Cosmetics - Illamasqua's Summer Sale!

Our favorite British beauty brand Illamasqua is having a blow out summer sale. Pick up fantastic items from a sizzling £5! We love Illamasqua and couldn't recommend their products more highly, so Happy Shopping Ladies x

Cosmetics - Pertilude's Drag Tutorials.

To master the art of female illusion is by no means easy. The attention to detail and shear skill required for the transformation can be seemingly unattainable to an aspiring performer. 

In many parts of the world young aspiring drag performers are gifted with what is known as a 'Drag Mother'. A 'Drag Mother' is usually an older and more established drag artist within their community, who will bestow their knowledge and expertise to the next generation. For people living among a thriving transgender community this right of passage is a wonderful and invaluable tradition. However, what about those who don't? We are aware that there are many young people who are in small towns and villages all over the world having to make it all on their own. Where can they seek guidance and advice? 

Thank god for YouTube we say! Just a quick search for 'Drag make-up' will garner around 10,800 results! Out of those 10,800 one channel stands out of the crowd. The Youtube user known as 'Petrilude' runs a video blog out of his bedroom in Chicago and has almost 300,000 subscribers to his channel. He covers general everyday, fashion, fantasy and drag make-up tutorials all with a friendly and approachable style. We have gotten an awful lot from his videos in the past and hope you can find them useful to.

Here are some extremely helpful videos geared towards female impersonation.

(Drag Make-up tutorial)

(Eyebrow blocking tutorial)

(Contouring and Highlighting Tutorial)

(Tucking Tutorial)

(Cleavage creation tutorial)

We hope you found these videos helpful. For further video blogs please visit Pertilude's youtube page at:

http://www.youtube.com/user/petrilude

or visit his website at:

http://www.petrilude.com/

Hair - Wigs By Vanity

We all know how hard it is to find a good quality lace fronted wig, especially if your strapped for cash. A lace fronted wig will usually cost upwards of £700 pounds. For a lady on a limited income we know that is completely unattainable. Well out of the Sydney, Australia's drag scene comes 'Wigs By Vanity'. 

('Vanity Faire' modeling 'Jessica Rabbit' in 'Hot Red')

Friends and established drag stars 'Courtney Act' and 'Vanity Faire' have teamed up to develop a line of high quality and highly fabulous wigs at affordable prices. All of their wigs are lace fronted and fully knotted on top with soft synthetic fibbers (synthetic is easier to style).

('Courtney Act' and 'Vanity Faire' modeling their creations)

All wigs are currently being sold for £153.70 in an array of colours and lengths.

Find 'Wigs by Vanity' at:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/WigsByVanity

Cosmetics - M.A.C on Youtube

'M.A.C Cosmetics' have been the go to beauty brand to Make-up Bloggers for decades. But through their Website 'www.maccosmetics.co.uk' and 'YouTube' channel, they are doing the blogging. 

(Sculpted eye tutorial)

'M.A.C's video blogs give you a taster of life as a 'M.A.C' professional make-up artists. They include backstage looks at international fashion shows, Insights into current collections and how to films with Senior Artists. Here is a chance to learn from people in the know and bring out the fabulous creature inside of you.

(Cat eye tutorial)

Cosmetics - Be 'Born Again' with Illamasqua

Have you ever looked at your life and wanted a clean slate? Have you ever wanted a chance to be reborn? Well here is your chance.


British Make-up brand Illamasqua are offering one lucky winner the chance of a lifetime. To commit the 'Ultimate Social Sacrifice' and have your old Facebook account whipped clean, in order  be reborn as your Alter Ego. Doesn't that sound fabulous? All of your old photo's, wall posts etc will be whipped clean and be replaced with photo's of the New You.

