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BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL – AFRO HAIR AND BEAUTY SHOW 2010

August 23, 2010 by Editor  
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OVER THE SPRING BANK HOLIDAY THE 29TH ANNUAL AFRO HAIR AND BEAUTY SHOW WAS HELD AT THE CONTEMPORARY BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE, ISLINGTON, LONDON. THE BLACK HAIR AND BEAUTY INDUSTRY IS WORTH MILLIONS OF POUNDS YEAR, YET GO INTO ANY MAINSTREAM BEAUTY OUTLET AND YOU’LL BE HARD PUSHED TO FIND SPECIFIC RANGES FOR NON-WHITES. AS A RESULT OF THIS UNDER-REPRESENTATION, EACH YEAR HUNDREDS ‘ETHNICALLY FOCUSED’ COMPANIES BECOME EXHIBITORS AND SET UP STALL PROMOTING PRODUCTS THAT, BY AND LARGE, ARE AIMED AT THE EVER GROWING AFRO-CARIBBEAN/BLACK/MIXED CONSUMER POPULATION.

This year the show’s buzzword was diversity. Gone are the days when the choice of hair style for women of colour was limited to wearing your chemically straightened hair either long or short. Today ‘Relaxer’ packs are still sold by the truck-load but we’re more likely than ever before to spot a woman of colour sporting her ‘natural’ hair. Subsequently, this year a greater emphasis was placed on natural hair options, which shone with ingenuity, and exhibitors were dedicated to spilling natures secret’s to incredibly healthy hair. A programme of seminars provided the opportunity to learn via the conventional methods; and Stop Watch Stylist competitions, challenged hairdressers to create inventive hair designs within a strict fifteen minute time slot to prove just how easy it is to tame a dense mass of afro hair, and win the approval of the celebrity judges in attendance.

Dyhema from the Southeast London salon, LocsTafari, specialises in ‘Locs’ and natural hair grooming, inspired by the legacy of her African heritage and upbringing. Whether it’s an Afro, Micro Thin Locs or organically grown Jumbo Locs her approach is the same; natural oils, blessed hands and hearts of love.

To create ‘Locs’ Dyhema explains that “several techniques can be used, so many, [laughs] just so many. You can use your fingers to twist sections of hair into ‘Locs’.  You can get a flannel or woolly jumper and rub round in circles around your head – you’lll start to notice little ‘Loc’ balls forming. The most common technique is simply by doing it organically. Just leaving your hair and it’ll eventually mat together and form ‘loc’s on their own. Or there’s ‘Interlocking’ which involves using a needle to hook sections of hair together.”

She found herself within the professional ‘Loctitian’ circle when she “started just doing favours for friends. Then I realised that my hair diary was more hectic than my work diary. It’s something that I enjoy doing, so I decided to make a career out of it. It’s amazing how little is known about a natural hair style so it gives me a chance to help people express themselves.”

When asked whether she would advise going to the ‘Loctitian’ often, or just let the ‘Locs’ do their own thing, she continued: “It depends totally on the individual. Some people in the corporate world would go to the salon more often because they want to keep the ‘sharp’, ‘fresh’ look. They might need to go to the salon more often than someone is an artist. What I do say though, is that in life, too much of one thing is not bad thing. You can kind of over-do ‘Locs’ as constantly re- twisting the ‘Locs’ can make them weak, so I would advise grooming them not more than once every two weeks.”

Despite the attendance of exhibitors championing natural hair, the promotion of human and synthetic false hair is still the main draw for the thousands of visitors to the Afro Hair and Beauty Show.

Exhibitor ‘Neferlady’ boasts of supplying “100% Virgin Natural Brazilian and Malaysian Hair from 10 – 24 inches”, ‘Lace Wig Elegance’ peddles “Brazilian, Indian, Peruvian, and Malaysian hair that is 100% virgin, guaranteed tangle free that moves naturally”, ‘Bullfinch International Ltd’ are manufacturers of “luxurious, flowing 100% Virgin Remy Indian Human Hair”. It is exactly this massive demand for straight false-hair alternatives that inspired award-winning comedian and filmmaker, Chris Rock, to investigate this pandemic in his hilarious Fall 2009 documentary, Good Hair, Chris visits beauty salons and hairstyling battles, much like those of the Afro Hair and Beauty Show; but also visits scientific laboratories and Indian temples to explore the way hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships, and self-esteem of the black community. The film was heavily promoted at the event.

