INSTYLE BEAUTY AWARDS

Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of being on the panel of experts to vote for INSTYLE'S 100 BEST BEAUTY BUYS.
The most fabulous thing about this is all the free make-up and beauty creams you get sent in hope that you may vote for them, which can turn any product into a best seller.
I try to be as honest as I can when judging and this year two products I voted for won their category, and I have given a quote for each which was published in the supplement. (see above)
At the awards I got very drunk with fellow hair and make-up artists  celebrating the pure beauty of it all along with the endless supply of champagne.
RUBY AND MILLIE have since sent me a whole lot of new brushes to use, which is in great timing as I have just recently lost my brush kit. So thank you RUBY HAMMER, my drunk mention to you of my situation certainly wasn't lost, your truly fabulous!

PRODUCT OF THE DAY

L'OREAL PLAY BALL TEXTURE TONIC is always in my kit bag ready for use on any hair. Gives great texture and volume to hair with out feeling weighed down and sticky. Really great for when roots of the hair are a little greasy as it dries it out, and is perfect for fine hair. Simply spray into the roots of dry or damp hair then blast with a hot dryer. Instant lift! The bottle shape is a little bit interesting too.

LOOK OF THE DAY

Todays look comes courtesy from exotic and sweet model LIZZY BURDEN @ ELITE.
An easy smokey eye, pale lip and textured hair. (The Smokey eye and Textured hair are the focus)
MAKE-UP: Line the inside of the eye with URBAN DECAY EYELINER in black, do this several times and smudge in by squeezing the eyes tightly. Then line the outside of the eyes and smudge using small smudging brush. Keep the lids bare for a more young look. Curl lashes and apply black mascara.
HAIR: To get great texture spray in LOREAL PLAY BALL TEXTURE TONIC all through the hair and dry in. Then take sections of hair and lightly back brush from roots to ends skimming all over the hair. Blast each section of hair with hot dryer to set. Use you fingers to pull out back brushing leaving hair with a wild and free texture.
This technique is particularly good for anyone with fine hair giving instant volume.
The look is a little bit rock, young, fun and good for anyone under 60! x

WINDOW SHOPPING FOR WIGS

Walking home form work last night the new window display at Liberty made me stop in my tracks. Liberty do have a habit of  really interesting window displays and these do not disappoint. It has been a long time since I have seen such impressive wig work, what lucky mannequin's you are. I have to say who ever was responsible snaps to you. It was like looking at a really fabulous editorial hair story. If you are in town go check it out, quite inspiring.

FROM PARIS WITH LOVE AND DAMIAN GAROZZO

Iris Strubegger stars in a fiery fashion-film-editorial (a term we may soon be hearing alot more of) in this months collaboration between Flair Magazine and multimedia company Vision-On.
The short film shot in NYC's the BOX nightclub is spliced into 14 images to create a print story featured in the magazine; a simple yet brilliant innovation in the future of fashion editorial!
Iris exudes the perfect mix of sultry non-chalance and expensive sophistication; and with a face like that I can't imagine it was hard to pull stills from this footage; she works at every angle...
Although heavily referenced from 1920's-50's glam, the slicked hair and sharp, slick (eyebrowless!) makeup allows the look to transcend eras; and just because the 'noughties' decade is over, its quite clear that this look will be referenced for many years to come... Certainly if will I have anything to do with it!