The prizes include:

• 2 tickets to the launch of Illamasqua’s first fragrance in association with The Last Tuesday Society on Saturday 29th October 2011 at the Adam Street Private Members Club set in amazing vaults beneath the Strand in London. (For more information please visit: http://www.thelasttuesdaysociety.org/index.html )
• 2 tickets to a fashion show at London Fashion Week with backstage access and a chance to cover the event for Illamasqua's blog.
• 2 tickets to attend the Night Time Diva course at Illamasqua’s School of Make-Up Art
• Star in your own Illamasqua beauty photo shoot at The School of Make-Up Art
• A guided tour around Vicky McClure's latest film set by the BAFTA winning actress herself. (for more information on Vicky please visit http://www.vicky-mcclure.co.uk/ )
• Supper and a screening at BAFTA with Spob, Illamasqua Head of Professional Development and head make-up & hair artist on ‘Born Again’
• 90-minute pampering package including a luxury hair treatment, blow dry/style and manicure at award winning central London salon ‘Inanch London’ (for more information please visit www.inanch.com).
• A Personal Shopping experience with professional stylist Larissa De Filippo and £500 spending money. Larissa has worked with prestigious international publications including Vogue Brazil and is a regular collaborator at fashion online magazine Grit.
• A night on the town with the Illamasqua Art Team at the Arts Theatre Club in the heart of London, a prohibition style private members club with a heritage that dates back to the 1920s, started by a group of theatre actors. (www.theartstheatreclub.com)
•  £500 worth of Illamasqua products of your choice  (subject to stock availability).
• All travel costs within the UK and accommodation for one night for you and a friend at the Sanctum Hotel Soho, stylish and sophisticated hotel in the heart of London’s buzzing West End, two minute walk from Illamasqua’s flagship store plus a complimentary bottle of bubbly on arrival (for more information please visit http://www.sanctumsoho.com/)
• 
  

Runner up Prizes:

• 10 x run up prizes of £100 of Illamasqua product goodie bags

Under 18 Prizes:

• Illamasqua School of Make-Up Art Course - The 'Art of Self-Indulgence' Party Course. Be the star of your own Illamasqua private party! A private 2-hour evening event for you and a group of 6-12 friends, hosted by an Illamasqua Professional Make-Up Artist who will design a bespoke course to excite and delight your group.
• Plus £500 of Illamasqua products of your choice (subject to availability)

Are You ready to commit the 'Ultimate Social Sacrifice'?

www.illamasqua.com

Shopping - HourGlassFigure.com

(Website proprietor Geraldine) 

HourGlassFigure.com is one of Britain's top websites for Transgender undergarments. After spending fifteen years in the lingerie industry, proprietor Geraldine decided to cater especially for the Transgender community to great acclaim. The site is feminine and friendly with quality products and discrete packaging and money handling.

('Padded brief')

Their product line mainly concentrates on Undergarments including: Lingerie, Padded Shapeware, Breast forms, Corsets, Gaffs. 

We know that discreteness is very important to a lot of Transgender people and they have taken extra steps to ensure confidentiality with all of their packaging. All products are sent out in either grey plastic envelopes or plain cardboard boxes with no mention of the company on the label. Also there will be no mention of the company on your credit/debit card statement, only the company name 'L. R. R. Ltd'. So shop away and the postman will be none the wiser.

('Waist Clincher' and 'Pocketed Bra' with 'Breast Forms')

www.hourglassfigure.co.uk

Cosmetics - Illamasqua

If you haven't already been introduced to British beauty brand 'Illamasqua' then get your self on this Band Wagon sharpish! 

(Illamasqua team member 'Daniel Sallstrom')

'Illamasqua' is a completely inclusive brand that caters for Male and Female customers without discrimination, No Guy-liner rubbish here folks. With it's moto 'Make-up for your Alter Ego' Illamasqua has been a huge supporter of the Transgender Community and encourages everyone to release their Alter Ego onto the world. 

The cult Make-up peddlers have been blazing a trail throughout the beauty industry and our British high street for almost three years. They have racked up an impressive eight counters in Uk department stores 'Selfridges', 'Debenhams' and 'Fenwick' as well as counters in Australia, Dubai and The United Arab Emirates; Online collaborations with 'Sephora' and 'ASOS' and There Flagship Store in 'Beak Street, London' which boasts it's very own Make-up School. Not bad for a company that has yet to celebrate it's Third Birthday.

