Quarantine Hacks to Look and Feel Your Best

It’s been almost a year of the world being on lockdown, so it is safe to say you might be feeling blue. However, since COVID 19 has continued to outbreak across the globe, we should be using all this extra time in quarantine to look and feel our best. Being bored and stressed is something the world has been constantly feeling since the pandemic outbreak, here are some quarantine hacks to help you look and feel your best!

DIY Face Masks

Having to constantly wear a face mask in public can be really annoying. Blue, disposable hospital masks are harmful to the environment, let alone boring and are not a cute accessory. Instead, repurpose some old fabric or even clothing and create a one of a kind, unique mask for yourself. This not only gives you the option to create masks that match your outfit, but also is a much eco-friendlier alternative, since they are reusable.

Skin Care

During the winter months, everybody’s skin tends to get drier than usual and can have you feeling irritated. With all the extra free time we are getting in quarantine, why not create a simple two ingredient body scrub that leaves you feeling smooth and soft. All you need is one cup of grounded up coffee beans and three tablespoons of olive oil and there you have it, a body scrub that is completely natural, eco-friendly, and exfoliates your skin to perfection.

Another hack is to switch to acne control cleanser, especially for those whose skin tends to get on the oily side. With having a mask on your face for the majority of your day, you might start to notice you have developed more facial acne than usual (especially on your jaw and chin.... GROSS!) By switching to an acne control cleanser, you will be able to fix and/ or prevent acne from occurring due to masks.

Stay Fit

It is very easy to use all this free time on our hands to be lazy and unmotivated. This will take a look on our physical appearance and mental health. Stay motivated and create a journal of unique and creative ways to stay fit. There are many ways such as finally having the time to prepare and cook a home cooked meal, instead of having to settle for uber eats. Moreover, create a workout routine that consist of what exercises you enjoy and desire. Download the app Daily Yoga: Fitness and Stretch on your IOS or Android device for a free full yoga and gym workout you can do in the comfort of your own bedroom.

Staying Creative

Whether we would like to admit it or not, we tend to spend hours of our day lying in bed and scrolling through social media, which is not the best way to live life. Use this extra time on your hands to get in touch with your creative side. Gather as much inspiration as you can, whether it is going on Pinterest or even catching up on current fashion shows and trends. Doodle, sketch, write, design, or anything that interests you and see what you can come up with. Use the time to create your own online business or update your portfolio, as I can promise you will not regret it!

Skincare on a Budget

We all look for that perfectly priced product that can make our skin clear. Our age fearing society is spending more on the beauty industry, all looking to find the perfect solution. I am not a beauty expert but a stressed out student who suffers from breakouts and skin imperfections. This is a “how-to” and review of my favourite drug store products under $40 that keep my skin clear even during the most stressful weeks. 

ONLY 3 Steps to Clear Skin: 

Step 1-Cleanser:

Give your skin a head start. For best results start with removing makeup (if you are wearing any). Use a makeup removing cloth or makeup remover on a cotton pad. Then begin washing with a warm water rinse before adding the face wash. The actual face washing should be at least 1 min. Rinse the face completely off of all face wash and dry gently with a clean towel. Do not scrub the skin with the drying towel instead dab your face gently.

Recommended Product: 

If you are experiencing breakouts like me from oily skin/stress I recommend Cetaphil PRO DREMACONTROL Oil control. This face wash truly stopped me from regular breakouts even during my period. The product is a foam wash that contains Zinc Gluconate which absorbs oil and Zinc Coceth which give a deep pore cleanse. It’s pump top container dispenses a white scent free foam formula that leaves the skin fresh with zero residue. The foam is very light and delicate to touch so I typically use 2 to 3 pumps. It’s not as highly priced as the high-end products but delivers the same results.  It can be found for around $20 at local drugstores. 

Step 2-Serum:

Most people skip this step but I highly recommend applying it because serum can effectively help with wrinkles and breakouts. Apply the serum with clean hands and gently massage a nickel sized amount into skin. Avoid your eyes and mouth but don’t forget your neck. The neck also has sensitive skin like the face and should be included in your facial skin care routine. Serums can have many things in them but 3 of the most effective ingredients that can be found in most serums are: vitamin C, rosehip oil and hyaluronic acid. 

