Beauty Blog

It's that time again - the monthly Glossybox has arrived, full of beautiful products for me to try! This month was a London Fashion Week edition containing make-up and multi-tasking products.

Beautiful Glossybox packaging

List of products

Products inside the box

Como Shambhala: Invigorate Shower Gel

A sample size of a shower gel that contains Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender and Peppermint essential oils - the scent is slightly overpowering at first but it definitely woke me up! The gel created a rich lather and left my skin smelling lovely.

Awapuhi by Paul Mitchell: Wild Ginger Treatment Oil

I'm always a little wary of hair serums as I often find they make my hair look greasy rather than shiny so I only used a little of this product on the ends and lengths of my hair. The consistency was not as runny as serums I've used in the past, and it actually felt quite moisturising even on my skin. The scent is beautiful and when I blow-dried my hair it certainly seemed shinier than usual. Maybe I could be a convert?!

Dr. Bronner: Lavender Hand Sanitiser

I'm so happy to find this in my Glossybox: I travel so much, coming into contact with so many germs and it's not always practical to be constantly washing my hands (especially as I have a mild allergy to detergents often found in cheap soaps) This smells beautiful, so much nicer than the usual hand sanitiser products, as it contains Lavender essential oils. This was a full sized product, and as it only costs £3.99 from the website, I can see this being a product I will buy again.

BM Beauty: Pure Mineral Eyeshadow in Noir

I'm not a fan of loose eye-shadow powders: I find them fiddly and messy, and if the lid breaks in my make-up bag, then all hell can break loose. However, I like the colour, and as a product that I keep at home, I may get some use out of it. It's heavily pigmented so the colour is vivid, and I would probably mix a little of this with water to use as a liquid eyeliner substitute.

Becca: Beach Tint Watermelon

Again, not usually a fan of lip and cheek stains: when I wear lipstick, I usually favour Rockalily Roulette Red. As a lipstain, I didn't like the application of this - I added a line to my lower lip and used my index finger to blend it, which was fiddly, a little messy and didn't give the sharp result found in lipsticks. However, the colour is actually quite nice, and for a casual, dress down day it would work quite nicely. It claims to be waterproof too, which is nice to know. I haven't used it as a cheek-stain yet, but I think the colour would work nicely with my skin tone so I shall give it a try in the future.

Becca: Beach Tint Watermelon - colour on lips in natural light

If you liked reading this blog, why not check out the review of my very first Glossybox, here...

Inspiration

I've blogged about this before on my Tumblr page, but I thought I would share it here too.


Each Burlesque performer gains their inspiration from different sources, and performers past and present: I blog on my Tumblr about performers and figures from the past, but there are several performers that I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with who inspire me on a regular basis!


I appreciate that there is a fine line between inspiration and imitation, and I am keen to emphasise that I would never knowingly directly copy another performers routines - however, no one can deny that, upon seeing one of these acts perform, that they haven't come away buzzing with ideas and enthusiasm.


Kittie Klaw: The UK's foremost authority on Burlesque, and founder of The Ministry of Burlesque: Kittie is a mult-faceted individual with myriad interests, and is an invaluable source of advice and encouragement, and I always learn something new and exciting from her. She inspires me to step outside of my comfort zone of performance while helping me improve and grow within my existing acts.

Kittie Klaw

Millie Dollar: Sometimes I need a beautiful costume but have no idea where to start - all of Millie's outfits are absolutely breathtaking and have definitely inspired me to up the ante on the quality of my own costuming. She has such a wonderfully powerful stage presence, and her acts are reminiscent of the American Golden-Era of Bump and Grind - everything just works, from the music and choreography to the colour scheme, and I could watch her classy-raunchy acts all day.

Millie Dollar by Candee Photography

Lola LaBelle: "Are there enough crystals on this corset?" No. When it comes to Lola's costumes, the answer is always "No: there can never be enough crystals." Whenever I'm running out of steam, a glance at her stunning work is enough to have me hitting the rhinestones hard! She is so sensual on stage: performing almost as if she was the only person in the room; as though the entire routine was purely for her own pleasure, creating a spell bindingly voyeuristic atmosphere.

Lola LaBelle by Scott Chalmers Photography

Vicky Butterfly: A completely beautiful performer - Vicky's acts are so ethereal and magnetic: she has the ability to create a world on stage and make it impossible to tear your eyes away. I love to watch her perform as she is able to make even a simple move completely compelling, and the level of detail in her costumes is absolutely incredible. She inspires me to push myself to create bigger, more dramatic acts, and to think outside the standard aspects of striptease.