The show also provided an opportunity to observe the beautiful models and fabulous designs from some of the finest UK designers of Afro-Caribbean/Black/Mixed heritage and be bowled over by street dance routines choreographed and performed by the stars of the latest dance movie StreetDance. ‘Tamarind Books’, the leading independent publisher of multicultural picture books held a creative writing workshop on writing multicultural stories for children and teens and discussed the importance of representing of black children in literature.

The Bank Holiday Weekend was brought to a close with the amazing ‘Sensationnel Icon’ competition. The most creative hair designers from around the country, each created a collection of elaborate masterpieces showcasing their visions in colour, shape and astounding workmanship. The winner was Angela Plummer of Sour2Sweet in North London who knitted and plaited the hair extensions into millinery inspired creations to music by Grace Jones.

Words and images Almaz Ohene

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HEAT PROOF

July 15, 2010 by Editor  
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suncare feature agent2

SHIELD YOURSELF FROM THE RAYS WITH THE LATEST CUTTING EDGE SUN CARE. BE IT ECO-FRIENDLY INGREDIENTS OR A FUSS FREE FORM, WE BRING YOU A SELECTION OF SUN SCREENS WITH BENEFITS.

agent2 sun

Sunscreen Swipes SPF30, £28, Supergoop!

For sun protection on the go, Supergoop! Offers the ultimate convenience in the form of its re-sealable wipe designs.  Solving the problem of sticky fingers and stains, Sunscreen Wipes fill the niche for city sun care, particularly the handbag friendly Travel Swipes size. Free from parabens, petrochemicals, fragrances and phthalates, this is a fuss free formula with green credentials.

UV Protect Targeted Sunscreen Stick For Face & Body SPF 50, £18.50, Kiehl’s

Cult skincare brand Kiehl’s have formulated organic UV filters – Mexoryl SX and XT – which maintain their protection properties from the sun and do not break down, even in the most intense heat. The stick design is practical and offers a less messy alternative to sometimes-greasy lotions, while there’s more than a hint of old school vacation to this retro packaging.

khiels sun agent2magazine

Sun Lotion SPF 30+, £39, Jurlique

Organic extracts of Lavender and Orange add a soothing quality to this light- weight formula, while the broad spectrum sun protection shields against both UVB and UVA (the harshest rays that penetrate deep into the layers of the skin).  This earth friendly lotion smells so delicious, you could find yourself developing an applying addiction!

Invisible Staying Powder, £38, INVISIBLE ZINC

The Aussies know a thing or two about sun protection, so it’s no surprise that the pioneering INVISBLE ZINC range is from down under. The naturally derived micro fine Zinc Oxide formula creates second skin defense against UV rays and environmental pollutants. We’re particularly taken with the innovative Invisible Staying Powder, which melts into skin to set foundation or can be simply used on its own.

Body Spray SPF 25, £17, Clinique

Tired of having to corner someone to slather sun cream on your back? This micro fine spray ensures optimum coverage in those tricky to reach areas. The Solarsmart technology ensures a photostable sun screen, whereby ultra harmful UVB protection is three times proportional to UVA protection, while also being allergy tested and 100% fragrance free. The bright yellow bottle is pure sunshine, too.

Bronzage Anti Age, £18, Lierac

The new sun care range from French skincare brand Lierac includes this specially formulated product designed to target the incredibly delicate areas of the face and décolleté. Enriched with Cactus fig extract to provide resistance   from the appearance of age spots and skin discolouration, it also combats the process of premature ageing.

Photo Reverse Body, £39, Institut Esthederm

For shade dwellers with a zero tolerance policy to a tan, the latest product from Institut Esthederm allows the freedom to emerge from under the sun umbrella.  The technology actually inhibits the melanogenisis process, which means your skin will undergo no change from UVA and UVB rays, while the reversal of pigmentation remedies previous damage.

Words Emma Harding

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SIX SCENTS: THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS

June 30, 2010 by Editor  
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Six Scents Feature AGENT2

AFTER THE TRIUMPH OF THEIR FIRST SET OF FRAGRANCES, SERIES ONE, SIX SCENTS GOT THEIR NOSES STUCK IN TO CREATING NEW WAYS OF TANTALISING THE SENSES.

AGENT2 Magazine’s Jennifer Butler speaks to Kaya Sorhaindo about uncovering the lost art of engaging with perfumes, and how creativity with a conscience has inspired the support of designers.

kaya six scentsKaya has a very strong sense of what story she is telling with the perfumes he creates. His recent exhibition at the Markt Scope Art Show in New York was more than just a viewing for a latest line of fragrances. Visitors were encouraged to interact with the garments and fragrances, even with some people requesting to try on pieces right off the mannequin, politely being refused by curator and supporter of Six Scents Diane Pernet.

