Fashion Voyeur

People will stare, make it worth their while.

Categories: The Glorious North East, The Lifestyle Edit

Rolladisco NCL Part 1

A few months back an event whipped through FaceBook faster than wild fire, as far as events go, this one gathered interest like Usain Bolt on a downhill sprint.  What was it?  One word: Rolladisco.  Held at The Boilershop in the up and coming Stephenson Quarter of Newcastle, the large urban space was transformed beyond recognition for one day only, offering revellers the chance to skate all afternoon, or all night long.

With the promise of arcade games, old fashioned candy stalls, burgers and a glitter station, it’s no surprise that the event sold out way sooner than expected and was chock full of amateur and pro skaters decked out in their best 80’s clobber, myself included of course along with some of my fellow Newcastle Roller Girls and Tyne n Fear league mates.

“I love the Detroit music scene and read a really nice article about how rolladiscos were helping to bring communities together out there and how nice it was to listen to good house, disco music in a non-hedonistic environment.  So hopefully we embodied the same spirit.”  Gabriel Day, Get Down Rolladisco

The event was soundtracked with an awesome soul, funk and house music playlist and a dedicated dancefloor / hula hooping zone proved to be the perfect antidote to skating for those who were knocking back the bespoke cocktails.  As a test event, Rolladisco NCL was immense, epic in fact, it was one of those events that’s so jam packed with like minded people that you can’t fail to have fun.  No trouble, no kick offs, just people looking for a little escapism.

Day tells me that he’s aiming to take Rolladisco national and tour the country and given the overwhelming popularity of the event’s debut in Newcastle, a second date has already been announced with the promise of Rolladisco Part 2 being bigger and better than the first.  Part 2 will have a larger rink, more food vendors (don’t panic Voyeurs, The Grind will be back with those amazing burgers), and of course free skate hire.  Rolladisco Part 2 will take place on June 24th and tickets for the evening skate session are available now priced at £19.25 each, seems pricey?  Skate hire and arcade games are included in the price and any added glitter you might choose to sprinkle at the glitter station, as well as 5 hours of skate time.

If you missed the first Rolladisco and fancy checking out part 2 then you’d better be quick, tickets are guaranteed to sell like Gucci loafers in a sale.  You’ve got around 4 weeks to plan your outfit and you’ll need it, this lot brought their A-game last time…

See you on the rink!

Pixie xo

Categories: The Archives, The Beauty Cupboard, The Fashion Closet, The Glorious North East

Amanda Bell Elite Makeup Studio

Applying makeup isn’t just an art, it’s a god damn science.

In fact, no longer reserved just for celebrities, it’s become perfectly normal for regular people like you and I to employ the services of a Makeup Artist or Makeup Studio for a special occasion, in order to get that red carpet look and flawless finish.  But what if, you could have the best of both worlds?  Hear me out Voyeurs, I’m talking Makeup Artist techniques and a flawless, Insta-worthy finish, using your own makeup kit.  Piqued your interest?  Then read on….

Amanda Bell is an Elite Makeup Artist and I guarantee that whilst you might not know her name (yet), you most definitely know her work.  Head Makeup Artist for eight years at The BAFTAs and a regular behind the scenes of some of the biggest London Fashion Week shows, Amanda Bell is responsible for creating some jaw dropping beauty looks.  With Goldie Hawn, Sienna Miller and Emilia Fox amongst her clients and a wealth of expertise in beauty, it was only a matter of time before a Makeup Studio followed.  It’s all good and well having high profile and celebrity clients, but what really fascinates Bell, is the everyday woman; the woman who gets up in the morning and does the school run before nipping to Tesco, the woman who suits up for her role as a company executive, the 16 year old experimenting with makeup and still discovering her look.  Bell thrives on this, on helping women like you and I and that’s the aim of her latest self named business in Teesside.  I went along to the VIP launch of Amanda Bell Elite Makeup Studio to find out what you can expect from this brand new venture.

