Vice launched a short lived ad campaign entitled, “Last Words.” Seven models were shot in various poses that depicted the suicide of females authors. One model is dressed as Sylvia Plath and shown kneeling in front of a gas oven. Another model shown as Sanmao, who hung herself with stockings, holds a noose around her neck. A Virginia Woolf model wades into water to drown herself. A third, who resembles Iris Chang, is depicted with a gun in her mouth.

Distasteful? Yes. The brand has since pulled the images and issued this statement:

“Last Words” is a fashion spread featuring models reenacting the suicides of female authors who tragically ended their own lives. It is part of our 2013 Fiction Issue, one that is entirely dedicated to female writers, photographers, illustrators, painters, and other contributors.



The fashion spreads in VICE Magazine are always unconventional and approached with an art editorial point-of-view rather than a typical fashion photo-editorial one. Our main goal is to create artful images, with the fashion message following, rather than leading.



“Last Words” was created in this tradition and focused on the demise of a set of writers whose lives we very much wish weren’t cut tragically short, especially at their own hands. We will no longer display “Last Words” on our website and apologize to anyone who was hurt or offended.



—VICE

This brings me to my questions…is there really such a thing as bad press? Is there a limit when it comes to “art” and interpretation of beauty/fashion? The brand obviously got the attention they wanted. Was it worth it? Does something like this effect your choices when shopping?

Baking/kitchen parchment paper will work the best. You can usually find it near the foil in your local grocery store. If you aren’t into the parchment, grab a plastic sandwich bag and cut the sides so it opens completely. Smooth it out flat and paint any design you want with your favorite nail polishes. Let the design dry thoroughly. I mean thoroughly.

Once it is dry, use some tweezers to gently peel off the design from the bag. Paint your fingers whatever base color you’d like and apply your designs directly onto your still wet nails. Finish with a clear top coat and you’re done! You can also use bare nails or an already painted and dried nails. Simply sweet a clear coat on and apply your nail art to the wet polish.

I did a few hearts, a couple of flowers and some marbled designs. For a more intricate design, paint 2 layers of clear coat on your paper/bag. Let each layer dry for at least 20 minutes. After the clear polish has dried, use a thin permanent marker, acrylic paint or your favorite polish applied with a thin brush to paint on whatever you like! Let this all dry and throw on another layer of clear coat. Again, let it all dry thoroughly and peel the design off and place on your nail. Seal it with a final layer of clear coat. (TIP: If you use a Sharpie or other marker, spritz on some hairspray after you have made your design and before you apply your clear coat.)

For an easy marbled effect, fill a shot glass with water. Use 2 or more polishes and alternate colors by dropping a dot into the water filled glass. Soon, you will create a bulls-eye effect. Drag a toothpick through sections of the floating polish. Cover the skin around your finger with tape and dip into the center of the design. Pull away excess floating polish away from your nail with a Q-tip before you remove your nail. Lift your finger from the water and let it dry for a minute or two. Pull away the tape and clean up any spots that may have gotten onto your cuticles.

Extra Tips

*If you aren’t art savvy, give yourself something to trace. Use the plastic bag method and put a pattern or image under the bag when you are ready to draw.

*Make your nail art a bit on the bigger side. You can always trim it and if you get a little snag or rip you can fix it easier.

*Use a scrapping motion with tweezers to start the removal of your homemade decal. If you have a ton of trouble, try using the clear coat method first and use a cuticle pusher to lift your edges first.

Step 2: Using a fine-tooth comb, section top front portion of hair horizontally, from the top of one ear to the top of the other ear. Pull the lower section of hair back into a ponytail and secure with a ponytail holder.

Step 3: Comb the front section straight back neatly and use hairpins to pin the hair into the ponytail base. Step 4: Split the ponytail in half horizontally. Comb the top section up and roll it up into a loop. Using 2 or 3, pin the ends to the base of the ponytail.

Step 5: Comb the lower section of hair down. Rolling it under, make a loop. Use hairpins to pin the ends to the base of the ponytail.

Step 6: Using several hairpin, stretch out the loops of hair all around the ponytail base, so the loops each form a semicircle—one on the top and one on the bottom. If you wish, add small sparkly or pearl beads to hairpins and crown the top of the chignon.

The trend continues with Fergie. The wife of Josh Duhamel went full metal Indian boho for church on Father’s Day. The pregnant singer wore an interesting headdress that brought the attention up from her bump.

The style appeared to be comfortable with a dash of chaotic, but controlled mess. This look dances outside of the realms of my taste, but I can see why others might find it beautiful. Of course, I give a free pass to all pregnant women as I once wore two different shoes during my last trimester.

What do you think Beauty Stoppers? Love it or Lose it?

Want more looks? Check out Miley Cyrus‘ crazy sweat pant/oversized jean combo by clicking HERE…

Step 1: Apply 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder to a clean face.