Vicky Butterfly by Michael Deirickx

Missy Malone: Missy is amazing to watch; she has more stage presence than any other performer I've ever seen - even when standing still she can totally command the attention of an audience. I love the pure energy of her performances (and she's my Grandma's favourite performer too!) She inspires me to be braver with the choreography of my own acts: to keep things simple and effective, and she shares my unadulterated love of leopard print!

Missy Malone by Candee Photography

Mat Ricardo: Yes I'm allowed to be inspired by boys too - especially boys as talented and suave as Mr. Ricardo! Mat inspires me with his sheer dedication to his craft: I don't know anyone else who has spent nearly a decade honing one trick! He makes me believe that, with perseverance, anything can be possible.

Mat Ricardo

Dusty Limits: I actually don't know anyone working in Cabaret today who isn't inspired by Dusty! A beyond amazing performer: I always push myself to be that little bit better if he is in the same show (and I kick myself that little bit harder if I mess up!) He was also voted 'Best Host' at the London Cabaret Awards in 2012.

Dusty Limits

Kitty Bang Bang: Her acts and costumes are breathtaking, and she has so many other skills that she incorporates into her routines: she inspires me as she is a wonderful dancer and it's obvious that she loves what she does, which reflects in her energy and confidence on stage. Specifically I'm hugely inspired by her quick, crazy pointe-work! She is amazing and after watching one of her routines, I always pop on my own pointe shoes and have a little dance myself!

Kitty Bang Bang

Beatrix Von Bourbon: Beatrix puts so much thought into every tiny detail of each act: from the meticulously researched concept to the choreography and music, right down to the rhinestones on her stunning costumes. She inspires me to think more about my own acts and to put more effort into the smallest details, as they really do make all the difference.

Beatrix Von Bourbon

Anna Fur Laxis: A fellow committed tea-drinker and cat-lady: she has stunning costumes and ingenious acts, and I can't help but be amazed by the time and energy she invests in her performances. She inspires me to put more effort into my costumes but also into my expression on stage (watch her face while she's performing - fabulous!) and to believe that I can reach the goals I set for myself.

Anna Fur Laxis by Neil Kendall

Elan Koszuk: Silent comic Elan has been working across the world for over 25 years, including headlining at the Crazy Horse in Paris! He steals the show whenever he performs with his funny, irreverent acts, and is such a humble, lovely person to talk to! He inspires me both because of the level of detail in his acts and the passion in his performance, but also for his professionalism and etiquette, and concern for everyone else backstage.

Elan Koszuk

There are myriad other people and performers who inspire me for a wide variety of reasons, be that costume, choreography or their performance ethic and etiquette, but I think these have had the most effect on me because of the combination of hard work and love they have all obviously invested into their craft. These are the performers I aspire to emulate: I am always honoured when I am lucky enough to be sharing a stage with any of them, and as well as being consummate performers, they are all sincerely lovely people too!

Divine

Only a quick post this time!

On Friday I was honoured to be performing at the glorious Carnival Divine in Manchester - I first performed for a Carnival Divine show when they put on an event at Alexander's Jazz Bar in Chester, three years ago, so it was lovely to be back with Fanny Divine at the events spiritual home of Matt and Phreds in the bohemian Northern Quarter

Carnival Divine do the most amazing posters!

The line-up included the internationally renowned Missy Malone (seriously, just Google 'Best UK Burlesque Performer'!) Scarlett Daggers (who's 'Kiss of the Cobra Woman' costume is actually incredible) Pixie Le Knot (one of the UK's most flexible contortionists!), was hosted by the force of nature that is Em Brulee and of course, the creator of Carnival Divine, Fanny Divine - who looked as gorgeous as ever despite being stressed to the hilt, promoting, running and performing at the night!

Backstage with Em Brulee, Fanny Divine, Scarlett Daggers, Missy Malone, Pixie Le Knot and Mickie the Maid!

The night was a complete sell-out, and I heard rumours that people were even being turned away at the door to prevent overcrowding! The audience were amazing: to the point that I could barely hear the music for my 'Broadway Belle' act (from the moment I threw the glitter from my champagne glass, they went crazy for the next seven minutes!) and I've never had a response like it! I felt quite overwhelmed!