The experience is elevated by the designers that apply their talents to these works of art. The project involves bringing artists together from two completely different disciplines. Kaya explains what inspired this concept, “Scent has always been an area of fascination for me. I first thought about the project purely as a multi-sensory exhibition experience; however after discussing with my team we decided to build the experience into a product. Bringing designers and perfumers together is not new, however the type of designers that we commission are quite interesting. Although these designers are somewhat internationally recognised, they would never do a mass market fragrance for a number of reasons. Therefore we wanted to give them an opportunity to apply the ideas that define their collection to a totally different artistic discipline and in doing so they are not only providing a glimpse into of who they are as individuals, but also providing an opportunity for a larger audience to connect with their clothing on a more personal level.”

One of the artists commissioned for Series Two is Japanese artist Azuma Makoto. He has created a series of botanical sculptures for the collection along with a number of video pieces. Every designer was asked to imagine a place and an experience. With the packaging and films the whole experience is slowed down, you interact and contribute to the unfolding of the fragrance story.

Kaya defines the collection as a way to appreciate our surroundings, “The idea was to allow people to share in this experience or fantasy and to help preserve these experiences. Without nature there is no art, for many years artist have been inspired by nature and through the collection we tried to encourage people to appreciate and preserve the thing that inspires us most”.

six scentssix scents two

Kaya has incorporated his love of nature and sustainability by supporting charities through her work. This time around she choose Pro- Natura. Kaya has an unlimited amount of positive things to say about this worthwhile charity. They are one of the most effective green charities basically because they are giving poor people alternative solutions to make money, as opposed to chopping down their forests or overfishing for example. It is amazing, because it is an organization working from the bottom up. It’s not only helping to create environmental solutions, but also symbiotically creating economic and social solutions as well.”

six scents 2six scents 2

There is such a wide spectrum of people who buy these fragrances. Production was limited to 2,000 bottles per perfume, making them somewhat inclusive, but not producing too much as it would not seem as special. If you buy these fragrances you are genuinely looking for more out of a product, an experience.

six scents

Kaya has big plans for the future and high expectations of the fragrances. “The beauty of Six Scents is that it has a little bit for everyone, several touch points and things that you can connect with. This allows us to present the collection in a diverse range of shops from museums and fashion boutiques, to interior design shops, hotels and apothecaries. We are very much committed to the multi-sensory experience, so we will continue to explore new ways for people to appreciate, interpret and engage with fragrance.”

Words Jennifer Butler  Images Six Scents

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KJAER WEIS: STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

June 7, 2010 by Editor  
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agent2 magazine

THE KJAER WEIS RANGE OFFERS A COSMETICS KIT WITH SUPER GREEN CREDENTIALS.

‘‘Think of it as the difference between eating an apple fresh from the tree or opting for a processed cookie,’’ enthuses make-up artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis, neatly illustrating the benefits of her new, organic Kjaer Weis cosmetics line over traditional brands. The beauty industry has long recognised the importance of organic and sustainable products, with everything from skin care to bath oils and fragrance receiving the eco treatment. Cosmetics manufacturers, however, have been slow to face up to the demands of a chic, sustainable lifestyle, leaving principled make-up junkies at a loss to find their fix. The impossibly sleek Kjaer Weis range, created from 95% organics and stocked exclusively by champions of innovation, Space NK, looks set to supply it.

agent2 magazineKirsten cites the exacting skincare demands of her clients during 18 years of industry experience, as the initial motivation for starting her range. ‘’I really started questioning products after the constant flow of women that I would find sitting in front of me with rashes and allergies – if that’s the short-term effects, imagine the long term? It really got me thinking.’’ The outcome, 6 years in the making, has been a CCPB certified, truly organic line for eyes, lips and cheeks, whose formulas consist of pigments and preservatives extracted from wildflowers and minerals to create natural shades and scents, while harmful parabens and emulsifiers have been replaced with earths own beeswax.