Recommended Product:

Two words: HYALURONIC ACID! In my opinion the best drugstore hyaluronic acid serum is from L’Oréal Paris. The REVITALIFT serum by L’Oréal Paris contains 1.5% pure Hyaluronic Acid. It’s a clear scent free formula that has a smooth soft finish when applied. REVITALIFT absorbs quickly and you can expect to see results in the first week. I have found that using this daily truly gives me glowing blemish free, tight, and glowing skin. This serum is around $30. 

Step 3-Moisturizer: 

Now, apply facial moisturizer. Use a nickel sized amount and with your finger tips massage gently into face and neck. 

Recommended Product:

My absolute favourite facial cream is OLAY REGENERIST. It is a micro sculpting cream that in my opinion delivers results. This product is infused with Vitamin B3, Amino-Peptides, Antioxidants and Hyaluronic Acid. It’s a thick white cream that has a floral scent to it. It leaves your skin dewy and looking plump. You can typically find this product at Shopper Drugmart for around $40 but if you have a Costco membership you can find packs containing two for $50 so effectively you are only paying $25 per bottle.

The Art of Archive: 3 Instagram pages that are curating vintage luxury the right way

Archive designer clothing has been popular for some time, but more recently its cult following has exploded onto the mainstream. The coronavirus has only increased its popularity, and now many are choosing to buy the oftentimes (though not always) cheaper and better made garments of the past, over this season’s hottest trend. 

Although Grailed and Depop are still major selling platforms for archivists, it was only a matter of time before the market permeated Instagram to take advantage of the decidedly greater exposure, and more versatile platform. This has resulted in some incredibly unique and compelling Instagram shops, that not only offer clothing, but education on fashion history and culture as well. 

Despite the fact that none of the shops mentioned are designing any garments of their own, each feels very different. These shops don’t just sell clothes, but rather, curate garments and content to fit within the aesthetic niche they’ve moulded for themselves. 

Silver League @silverleague  

Silver League is based in Los Angeles and specializes in Avant Garde archive clothing. Brands like Carol Christian Poell, Ann Demeulemeester, and Rick Owens are commonplace at Silver League. Most of the garments sold are neutral toned with an emphasis on very good design, as well as interesting shapes and silhouettes. Although some of the clothes fetch crazy prices, many are very affordable within the context of luxury, and could even be considered a steal. Along with their almost daily product posts, they also provide educational content on key cultural moments and many of the designers they stock. 

Arco Maher @arco_maher 

Arco Maher archive is a London based shop that sells exclusively archive Stone Island. They specialize in rare and vibrant coloured knits and overshirts, in a variety of technical and traditional fabrics. They carry Stone Island from a range of years, but tend to focus mostly on the 90’s and early 2000’s, a golden era for many designers, Stone Island included. 

They are most famous though, for their outerwear, which has been seen on various celebrities over the past couple of years. Drake is a known customer of Arco Maher, and along with being one of the main contributors to the Stone Island craze over the past couple years, has been seen on numerous occasions wearing rare clothing from the store. Although I’m not the biggest Stone Island fan, I love their down puffer coats and the selection that Arco Maher has is insane. 

Endyma @Endyma 

Endyma is based in Athens, and is famously known for housing the world’s largest collection of archive Helmut Lang. In recent years, archive Helmut Lang, or more specifically, Helmut Lang between the years of 1986-2005, (prior to Helmut leaving his house) has developed a cult following, as many have begun to appreciate the enormous impact he had on fashion in the 90’s. 

Apart from Helmut Lang, Endyma also stocks brands such as Raf Simons, Miu Miu men’s and Burberry, all archive of course. Endyma’s Instagram account acts as a shop as well as an educational resource, as they offer in-depth garment analysis as new pieces come into the shop, which is almost daily. They break down the construction of the clothes and often times the shows that the clothes were presented in, to provide the reader with context as far as references go.

In a move that cemented archives’ position in the modern retail landscape, Endyma recently announced a collaboration with the British retailer Selfridges, where they would offer a selection of their Helmut Lang collection for sale on the retail giants’ website. Prior to it selling out on the Selfridges site, they had one of my all-time favourite pieces, the Helmut Lang AW2003 bondage bomber jacket, which as I’m sure you can imagine, was listed for an incredibly reasonable price.