Damian
x

STYLIST OPINION

WHO WANTS TO BE A MODEL ANYWAY?
There is a reason why model agencies exist, this is because model agencies represent models. And basically models are here for one purpose,  to create an image and sell product.
So you could imagine my confusion this morning turning up for work on a look book for a cashmere company, when instead of a professional model present ready to flog off their expensive wears, was a young female intern of a friend of a friend.
Okay so this young girl was pretty in a tall Rummer Willis kind of way (you get where this going) but she had never modeled before in her young life, and to be fair did not really have the how should I say...... the jawline for it.
Times are tight and budgets are being cut I realize, but after you are shelling out for Hair, Make-up, Stylist and Photographer, do you think it is so wise to start scrimping on the model?? Sounds like false economy to me.
So basically this story turned out in tears, and tears for the poor young pretty Rummer Willis type. As after the morning trying to get the first shot with an uncomfortable energy running through the studio, it was decided that things were just not working and the girl would have to be sent home.
It was not nice removing hair pieces from a crying young girl in the changing room, but it was better for her to end things quickly then let such a confidence shattering experience continue.
I blame the person that put her up for the job, thinking that just because she was a pretty young girl that she could handle performing and being scrutinized by a group of people for a fashion shoot, especially when she was not even a model.
Of course the shoot was saved by a professional model being called in and doing what was required, which resulted in a certain kind of relief for all us on set.
But I still feel a little sorry for the young girl who was told that she could model, and hope her confidence has not been shattered to much. She probably didn't even want to do it anyway, can't say I blame her, who even wants to be a hot model?  Not me, Im happy being hair and make-up that's where things are really hot!

PRODUCT OF THE DAY

If you want to wear a red lip colour for winter but don't want that heavy lipstick look LANCOME COLOR FEVER SHINE lipstick could be the product for you. It gives strong pigmented colour with a light reflecting transparent ultra shiny radiant finish. So now you can go red with out fear.

LOOK OF THE DAY

It has been a cold slow start to the year, but now 2010 is here with us I could not think of two more ravishing beauty's  to begin STYLIT IN THE CITY with.
The gorgeous and ever so sweet GABRIELLA @ TESS, and the just as gorgeous HANNAH @ ING.
The look is fresh dewy skin with subtle youthful shinny red lips, and clean groomed hair.
MAKE-UP: I kept both models skin clean and fresh starting with BOBBI BROWN VITAMIN ENRICHED FACE BASE as a moisturizer. Then curling the lashes and applying NARS mascara in BLACK ORCHID on top lashes only. For the base I used SHU UEMURA NOBARA CREAM COVER STICK in shade 754, then a slick of eyeliner using MAC CREME LINER in black with a slight wing to edge of eye. Fill in the brows lightly with brown powder and brow brush, finishing  the look with LANCOME COLOR FEVER SHINE in shade 104 RED LUST.
HAIR: Spary into the roots of the hair LOREAL PLAY BALL texture tonic, and dry in. Using a large round brush and blow dryer smooth hair out with a slight bend on the ends.
The look is fresh clean and perfect for a crisp winters day. Now all we need is some blue sky to match.

COLD OUTSIDE?

Advertising for French tanning lotion product Bergasol in 1976 by graphic designer Bernard Villemont.
Don't know about you but this illustration makes me want to either A. Reach for the self tan or B. Get on a plane and head somewhere hot and fabulous.
As you can see tanning was not an issue in the 70's. Love it.

PRODUCT OF THE DAY

So as we on the northern hemisphere are entering the winter months the skin is starting to take effect from the cold weather. The perfect antidote for this is using M LAB Body Treatment Cream on your gorgeous body to keep it not only looking good but also feeling fabulous.
I have been using this now for a couple of months and it has become one of my favourite personal products to indulge in, because as you are dipping into the jar and applying it can really tell that it is working and living up to all it's claims that is written on the label. (see below)
Not only that, but the packaging is so hot and modern you know that this stuff is expensive and it can take pride sitting on your beauty bench to make all that see it green with envy.
You want your loved ones to get you something extra special for Christmas hit them up for a jar of M Lab Body Treatment, and love them forever.
'Formulated with 55% clinically active ingredients, a fusion of peptides, exfoliants and hydrators help to promote collagen and elastin production, smooth and brighten skin tone, and provide long-lasting moisturization'
Im sold.

