Secrets to Great Hair

This was a feature on CNN.com that my best friend emailed to me because she knows how hair obsessed I am. I thought I’d share this article with my fabulous readers because what beauty fanatic doesn’t want great hair?

(Health.com) — We’ve all been there: standing at the drugstore in front of rows and rows of conditioners, wondering what to buy. From daily conditioner and heat-protecting leave-in mists to deep conditioners and keratin masks, the options can be daunting.

The truth is, “all conditioners smooth the cuticle, soften hair, add shine, and restore moisture,” says celebrity hairstylist Juan Carlos Maciques of the Rita Hazan Salon in New York City. “But using the right one is the best way to keep your hair healthy and your style looking great.”

We asked top stylists like Maciques to share the golden rules of conditioning. Use them to make your strands — and your next shopping trip — a whole lot smoother.

1. Use conditioner even when you skip shampoo.

Everything your hair is exposed to (washing, coloring, styling, even just going outside) can dry it out. “Using daily conditioner adds a layer of protection that guards against harsh products, hot tools, and everything else that’s doing a number on your hair,” says Tresemmé celebrity hairstylist Jeanie Syfu.

If your hair is on the dry side, you may even want to use conditioner in place of your shampoo once or twice a week. “Some shampoos contain strong detergents that can strip hair of moisture,” Syfu says. Swapping in conditioner helps hair retain moisture and makes it easier to detangle, Maciques adds, “but it shouldn’t fully replace shampoo, which does a better job of removing buildup.”

Health.com: Get bigger, better hair

2. Honor your hair’s texture.

“Most women who think conditioner makes their hair flat are using the wrong formula,” says Damian Santiago, owner of Mizu Salon in New York City. The key is to pick one based on your texture.

“Women with fine strands benefit from a volumizing conditioner, which adds body,” Santiago explains. “Those with thick hair need deep conditioners that contain fatty acids (look for almond, coconut, or jojoba oils) to take strands from dry to shiny.”

Curly hair is almost always dry because oils from the scalp don’t travel as easily down the hair shaft as they do with straight hair, so people with curls should use an ultra-moisturizing conditioner.

But no matter what your texture, if you color regularly, you need a protein-enhanced conditioner made for color-treated hair.

“When you color, the cuticle has to open and close to allow pigment in, which weakens strands over time,” explains Francis Mousseron, a colorist at Frédéric Fekkai Salon in New York City. “Adding protein strengthens hair, so it better withstands harsh chemicals.”

Health.com: How to brighten up your blah hair color

3. Make a mask your new must.

Masks aren’t just for dry, damaged hair — every head could benefit from a moisture surge once a week. To get the most out of your mask, look for keratin, amino acids, or essential fatty acids, suggests Garnier hair-stylist Marc Mena.

You can also boost hydration with hot oil treatments or create a DIY mask from food (avocados and mayonnaise are both high in fatty acids). Microwave a thin damp towel just until warm, then wrap it, turban style, around your head after applying your mask. Leave on for 20 minutes, Mena advises, then let strands cool completely before you rinse, “or the cuticles will still be ‘open’ from the heat and you’ll wash away most of the nutrients.”

Check out my previous post on DIY hair mask

Health.com: Get head-to-toe fresh with avocado

4. Skip your roots — really.

If your style requires volume or you find that the hair near your scalp gets oily quickly, avoid moisturizing there.

“Hair at the roots is conditioned on its own by the natural oils from your scalp,” says Kattia Solano, owner of Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City. “It’s also healthier, as it hasn’t been exposed to as much heat styling and coloring.”

When applying daily conditioner, start at the ends (where most damage occurs), then run what’s left on your hands through the rest of your hair, avoiding the first two inches at your scalp. Leave on for at least three to five minutes before rinsing.

Health.com: Naturally gorgeous hair makeovers

Beat those Winter Blues

T’is the glamorous season of static hair, dry skin and chapped lips. But don’t let these winter blues get you down. There are plenty of things around your house you can do to bash the harshness of the season.

