Art Thoughts: Realistic Portraits

There are many things in life that can make you go wow. Most will be photographs that capture the beauty of the world frozen in millions of pixels for all eternity, daredevils stunts that you can easily miss in the blink of an eye, and artworks that span ages - from the ancient artifacts unearthed in the many archaeological dig sites spread out around the world, the pyramids and the hieroglyphs, massive installations that leave onlookers baffled at the sheer magnitude of its size and complex execution. These are just some of the things that can elicit and everyday wow, and there's a new addition to this huge list of art appreciation in the creation of 47-year old hyperrealist artist Paul Cadden.

Featured below is one of the 8 photos that can be found on this article from Yahoo!

Detroit by Paul Cadden (Solent News / Rex Features)

It may be hard to believe, but that's done in pencils. And if you're still not convinced that this worthy of an appreciative WOW, then you definitely need to check out his other works.

Beauty Thoughts: The Body Shop Launches Beauty Movement

If you're big on skincare and make-ups, then there's no way you're not familiar with The Body Shop. Catering to clients interested in organic and natural skin care products, The Body Shop had made quite a name for itself in the Philippines!

One more reason to love the brand is its dedication in supporting causes that empowers and encourages women, and one of the most notable campaign I can remember is the petition to Stop Sex Trafficking. This year, they are at it again with a new beauty movement that is simply wonderful and hopefully help women the world over to Look Good, Feel Good And Do Good.

Without further ado, here's the official release from the brand itself!

THE BODY SHOP LAUNCHES A NEW BEAUTY MOVEMENT: BEAUTY WITH HEART

Lily Cole to act as first global Brand Advocate for pioneering beauty brand 

London, 22^nd March, 19:30 hrs.  The Body Shop, one of the 21^st Century's most iconic and pioneering Brands, today launched a new beauty movement – called Beauty With Heart – that will inspire individuals everywhere and transform the boundaries of beauty.

Check out the welcome arc at the launch party!

Beauty With Heart places emphasis on a beauty experience that is more than skin-deep, putting a human stamp on beauty and empowering people the world over to Look Good, Feel Good And Do Good.

Beauty With Heart will spring to life through a new store experience called Pulse, as well as through the active support of the first global Brand Advocate for The Body Shop, Lily Cole.

Activist, model and actor Lily Cole is the embodiment of the Brand’s strong Values and the first of a community of inspiring young activists.

Lily Cole, the global Brand Advocate for The Body Shop retouching her make-up at her launch party in UK

Sophie Gasperment, Executive Chairman, The Body Shop, said: "We know that our Brand delivers more than beauty; our products truly contain heart as well.  Today, we’re looking to a future where our vision of beauty can be experienced by new generations for whom it is all about looking good, feeling good and doing good, too.”

Lily Cole, global Brand Advocate for The Body Shop, said: “I have long been an advocate of the potential of using business and consumer power to cause positive change.  The Body Shop takes a responsible attitude to people and the environment, and it feels amazing to be supporting a brand who are pioneers in that way of working.”

The launch took place in central London and attracted figures from the world of fashion, beauty and lifestyle such as Vivienne Westwood and Jo Wood.

The Body Shop became one of the world’s first ethical businesses when it opened its first store in 1976 in Brighton, UK. Today, The Body Shop welcomes over 275 million shoppers to its stores every year, and has over 2,700 stores in 63 countries worldwide.

Beauty With Heart will be rolling out in the UK from 3^rd May, with global roll out to follow from 15^th May onwards.

Meanwhile, here are some more of my favorite pics from the event!

 

Beauty Thoughts - Salon Beauvoir

Nestled in the quiet quarters of Somerset Olympia... as their advertising starts, it truly is a great place to visit if you're serious about pampering yourself - simply because its run by professionally trained stylists and its definitely a great luxurious experience if you can afford it.

More than its French name, the Salon Beauvoir's interior captures French vintage perfectly with a plush sofa and wing chair on its reception/waiting area, chandeliers in white or black giving the whole place a romantic feel, sculpted mirrors and tables adds to its relaxed French Riviera feel, while lighted mirrors promotes a modern touch. Rooms and doors leading beyond to treatment rooms were down in pinks, yellows, blues and greens, while the chairs are comfy and a mix of modern details on a retro silhouette.

Reception/Waiting Area

Chandelier Love

Beyond this hall lies the Men's grooming area with a more masculine look of hard edges, black chandeliers and black modern chairs. Not to mention you get to find three hair-washing stations as well.

Now,  I don't normally like posting my pictures online, but just to add some drama to this post, here's a before and after photo taken by my stylist for the day, Ms. Pam Ferrater, UK-trained Senior Stylist of the salon.

Before

After

Posting with Ms. Pam Ferrater afterwards

Had to ask the receptionist to post with me as well because her uniform is way too cute not to share!

More than just professional stylists, they also offer other common salon and spa services, unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of their menu of services. Fret not, because they do have an FB page you can check out here. And if you're March is still pretty much free, take advantage of their opening promo and avail of FREE Hair Spa when you go for their adult hair cutting services, 50% off on their Mani/Pedi Foot Spa package from Mon - Wed and enjoy FREE Manicure for Hair and Make-up package.

Contact Details!

Did I mention they also serve iced tea, coffee or water to help you enjoy your salon experience even more?