BEAUTY MUSE OF THE DAY

Todays Beauty Muse is the iconic English actress Julie Christie.
Julie has been in two of my favourite movies, one being the classic horror film  'Don't look now' set in Venice, and the other classic 70's movie 'Shampoo' with Warren Beatty. Ok so Shampoo was a dire movie but the premise of it was hillarious with Warren Beatty being a gigolo who 'did hair'.
In both these movies Julie Christie had fabulous style and her hair looked amazing. Julie's hair is naturally curly making it easy to style, but given a blow dry it will always have extra volume and hold all day.
If you hair is naturally curly and you would like to wear it that way apply some hair cream to your hair when wet and let it dry naturally. After it is dry you can randomly tong the front section with a large hot tong to define the curls.
The key to Julie's look is all in the hair, so it may be time to visit the salon again to pamper yourself, especially as we are in party season.  You may even get a Warren Beatty type to not only do you hair but also do you! Enjoy

KAREN MAGAZINE

Editorial shoot in latest copy of KAREN magazine with photographer EZRA PATCHETT. I have known Ezra for years from back on the Gold Coast in Australia, and he is one of the coolest guys around, completely mental. Was doing hair only on this shoot working with make-up artist Jo Frost, who like her name was slightly frosty towards me at the start. As the shoot warmed up so did the iciness, as you can see from these shots they are hot hot hot!
JO and I found ourselves working side by side in Paris at the craziness that was back stage at the Mui Mui show, which helps give instant rapport. We are now keen to work together again with Ezra and get some more fabulous pics happening. Watch this space.

STYLIST OPINION

IF I WERE A GIRL?
Just how many looks can one girl morph into? Ten? Twenty? Two thousand? The last number would probably be a closer guess. Apart from Jennifer Aniston of course who seems to only have had two looks her whole life, one being 'Rachel', and the other being, well Jennifer Aniston. (That girl really needs to experiment more.)
Women really have all the fun when it comes to fashion, styling and dressing up. They have the world at their manicured finger tips, if they choose too of course. And why wouldn't you?
Actually some girls never really get into the habit, and I find it to be a mixture of disappointment and frustration at the same time. Its really upsetting to see a young woman sitting on the tube with greasy mousy brown hair scraped back into an elastic band, no make-up and tatty old trainers on her feet. There is something really annoying to me about lazy women who put no effort into their appearance.
Am I being to harsh? Maybe, because of course we all have our off days and for guys life is a lot simpler.  But if I were a girl I think I would be really going for it.
Shoes, Handbags, Short Skirts, Push up Bras, Blonde, Brunette, Red Lips, Smokey eyes, Dark nails, Dewy skin, Up do's, Straight, Wavy, Little Black Dress, Stockings, Suspenders, Lingerie, Diamonds, Pearls, Hats, Gloves and Scarfs. And the list keeps going...................................
Don't get me wrong Im very happy being a guy and in my book men should look like men, which means no make-up, no high lighted hair and definitely no 3/4 pants!
But girls you really have the upper hand in the power of transformation, so go for it, because you can.  Maybe this is why I love hair and make-up so much? The power to transform women, since I cant do it to on myself.
If next time you are having a crisis over what to wear for the day, remember to stop and think 'actually what can't I wear ?' And let the boys be boys.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

DONNY MILLER shares more poetic thoughts for us.

PRODUCT OF THE DAY

Last week I attended a press day for SHU UEMURA, which is always a treat.  SHU UEMURA are always so generous and really take care of free-lance hair and make-up artists. The most exciting news is the re launch of the NOBARA CREAM COVER STICK FOUNDATION.
This is my most favourite foundation of all time and now that it is in the convenience of a stick it is even better. I love the texture and feel of this product and the finish is absolutely flawless. It sits naturally on the skin allowing a coverage that conceals any imperfections with a satiny glow with long wear comfort.
If you have never tried it, go out and buy it. You won't be disappointed.