Dryer sheets take static out of hair quickly and leave the hair smelling good. Open the sheet completely, grab a section of hair and run the sheet from the scalp to the bottom of the strand. Do all the hair working with a fairly large section at a time. Stroke the section this way several times before moving on to the next section. Some brands work better than others so if you try it and it doesn’t work well try sprinkling a few drops of water on the sheet then try it again. Dryer sheets are meant to work in a damp environment but you don’t want your hair sopping wet so use water sparingly.

For chapped lips this no brainer is by far the best au natural lip treatment money can buy. For around $2.00 this 100% natural Cocoabutter stick last for a very long time since its much larger than conventional chapsticks. Although you don’t get the SPF protection you would with chapstick its not recommended to use if you will be outdoors for a while. But I must say it is wonderful and hydrates beautifully. For additional beauty tips on how to get the perfect pout click here.

Flawless Skin can start with making your own sugar scrub just by mixing some brown sugar and olive oil in a plastic bowl. This scrub sloths off all the dry skin and keeps you glowing all winter long. It’s very easy to make, fresh since you are mixing it yourself and will save you lots of money. Use twice a week to keep your skin super smooth paying close attention to areas such as the knees and elbows.  For super soft hands and feet rub some Organic coconut oil on your hands and feet before bed and sleep with cotton gloves and socks. For more tips to my favorite DIY home beauty recipes click here!

Most over the counter soaps have harsh chemicals that dry out your skin and the “moisturizing” body washes have perfumy fragrance that can cause irritation and are also loaded with harsh chemicals. Now if you are feeling extra festive this year you can make your very own all natural hydrating soaps that leave you skin silky smooth and will also make great gifts.

Shea Butter Soap (from Soothing Soaps by Sandy Maine)

2 cups glycerin soap base, melted in a double boiler
2 tbsp shea butter, melted separately
Several drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

Mix well, pour into molds (you can use regular food storage containers), and cool.

Step Inside the Brilliant World of the Dark Unicorns

Unicorns have always been a mystical creature symbolizing magic, grace and beauty. But what do Dark unicorns represent? Could it be their elegant twist of mystery meets mayhem. Gabriel Grimm and Katayna Star are the master creators behind the sinfully beautiful art of Dark Unicorn photography which is why we also chose them to do the feature for the Johnny Concert launch of our new website.  Join us as we take a deeper look into their enchanted world…

BP: What makes Dark Unicorn stand out amongst other traditional photography?
DU: Dark Unicorn focuses on fantasy themed shoots, as opposed to just fashion, glamour, or regular portrait styled photos. Gabriel is a master of photoshop and graphic design, and Katayna does the styling for our shoots. We have a darker style than most.

BP: Where do you draw your biggest inspiration from when working on a set?
DU: We love things that are Gothic, Victorian, and Boudoir, and things that can be found in a world of magic and mythology. We get ideas from movies, videos, and fashion designs from our clothing label Pierced Heart. Gabriel and I are enchanted and obsessed with our own dark dreams. 

BP: Aside from the edginess of your photography what made you decide to explore the darker side of beauty?
DU: We have both always been inspired by things that are dark, even before we had met in October of 2009. When we came together, we realized how many of the same things we had in common. We are both big fans of movies such as Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Anne Rice books, and artists like H.R Giger. We find beauty in dark romantic love stories. We feel there is more depth in the dark emotions that can be used to express a tragic kind of beauty. Sex, lust, sin, passion and pain are beautiful when captured and expressed through the eyes of a lenz.  

BP: How do you decide what makeup looks fit the mood of your work?
DU: Each photo shoot is different, so we usually will start with what fits the concept of our shoot.  We are both visionaries when it comes to planning and executing the theme of our projects effectively.

BP: What is your makeup mantra?
DU: We always shoot for amazing quality to suit our pictures. We are also open minded about collaboration with makeup artists.