Stylist Advice

As a stylist, every day I work with clients whose love of fashion is being challenge by the pandemic and are who are searching for new ways to continue to look and feel great, even when staying home. While some days you may wonder “what’s the point?”, but it’s important to remember that dressing well doesn’t have to be for anyone but yourself, and there are many fun ways to be a stay-home fashionista. Here are some of the ways I continue to look stunning and feel fabulous while staying home and staying safe.

The number one thing I do is keep a routine of getting dressed in the morning. Staying in P.J.’s all day can sometimes be the best feeling in the world, but after while you will begin to feel sluggish and lose motivation to be productive. Of course, when spending most of your day at home you want to remain comfortable but that does not have to mean sacrificing your personal style.

Some things to think about while getting dressed in the morning are texture, silhouette, and colour.

While at home, I try and stay away from stiff fabrics such as denim, or at least true denims (although some jeans can be quite comfortable if the fabric has been treated). Look for soft fabrics like cotton, silk, model, or even acrylic. Pay attention to how the article feels on your skin and the mood it sparks when you first touch it.

The next thing I look at is silhouette, if you are someone who loves to wear more fitted and structured clothing, continue to do so. Sometimes wearing a slimmer cut or tapered article of clothing allows you to feel that sense of normality we have all been missing. I personally like to stick with silhouettes that are more flowy rather than baggie. I play around a lot with a relaxed trouser, oversized dress shirts, kimonos, and sweaters that drape over my skin.  I even remember to accessorize with silk scarves in my hair for days when I did not wash it (come on - it’s a pandemic are we still doing that everyday?).  Think Georgina Hobart played by Gwyneth Paltrow in The Politician.

Lastly when dressing in the morning think about colour. Which colours spark joy? Think about the feeling you get when you see a cheerful yellow on a gray day or how confident you feel when you throw on a deep red lipstick.  Weather you are conscious of it or it or not, colour has an important effect on our moods and how we see ourselves.

Use this time to have fun with your closet.   Challenge yourself to play around with leisure wear and what it means to you. One of the things I love most about style is that all the rules and guidelines of fashion are made to be broken. A new favourite look of mine is playing around with the ideas of formality vs. leisure, like pairing a jogger set with a relaxed-fitting tailored blazer or pairing heels or wearing a dress with an oversized hoodie pulled over top. There is no way to do lounge wear wrong if you feel amazing. 

My last piece of advice when it comes to keeping your passion and joy of fashion alive in a pandemic is over dress for everything! Who says you can’t run your essential errands in a drop dead gorgeous outfit, show off your fancy winter coat even if your just going to the pharmacy, wear your costume jewelry while visiting your friends for a social-distance hangout. Walk your dog like you are walking a runway. Fashion is about expression and there is no reason to get in the way of that.

4 Revolutionary fashion brands

Number (N)ine

Number (N)ine is the brainchild of influential fashion designer Takahrio Miyashita. Hailing from Tokyo, Miyashita spent his teen years in the United States. There he fell in love with American style and music, particularly, rock and roll. Number (N)ine clearly reflects Miyashita’s love for rock music. It constantly references classic outfits, styles and even individual garments worn by rock stars and their fans alike. His clothes were grungy, clearly drawing inspirations from bands like Nirvana. The brand has seen an uptick in popularity with the rediscovery of japanese streetwear by younger audiences. Young people are drawn to the punk nature, and the revolutionary spirit of the brand.

Doc Martens

Doctor Martens boots are a staple of any modern would-be revolutionary’s wardrobe. Doc Martens signature 1460 boot is one of the most iconic shoes of modern history. Worn by practically anyone, the heritage boots have gained an undeniable appeal to punks, anarchists and revolutionaries. The boots began as a comfortable alternative to the boots commonly worn by German soldiers. They eventually made their way to Britain where they were worn mostly by service people. However, as youth culture in Britain began thriving, they were adopted by numerous influential subcultures. Their popularity has only grown since. Doc Martens are revolutionary boots, worn by revolutionaries.

Vetements

Vetements is a fashion label started by Demna Gvasalia. Vetements takes an incredibly postmodern approach to fashion. The deconstruction begins with the title simply meaning “clothing” in French. Their clothes make one doubt the nature of fashion itself. The brand often plays with proportions and takes clothes to their most extreme. This is perfectly exemplified by the two seminal garments which skyrocketed Vetements to streetwear fame.

Firstly their collaboration with Canada Goose. Vetement created a truly absurd take on the classic Canada Goose jacket. The jacket is both inside out and perhaps 2 or 3 times larger than the average Canada Goose jacket. A very left field, deconstructionist take on a classic jacket, rarely toyed with or altered too much by fashion.