The results may be ground breaking, but the delicate nature of organic ingredients can pose challenges. ‘‘Due to the natural components, ingredients can differ from harvest to harvest,’’ states Kirsten, ‘‘this means that every item is like a hand made piece and has to be monitored for consistency.’’ This meticulous desire to reap the best from nature is reflected in Kirsten’s holistic approach to life and her philosophy that beauty is primarily achieved from within, through a balance of a healthy diet and exercise in order to produce ‘clean cells’, the foundations of a glowing complexion.

agent2 magazineA lifelong passion for all things art and design informed the collaboration with acclaimed designer Marc Atlan, the man responsible for many Comme des Garçons and Helmut Lang creations, to produce the impossibly slick enameled silver compacts which offer a refillable and, therefore, sustainable system. The colour palette for the collection is neutral and universally flattering, designed to work on a wide variety of skin tones. ‘‘I have drawn on all my professional experience to find the perfect shades,’’ states Kirsten, ‘’I feel the strongest about my sense of what does and doesn’t work with colour.’’ Starting with her initial ‘tight knit kit’ there are plans for additions to the range. Next up is mascara and Kirsten is currently tackling the dilemmas of creating an organic foundation stick. ‘‘Ultimately what I wanted to achieve was an alternative that fused beautiful colour, texture and design with organic formulas. I think it’s the way forward.’’ Watch this space.

Stocked exclusively at SPACE NK and selected stores in Denmark.

www.kjaerweis.com

Words Emma Harding

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SHARMADEAN REID: THE COOLEST GIRL IN TOWN

April 27, 2010 by Editor  
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SHARMADEAN REID, FOUNDER OF HIP NEW NAIL BAR WAH NAILS, TALKS TO AGENT2’S  ASHLEY WALLIS ABOUT UNICORNS, DAVID BAILEY AND DALSTON…

Sharmadean Reid seems distracted. This is not surprising. To say she’s had a lot going on in her world recently would be an understatement.

Reid, 25, is sportswear editor of Arena Homme Plus, consultant to Nike, publisher of WAH magazine and founder of WAH nails- the new east London based nail bar.

We have been emailing back and forth for over a month. Me trying to pin her down. Sharmadean replying with abrupt, one line emails. “I’m away this week and back and forth working on Topshop.” Re Topshop: WAH has just expanded into central London opening a permanent pop-up shop in the Oxford Circus- mecca after their stint during London Fashion Week.

Eventually we decide on a date, and, after further exchanges, I ‘head east’ to meet her. I immediately spot her nails: “Japanese style white and iridescent glitter. It reminds me of unicorns.”

She decided to set up the nail salon in August 2009 “Because I was sick of rubbish nail salons in Dalston and expensive boring ones in central London.” Since then WAH nails has taken off in a big way, with Sharmadean featured in Vogue- as the business woman to watch in the next decade- and described as “arguably one of the coolest girls in town” by the New York Times.

I ask her how it felt to be shot by luminaries such as David Bailey on the Vogue shoot and Nick Knight for i-D’s anniversary issue.

“Both Nick knight and David Bailey were lovely and amazing so it’s an honour, but really I only do it to promote WAH nails and increase sales. I have a duty to my staff to keep it busy and fun.

“I have never thought of myself as a brand as such, but I am well aware that my life helps sell the nails which is why I still have a blog.”

WAH nails is the antithesis of your average in-out nail salon, described as “a new con­cept nail salon like no other. Bring­ing nail art, de­sign and tech­nol­o­gy trends from around the world into their ev­er-​evolv­ing East End Lon­don space; beau­ty, fash­ion, cul­ture and the arts have com­bined to make WAH the des­ti­na­tion for style savvy girls.”

Reid has single-handedly reinvented nail art and brought it into the mainstream. Pre-WAH nail art was perceived at best as a bit naff, and at worst as a bit tacky- now it’s ironic and edgy. She maintains, “It was always trendy to me and my friends. You can go into a ghetto nail shop and if you try hard you can communicate a good design to them- I got them to do a Dior double French before with great difficulty- but at WAH nails, good designs are the norm and we can all speak English. We also tap into nail trends or cool motifs like anchors and eyeballs. The most popular designs are the leopard print which comes in almost every colour.”

The salon has achieved worldwide recognition, with girls from Paris and New York dropping into the salon. I ask Reid whether she ever thought WAH nails would take off in such a big way. She says almost wearily: “Yes, I did otherwise I wouldn’t have invested my time, money and energy into it. It’s taken off because it’s completely different to anything else out there, from the pictures we have on walls, to the magazines we have on the shelves, to the music we play, to the nails we do.It’s popular because people want something new and individual.”

An average day in Reid’s busy world at the moment would be, “up, walk the dog, have coffee and croissant, tube to Old Street, maybe a meeting. Many phone calls en route liaising with staff, builders and suppliers. I’ll spend some time in the shop; have dinner with friends or fiancé, home. More work, on my blog, flyers, designing store features and finally bed. But the days often change.”

And when she’s not working? “Never not working. When I do get some time off I go to my in-laws to chill out or see my family in Wolverhampton.”