“Over the past 20 years I’ve worked in very high profile, high octane environments and I’ve loved that, but I’ve realised this is what really makes me tick; makeup for real women who want to look and feel amazing in real life.  Women can get stuck in being the best version of themselves – stuck in the time they felt most beautiful and don’t move on years later – and I can teach them that with makeup they can create the best of themselves at any given age.”  Amanda Bell, Elite Makeup Artist

After thinking long and hard about setting up a dedicated makeup studio, Bell found premises in Constance House, Norton and tells me she “just knew it was right” the first time she viewed the loft space above the Christian Alexander boutique on the picturesque high street.  After some renovation and a little styling, the space has been set up to cater for up to six clients at a time, with six individual makeup stations complete with illuminated mirrors each furnished with cotton pads, q-tips and spoolie brushes.  Utilising as much natural light as possible from the dormer window, the studio is bright and most importantly, very instagrammable.  The decor is simple but effective, from the mirrored dresser in the window topped with candle votives that spell out “Amanda Bell” to the family photographs hung with pride in the waiting area, everything in the studio has been well planned and well thought out.

The similarity with other makeup studios ends there.  Whilst Bell is still perfectly set up to cater for her regular bridal parties, batchelorette parties and even teen birthday parties, the real reason for this particular set up is her Makeup Masterclasses.  Having been trained by some of the best makeup artists in the industry including Gucci Westman, Fred Farrugia and Ross Burton, Bell wants to pass on some of those lessons and inspire women to fall in love with makeup and be confident in using it.

“Women spend so much money on makeup and brushes, they bring them home and then don’t know what to do with them and it can be such a waste of money!  I want to teach women how to use and love their own makeup by giving step by step demonstrations and personal one on one coaching, using their own products as far as possible.”

The idea is that you book your place, rock up with your kit and learn how to make your makeup bag work for you in any given scenario.  Whether it’s getting to grip with the basics, or prepping for a family wedding, each masterclass aims to equip you with the skills and techniques needed to create a signature look that you can then recreate at home again and again.   With a suite of five masterclasses to choose from all lasting 2.5 hours and priced at £75 per person, there’s something for everyone from the makeup-phobic, to the devout makeup lover:

COMPLEXION PERFECTION

Learn how to create the perfect canvas for your makeup with techniques to smooth and enhance your features, perfectly colour match your base, and add radiance to your skin.

THE ESSENTIALS

Master essential, basic makeup techniques to get the best out of your complexion, eyes and lips.  Focusing on creating a beautifully achievable look for every day.

GLAMOUR-EYES

Learn how to create show stopping, mesmerising eyes and the secrets behind perfect liner and lash application.

AGELESS ELEGANCE

Look your best at any age.  Learn how to maximise your makeup potential, identify and accentuate your assets.

RED CARPET

Learn how to look like the star of your own red carpet with techniques to add dimension to your entire makeup look giving you a perfectly polished result.

I’m booked on to The Essentials Masterclass and I’m hoping to pick up some tips on creating the perfect base and killer highlight and I can’t wait to tell you all about what I learned!

Pixie xo

To book a place on any of the above master classes, or a one to one session with Amanda Bell, email amanda@amanda-bell.co.uk sessions are strictly by appointment only.

Categories: The Archives, The Beauty Cupboard, The Glorious North East

Gel Nails at The Wax Bar

You’ve heard of The Wax Bar right?  Long story short, it originated in Edinburgh then opened up in Newcastle in December 2016 specialising in all things wax, if you aren’t familiar then shame on you, I wrote a post about their launch party, their branching out from wax into the art of LVL Lashes, and their awesome resident Waxpert Gemma, formerly of Newcastle Hair & Beauty Clinic.  Get acquainted Voyeurs and do your homework.  Now.

The Wax Bar specialise in way more than just the sticky stuff, they may be Wax Connoisseurs, but these gals do a mean set of gel nails at their inhouse nail bar.  Situated on upmarket St Georges terrace in Jesmond on the outskirts of Newcastle, and most importantly, with a boat load of free parking right outside the door, The Wax Bar’s pink white and grey colour scheme and minimalist decor offer a fresh, modern alternative to those who flock to Jesmond for their beauty treatments.

I was invited along for a luxury gel manicure  and got way more than I expected when I took my seat at the New York style nail bar.  Usually when you drop in somewhere for gel nails you get just that, a lovely shiny coating of gel polish in a colour of your choice that lasts for somewhere in the region of 2 weeks, give or take.  At The Wax Bar, you get a full nail overhaul;  Nails are shaped and matched in length, cuticles are clipped and oiled in preparation, nails are buffed and then you make your choice from the huge selection on the wall.