Secondly their collaboration with Champion. A pair of sweatpants, popularised by the likes of Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott. By all appearances standard until you examine the repeated champion logo along the sides of the pants. A signature of any sportswear brands sweatpants or athletic pants, namely adidas, the repetition of their logo or signature along the side seams of the pants. These pants however, saw the pattern reaching beyond the length of the garment, a strip of logo covered fabric hanging off the end of the cuff of the pant. These ridiculous deconstructions of fashion classics represent vetements truly revolutionary nature.

Rick Owens
Rick Owens is the eclectic, industrial and brutalistic work of designer Rick Owens. His work is revolutionary in that it explores the boundaries of fashion. Owens has created garments which are barely recognizable as “clothing” per se, that still please the eye on the runway. His clothes are like none-other. Rick works with design aesthetics which rarely make their way to fashion. He deconstructs their principles and applies them in ways unimaginable to most. His revolutionary spirit is seen throughout his runway shows. This is especially evident in his spring summer 2014 collection where he got rid of models and simply hired normal people to wear the clothes.

High Fashion Goes High Tech: How 2021’s Runway was a Virtual Sensation

This year’s 2020/ 2021 Fashion Week takes on a virtual approach for their viewers. Now because of the Covid-19 pandemic, fashion enthusiasts can watch from the comfort of their own homes. With new restriction measures, staying at home and essential travel bans have prevented those from attending these fashion shows. However, fashion houses have tested their creativity on the runway for viewers watching from home with the use of social media platforms such as YouTube.com/ Fashion as well as Instagram and Facebook. With Fashion Week streamed online it allows for more inclusivity within its viewers and front row access for those watching from home.  Here are some luxury brands that have implemented their digital creativity on the runway. 

Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2021 runway show had taken on a digital approach with the benefit for their viewers who can now watch from home with the use of online platforms like YouTube, supporters had a live look.  Celebrities and influencers were unable to attend these fashion shows due to travel restrictions however Balmain impressed their viewers not only on the runway but with virtual Special guest appearances with familiar faces such as Anna Wintour, Jennifer Lopez, Kris Jenner and Cindy Crawford.  While these celebrities made virtual appearances through the digital screen, they wowed viewers in the latest Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2021 line. 

Jacquemus Spring/ Summer 2021 Fashion Show not only had a virtual appearance but had switched their runway to the great outdoors. As seen on Jacquemus’ YouTube channel, viewers were given the ability to experience further visual creativity behind their latest line for the “L’AMORE” show.  Instagram followers of Jacquemus, also had the ability to virtually watch their live stream through their smartphones. “In the French Vexin Regional National Park” quoted by Tina Issac-Goize, a Writer for Vogue runway, was the location which captured the all-around aesthetic for their latest line. The neutral aesthetic throughout their newest line complimented the natural colour scheme of the runway. 

Audiences who are interested in a more minimalistic and Southern French feel would be intrigued by this show thus capturing many audiences watching online since their show wasn’t on its typical indoor runway.  Social distancing measures took place as part of Pandemic protocol with the audience sitting apart from one another in a what appears to be a wheat field alongside the runway gave a unique perspective during the show.  

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2021 took a unique perspective with additional digital effects throughout their recent show. Louis Vuitton’s team had the idea that since their audience wouldn’t be able to travel to Paris this year, that they could bring the show to their online viewers. During their show, the audience was surprised to see that they had used green screens not only on the walls of the interior building, but also to incorporate green screens throughout their latest line. Viewers from home had the ability to experience live visuals playing from purses to backpacks. As the shows attendees, did experience the live action, they did not get to experience more of the visual aspects that appeared online for the home viewers.

Oh no! Did we just gentrify thrifting? A sustainable guide to shopping second-hand clothes while acknowledging your privilege.

Over the years, we have seen an influx of younger millennials and Gen Z embrace the idea of thrifting. What once was an outlet to buy cheaper, second-hand clothes for the less-privileged, now became the main outlet for trendy kids looking for a sustainable approach to shopping. Do not get me wrong, I am an avid thrift shopper. Ever since I learned and understood the negative effects of fast-fashion, I swore to try my best not to shop fast-fashion anymore. It was difficult at first but once I figured out the tricks to buying and repurposing second-hand clothing, it all came easy to me.