BP: Aside from photography you also have a custom couture line Pierced Hearts, How did you get into fashion?
DU: Pierced Heart started as joint project since both of us love fashion, we have a similar style. With our combined vision, we have included both male and female aspects in our line.

BP: Working as a couple and building your own fashion/photography empire what is the biggest challenge working together?
DU: We always need each others help, but being limited with time provides stress for both of us when we start to run out of it. biding our time to get things done. I am a Pisces, and am the dreamer and sometimes can also be the procrastinator between the two of us. Gabriel’s Capricorn qualities help us to stay organized and stay on track, but can also cause some differences in opinion to our approach to projects and time management. We need an assistant!    

BP: When did you realize you had a niche for building up your own brands?
DU: We both had previous plans of building our own brands before we had met. We finally got the guts to start together as a couple. We encouraged each other and shared the same goals as artists. We started a new path together, that still followed our own hearts and dreams before we met.

BP: Is there anything you would have done differently or changed along your career path?
DU: Not really, things have just fallen into place! We are happy with our work together, and the progression and evolution of the quality of our work. We only wish we could do more… we have so many ideas that we haven’t even had the time to complete yet. We need a team Of Dark Unicorn and Pierced Heart devotees to work for us in the future!

BP: Which of all your projects are your favorite to work on?
DU: I think we would have to say creating our own photo shoots together and working as a team. We love talking about concept ideas and designing sets for our shoots. We build our own fantasy kingdom and place the models into it. We are as excited as little kids when we come up with an idea and put it together to enjoy the final result from seeing our visions turn into reality.

BP: Is there anyone in particular you would love to do a shoot with?
DU: Any models with passion in their hearts that know how to express it well with attitude make our job easier! 

BP: What advice do you give to those who are inspired by your work?
DU: Be inspired by the work of others, but always make it your own. Be unique and express what you know, by starting with your own ideas.  Use the pain, trauma, triumphs, and powerful experiences in your life to fuel what you show through your art. Turn something dark and emotional to express something that is beautiful. Art does not need to always be happy and perfect. Let your subconscious speak through your art.. show us your dreams, and nightmares combined. Follow your heart!

BP: Where can we learn more about you and follow your updates?

http://www.facebook.com/darkunicornphotography

www.darkunicornphotography.com

http://www.facebook.com/piercedheartclothing

www.piercedheartclothing.com

How To Dye Your Hair Using Kool-Aid

About a month ago I was intrigued by a few articles in the fashion and beauty industry on dying your hair unconventional colors. One particular article caught my interest about Lauren Conrad’s beauty team who did a fun post with multiple colors.Dying your hair has always been a messy and daunting task not to mention extremely hazardous to your health. Being that I am intrigued by Scene hair styles I decided to dedicate this blog post to safely dying your hair fun colors using Kool-Aid. For those of you who have never dyed your hair before you may want to have a friend help you and Kool-Aid may be the perfect alternative, the lighter your hair the better your results.

You will need: Kool-Aid (3-5 packets depending on the length of your hair), hair conditioner, a glass bowl, aluminum foil (if you are doing streaks), a highlighting wand, latex gloves, clock, towel and petroleum jelly.

1. Put on your latex gloves (remember Kool-Aid stains everything!)
2. Dab the petroleum jelly around your hair-line on your skin to avoid dying you skin the same color as your hair.
3. Put some hair conditioner in your glass bowl and add your packets of Kool-Aid. If you are doing multiple colors make sure to keep the colors separated in different bowls.
4. Mix the Kool-Aid with the hair conditioner so the color is evenly distributed. (Tip: you may want to cover and heat the hair conditioner in the microwave for a few seconds to help the Kool-Aid dissolve better)
4. If you are applying streaks place a sheet of aluminum foil under the hair you are dying and apply the Kool-Aid  mixture to your hair using the highlighting wand. After the mixture is applied to the hair wrap it in the aluminum  foil and move on to the next section.
5. Once you are done, check the clock so you are aware of the time. There is no required amount of time to leave the Kool-Aid in your hair however the longer you leave it on the darker your results.
6. After the desired color is achieved rinse your hair with water and style as usual.