(The Flagship 'Beak Street' store)

(Illamasqua Powder Eye-shadows)

But why is 'Illamasqua' so sucessful? In their own words:

"Illamasqua is the product of a heady mix of influences. Its roots stem from the dark and illicit 1920s club scene, and combine a rich heritage in the manufacture of make-up for film and theatre. It also takes inspiration from members of the ‘alternative scenes’ for whom self-expression is paramount. Alternative cultures have always dared to be dramatic. They have an emotional attachment to making up. It’s an expression of their darker side, a release for their alter ego.

Illamasqua is for the bolder person hiding inside all of us. It is an act and an attitude. A symbol of tolerance. A celebration of idiosyncrasies. A confident statement of self-ownership."

Sounds good to us!

(Creative Director Alex Box on the set of A/W09 collection 'Dystopia')

The products have been developed by leading chemists, manufacturers of stage and screen make-up and make-up artists to an incredibly high standard. The range boast a huge array of dazzling shades, powerful performance and animal cruelty free ingredients. 

(BAFTA Winning actress 'Vicky McClure' in brand film 'The Poem')

Beyond the products themselves, the campaign images by Creative Director 'Alex Box' have truly set them apart. There creatives are not afraid to be extremely 'Avant Guard' but most importantly they don't take themselves to seriously. The true skill of the brand is that they are aspirational, yet accessible. By setting themselves apart from the rest of the beauty world and declaring themselves as an outsider they have spoken to something previously untaped in all of us. Illamasqua is the equivalent of being a child and dipping into your mothers make-up kits for the first time. Everything is new. Everything is dangerous. Everything is exiting.

(One of Illamasqua's very first images 2008)

Expect nothing else but the stars for this brand. We are sure that 'M.A.C Cosmetics' had better watch it's back because... The British are coming!

www.illamasqua.com

Lifestyle - Help and Support

Being a transgender person can be challenging and difficult at times. Where can u turn to find help and advice? We, here at Betty-Leigh's have been scouring the internet to find some websites that may be helpful to you. Here are a few to get you started:

http://theangels.co.uk/

http://www.transgenderzone.com/

http://www.beaumontsociety.org.uk/

http://www.sparkle.org.uk/

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/

x

Fashion - Tarina Tarantino

(Jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino)

We here at Betty-Leigh's have adored 'Tarina Tarantino' jewelry for a few years. But Tarina and her 'Sparkle Factory' have been making waves since 1995. From her small apartment in West Hollywood, Tarina along with her husband 'Alfonso Campos' has grown a thriving online business and shops in L.A., New York, Japan and Milan. Loved by celebrities and the fashion world a like, her designs are colourful, kitsch and loaded with sparkle. 

(Cameron Diaz sporting Tarina's bracelet at the 'Oscars')

Her Jewelry is not made from diamonds and platinum but plastic and 'Swarofski' crystals. It's fun, accessible and designed to make anyone, no matter your age or background feel like a princess. For us her jewelry packs a mighty punch for half the pound. 

(Tarina Tarantino jewelry)

Tarina has had long standing collaborations with some of the biggest brands in the world. But Tarina is rather picky about who she works with and rejects any that don't fit easily fit into the 'Tarina Tarantino' world. The collaborations to date inclube 'Barbie', 'Hello Kitty', 'Kidrobott', 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'The Wizard of Oz'.

(Tarina Tarantino for 'Barbie')

('Kelly Osborne' as 'Glinda' for 'Wizard of Oz')

www.tarinatarantino.com

Fashion - Designers 'The Blonds'

(Phillipe and David Blonde)

Phillipe Rolano and David Trujilo, also known as Pillipe and David Blond  are a design duo that are taking the world by storm! Never heard of them? That may be true but chances are that you have seen one of there creations. Since there launch around 2004, celebrities from all corners of the industry have been plucking outfits directly from The Blonds' runway extravaganzas, but none more so than the pop industry. The colourful, highly embellished designs are a perfect fit for pops most daring divas.