However, can we—as a generation—also agree that what was once an innocent, sustainable idea has now starting to show negative effects? Due to the heightened popularity of “thrift flips”, “thrift hauls”, Y2K Depop stores, and any other curated second-hand stores on Instagram, we slowly start to see that maybe, this is not as sustainable as we thought? With that being said, I think we, as consumers, can still enjoy our vintage pieces while also acknowledging our privileges. Here are some ways we can consciously shop at thrift stores:

1. Shop with a purpose.

Make a list or a Pinterest board. Go into the store knowing what you want and what you need. Going in with no goal in mind can leave you to a) not buy anything at all or b) get overwhelmed by the amount of clothes and end up buying ten pieces you may or may not even use. Sure, thrifting is sustainable but it loses its essence once we start buying too much for no reason.

2. Buy only what fits you.

As much as I love an oversized look, we have to stop buying clothes three times larger than our regular sizes. Those XXL graphic t-shirts may look good with knee-high boots and leather jacket, but please consider that some people out there actually need those sizes.

3. Avoid shopping from those “curated vintage” Instagram and Depop pages.

Okay, first let’s differentiate legit vintage online stores and those that resell thrifted clothes from their local Salvation Army.

A legit vintage store actually curate real vintage. They carry pieces from different eras and they most likely have a supplier and/or accept consignment offers. That is the place to go.

Depop or Instagram pages that offer a bunch last season’s Zara or Brandy Melville are not it. If you see a page with xhundreds of items, they most likely went out of their way to buy from Goodwill with the intention of reselling it (with a higher price). Capitalizing on this segment of thrift shopping is harmful because once your local thrift store sees the increase in demand, they can mark up their prices. This will ultimately make it hard for people who solely relies on thrift stores; people who are less-privileged than us.

Regardless, I still believe thrifting is for everyone and should be encouraged because it really is a great approach to living sustainably. Fashion as we know, is one of the biggest pollutants in the world. The least we can do is to repurpose clothes and treat it with care to prolong its product life cycle. We need to acknowledge that some people may rely on shopping at thrift stores so let us not abuse the system and negatively impact those people.

Amp it up! New Ways to Revamp Your Closet During Covid-19

Are you bored of your closet, but don’t want to spend money on a brand-new wardrobe? We’ve got you covered. With the financial uncertainty of Covid-19, us fashionistas need new ideas on how to revamp our old styles into stylish modern pieces while still staying on a budget. We researched some of the top fashion influencers on the viral app, “Tiktok,” to curate a list of fresh new ideas on how to revamp your closet. Whether you consider yourself crafty or not, these five ideas are simple, affordable, and totally chic. 

Rhinestone Air Force 1’s

Are those boring, old Air-Force 1’s taking up space in your closet? Adding rhinestones are a simple and affordable way to spice up your shoes. All you need are rhinestones, which can be purchased at any Dollar Store, glue, and shoes! Start by outlining the Nike symbol with rhinestones, and slowly work your way into the center of the symbol until it is completely filled with jewels. Afterwards polish the rhinestones with a thin layer of glue. Check out this video to follow along with the step by step process.

Upcycled UGG slippers 

UGG slippers are a must have during the WFH days of quarantine. However, spending over a hundred dollars on a new pair of slippers isn’t in everyone’s budget. With this easy DIY activity, you can turn your old UGG boots into a pair of slippers within minutes. All you need are scissors and an old pair of UGGs. Start by cutting above the ankle seam all the way around the boot until you are left with just the bottom of the shoe. Slip your feet in, and there you go- new UGG slippers that look just like the one’s in store. Check out the video on how to complete this project.

DIY Bleach Denim

Before throwing-out those old jeans, grab some bleach and try out a half and half bleached jean look! The end result of this project are absolutely killer jeans that are half white and half blue. All you need are an old pair of jeans, duct tape, bleach, and a spray bottle. Start by placing the duct tape directly in the middle of your jeans, from just above the top button, to right below the crotch seam. Then, mix bleach and water in your spray bottle and then spray the solution onto the desired side of your jeans. Once the jeans are dry, just rinse and voilà- your new jeans! Check out this Tiktok to follow along.

Basic Beaded Shoelaces 

This one is for the not-so-crafty DIYer’s out there. All you need are your favourite beads and your favourite shoelaces. Proceed by gradually adding beads to your laces as you tie your shoes up. Check out this link to see the final product!  