There are plenty of methods using Kool-Aid to dye your hair be sure to check out youtube for more hands on tutorials.

Welcome to the Dark Side with Topher Adam

Deep in an undiscovered world of mystery and darkness is one of the most outlandish minds just waiting to erupt.  Luckily, I got the chance to chat with this amusingly unique individual and interview Topher Adam who is the creative director behind Dark Beauty Magazine. Join us as we jump onboard his diverted journey of following his dreams as he continues to build his very own empire.

BP: Where do you draw your biggest inspiration from?
TA: I find that when I think about an idea or a concept I draw from real life and history. What affects us and what has inspired us to be who we are today in society. I love the darker side of history and love bringing out historic events in a modern way.

BP: What makes Dark Beauty Magazine stand out amongst other alternative magazines?
TA: I believe the difference for DBM is that we promote YOU, the artist, the people not the businesses or corporate AM. What is the backbone of creativity, it’s the artist who develop out of their passion for creating. So, we love to push artist and photographers and designers who would normally be turned away from regular publications. We also don’t toss down ads in your face. It’s all about the art.

BP: Aside from the edginess of your magazine what made you decide to explore the darker realm of beauty?

TA: Well, I am an avant-garde artist and I love dark mysterious images. I find myself to be a modern Rembrandt with my work and I felt that there has to be a darker point of view in this world. I was rejected as I auditioned for Project Runway and made semi-finals, went to LA for the interview and they ripped me a new one, proclaiming under baited breath that my work looks like it comes from space. I have never thought that but when you are dealing with uptight bitches who are only out for good TV, well they made a mistake is all I can say. I would have made that show! HAHA

BP: How do you decide what makeup looks fit the mood of your work?
TA: Its easy, if I can make someone look dead, drained of blood and magically pale in old Nior films then I have done my job. Well that is with my looks at least. I love color but only if it suggest some paint or tragic moment in time.

BP: What is your makeup mantra?
TA: Glamorously disturbed and deadly beautiful is a perfect blend of Dark Magic in the making of wicked art! LOL, just made it up but it sums up my wicked mind >:-)

BP: In addition to having your own magazine you also have your own clothing/accessory line, what makes Skull N Crossbows X unique?

TA: My clothing line is all about pushing buttons, I love the Victorian and Edwardian era of fashion. It was so extreme and so beautiful and the skills of draping and design were really lovely. I want to bring it back in a modern and twisted way. I also have a t-shirt line where my signature is a skull and raven. The Skull ‘n Crossbows is all about death and beauty, past and modern. See what I mean??? We should do a makeup listens line called Skull ‘n Crossbows. I would totally help with that. Things like DECAY, BLACK WIDOW, DRIED BLOOD, MILDEW, VOMIT and well I can go on! Trust me, that is an idea now I have to do it.

BP: What other areas of your creative mind are you going to explore as you grow your empire?

TA: Every day is a new day for more ideas to come out of my unlimited door of creativity. I am always developing, coming up with, designing, building, making. I have my own music albums, done soundtracks for haunted houses, designed haunted houses, houses, decorated, photos, makeup, hair, photos, edited, videography, short films t-shirts . . . . hummmmmmm I don’t know, guess it will come to me sooner or later. I have a few BIG projects I am developing in the mind of Topher but they are TOP SECRET and hope they manifest as they are my dream businesses.

BP: Is there anything you would have done differently or changed along your career path?

