iCandy networking event.

To represent the fashion editor of Flavour magazine, I was invited along to a networking event being held at iCandy studios earlier this week in South London.

At this event I got to liaise with a whole load of media professionals. This included photographers, models, makeup artists, hair stylists...all different types of creatives. I was dropped in the midst of all these professionals, and being someone who would someday like to become one of them and work with them, I wanted to gain some knowledge.

I got an insight on what it is like to work with different publications, what models are like on sets, what a creative director really does, and just generally how the minds of these people worked. It is a very competitive industry to be in, and who you know as well as what you can bring to the table is very important. I spoke to a lot of people and shared with them what I have learnt from being on the edge of the industry looking for a way to get in.

Being a writer and an aspiring journalist, I found myself as one of a kind at this event, no-one there like myself. I shared what I knew, described my vision, and gave people advice on blogging. This was weird to me as I am the one normally looking for advice on how to or whether to do something. Blogging is something that I would like to use an aid to support what I wish to do with my life, and it was a nice and positive experience to share this with others.

As this was my first time attending any event of its kind, I found this to be an excellent experience and I look forward to attending many, many more.

To make this post a tad more interesting, I did take a few (crappy) pictures from the day for you to take a glimpse at:

 

Please do click the links above to check out the magazine and also to view information about the studio. 

Ever been to an event like this? What did you learn?

Hope you enjoyed your extra hours sleep, and have an epic Sunday.

I write a lot, jayj x.

 

essie - 'first base' base coat.

Another nail related post...apologies!

This has been a long time coming, but I wanted to review this base coat that I bought a little while back as it is the first base coat that I have ever stuck to using.

essie - 'first base' base coat {tk maxx £4.99 sale}

I have never been one to religiously use a base coat every time I paint my nails and that is mostly due to laziness. I did not go out specifically looking for one, but when I came across this essie one at TK Maxx, I had to grab it (I’m such a sucker for sale items!).

Since I have bought it, I have used it every single time before I apply my nail polish so that I could properly analyse the difference between the results. I instantly noticed three awesome things about it: 

it dries ridiculously quickly. – in this way you don’t need to apply your base coat then wait a minute for it to dry. I find that as soon as I’m done with both my hands I can instantly go ahead and start with my nail colour.

it does not leave your nails shiny. – unlike a top coat, it does not leave a glossy finish. As it dries, it appears as if there is nothing on your nails. It does still leave a smooth surface to apply polish on to…so no gloss is a plus.

it is incredibly lightweight. – it is not like a regular clear polish so it is not as thick as one. It is light and it doesn’t affect the amount of layers of polish that is to go on afterwards.

In terms of lasting power, I did not find that it made my nail polish last a whole lot longer (probably because I change my nail polish so frequently), but I did find that my nail polish did not chip as easily along with the help of my top coat.

Mostly because I have bought it now, I will continue to use this base coat as it has now become part of my nail routine…but I’m always on the search for a new and better brand.

Do you use or know of any good base coats? Do you find that it makes a difference or do you think it is a waste of time?

the nail painter, jayj x.

 

quick nail post #4.

Sorry guys...another one!

I've actually gone a bit mad with my nails this past week. I blame it on buying new polishes from the Barry M stand. Seriously, check it out...the glitter and gelly nail polishes are amazing!

Here we have yet another concoction of nail polishes that I have put together to make different effects. I find that putting one coat of a nail polish that is quite sheer on top of an opaque one can make nice, unique results. 

Enjoy!

 angelica (primark) - palma violet {coated with barry M - silvery lilac} / seche vite top coat / essie - case study / rimmel london pro matte finish

I'm also going through a stage with my nails where I am trying to look after them a bit more. This includes the actual nail and the skin around it. If you know any products that are good for that, then please do let me know, I love your recommendations :)


Nail fiend, jayj x.