Gemma tells me that they’ve found the perfect combination of gels to give the best finish at The Wax Bar, using a branded base coat with super staying power under Shellac gel they’re able to achieve optimum shine with maximum resilience.  I opt for black (obvs) and after some very thorough prep, my nails look healthier than when I arrived, and shinier than a choir girl’s church shoes.  Once the topcoat is cured, I’m treated to a hand and arm massage to reinvigorate the skin on my hands and make it more luminous, to match my shiny new nails.  Sound familiar?  Levoi offers a similar service right in the centre of the pedestrian zone in Newcastle.

Personally, I love the convenience that The Wax Bar offers, being able to pull up and park (for free) right outside the door is a major bonus.  For people who suffer from post wax redness, particularly after facial waxing treatments, having easy access to transport home is an absolute godsend.  The fresh, urban feel of The Wax Bar is in keeping with the other new businesses breathing life into St Georges Terrace, the Ouseburn Coffee Co. is right next door meaning if you’re early for your appointment you can grab a locally sourced brew and chill in the sun outside.  One of my favourite things though, is the music; weird, I know, but when you’re lying there for 40+ minutes for a beauty treatment, the music is a big factor.  The Wax Bar don’t play typical spa music, they soundtrack their treatments with Ministry of Sound and Ibiza style chill out music and I’m telling you Voyeurs, it makes a huge difference to the feel of a place.

I’d say it’s worth taking the time to schedule a visit, whether it’s for waxing, HD Brows, LVL Lashes or gel nails, every service The Wax Bar offers is a five star treatment and the service is excellent.  My gel nails lasted a whopping 18 days before the first tiny chip appeared  (I was peeling a label off a delivery box) at the time, the second chip appeared after 21 days.  I’ve visited since then and had the same treatment, I’m 19 days in with no chips as yet.  If you’re like me and you can’t function without a bit of colour on your nails, then give The Wax Bar a try for your next gel manicure, you won’t be disappointed – that’s a promise, not a threat.

Pixie xo

I was gifted a Luxury Shellac Manicure in exchange for an honest review.  A simple Shellac file and polish is £27, rising to £37 for the Luxury Shellac Manicure.  The Wax Bar offers a 10% discount for customers who check in on FaceBook during their visit and also runs a loyalty scheme offering a stamp for every visit where £20 is spent on treatments.

Categories: The Archives, The Beauty Cupboard, The Fashion Closet, The Glorious North East

Play Skin – The Smartphone Activated Mask

In a world of smartphones, social media, and a need for fast, effective beauty treatments, it was only a matter of time before they met in the middle.  Play Skin is just that, it’s a home beauty treatment that harnesses microcurrents from your cellphone to stimulate the skin.  Sounds cray?  You’re not wrong…..

Intrigued?  Here comes the science….

Play Skin works in just 10 minutes.  Not an estimated 10 minutes, a set, timed 10 minutes, monitored and controlled by an app on your phone or tablet.  It combines the efficacy of a cosmetic Hydrogel mask with the stimulating effect of tiny microcurrents direct from your cellphone – so low density that it’s imperceptible – there’s no buzzing, no tingling and it’s absolutely not painful.

It takes a bit of sussing out the first time you do it, the instructions are translated from a Italian and so not as clear as they could be, but once you’ve done it once, it gets easier.  In the box there are 5 disposable masks in individual packets, 10 disposable electrodes, 10 adhesive discs, 1 connector cable, and 1 tube of Play Skin Renewal Cream.  The mask comes in two parts, for the upper and lower face, the idea is to use the adhesive discs to connect the electrodes to the outer edges of the mask, which in turn, clip on to the connector cable.  Once you’ve “assembled” your mask, you’re ready to hook up to your cellphone and go the full Jim Carrey.

The mask itself feels gel-licious, it’s almost tacky to the touch.  Once you have it in position on your face – and this takes a bit of shifting about – the connector cable is attached via the headphone socket & the Play Skin app talks you through what’s in store.  Basically, you hit “Play” and the mask is activated for ten minutes, during that time you’re free to move around as normal, provided you keep your cellphone with you.

I really liked the feeling of the mask, it’s cool & the gel-like texture makes me feel as if it’s driving ingredients into my skin – whether it is or not, I don’t know.  As I mentioned, the microcurrent isn’t detectable so there’s nothing you can actually ‘feel’ working, however when the time runs down on the app and I’m ready to de-mask, although there’s no visible ‘lift’, my skin does feel plumper and softer to the touch and is definitely more luminous.

