The truth is, I’m not that experimental with my make up. In fact, I tend to stick to a ‘no make up make up’ look and a sometime poorly applied eye liner or a smudge of brown eyeshadow. Considering I work in a world where cool and creative make up techniques and hair trends are practiced around me on a very regular basis, I should really try harder. Therefore this week, The Stylish Stuff joins forces with make up artist Lisa Valencia to create three updated winter make up looks, and hairdresser Kari-Anne Habbershaw, who throws us the ‘cornrow’ curve ball to show us just how beautiful this look can be. Don’t worry – if it’s a tad extreme for you, there are some more accessible looks to draw inspiration from. Our model is the very beautiful model-blogger Nada Adellè from Models 1. Sit back and enjoy the ride…
WINTER NUDE – swap your natural look for a more neutral one featuring warming bronzers and tawny brown eye shadows.
Lisa used Tom Ford Illuminating Primer all over the skin for a glowing finish, followed with Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (no. 6 used here) and Blusher in Cheek Fabric. Bobbi Brown Black Plum (27) was brushed over entire lid to give the look an androgynous feel.
Black jacket; http://www.jigsaw-online.com/product/belle-jacket/J28710_BK000
Cross front body, as before. Earring; http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/jewellery/earrings/icat/earrings#esp_pg=2
THE EXTREME FLICK – yes the extended winged eye is a thing and replaces any need for a bold slick of lipstick and blusher. It’s a statement and your new go to party look.
Jumper; http://www.jigsaw-online.com/product/cashmere-audrey-polo-jumper/J28115_PI002
Lisa used YSL Black Eyeliner Effect Faux Cils and applied it over the entire eye lid blending it outwards and under the lower lashes to create the dramatic winged effect. Two generous coats of mascara were then applied and the look finished with a smear of Lucas Paw Paw ointment on the lips for a glossy, natural look.
Bra, http://www.sarrieri.com/underwired-half-cup-bra.html
Hairdresser, Kari-Anne talks us through how to achieve the look below;
“Section hair into three parts, starting with a “mohawk” shape down the centre of your head and secure. Take that centre section and apply a smoothing product (My personal favorite is Bumble & Bumble Grooming creme. It is not too sticky and leaves a lovely subtle shine!) To achieve the chunky style braid cross each strand of the plait UNDER, rather than over. Be sure to smooth from the root and pull each strand taught when adding sections. Keep the braid really tight to the head all the way to the nape of the neck. Finish braiding to tip and secure with a band. Braid the side sections in the same way but this time only introduce new sections from ONE SIDE of the braid. This will allow you to direct the braid along the parting. Again, the key is to keep it SMOOTH, TIGHT to the head and braid UNDER.”
THE BIG SMOKE – instead of reaching for the tried and trusted brown shadows, be a little daring and test drive navy and turquoise on your lids, making sure to keep the area around the lash line dark for definition. This is the new and improved smokey eye.
Lace trimmed slip; http://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-silk-french-designed-lace-trim-chemise/p/p22422020
THE STYLISH STUFF: Pointers for getting to grips with braiding;
Master braider Keri-Anne Habbershaw says; “Keep your partings neat when sectioning. It will make it easier when introducing strands and keep the style sharp and defined rather than messy.
Apply a smoothing product before braiding, preferably with a light hold. My personal favorite is Bumble & Bumble Grooming creme. It is not too sticky and leaves a lovely subtle shine!
To create the “chunkier” braid you will need to cross the strands under when plaiting, rather than over (Dutch not French)
Smooth strands and roots as you go and keep the braid really tight to the head. This will make all the difference to the finished look.
If you want a braid to sit on a parting, only introduce hair to one (same) side of the braid and direct the braid where you want it to go. eg. Add hair from the right side only and pull it all the way up to where you want the braid to sit.
If you want to get more creative try parting different shape sections and direct the braids a different way.
If you make all your braids meet at the nape of the neck, you can then braid them together, creating a diverse, edgy updo!”
Too extreme? Why not try these looks for a subtler take on the trend.
(images from Pinterest)
To achieve the look below;
Rather than section the hair straight back, alternate the sections across and around to the back of the head. Braid in the same way as the side sections and direct the braid to create your desired pattern. If you make all your braids meet at the nape of the neck, you can then plait them together, creating a diverse, edgy updo!
Bib fronted white shirt; http://www.marksandspencer.com/no-peep-cotton-rich-bib-front-shirt/p/p22391029?OmnitureRedirect=white+bib+front+shirt&ddkey=http:MSFindItemsByKeyword
Earrings, (these are vintage, but try these beauties as an alternative); http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/bags-accessories-1702216/jewellery-469/earrings-674/facet-and-chain-front-and-back-earrings-4892204?bi=0&ps=200
THE STYLISH STUFF RECOMMENDS;
Tom Ford Illuminating Primer £54; Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation £36.50, Giorgio Armani blusher £34.50.
Faux Cils Mascara £25, Yves Saint laurent; Eye Palette in Atlantis £12, Topshop; Black Plum 27 Eye Shadow £17.50, Bobbi Brown; Kajal Eyeliner £25, Yves Saint Laurent. 
MoroccanOil Treatment £31.85
TEAM:
Fashion & Style Director / Photography Shelly Vella
Make up Lisa Valencia
Hair Kari-Anne Habbershaw
Model Nada Adellè @ Models 1 ( http://www.nadaadelle.com )
Assistant Sophie Dearden
Photographed using Olympus Pen