Thursday saw the official launch of Selfridges Beauty Project and we attended the party at their Exchange Square store.
The Beauty Hall was packed full of beauty fanatics all trying out the latest in beauty and makeup trends. Chanel were offering blind fragrance testing, while YSL and Nars were offering mini make overs. Bobbie Brown were also offering tutorials, so we sat down with one of their make-up artists who taught us how to achieve the perfect smokey eye! (Although I have to say that my attempt at copying her wasn’t very successful!)
MUA to the stars, Armand Beasley was also at the event and he gave us his beauty top 10 from the evening;
1. Illamasqua Precision Ink Liquid Liner- it create’s an elegant feline flick or nail art with this ‘indistructable’ liner. I love Havoc (Aubergine) for green & blue eyes and Abyss , which is the classic black.
2. Nars Larger than Life Liner in Black- it’s a long lasting smokey eye essential especially on the waterline.
3. Creme De La Mer Eye Concentrate- the most effective eye cream for lines and dark circles due to its iron rich minerals and famous Miracle Broth!
4. Clarisonic Aria- uber efficient cleansing tool.
5. Suqqu Eye Makeup Remover- This is so gentle but amazingly efficient from this underrated Japanese brand.
6. Clarins Double Serum- This is the number one selling serum on the market at the moment!
7. Road EDP travel kit – Ryan Air heiress has created 10 unusual edp in a handy travel kit.
8. Armani Silk Fluid foundation- Such a great foundation that is build able and a staple in my kit.
9. Nars Multiple in Copacabana – great for highlight and contouring, this is an essential addition to you make-up kit.
10. YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush – new to the market, this versatile lip & cheek stain is perfect for glamour on the go.
We were also treated to some tasty meringues and cocktails, while the resident DJs provided the music for the night.
The night marked the beginning of a month long programme of events and talks that will run until June 12th. The upcoming talks include;
Thursday 15 May: Who are You Calling Invisible? Beauty and the Older Woman.
This see’s fashion industry expert and diversity campaigner Caryn Franklin host a conversation with Helen Walmsey-Johnson from The Guardian and Jody Furlong, a top London casting director. They will discuss the relationship between beauty brands and the use of older women, as Marc Jacobs new beauty campaign features 64-year-old Jessica Lange and 68-year-old Charlotte Rampling is set to be the new face of Nars.
Wednesday 21 May: We’re Born Naked, The Rest is Drag; Identity, Fantasy and Beauty Beyond Gender.
This talk explores the transformative powers of make-up and the role of beauty work in the creation and expression of gender and identity. Dr Sally Hines (Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at Leeds), make-up and drag artist Grace Oni Smith and Cheddar Gorgeous (drag performer, visual artist and Manchester academic) will discuss the idea of make-up and identity.
Wednesday 4 June: The Good, The Bad and the Beautiful.
Sali Hughes, journalist, broadcaster, Guardian columnist and founder of the award-winning salihughesbeauty.com, will be discussing the rituals, history and effects of beauty work and examining its place in modern feminism, with writer Emma Jane Unsworth and fashion historian Amber Butchart,
All talks will take place in Selfridges Italian eatery, San Carlo’s Farmacia del Dolce on the Lower Ground. Tickets are priced at £15 and includes a glass of wine plus a tasting plate of San Carlo’s delicious signature dishes. Tickets can be purchased online (www.selfridges.com) or in store at the Services Lounge, also on the Lower Ground floor.
By Emily Parker
Images from Carousel PR