I found the mask to be an indulgent treat, I enjoyed it and I love the idea of incorporating everyday skincare with everyday technology.  Is it a novelty?  I don’t know.  My skin felt better afterwards and it’s definitely something I’d repeat, it feels special when you use it but maybe that’s because there’s nothing else like it on the market.  If I had an event on the horizon I’d use Play Skin in advance as I noticed afterwards that products seemed to glide on to my skin more easily than before and that feeling lasted for two days post mask.  Applying makeup post mask was a dream too, the finish was better and the application much easier so there’s definitely something there.  It might not be a visible lift but there are definite benefits detectable to the user in the feel of the skin after use, and the behaviour of the skin in the days following use.

I think with Play Skin, the condition of you Skin pre-mask may determine the results post mask, if you have fine lines & open pores, then you’re more likely to see a visible difference in the appearance of your skin.  It’s something I’d use again and if you’re a fan of sheet masks then it’s definitely one to try, to put it in perspective for you, the Charlotte Tilbury single use, Instant Magic sheet mask is £18.50, around 50p more expensive than Play Skin and the Play Skin mask is infinitely superior.

Pixie xo

 

It’s recommended that the mask is used weekly and is sold in packs of five at a cost of £89.99.  It’s currently available direct from the Italian website, or in the U.K. via selected aesthetic clinics.  If you’re in the North East then you can purchase Play Skin from The Esho Clinic in Jesmond, Newcastle.

 

 

Categories: The Archives, The Glorious North East, The Lifestyle Edit

NOVELTEA LAUNCH EVENT

When you think of afternoon tea, you probably conjure up images of perfectly cut triangle sandwiches, scones cut with jam and clotted cream and pots of steaming hot tea.  Maybe there’s a picnic blanket in there somewhere, or a twee gingham table cloth, either way the whole concept of afternoon tea has seen a surge in popularity recently.  So much so in fact, that it’s on the menu of pretty much every decent bar and restaurant in the city.

Prosecco Parties are also on the rise – a little more of a dangerous concept – the idea is that the prosecco flows until you can stand no more, and with places like No.28 leading the pack, these “tipsy tea parties” are very real.

But what if you could combine the two and have the best of both worlds?  We know that in the North East there’s a huge drinking culture, we’re famous for it, but we’re also partial to a decent cup of tea.  Well, Lukas Passia and Vincent Efferoth of Tea Venture think they’ve found the answer to our Geordie prayers with NovelTea.

Image by Marion Bot

NovelTea is billed as an alcoholic “tea experience”, which aims to provide a crossover for tea drinkers, and people who enjoy and alcoholic tipple.  The packaging is slick meaning it certainly looks the part & there are two distinctly different blends, or “Tales” available – The Tale of Earl Grey and the Tale of Tangier.  I was invited long to an exclusive launch event at Mason & Rye within Fenwick Food Hall to find out more about this strange new product.

I arrived at Fenwick Food Hall right on time and was handed a glass of The Tale of Tangier poured over ice.  Sidebar, if you’re not familiar with the concept, alcoholic tea is massive in Austria.  The leading brand, Jaegertee, just like NovelTea, can be served warm or cold and in Austria it’s a huge hit on the apres ski scene.  Sounds gross right?  I promise you it’s not.

Anyway, back to Fenwick.  The Tale of Tangier is a rum based concoction with green tea and mint, it’s a drink that takes a little adjusting to but I found that after a few sips I really enjoyed it.  It’s a moreish flavour and tastes like it was made for garden parties in the sunshine.  Of the two, this is definitely my favourite.

The second of the two blends, The Tale of Earl Grey, is gin based, so think juniper and botanicals with black tea, and bergamot top notes.  As a gin drinker I was looking forward to trying this but actually found that I preferred the minty after taste of The Tale of Tangier.

We’re treated to afternoon tea (natch), as well as a presentation and speech from the founders of NovelTea who are passionate about their brand and having it represented in the correct way.  The pair have worked meticulously with the support of Newcastle university to ensure the product is ready for market and Fenwick are the first retailer to offer it for sale in their Newcastle store.

With many of the city’s newer bar offerings clamouring to sell NovelTea by the measure, it won’t be long before the warmer weather is here and the North East Fast Pack are out on some super secret roof terrace sipping alcoholic tea, because when it’s this good, it’s hard to refuse.

Pixie xo