(Phillipe Blond Strutting his stuff)

The blondes straddle a line between pop culture kitsch and the avant guard. Their creations have been used in music videos, live performances, magazine covers and hollywood movies. They love them so much that these one of a kind pieces have been seen on more than one celeb. Who would have thought these ladies could share? There client list includes, are you ready? :


Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Rhianna, Evan Rachel Wood, Debbie Harry, Nicole Shersinger, Kate Bosworth, Britney Spears, Fergie, Beyonce, Rochine Murphy, Minnie Driver, Dita Von Teese, Lady GaGa, Adam Lambert, Alesha Keys, Christina Aguilera, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cirus and Kim Catrall's infamous red Karaoke dress in Sex and the City 2. To name but a... few!

(Kim in Sex and the City 2)

(Celebs love The Blonds)

Check out more at: 

www.theblondsnewyork.com

Fashion - Lea T and Andrej Pejic

Where fashion goes the rest of the world follows. And now fashion houses 'Givenchy' and 'Jean Paul Gaultier' have given us Transgender Models 'Lea T' and 'Anrej Pejic'. 

Lea T

(Lea T)

Lea T, 28, rose to fame in 'Ricardo Tisci's' advertising campaign for 'Givenchy' A/W10, she soon went on to conquer the fashion world's toughest critics.  She has been featured in French 'Vouge', Italan 'Vanity Fair' and alongside 'Kate moss'  in a steamy shot for the cover of 'LOVE' magazine.

(Lea T and Kate Moss on the cover of LOVE magazine)

She began her career as a design assistant to 'Ricardo Tisci', Lea (then Leo) was ignorant of her model potential. "One night, he encouraged me to wear heels to a party. We went shopping for these drag queen high heels and bleached my eyebrows. It was a revelation," she told the 'Telegraph'.

(Lea in 2010 Givanchy campaign)

"When you are a transsexual, you look for your future, and you can't see it," Lea told the New York Times. "I thought this would be a nice message for another tranny: 'Look, we can be the same as other girls and boys.' It's small, but it makes you feel like you have a little chance. Maybe a transsexual will open a magazine and think: 'That's cool. We can be whatever we want.' That's why I did the Givenchy campaign."

Anrej Pejic

(Andrej Pejic)

Andrej Pejic, 19, gained notoriety walking for 'Jean Paul Gaultier' in both there Menswear and Womenswear catwalk shows. Born in Bosnia, Pejic moved to Melborn when he was 8 and was discovered at the age of 17 wile working in a McDonnell's.

(Andrej in a Bridal gown for Jean Paul Gaultier)

Pejic is male and doesn't consider himself Transexual like Lea T. Therefore Pejic has been able to to utilize the duality of masculine and feminine in his work. On a 'Jean Paul Gaultier' catwalk show he famously opened the show in a suit and closed it in a dress.

(Anrej Pejic)

We hope that these shining stars have encouraged a new definition of beauty, and a new group of Trans Super Models to take the fashion industry by storm. We say BRING IT ON!

Cosmetics - Face Lift Tapes

(Dior SS/11)

The catwalk of 'Dior' Haute Couture SS11 wowed on lookers with the help of one of make-up's best kept secrets. The secret in question? 'Face Lift Tapes'. But what are they? Facelift Tapes have been common place in the fashion and entertainment industry for many years. They are clear self adhesive tapes attached to elastic bands that (once secured and pulled taught) create a desecrate non surgical facelift. You attach the tapes to the desired area, feed the elastic through the hairline and secure behind the head. 

(Dior SS11)

This trick is really helpful for us girls with a hooded eyelid. Attaching the tapes at the temples (as shown in the pictures) will reveal the crease of the eye creating a more feminine shape. The tapes are clear but will still be visible on the skin, they can be disguised by your wig lace, fringe or good foundation application. The elastic comes in different colours to match your hair.

(Dior SS11)

(Dior SS11)

There are several makers of 'Face Lift Tapes' online but we've listed bellow links to two different brands.

