Thursday, 19 May 2011

Enhanced.

I bought the June copy of InStyle the other day.


And whilst flicking through the multitude of adverts, I noticed one in particular.

L'Oreal Paris Lash Architect 4D Mascara featuring Milla Jovovich.


It caught my eye because Milla's eyelashes look so natural. A rare word associated with the world of advertising.

I then noticed that the advert did not contain the usual 'enhanced in post production/styled with last inserts'.

I though, could it be that these are actually Milla's lashes?! No lash inserts, no digital enhancements?

This is the first beauty advert I've seen without the 'enhanced in post production' clause, since it came into action.

Not that I see anything wrong with heavy post production, especially as an aspiring retoucher.

Whether a mascara is advertised using lash inserts/post production, it still doesn't depict the results you're going to get. I think the results vary depending on your own personal lashes and the way you use the mascara.

But compare the above L'Oreal advert, to the below Rimmel advert (also from InStyle June).

Rimmel London Day-2-Night Mascara featuring Zooey Deschanel.


Firstly, why retouch Zooey so much? She really doesn't need it, girl can hold her own. See....


But compare the eyelashes from these two adverts...


Zooey's eyelashes are clearly fake, considering how perfectly they arc round her eyelid, the size gradually progressing in size.

Milla's actually have some irregularities - some lashes pointing in different directions, naturally varying in length.

It's just so refreshing to see some realistic results.

Monday, 16 May 2011

Trend: Light Patterns.

Another trend I've noticed, courtesy of my Inspiration Folder.

Beautifully filtered light, through objects such as lace, clothing, furniture and blinds.

Lovely subtle way of adding another dimension to a photo.





Alexandre Weinberger


Anne Menke


Antonina Dolani


Cedric Buchet




 Greg Lotus


Ida Bjorvik



Sarah Louise Johnson


Stefan Giftthaler




Txema Yeste

I love the varied use of this technique; both to soften or harden, boldly and delicately.
I simply adore Anne Menke's ladylike use of lace and Ida Bjorvik's strong vertical lines.

I'm in love with this trend!

Tuesday, 10 May 2011

Devon Rex.

First time I saw a Devon Rex I thought it was a stray cat.


Intrigued, I took to the Internet to explain this mesmerising cat to me.

Turns out their 'mangy' looking fur, is simply just wavy/curly and caused by different genes.


I kind of fell in love with them after that. I seem to be drawn to cats others don't like. The unconventional cats.

Someone else who shares my love for Devon Rex's is Kasia Bielska who shot this story for Ben Trovato.









Cool cats, no?