TA: Of course, maybe had a better idea of what I wanted to do as an artist when I was younger, stayed in theater, music and watched more theater and Broadway. Followed my inner most dreams instead of my families. Even though I went to college and got my degree I think now that I have done it and have accomplished so much, I have to say. If I didn’t do every single mistake in my life by trial and error I would not be where I am now. Now isn’t where I ultimately want to end up and I know if I did things differently I could be the success I always knew I should be. My favorite line from my hero, J K Rowling is, “I am only a success from all my own failures.” That is so profound and so amazing to me.  We are all a HERO in some way or another even though we don’t’ always see it. I have always felt I was born to become someone who leaves a mark in history. I am still fighting to get there and I am determined to until the day I die. I wasn’t handed life on a silver platter, I was handed life on a plastic covered silver plate and what I have done to get where I am has been painfully brilliant and so powerful. I wish people knew that I work hard and really believe in me and my talents and wonder where my “BREAK” is. I will get there, in many people’s eyes I am there, but I have never wanted to settle I have wanted to accomplish great things and do for the world.

BP: When did you realize you had a niche for building up your own brand?

TA: I think when I got fed up with “HOPING” and finally felt the NEED to do it myself. It’s that feeling I described earlier. “I felt like I had something to give” I also believe if you feel it, its meant to become something. I do so much for so many people, I have done like that all my life and this was just another addition to that ever-growing skill set that I just KNEW I could do. It all sparked from a children’s book I am still developing. Her name is Pepper and she can’t live with or without her pet Bisou. I started illustrating her clothes and thought they were pretty wicked cool and felt like someone would wear that. LOL

BP: Which of all your projects are your favorite to work on?
TA: What a brilliant question and OMFG, WTF! I don’t know how to answer that, LOL . . . . because to me, everything that I have created in my life has been so fun and filling. I guess if I could separate them by something would be how it impacted the public in some way or another. That in itself is even vague. LOL Sorry! I can’ t be honest with this one.

BP: What has been your greatest challenge along the way?
TA: Patience, I want my foretold success to happen instantly and we all know, that shit don’t happen YO! LOL I have always said, “The Future is the only fortune teller of our fate.” So, my challenge is letting it happen instead of searching for it. But in the same note, that is what drives me too.

BP: What advice do you give to those who are inspired by your work?
TA: NEVER think any idea is a bad one. Do everything you can to stay in your creative space. Life is way too short to give up because someone gave you a bad review or told you it was wrong. FUCK THEM BITCHES, this is your life, yours alone. It can’t be lived, expressed, or motivated by anyone or anything but yourself. You are the only navigator of your “CAR” *(body). So, if you get a creative idea that says it could benefit or grow you to the next level of your expression called life, then do it, but do it knowing that there is goodness for you and for others by your actions. So metaphysical hu! I am pagan through and through. what you give is what you get out of life.

BP: Where can we learn more about you and follow your updates?
TA: Well, I am working on getting ALL of my work in one space, I will have the same website; www.topheradam.com but for now, it’s all over the place. Google Topher Adam and I will appear. KINDA SPOOKY but an honor at best too. Sooner or later I will get on all them other sites as i continue doing what I do best. CREATE!

Thank you for asking me to spend some time talking about me. HEHE, we forget that at some point history has to be made and what we all do needs to be recognized and noticed. I hope that whomever reads this gets that there is a world of doors called Opportunity that are waiting to be opened and I say, FUCK IT, I am opening every one of them until I find the one that takes me to the top. MWAH!!!!!

SITES:

www.topheradam.com

www.skullncrossbows.com

www.darkbeautymag.com

The Wonderful Benefits of CUCUMBERS!

For many years cucumbers have been used in spa treatments due to their natural healing powers that have superior results. But in addition to their coveted role in the beauty industry they have many other uses that can be beneficial to your everyday life. 

  1.  Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin  B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C,  Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus,  Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, Spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few cucumber slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5.  Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B Vitamins and  electrolytes to replenish essential  nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7.  Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge?  Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by
European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9.  Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a pot of boiling water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the Phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won’t leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13.  Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!