BEAUTY MUSE OF THE DAY

Todays Beauty Muse is French pop singer and actress SYLVIE VARTAN.
Sylvie was one of the first rock girls of France in the 60's and became a national icon. Sylvie also  a fashion icon set many trends, as you can see on the Vogue covers she was rocking the bleached eye brow before any one else, and her hair styles were copied by woman all over France.
To get the look it is all about that statement platinum blonde hair, while keeping the skin fresh and clear with a flawless base.
I could think of nothing hotter in the winter months then coping Sylvie's style. Grab the bleach, chop your locks and go for it!

FROM PARIS WITH LOVE AND DAMIAN GARROZO

SNOW QUEEN

Autumns leaves have finally fallen (annoyingly, all over my terrace..) and as the air turns icier with the day, so do our editorials.
This month’s Vogue China features aptly titled editorial “Snow Queen”, and although it’s not the first time I’ve laid eyes on the series this week, I still get goosebumps.
It’s images like these that prove how powerful hair & makeup can be when it transforms usually classic beauty (Du Juan) into an avant-garde, icy bitch!
Makeup artist Osvaldo Salvatierra paints Juan in a eerie veil of silver metallics, which when paired with a bleached brow (drool) makes Juan’s features pop in a beautifully abnormal way.
The unusual play of light created by Aussie photographer Lachlan Bailey gives the series a very ethereal feel.

It’s a little McQueen, a little futuristic, and extremely unwearable – everything I love in a beauty story!
Love, love, love it... looks like I’ll need to stock up on MAC silver pigment for winter..

Damian x

NEW CARD

Here is my new comp card with SOHO MANAGEMENT. My agent says it is her favourite......... maybe she says this to everyone.

BIGGER IS BETTER

Was looking for some inspiration for more hair beauty shots and you can not got past NICOLAS JURNJACK  for pure amazement!  Proving that big is always better. Check out his website http://www.nicolasjurnjack.com/

STYLIST OPINION

FREE-LANCER OR LIFE AS WE KNOW IT!
The life of a free-lancer is not an easy one, it certainly comes with it's ups and downs.
When you are working constantly everything is fine and life is great, when you are not working there seems to be a grey cloud floating above.
After nearly 10 years working as a free-lance hair and make-up artist that has never seemed to change, and from speaking with other free-lancers it seems to be a universal feeling.
So just why is it such a roller coaster ride being a free-lancer? Sure it is a great feeling being self emplyed and making your own rules. Having days off during the week when every one else is at work never seems to become tiring, especially on a Monday.
Of course having days off is fine, as long as you have earned them, and this is where the problem comes in. Having too much time off!
Usually people who are free-lancers are creative people who work in creative fields, and with creative people comes a need to contribute and produce quality work. Its all about self satisfaction, and when you are not working enough you are not filling those needs.
Creative people also crave respect and admiration from their peers, and  you are not gong to get any of this if you are only working one day a week.
Another problem is money. Sure as free-lancers we seem to get quite good day rates for work, but as soon as you work load is halved, so does the money. I can have great working week one week, and then have no work the next, so straight away that money I earned is halved, making it seem not so lucrative.
But I think the biggest problem of when you are not working is the feeling of not being wanted or needed, resulting in artist depression. This is not a great feeling, but unfortunately seems to come with the turf, and as far as I can observe never seems to go away. But as creatives I don't think we would have it any other way.

PRODUCT OF THE DAY

I had this mascara in my kit a while before I first used it, a whole year to be exact, but now that I have used it there is no turning back.
Okay so the brush may look a little strange to begin with, but it is actually an amazing design break through. You can really get right into the lashes and almost paint them on giving even coverage from root to tip. Almost like styling the lashes.
The one thing I will say is that once the mascara gets on the skin it really stains and is  hard to get off, so take care when applying. Other then that this is one of my new favourite products, try for yourself.