I adore doing shows in the North West as it means I get to sleep in my own bed afterwards! A rare, post-show luxury in the life of a travelling showgirl!

Update!

On Saturday I was excited to be performing at Proud Cabaret in London - I've heard many things about this beautiful, subterranean cabaret club and I wasn't disappointed! The venue is stunning!

I was performing alongside one of my best friends from the cabaret world, Elle Amour, and was honoured to meet Beau Rocks and the incredible Jonathan Finch (his act nearly made me cry, it was so amazing!) The show was hosted by Coco DuBois, who quickly became my partner-in-crime for the evening, as the infamous head barman plied the three of us with cocktails, wine and shots (there was fire involved in there somewhere too, but the evening becomes a little bit of a blur after the show!)

I had a fabulous time at Proud Cabaret - the show was fantastic, the audience was wonderful, and the after-show was one of the best I've had in years! I also have to say a huge thank you to the stage manager Tadeusz 'Taz' Zebrowski for driving half way across London at 4:30 in the morning to rescue my phone after it ended up in Coco's bag! He has been nominated for the 'Unsung Hero' award at the London Cabaret Awards and it is very much deserved!

Mirror picture with Coco, Taz and Elle

Cocktails with Elle

The next afternoon, nursing a sore head and with a questionable ability to make words work, I took myself to the beautiful Volupte Lounge for a Valentines themed Afternoon Tease - I was performing with Mysti Vine, Trixee Sparkle (who's costume was absolutely stunning) and Liberty Pink, but because we all arrived and left at different times, I wasn't able to get a mirror picture! However I did snap a quick picture of Mysti's awesome balloons (*not* a euphemism!)

Valentines Balloons 

There was little rest for me over the next few days as I road-tripped with Kittie Klaw and the gorgeous Coco Malone to the Grand Theatre in Swansea for the next stop on The Burlesque Show tour. I've never been to Swansea but they certainly seem to know how to have a good time if the nightclubs are anything to go by:

3-4-1?!

The Grand Theatre, Swansea

The cast was typically fabulous, featuring Elan, Jim Devereaux, Elliot Mason, Fancy Chance, Kittie Klaw, Elle Amour and Coco Malone, and was hosted by my cabaret-twin Lili La Scala

Cabaret twin: Lili La Scala

Once again, the show was fantastic and the audience were entranced - even a trio of spooky power cuts (yes, midway through acts!) didn't affect the evening!

Mirror Picture: Fancy Chance, Lili La Scala, Elle Amour, Elan Koszuk, Kittie Klaw, Coco Malone, Jim Devereaux, and our local performer for the evening!

I haven't seen Coco for months, so it was wonderful to spend some time with her - even if we did sleep most of the journey there and back!

Coco Malone and I, backstage

As part of my few days rest, Mama Merode came to Manchester this afternoon to take me shopping! I don't see her as often as I'd like so it was a real treat, and she took me for lunch and bought me a gorgeous perfume, so I felt thoroughly spoilt! And on the way back to the train station, we saw a couple walking through town with raccoons on their shoulders! How cute!

Me and Mama Merode having lunch in Manchester

Yes I know this isn't a raccoon - the other one was, but I can't remember what this was called!

Home at last with my gorgeous cats: Mouse (back) and Piglet (front)

Beauty Blog

I don't really intend to turn this into a Beauty Blog, but I recently signed up for Glossybox, after hearing so many of my friends raving about it, and my first box finally arrived today so I thought I would share the joy!

Beautifully packaged (with an Audrey to cover my address label!)

Oh it's so exciting!!

Gorgeous products!! So amazing!

List of products and information

Murad: Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer - Dewy Finish

Although the colour straight from the pump seemed very dark, considering I have the colouring of a vampire, the liquid smoothed on very easily and blended beautifully. My skin looks smoother and brighter (which is amazing as I didn't get to bed until after 4 this morning!) I wore this underneath my regular make up, but it would work alone in the summer I think, with just a touch of concealer and blush.

Davines: Cleansing Nectar

If you like the smells from Lush, and I do, then this is perfect - a slightly oily consistency that still lathered beautifully and left my skin squeaky clean. It also states you can use it as a hair cleanser but as I have strongly coloured hair, I am reluctant to do this in case it strips the colour.