Mark Traynor - Face Lift Tapes

http://www.screenface.co.uk/beauty/face-lifts-anti-wrinkle/mark-traynor-face-neck-lift-professional-single-set.htm

Secret Lift - Face Lift Tapes

http://www.cosmesearch.com/secretlift/index.html

Cosmetics - Eyebrow Blocking

For the girl who doesn't want to take the plunge and pluck there eyebrows, 'Eyebrow Blocking' is a great trick. There are several different ways to get a great result and here are just a few of them. 

Here are 2 different techniques to cover your eyebrows in 1 video. First is the Glue stick method, using an everyday water soluble glue stick. The second uses 'Spirit Gum' and 'Eyebrow Wax' both made by 'Kryolan'.

This is another method that we just discovered. It uses a medical surgical adhesive called 'Pros Aide'. This can be found at 'www.pros-aide.com'. p.s. Don't forget the all important adhesive remover 'Bond off'.

Cosmetics - Pixiwoo

I wanted to give a shout out to Samantha and Nicole Chapman, Also known as 'Pixiewoo'. The Make-up duo have been video blogging since 2007 and their videos have had over 55,615,831 views so far. 

There video's cover a whole range of looks from Catwalk and Celebrity to Fantasy/Avant Guard creations. Bellow is a fun Drag tutorial that some of you may find helpful. It's always fun for us to see different interpretations of a drag look and this one is a cracker! So enjoy and check out there 'Youtube' channel and beauty blog (links bellow).

http://www.pixiwoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/pixiwoo

http://www.twitter.com/pixiwoos

http://www.themirror.co.uk/pixiwoo

Icons - Jackie Curtis

"Jackie is just speeding away,

Thought she was James Dean for a day,

Then I guess she had to crash,

Valium would have helped that bash,

She said: "Hey Sugar, Take a walk on the wild side"

(Lyrics from the 'Lou Reed' song 'Walk on the Wild Side")

Jackie Curtis was born in New York City. He performed as both a man and a woman throughout his career. While performing in drag, Curtis would typically wear lipstick, glitter, bright red hair, and ripped and torn dresses and stockings. Curtis pioneered this unique style, a combination of trash and glamour which has prompted assertions that Curtis inspired the "Glitter rock" or "Glam Rock" movement of the 1970s.

"Jackie Curtis is not a drag queen. Jackie is an artist. A pioneer without a frontier" Andy Warhol.

Primarily a stage actor, Curtis debuted at the age of 17 in 'Tom Eyen's' play 'Miss Neferititi Regrets'. Curtis began to write his own plays immediately after this experience, often featuring famous transsexuals, such as 'Candy Darling' and later 'Holly Woodlawn'. His productions enjoyed successful runs at 'La Mama' and were well-reviewed. Curtis' work was inspired in part by the 'Playhouse of the Ridiculous'. As writer and lead actor his plays include: 'Glamour, Glory and Gold' which also starred 'Candy Darling' and 'Robert De Niro' in his first appearance on stage, 'Vain Victory, Amerika Cleopatra' featuring Harvey Fierstein, 'Femme Fatale' with 'Patti Smith', 'Wayne County' (now 'Jayne County') and 'Penny Arcade' and 'Heaven Grand In Amber Orbit' with 'Holly Woodlawn'.

'Andy Warhol' and his director 'Paul Morrissey' cast Curtis and 'Candy Darling' in 'Flesh' (1968) and with 'Holly Woodlawn' in 'Women in Revolt' (1971).

Curtis was also a singer and poet. In 1974 Curtis and 'Holly Woodlawn' appeared in the critically acclaimed 'Cabaret in the Sky' at the New York Cultural Center. A CD of songs by 'Paul Serrato' from the Curtis musicals 'Lucky Wonderful' and 'Vain Victory' was released in 2004. Curtis' poem 'B-Girls' much of which is based on his observations of people who visited his grandmother's bar, 'Slugger Anns' led to Curtis' inclusion in the 1979 book 'The Poets' Encyclopedia'. It was the longest poem in the book, spanning a total of eight pages.

Jackie Curtis made two more movies during the 1980s. Drug addiction, however, had taken control of her life, eventually leading to her death of heroin overdose at the age of 38.