with them at all times. These were often made from beautiful Japanese silks and printed with traditional cherry blossoms. Not only providing something very pretty to sneeze into or to clean sticky hands with but also a much greener alternative to tissues.

Of course I had to search them out for myself and bring some home. The slightly larger one is toweling and would be perfect for someone with a little one in tow. However, I will be using these in my kit, providing some serious eye candy during those early morning make up calls.

(images Kye Corfield)

Turning Japanese

Japan is utterly mind blowing, and I just returned. It has been a whirlwind tour of the most incredible country I have ever had the pleasure of being completely consumed by. As a Make up artist I knew I wanted to explore its vast beauty industry but I was totally unprepared for some of the most unique, products, treatments and weekend transformations that I have ever seen.

Over the next few days I will tell you all about the borderline obsession I have developed over the crazy city that is Tokyo, Introduce you to some of my more interesting make up and craft purchases and talk about the mutual love that the Japanese and I have for precision make up brushes.

And of course I'm so looking forward to meeting you guys.