DIY Vintage Sweater Vest

Sweater vests are slowly becoming the new hottest trend. Instead of searching for a vintage sweater vest from a vintage store, you can now find them all across fast fashion brands like Zara & H & M.  Little did you know, you can also find them in your very own closet. All you need is an old sweater, scissors, thread, and a sewing needle. Start by cutting off the sleeves of your old sweater, leaving a few centimetres of the sleeve for the hem. Next, hem the arms by pinning and then sewing around the arm holes. For more experienced sewers, sweater vests can be cropped to match current trends. Check out this video to see how to make your vest.

Once you’re done revamping your closet make sure to take a picture and tag @OhGeorge & #FashionRevolution!

Get in Loser, We’re Going Thrift Shopping: Where to Sustainably Shop Fall’s Biggest Trends

Now more than ever, the discussion of sustainable fashion is at the forefront of the industry. Brands like Stella McCartney are leading the way by committing to transparency and using sustainable materials to produce luxury collections. But one of the best ways to transition into a sustainable wardrobe (without breaking the bank) is shopping second-hand. And I know what you’re thinking, I’ve heard it all before! “It takes too much time”, “I don’t have the patience to look through the racks”, and my personal favourite “I never find anything good”. Well, that’s where I come in. This is where you can find three of the biggest trends for Fall at three different second-hand stores as told by a seasoned thrift shopper (me)!

Two words, Sweater. Vests.

Just when we thought Gen Z couldn’t get any more ridiculous, they’ve claimed your grandfather’s old sweater vest as a fashion trend. I have seen a version of the sweater vest in every store at the mall this season, ranging anywhere from 50 to 100 dollars. I’m here to tell you to close that wallet, get in your car and drive right to your local Value Village. The men’s section of thrift stores is a treasure trove for things like this. You’d be surprised at what you find when on the hunt for a specific piece. And you won’t get so overwhelmed browsing through the racks!

Mini Bags Just Big Enough for a Mask

Mini bags never really seem to go out of style. And when Prada launched the “Re-edition” shoulder bag a few seasons ago, the trend seems to be out in full force once again. One of my favourite places to find vintage bags is Threadup.com! What happens when thrift shopping meets the 21st century? Naturally, it moves online. Thread Up is an online platform that curates both luxury and mid-range second-hand goods and ships them right to you. When browsing their site I like to modify my search to designer handbags and see what one-of-a-kind gems I can find!

Leather and Spice and Everything Nice

Leather is the Fall trend that you can pretty much always count on to make a comeback. From pants to blazers and everything in between, leather is the statement fabric that keeps on giving. Buying brand new leather goods isn’t the most ethical option and vegan leather is often made with plastics that are not biodegradable, so buying second-hand is the best way to get your hands on that perfect leather piece for Fall. I love browsing different consignment stores in Toronto for vintage pieces that already have some wear in them. VSP Consignment on Dundas Street West always curates the best collection of leather pieces. 

Hopefully these tips make your shopping experience a little easier next time you are staring down the aisles and aisles of intimidating racks at the thrift store. We should all do our part to make fashion a little more sustainable and this is a great place to start. Stay safe, wear a mask and shop second hand! 

Fashion...

“Fashion is the mirror of the times; you can define an era by the clothes”. - Anna Sui, 

Fashion, although a large part of my life, has always been a tough pill to swallow. Learning and writing about the art of fashion is a passion of mine but the more I research, the more disappointed I get. In the words of Anna Sui, [fashion is the mirror of the times] and in light of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain and countless others at the hands of police brutality and systematic racism as well as the Black Lives Matter movement, I believe that right now these social issues need to be discussed.

You’re probably expecting me to tell you about the time that I was racially profiled in a Louis Vuitton store but I’m just a name on an extremely long list of names that have been racially profiled in high fashion stores, this discussion shouldn’t be about the measures that brands should be taking because it’s unfortunate that in 2020, we have to educate people on how treat black people and people of colour and how not to assume that we are going to steal their merchandise.