LOOK OF THE DAY

Model SILVIA DIMITROVA with PREMIER, certainly was a saucy minx. Maybe its her Bulgarian blood or that fact she looks so hot, I am not sure, but she certainly embraced her female powers.
MAKE-UP: I heavily lined the eyes with CHANEL LE CRAYON KHOL in NOIR inside and out extending the outer corners to a strong wing, keeping the line quite graphic. I then used RUBY & MILLIE SMOKEY EYES powder in blue over the black line to set it and give a more intense colour.
On the lashes GIVENCHY PHENOMEN EYES MASCARA in black.
The brows were perfect so just set them with BROW MOUSSE from TWEEZERMAN.
ROUGE VOLUPTE by EYVES SAINT LAURENT  on the lips, which is a thick textured super pale pink, then finally ORGANIC GLAM GLODEN BRONZE BRONZER on the check bones.
HAIR: Simply back brushed the roots on top for added volume.

CITY OF LOVE

Latest editorial for Cosmo, shot in Paris. Was fabulous to be working in Paris again, partly due to the fact that we were staying at the Westin Hotel. I remember going up to my room after checking in praying for a view, and I sure got one! Right over the Tuleries Gardens looking at the Eiffel Tower. We were all so excited, it was one of those great moments. The first picture was from one of our rooms, so you can see the view, and it  was so beautiful on a rainy day
I also had my French lover come and stay with me the first night , and we celebrated his birthday. We drank champagne and ate strawberries at midnight looking at the view. Really memorable.
The next morning we got ready for the shoot in one of the rooms in the hotel, and I did the hair and make-up in about 20 mins,  running back up to my room to see Mr French. All morning I kept going up to see him while working, was very naughty but fun.
The two models were very flirty and seemed to be quite into each other so it  was also interesting to watch the chemistry, think they even meet up that night.  Ahh Paris the city of Love.x

BEAUTY TEST

Hair and make-up test for a beauty shoot today with photographer ANTHONY NOBILO.
I kept the make-up minimal so it would be all about the hair. So minimal that I didn't even use mascara.
The model was Verena B@ Premier model management, who comes from Brazil.
She was sweet, but not to up for conversation. As soon as we meet her she ripped out her playstation and started playing it. I thought it was a big blackberry or something at first. Funny hey.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE FABULOUS DONNY MILLER

FROM PARIS WITH LOVE AND DAMIAN GARROZO

Hi all!
I’m uber excited to share with you my first post as guest www.stylistinthecity.com blogger.
I’m constantly scouring the web for editorial images to save on my PC and reference...In fact I’m pretty sure I heard my hard-drive yell at me today I’m that low on disk space..
(maybe It’s time to ditch the Vogue Paris subscription and save up for an external hardrive?)
Anyway, I’m loving this month’s Numéro , first the cover, and now this!!
Sebastian Kim photographs Alla Kostromichova this month in the editorial aptly titled “Double Face”
Alla is transformed from sleek, icy blonde (and AGAIN eyebrowless.... hmm I do love the Neanderthal look!) to fierce red in a clashing double act.
If I blink hard enough I almost see Lara. But Alla will do. I guess.
Kidding! She looks fab, but which Alla do we prefer?”

Damian. x

INTRODUCING DAMIAN GAROZZO

I will be introducing contributing bloggers working in the industry to help add to the mix of STYLIST IN THE CITY .
From fashion stylists, hair and make-up artists and glamourous women with an opinion, you will be kept up to date on everything fabulous.
My first contributing blogger is DAMIAN GAROZZO who will be posting under the title FROM PARIS WITH LOVE.
Originally from Australia and now working in Paris as a free-lance make-up artist, Damian will keep us informed on the beauty trends and fashion editorials coming out of the city he now calls home.
Damian started his career in Paris with an intership at L'Officel magazine and is now about to start with a new agency, keep you posted!

PRODUCT OF THE DAY

A bronzer that I can not seem to get enough of at the moment is from the ORGANIC GLAM make-up range from THE ORGANIC PHARMACY.

The shade I like is called Golden Bronze Bronzer (easy to remember) and gives the most amazing natural enhanced looking colour. The texture of the product is also great giving a silky sheen finish and is easy to apply.