Step 2: Apply Disappearing Act 4-in-1 Concealer to the eye lids going from lash line to brow bone. *Pür Minerals Makeup Artist Tip: this primes the eye helping eye shadow stay in place and creates a natural look.*

Step 3: Apply a thin layer of Hello Bright Eyes Pencil to the corners of the eye. *Pür Minerals Makeup Artist Tip: This will help the eyes appear open, bigger and brighter giving the models a wide awake look.*

Step 4: Apply a thick layer of Pur Intensity Gel Eye Liner to create a dramatic cat eye.

Step 5: Apply your favorite color shadow to the top of the eye lid. Apply another thin layer on the bottom of the eye.
Try Pür’s Perfect Fit Eye Shadow Treo in Free Spirit.

Step 6: Applya light coat of Big Blink Mascara to the top lashes only. Concentrate on the outer corners to create a “fanned out” look.

Step 7: Apply a bit of Mineral Glow Pressed Mineral Powder to create a bronzed glow that adds a little warmth and color.

Step 8: The designer wanted a natural lip, so Pout Plumping Lip Gloss in Crystal Pink was applied to the lips.

Rule #1: SUNSCREEN. I know I preach this to the point of aggravation, but healthy skin is so sexy.

Rule #2: Use a hot towel to open the pores before shaving and a cold towel after. This will help prevent redness and nicks.

Rule #3: Even though he may not have hair, it is still essential to wash that area of his head with the proper cleanser. Use a moisturizing wash and don’t be afraid to apply some SPF to bald spots. Check out GO 24*7 for the proper products for men. They have everything from shampoo to grooming cream.

Rule #4: Exfoliate once a week to prevent ingrown facial hair. Getting rid of dead skin isn’t just for girls!

Rule #5: Encourage your guy to go hat-free. Men tend to show their support for their team by sporting hats paying homage, but they also tend to be a breeding ground for bacteria. Think about all that sweat that accumulates in the band of their favorite hat. It then sits on the skin for hours creating a incubator for acne. Wash the hat, if he doesn’t mind, and have him scrub post game.

Rule #6: Dudes wearing lip balm isn’t too girly. Nothing will ruin a kiss faster than chapped lips. Don’t be afraid to slough off dead skin and rehydrate with something as simple as Carmex or ChapStick. GO 24*7 also has a manly balm just for his pucker.

Rule #7: Keep everything trimmed. Nose hairs, eyebrows, hair, beards and chest hair. Do not pluck your man’s brows or shape them, but don’t be afraid to trim a forest. Have him keep neck and ear hairs shaved off for a well kept and polished finished that isn’t too over the top.

Rule #8: Nails should be short and clean. Nothing sends a woman on a detour like men with long nails!

The designer, who doubles as the creative director for Louis Vuitton, has joined beauty forces with Sephora Originals to offer up a collection that is packed with color. The hues will be available in 122 products of which 3 will be a unisex: Lip Lock Moisture Balm, Brow Tamer Grooming Gel, and Remedy Concealer Pen.

According to WWD, the line has surpassed Jacobs’ expectations. “I’m surprised by how delighted I am with the results,” he revealed. “Now I want to see what the customer thinks. That’s the ultimate. I like the idea of transforming oneself, making and modeling yourself to what you feel like being, whether that’s once a day, three times a day, seven times a week, whatever it is. Fashion to me is not just clothing, it’s handbags, it’s shoes, it’s clothes, it’s hair, it’s makeup, it’s fragrance.”

There will be four different categories of the collection…

Smart Complexion – Consists of foundations, concealer and powder.
Blacquer – Focus on eyes with precision pen eyeliner, lash lifter, and gel crayon.
Hi-Per Color – Lux lip products, blush, eye shadow, bronzer and nail lacquer.
Boy Tested, Girl Approved – Lip balm, brow tamer, and concealers.

Chanel and Dior both have mastered this trifecta of clothing, fragrance and makeup. Lets hope Marc doesn’t suffer the same fate as other failed fashion house forged beauty products.

]]> http://thebeautystop.com/marc-jacobs-launches-color-packed-makeup-collection/feed/ 9 http://thebeautystop.com/fake-it-professionally-styled/ http://thebeautystop.com/fake-it-professionally-styled/#comments Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:30:46 +0000 Camilla http://thebeautystop.com/?p=26718 Wedding day, prom, job interview, big date night or whatever event that has you looking into forking over your hard earned cash for a pro service, wait.

There are several ways to fake a professional style. It might actually be even easier than your normal makeup routine in some cases!

Hair: Trends are actually on our side. Sweeping and intricate updos aren’t the only option. Soft beach waves or even a blowout is just as beautiful on wedding days. Recently, Kristin Cavallari married Jay Cutler and wore her hair in a soft wave that was light, beautiful and easy to replicate at home. Braid your hair after towel drying your strands post-shower. Sleep in the braids and enjoy the no-heat style in the morning. If you have thinner hair, opt for a braided hairstyle, topknot, low chignon so your strands don’t fall flat after the marathon of dancing, schmoozing or sweating.

Nails: Thanks to all the advancements in nail art, an at home manicure has an easy answer. Instead of spending hours painting and trying to erase little mistakes, use one of the many nail appliqué options out there.