Davines: Moisturising Balm

Isn't the packaging of this just darling?! This wonder product also smells like a beauty store - strong but not unpleasant - and states that it can be used pretty much anywhere: as a moisture balm, makeup remover, hand cream, dry hair repair cream... etc. It does say to wash off or otherwise remove the product after a few minutes but I used this as a hand cream and it absorbed beautifully so I didn't feel as though I needed to. I will definitely try some of the other suggested uses in the future.

Fab: Gentle Body Wash

This says that it's a gentle body wash, however it also states that it is suitable for sensitive skin, can help tone down redness and is a moisturising cleanser. Now, I have very sensitive, dry skin and have quite high colour in my cheeks (probably due to the fact that I am porcelain-pale!) so I decided to try this as a face wash. It left my skin feeling clean and definitely not as 'tight' as using my usual soap, although I obviously had to use my usual moisturiser afterwards, regardless.  I can't say whether it helped with the colour; I think it is too soon to tell, but with repeated use it will definitely go some way to combating my winter-dry skin!

Eyeko: Skinny Eyeliner

I love Eyeko products so I was delighted to find this in my box! It is a gorgeous green shade, and is highly pigmented so the colour really pops. The eyeko eyeliners have an extra-long handle so that even when the pencil has been sharpened to the very end, there is still something to hold on to! The pencil gave a very sharp, precise application when creating 60's style 'flicks' and lasted around six or seven hours in total. 

I'm extremely impressed with my first Glossybox - it's a perfect way to try out new products, and sample things that I would never have tried otherwise. I love that there are detailed suggestions for each item, and if more inspiration was needed, there are dozens of blogs available for instruction and advice. The packaging is divine and the whole experience felt like a real luxury: I've already recommended several of my friends to the website, and I can't wait for the next one!

Oh, and I got bored - dyed my hair:

What do you think? It's actually much brighter in real light!

If you liked reading this blog post, why not read my very first attempt at blogging, here!

Cabaret Family Freaks!

Several months ago, a dear friend of mine, the Alternative Magician Dee Riley, asked me to help with a new act he was working on - now one of my life ambitions is to be a magician's glamorous assistant so on Thursday I took myself off to London to fulfil this fantasy.

I had a glorious evening at the legendary Madame Jojo's in Soho; infiltrating the line-up of 'Bete Noire' and playing with some of my favourite ladies and gentlemen:

Madame Jojo's from the stage

Mirror Picture! With Audacity Chutzpah, Laurie Hagan and Missy Fatale

Chinatown - all decorated from Chinese New Year!

Saturday saw a road trip, much hampered by snow, to Reading for 'High Tease' at The Hexagon. I adore High Tease shows: it feels so much like family! Kittie Klaw, Vendetta Vain, James Malach and I piled into the car, made an urgent Starbucks run (honestly, we ought to have shares in Starbucks - no burlesque show road trip is complete without it! Or, in many cases, can even begin without it!)

The line-up for the show was typically amazing, and included Elan Koszuk, The Great Voltini, Joe Black and AJ James among others. I also love performing at The Hexagon: the staff and crew are wonderful, the stage is incredible, and there are so many changing rooms, we could have had one each!

During the show, we kept peeping out to check on the snow, and by the time we left we were hearing reports of several feet falling across most of the country! Fortunately we all made it back to our respective homes in one piece, driving back across the country through blinding snow and fog!

Snowy Stage Door

Mine and Vendetta's changing room

Flixx Demontrant rehearsing on the gorgeous stage

Mirror Picture! 

With Dusty Limits, Dolores Delight, James Malach, Elan Koszuk, Voltini, Joe Black, Electra and Vendetta Vain

Mirror Picture! With Joe Black and Vendetta Vain

The final stop on my busy weekend was my hometown, Chester, for Suzie Sequin's show 'The Looking Glass' at Alexander's Jazz Theatre. I have a soft spot in my heart for this bohemian venue, as it was where I saw my first ever Burlesque show, four years ago! Coming back here is wonderful, and as I have friends among the staff, it is always particularly fabulous!

I especially enjoyed this show because I was booked to sing! I adore singing and would love to do more of it this year (maybe that could be a new years resolution!)

I also managed to fit in time with my family and friends, who I don't get to see as often as I wish I could, so the whole day was especially wonderful!

Alexander's Courtyard

I'm looking forward to a few days of rest, relaxation and costume repair before heading back to London next weekend for another whirlwind of shows!
xx