In the peak of Black Lives Matter movement this year, people’s eyes have been on businesses. The whole world closely watched to see if they had followed through with their responses to the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain and the ongoing discrimination that walks hand in hand with the fashion industry. As expected, fashion brands were chomping at the bit to say that they stand with black communities and support the Black Lives Matter movement. It was hysterical seeing companies post statements all over their social media platforms on how they support black lives, that are also infamous offenders of racism and discrimination in clothing designs and ad campaigns as well as day-to-day racial profiling in their stores. Do they actually support the black community, or did they realize that silence is bad for business? If you’re known for producing your clothes in sweatshops in third world countries that may consist of slave and child labourers, I don’t think you have any place to say that you stand for any human rights issue, but we appreciate the social responsibility for once.

Anthropologie posted a Maya Angelou quote which is believed to have had a very “All lives matter” tone, especially as it did not accompany a black lives matter hashtag. Whether or not they were for the movement, they’re previous accounts of racism didn’t help their case. Soon after posting it, they were called out for their hypocrisy as former employees nationwide revealed that they were required to use the secret discriminatory, code name, “Nick” as black customers entered the store. All locations across North America were required to watch black customers as well as use this code name.

They aren’t the only brand that was called out for having codes for black customers, repeat racist offender Zara used code “special order”, then of course there’s Versace’s “D410” which also happens to be the colour code for their black. Extra points of creativity. 

George Floyd and Breonna Taylor’s brutal murders was the final straw that broke the camel's back, the world has been in reformation since. It’s about time that the fashion industry does better, and not just for publicity's sake.

Vivid Eyes, Silky Lips

Wearing masks is a daily routine, however, interest in cosmetics which cannot be erased increases. More and more people enjoy point makeups on the face that show ‘beauty’ above the mask.

How often do you wear makeup these days? The New Normal Era is creating a new beauty trend. As wearing a mask became a necessity rather than an option, a new wind blew in the beauty industry as well. "Natural" faces occupied the catwalks this season, with delicately cared skin and relaxed eyeshadow. "The makeup trend for spring 2021 is going to shift to effortless makeup," explains YSL Beauty National Makeup Artist, Nour Agha. 

Natural Basic Makeup

The basic makeup trend introduced by famous cosmetics brands all begins by completing moist skin with moisturizers to make it glow. It then applies foundation thinly to the skin to create a healthy beauty. Givenchy caught the attention of the public by expressing natural, yet glossy skin. Teint Couture City Balm by Givenchy, the full care foundation designed to preserve the skin’s natural beauty with all-in-one protection, acts as a smart shield to protect skin against pollution, UV rays and blue light exposure. 

“Foundation-free” is an active trend in the Post-Corona world but you can't give up your clear skin tone! The problem is the makeup that breaks down over the mask. The solution is an all-in-one item. Jeju Cherry Blossom Tone-up Cream by Innisfree, a lightweight tone-up cream, naturally brightens the skin and helps create a barrier to prevent dehydration and boost skin moisture.

https://www.givenchybeauty.com/ca/en/p/teint-couture-city-balm-F20100103.html?dwvar_F20100103_color=BEIGE-218

http://www.innisfree.com/my/en/product/productView.do?prdSeq=30656&catCd01=UA

Overwhelming Eye Makeup

A number of unique trends have also been introduced in the eye makeup sector. It has unveiled colorful eye makeup trends using eye shadow or stickers such as pastel colors, gold, glitter and brown. 5 COULEURS COUTURE eyeshadow palette by Dior – Denim, Black Bow, Rouge Trafalgar and Mitzah – corresponds to an iconic piece of the Dior wardrobe, offering a nuanced array of intense shades that are easy to use and combine. Bejewelled Instant Eyeshadow Palette by Charlotte Tilbury is a limited-edition palette with four gorgeous, jewel-tone inspired eye looks that features creamy-matte, soft-shimmer, and metallic formulas.

https://www.dior.com/en_us/products/beauty-Y0092000-3-couleurs-tri(o)blique-limited-edition-couture-eyeshadow-trio-of-colours-effects-limited-edition

https://www.sephora.com/product/charlotte-tilbury-bejeweled-eyes-to-hypnotize-palette-P461144?icid2=products%20grid:p461144

Dewy and Glossy Lip Makeup

The Bora Aksu show took the freshly kissed lip look to new heights, layering a bright fuchsia lip color beneath transparent masks. "Additionally, natural colored lip balms are trending now and will continue to trend in the spring," Agha notes. "It’s super easy to apply right before a video conference meeting or underneath a mask to keep lips hydrated with a little bit of color." Lipstick in KW Red by Kjaer Weis gives moisture-rich, hydrating formula infused with nourishing oils and skincare ingredients. https://kjaerweis.com/products/lipstick-iconic-edition-kw-red/?&

From eyeliner to eye shadow with glitter that will add to eye glamour, eye makeup products allow us to express our individuality even on our faces covered with masks. However, if you don't remove your eye makeup properly, it can damage your health as well as your beauty. When removing eye makeup, use an eye makeup remover.  When applying a remover on the cotton pad, gently press it for about 5 seconds, relax and wipe gently. Let's take care of both our health and beauty by removing eye makeup accurately.