Makeup: Again, thanks to the advancement of makeup over the years, things are very different from my wedding. Instead of trying to wield brushes and smear on liquid foundations, try a makeup sponge and apply a primer. This will give you an airbrush finish worthy of a pro’s hand.

Body: Start your morning with some lifting. You don’t need to work up a sweat, but let your muscles know it is time to shine. Also, you can use a bronzer to amplify what you already have! Click HERE to see how a few sweeps of matte bronzer can instantly tone you… Make sure you do any massages, facials and other treatments a few weeks in advance. The last thing you need to do is discover you have an unknown allergy to whatever concoction your therapist used to calm you via aromatherapy.

The ever adorable Ginnifer Goodwin is portraying the former First Lady in National Geographic Channel’s upcoming docudrama “Killing Kennedy.” The ‘Once Upon A Time’ star will share the screen with Rob Lowe as John F. Kennedy, Michelle Trachtenberg as Marina Oswald and Will Rothhaar as Lee Harvey Oswald.

Jackie has some of my favorite views when it comes to beauty. One of her thoughts about style has stuck with me since I grew up and understood what she meant.

“Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude, and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful.”

Sometimes it is easy to forget that no amount of makeup can make our character beautiful.

The tv film will air on National Geographic Channel in November…just in time for the 50th anniversary of JFK’s death.

]]> http://thebeautystop.com/ginnifer-goodwin-as-jacqueline-kennedy-onassis-photo/feed/ 7 http://thebeautystop.com/love-it-or-lose-it-miley-cyrus-hybrid-pants/ http://thebeautystop.com/love-it-or-lose-it-miley-cyrus-hybrid-pants/#comments Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:44:53 +0000 Camilla http://thebeautystop.com/?p=26702 I’m not…what the…how did….why is… I am not sure how to respond to this. Miley Cyrus is wearing some sort of sweatpants/jeans combo in an odd ‘Ebony and Ivory’ tribute to haberdashery.

Cyrus wore the creation to the MySpace relaunch party in Los Angeles on Wednesday. I have decided that wearing sweat pants in public is only acceptable when you are pregnant, have the flu or you are traveling across the country with children. It appears that she falls in none of these categories, so that is strike 1. Then she couldn’t commit to to ill fitting jeans or sweat pants and somehow found a designer willing to forge the two into a fashion faux pas Frankenstein. Strike 2 and 3.

I am all for pioneering fresh trends. That road isn’t an easy one as I recall my days playing Oregon Trail. (I always died of dysentery or being too cheap to pay Indians for help crossing some river.) So what do you think? Is Miley’s look the next brave trend or is it fashion death by trying to cross the Kansas River by yourself?

The 27 year old, who found fame in his role as a bejeweled vampire, joined the ranks of Jude Law. The fashion house confirmed his involvement after several rumors circulated.

“The House of Dior is delighted to announce that actor Robert Pattinson is to be the new face of Dior Homme fragrance.

He has since proven the scope of his acting talents by choosing films as varied as Remember Me by Allen Coulter, Water for Elephants by Francis Lawrence, in which he starred alongside Reese Witherspoon, or with his role as Bel-Ami, the famous Maupassant character.

Today we are excited to announce that he will join the privileged circle of Dior faces. Photographed by American artist Nan Goldin and filmed by French director Romain Gavras, this new Dior Homme communication campaign is currently broadcast exclusively in Europe (except UK) and Asia (except China and Japan).”

UPDATE: We now have few sneak peeks at Pattinson’s Dior Ads!

What do you think? Too scowl ridden or super sexy?

SUGAR. When you consume sugar, it stimulates the release of serotonin and dopamine in your brain and the reduction in their degradation. Translation, it makes you feel good and produces a high. Cocaine does the exact same thing.

A large (32 oz) Sweet Tea from McDonalds has 69 grams of sugar! Loosing sleep? It has 100 mg of caffeine! It is worse than drinking No Fear/Rip It/Rock Star Energy Drinks. Let me put it this way, a Krispy Kreme glazed donut only has 10 grams of sugar per donut. When you indulge in the golden arches’ tea it is like eating the sugar equivalent of 7 DONUTS.

Here is where the cocaine effect comes in. Eventually, your brain receptors build a tolerance and you need more and more to get that same release of serotonin and dopamine. So, you crave more sugar to get the same comfort or high. Basically, you need to detox. Click HERE for more on that…

It seems like doctor’s are changing their minds about what is “good” and “bad” on a daily basis, but the driving factor that doesn’t change is excess.

“Take eggs for example,” my family doctor explains, “they are packed with good proteins and the yolk is fantastic for your liver. However, the cholesterol and fat in the yolk can be ‘bad.’ That is why you will hear conflicting opinions. Anything, whether it is deemed ‘god or ‘bad’ can be damaging in excess. Take carrots. They contain beta-carotene which is great for you, but too much and you can lead to carotenemia (discoloration of the skin). The key in any diet is balance.”

So, you don’t have to swear off sweets forever, just be aware of what you are putting in your body. Limit yourself and distract yourself when you are combating those cravings. Learn what you body might actually need when you are having a craving. Click HERE for more on Cravings Decoded…