25 SEXIEST MEN TO WEAR MAKEUP

OMG! Men don’t wear makeup?! Well this has always been a controversial issue in the beauty industry and of course we at Johnny Concert can’t help but to thrive off of chaos and controversy. To celebrate our NEW eyeliner colors we couldn’t think of a better way than compiling a list of some of the sexiest men who have dabbled in the scene and pull off doing their makeup rather quite well.  Whether it’s a little smudge of guyliner or a full fledged face of makeup we can’t resist these gorgeous men with their fierce looks and their bad boy persona as they continue to rock the charts.

The Almighty Power of Lemons!

My father sent me this in an email and being that I try to refrain from chemicals as much as possible I am always on the lookout for holistic natural remedies that produce superior results. Lemon (Citrus) is a miraculous product to kill cancer cells. It is 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy.

Why do we not know about that? Because there are laboratories interested in making a synthetic version that will bring them huge profits. You can now help a friend in need by letting him/her know that lemon juice is beneficial in preventing the disease. Its taste is pleasant and it does not produce the horrific effects of chemotherapy. How many people will die while this closely guarded secret is kept, so as not to jeopardize the beneficial multimillionaires large corporations? As you know, the lemon tree is known for its varieties of lemons and limes. You can eat the fruit in different ways: you can eat the pulp, juice press, prepare drinks, sorbet, pastries, etc… It is credited with many virtues, but the most interesting is the effect it produces on cysts and tumors. This plant is a proven remedy against cancers of all types. Some say it is very useful in all variants of cancer. It is considered also as an anti microbial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, effective against internal parasites and worms, it regulates blood pressure which is too high and an antidepressant, combats stress and nervous disorders.

The source of this information is fascinating: it comes from one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world, says that after more than 20 laboratory tests since 1970, the extracts revealed that: It destroys the malignant cells in 12 cancers, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreas … The compounds of this tree showed 10,000 times better than the product Adriamycin, a drug normally used chemotherapeutic in the world, slowing the growth of cancer cells. And what is even more astonishing: this type of therapy with lemon extract only destroys malignant cancer cells and it does not affect healthy cells.

Also, lemons have been known to cure acne! Dab a little fresh lemon juice on the zit before bed and see how radiant your skin is in the morning!  Now just make sure your next visit to the grocery store you remember to pick up a few lemons!

Meet Wonder Girl Chelsea Tavis

Here at Johnny Concert we feel very lucky to have the opportunity to work with a whole bunch of like-minded creative individuals. Recently we were able to catch up with Chelsea Tavis who at just 22 years old is already building up her own Tragic Glamour empire. Her empire consist of a clothing and accessory line called C.TA Glam Couture, Graphic Design and Website company, Photography and Makeup Services, and she is even the magazine editor and creator of  GlamRock Magazine! We just had to interview ‘It girl’ Chelsea because we feel she is a true embodiment of Johnny Concert representing empowerment, ambition, determination, Glamour, Rock & Roll and everything the alternative scene has to offer. Lauren Bucci had the opportunity to sit down and find out what is brewing up in Chelsea’s endless inspiring world for our Beauty Punk Blog.

BP: If you had to describe yourself in 3 words what would they be and why?
CT: Driven, artistic and entrepreneur

BP: Which of your projects do you enjoy the most?
CT: I love them all for different reasons but my main passion is my clothing brand C.TA Glam Couture. However I love doing all of them because it gives me a chance to be artistic in all different avenues and never get sick of anything in particular.

BP: All of your work is highly creative, where do you draw your biggest inspiration?
CT: It depends. I often get my inspiration for my clothing from movies. I create themes, such as the theme for my Fall line, which is “The Lost Boys”, based on the movie and a mixture of 80′s/early 90′s punk/biker fashion! When it comes to my graphics and the magazine, I usually go off of the clients ideas or features images and add my own style to it.

BP: You clearly paved your own path, what was the most important thing you learned a long the way?
CT: Thank you for recognizing that! Most people don’t see all that I do or they think I have a team of people helping me, when in reality I do it all by myself. I work many hours every day of the week to produce each project and I love every minute of it. Even the all nighters and overwhelming stress days. The most important thing I’ve learned thus far is something I still work on everyday, going out on a limb and getting what you want. Reaching out to models or celebs or photographers who you never thought you could work with and simply networking with them and asking them to work together! Sure, some will say no, but you’d be surprised how many will say yes! Taking that risk and extending yourself often pays off and is a risk worth taking. Even if you’re rejected or something negative happens, it always learning experience. Stay positive!