Revolutionize Your Skincare Game!

If you’re finding yourself with some time on your hands as the winter has set in and you’re staying cosy, self-care becomes an obsession. If that’s the case, then get ready for a little virtual around-the-world tour, focusing on popular natural skincare brands that are killing it at the moment. Because natural is ALWAYS better.

Korean Skincare

Korean skincare has taken centre stage in the last few years and for good reason! The undeniable beauty and seemingly everlasting youthfulness of Korean women is a huge factor as to why Korean skincare keeps growing in popularity and is taking over the western beauty industry. What’s more, Korean skincare is not outrageously priced and is often fun and playful with visible results. Here is our top pick:

Glow Recipe: Yes! One of our favourite Korean skincare brands can be found at your local Sephora! Glow Recipe is known for its fruit-infused series of products and we can’t seem to get enough of those delicious aromas. We recommend their best-seller Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask, which also contains coffeeberry and encapsulated retinol, which helps moisturise, de-puff and brighten that area.

African Skincare

South African skincare is all about using local products and ingredients that come from African soil. Ingredients such as Baobab extracts, Jojoba oils and shea butter are commonly found in South African skincare products. Let’s not kid ourselves, who wouldn’t want smooth, silky and dewy skin?

Skin Creamery: Skin Creamery is a minimalist and natural South African skincare brand. Their ingredients are focused and simple but delivery incredible results. Just read the reviews, seriously! They might have a rather narrow range of products, but the ones that they do have work incredibly well. From cleansers to multi-purpose powder to a rich serums, their products are fun and versatile. We love their Facial Hydrating oil, its rich texture and divine scent, intertwined with the progression of visibly great results is all we need. Made with jojoba oil, baobab extracts and Kalahari melon seeds, this oil is a combination of healing, protective and regenerative.

European Skincare 

European skincare has been popular for decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down! Generally, European skincare brands focus more on products such as anti-aging serums and moisturisers and sun protection lotions.

Gisou: This particular brand was created by Dutch influencer Negin Mirsalehi, who had been perfecting a home-made hair oil for years. Infused with honey and deeply moisturising, this hair oil also smells divine and is, of course, picture perfect!

US Skincare

American skincare is popular worldwide. Brands often come up with innovative and culturally relevant products and packaging that are instantly appealing to a large number of people. Products are often not fussy and simply packaged.

The Ordinary: The Ordinary is a Quebec-based brand that has taken the skincare industry by storm! Their products are super minimalist, like it sometimes does not even explain how to use the products because its up to the consumer to do some research on the products they might specifically need. They are very affordable and that’s due to their simple, no-fuss packaging and blend of ingredients. They have a wide variety of products that tackle all sorts of skincare issues and often their products may also be combined. Just be careful, some ingredients don’t mix well so make sure you do your research beforehand! Our favourite pick is the Rose-Hip oil, which is moisturising and brightening at the same time without leaving the skin feeling clogged or greasy.

Canadian Skincare

Similar to American skincare, the Canadian counterpart is non-fussy, straight to the point and minimalist. And we love it!

Glossier: Glossier has been on my bucket list for ages. You cannot miss all the rave comments, reviews and mentions dedicated to the brand! They literally made skincare look sexy, if that’s possible. Glossier is widely known for their Moon Jelly Cleanser and their Boy Brow Grooming Pomade. Revered by influencers and beauty fanatics alike, their Moon Jelly Cleanser can be found in many a-beauty-shelf. A high-powered make-up remover and a gentle texture are only some of the reasons as to why this product is so popular.

Winter is here and while we are spending a lot of time indoors, we may as well treat ourselves to some self-care. Creating a new healthy routine through the pandemic could be a great way to adapt to our new normal, and that starts with changing our buying behaviours! The new world of fashion calls for natural skin care brands, and we are here to deliver!