BP: Looking back is there anything you would have done differently?
CT: I think the only thing I would’ve done differently is I would have taken the initiative to learn things earlier so I could’ve been more comfortable extending my work sooner. Up until now I haven’t spent much time on promotion or reaching out because I wanted to make sure I had a firm grasp on my vision and learned enough to do this work properly. Now, and for the next couple years, I’ll be taking things to a whole new level.

BP: What’s the biggest challenge when it comes to juggling all of your projects?
CT: Time management. Sometimes I have to extend deadlines and work all nighters to get things out on time because project deadlines collide and I have to make sure I get my graphic design clients work done first before my own. One time I ended up having to make a 150+ page website in 2 weeks, which is crazy, but conflict of communication between employees of the company caused confusion and in turn I had to postpone the launch of one of my line, but in the end it all worked out fine. I feel like my sense of sanity is sometimes worth more than getting everything out on time. People prefer you take time to do things right than rush things. I don’t want to put out anything I’m not proud of.

BP: Where would you like to see yourself and Tragic Glamour in the next 5 years?
CT: I’d like to be producing my fashion line more efficiently, showing at LA fashion week and being worn by some of my favorite models and celebs on a regular basis. Possibly, if the economy improves by then, I’d also like to open up my first boutique! For my graphic design, I’d like to work with select clients doing websites/logos and maintenance for extra cash, and I’d like to hook Glam Rock up with a publishing company to produce the magazine across the nation in stores, but while still offering it online for the world to see and promoting up and coming talent as opposed to mainstream media now.

BP: You also do some work in cosmetology, what is your makeup mantra?
CT: I took makeup classes when I was 15 and learned some great techniques as well as sfx stuff! I started out with fashion by doing makeup for photographers across the Bay Area of CA. I don’t have a particular brand that I choose because I know there are great select products with many different brands, however I am leaning more now towards organic cruelty free makeup. I tend to notice in a l lot of makeup now a very chemical like smell and that CANT be good for your face. I’m always on the lookout for foundation that actually covers but aren’t full of chemicals. I’ve personally tried bare minerals and it caked up and covered nothing on my face, and I have great skin, but I’ll give anything a try once! I love experimenting with makeup and using it as both an art form and a tool to enhance beauty! I do tend to admire makeup artists that use it as an art form more than a beauty enhancer, though. Anyone can make someone look better with makeup but by creating an artistic vision using makeup that looks good, that’s a challenge.

BP: Any tips for people who are trying to experiment with bolder makeup looks?
CT: Figure out what colors look best with your eyes/skin and hair. And don’t take someone’s word for it, actually try it out yourself! Even if you have to slather the rainbow on your cheeks to figure it out. Pastel makeup, or any crazy makeup combo always looks better with black liner and mascara. Don’t wear all blue on your lids unless it’s for Halloween or you want to look like a cheap hooker. Pair most looks with pale pink lips to keep it classy. Using crazy or dark lips with crazy eye makeup just looks CRAZY. And eyelashes with feathers or crazy colors in them ALWAYS look cheap and amateur. I don’t care who you are. xo

BP: What you’ve done is an inspiration to a lot of people, what advice would you give to someone trying to follow an unconventional dream?
CT: Thank you for saying that! I’ve only recently gotten messages from people saying that my work inspired them and it really means a lot! I’ve found that the key to success is failing and never giving up. Soak up as much knowledge about your passion as you can so you can do it right and work towards it every day. Even if you have to work a 9-5, work on it when you get home for a few hours. Start small; you wont get big over night!  I can’t stress how important knowledge is to creating your own business! Seriously, you need to know everything, if you don’t it could really hurt you at some point. Take classes, ask/interview professionals, talk to an accountant or read books! Make small goals and accomplish them, it builds your confidence. Stay positive and build a small, strong support system around you. I know that having supportive friends and a supportive mother has helped me immensely through the tough times, and it means the world to me that my friends are there for me and understand my hectic schedule.

BP: Where can people find out more about you and follow your updates?
CT: You can check out my portfolio at www.tragicglamour.com
My clothing brand at www.ctaglamcouture.com
My magazine at www.glamrockmagazine.com
As well as follow all the updates on twitter: @tragicglamour @ctaglamcouture @glamrockwebzine
And updates from the Facebook pages! xo
Facebook: C.TA Glam Couture Clothing, Glam Rock Magazine, Tragic Glamour, Tragic Glamour Designs

2011 Makeup Trends

Bold Color

Bright, bold color is in for 2011. Whether it is on the eyes, or the lips, it’s very clear that strong colors are very in vogue– however, keep the shades monochromatic, and stay in the same color family, regardless of where you put your color. When using bold color, only one feature should be emphasized. For the lips, the hottest colors are bright corals, and bright pinks. At the  Marc by Marc Jacobs S/S ‘11 fashion show, the ideal shade of coral was painted all over the lips of models. Coral is a great bold color, because it’s bright enough to warm the skin, but it isn’t quite as intense as a classic red lip. Coral could be considered the red lip’s younger, flirtier sister. Another color that has been made extremely popular is bright pink, due to the popularity of recording artist Nicki Minaj. Nicki Minaj’s signature color is a bright, cotton candy pink could just as easily transfer from lips to eyes. Regarding eye color, most fashion shows have used pops of color on lids, usually using only one color, or using a bright color as eyeliner, streamlining the eye, and creating shape. At Dior S/S ‘11, they utilized a number of different colors varying from robin’s egg blue, to bright red, to fuchsia, to green. Application of bold color usually stays in the same family, and must be applied on clean skin in order to have the strongest effect that it can.

Vamp Makeup (All-Over)

In the past, makeup trends have steered towards accentuating one facial feature (put strong color either on the eyes, lips, or cheeks) in order to prevent from going ‘overkill.’ However, in 2011– it’s become perfectly acceptable to use color all-over the face without having it look “too strong,” as long as it looks “vampy.” This look has been seen on the runway, and flaunted off the runway by various celebrities. As evidenced by Gwen Stefani, who is sporting a glittery, metallic smokey eye, her signature classic red pout, and flushed cheeks, it clearly works as a more “glam” look. The models at Marc Jacobs S/S ‘11  fashion show rocked a darker shade of lipstick, but with more intense fuchsia cheeks, and a smokier, matte eye. If you want to rock the all-over color, just remember that because of the intensity of the eyes and the lips, it’s probably best to rock this look out at the club, or at night. The color may be too much for the daytime. As long as the lips stay in the same color range (anywhere from reds to fuchsia and dark purples/plums), with the smoky eye, and matching blush– the vamp look is here to stay for 2011.

Natural/Neutral Makeup

Natural makeup proves its staying power, as it is popular yet again. However, this season natural makeup has been amped up a bit by accentuating the eyes with neutral eyeshadow. The neutral eyeshadow used on the face this season gives the face more depth and gives eyes more shape. Shakuhachi Fall ‘11’s makeup was a perfect example of this– the face remained almost completely bare, with the exception of the eyes. However, the model’s skin tone was so similar to eyeshadow used, that it just gives the eyes more depth, and allows her eyes to pop out more. The  fresh-faced look that celebrities are going for allows for a clean, flawless face, and simple makeup. Many makeup artists are attempting to style their clients with this clean look, as evidenced by Jennifer Lawrence’s ELLE spread. In order to pull this makeup look off, the right foundation, as well as plenty of concealer will be needed to rid the skin of any imperfections and blemishes. The whole point is so that the skin looks bare, and like you aren’t wearing very much makeup at all.