Originally from Wolverhampton, Reid moved to London in 2003 to study Fashion Communication and Promotion at Central Saint Martins. She decided to set up WAH in Dalston “because I’ve lived here for 6 years and my friends are still here. Most of the clients are cool local creative girls.”  The brand is so tied up with the East London scene I wonder if she plans to expand the WAH brand nationwide in the future. “Maybe just one more in West London. It’s very hard work and I feel I have achieved what I set out to do.”

Vintage magazines and art by some of those cool creative girls line the walls of the salon. Reid is “obsessed with magazines,” citing Interview, V, Vanity Fair and Gentlewoman as her favourites. “I like American magazines mainly. Oh and Paris Vogue. A website can’t tell you what 1993 was like, whereas an old copy of the face can.”

Named by The Independent as one of the fifteen people who will define the future of arts in Britain, does she feel like it’s no longer enough to be just one thing exclusively within the creative industry? “It’s not necessary to be able to do “everything to make it”, it just makes it easier. If you don’t have to rely on other people you can get things done much more quickly.

“In the future I want to concentrate on youth insight and consultancy and helping people with social and creative entrepreneurship.  Teenage girls fascinate me. Their thoughts, opinions, choices and attitudes.”

And her predictions for nails? Surprisingly, she says “Plain nails! More experimentation with colours for summer and then a return to embellished nail art again in winter…”

The future is bright for Sharmadean Reid. Perhaps even brighter than her nails.

Wah nails at Topshop: 020 7927 7844 or try the original at 420 Kingsland Road, Dalston: 020 7812 9889

wah-nails.com

Words Ashley Wallis

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU WITH FIBRE HAIRDRESSING

February 9, 2010 by Editor  
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AGENT2 Magazine Fibre Hairdressing

YOU MAY HAVE FAILED THE POST-CHRISTMAS DETOX, YOU MIGHT NEVER FULFIL YOUR RESOLUTIONS AND YOU PROBABLY WON’T BECOME A REGULAR AT THE GYM AFTER ALL, BUT ONE THING YOU MOST DEFINITELY CAN CHANGE FOR 2010 IS YOUR HAIR. IT DOESN’T BLOAT EVERY MONTH, IT DOESN’T PUT ON WEIGHT AND WHEN IT’S STYLED, IT WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. GIRLS. BOYS. IF IT’S AN IMAGE OVERHAUL YOU WANT THEN LOOK NO FURTHER.

The New Year is often a time of reflection. We start the year with great expectations, pinning hideous photos to the fridge as a means to motivate ourselves to avoid the chocolate cake inside and setting idealistic goals of extreme weight loss. But we all really know that by the time Christmas comes round again, you probably won’t look like Kate Moss and that picture will have just been thrown away – after all, who wants to eat chocolate cake feeling guilty?

But one image-defining element that we never think of changing is our hair. Looking back at photos, hair styles hold more significance than you think. It reflects good times in our lives, it reflects the bad. It reminds us of an era (the perm); it reminds us of a celebrity (only Posh can pull off ‘The Pob’) but there’s nothing more demoralising than a year of bad hair days.

Such a defining feature, it deserves precedence in our styling routine. So maybe 2010 should be the year that you use your hair to make a beautiful you?

And there’s no better place to start than Fibre Hairdressing, at Manchester’s Lowry Outlet Mall. The only outlet mall in the city, The Lowry Outlet Mall, set in the trendy Salford Quays, is a great place to start your New Year revamp. Housing famous brands such as Molton Brown and Marks & Spencer at 60 per cent off their high street price, The Lowry Outlet Mall, is a great weekend stop to avoid the crowded shops of The Arndale or Trafford Centre. But it’s its salon upstairs that holds all the cards at image reinvention.

Let me introduce you to Fibre Hairdressing. With a permanent eye on key trends and new celeb ‘dos’, Fibre Hairdressing is the place that’ll have you bouncing into 2010. It’s amazing what a new hair style can do.

My lovely stylist Yvonne explained to me that New Year is a busy time for the salon, with people wanting to refresh their image and rejuvenate their confidence. At this time of change, the way a style frames your face or a colour warms your skin could all have positive effects on a customer’s confidence and personality.

And unsurprisingly the most popular New Year requests from clients are…to look like celebs. Boys choose Beckham. Girls choose Cheryl. And I was no different. With a picture of our favourite Geordie in my hand I was asking Yvonne for the caramel highlights and tousled bob that she’s heard many times before – and Cheryl only changed her image on X Factor’s penultimate show in December. That’s how influential celebrity styles are on us mere mortals and how important it is for stylists like Yvonne to know exactly how to replicate our fave dos before Cheryl’s stylists finish slicing away her brunette locks.

Lucky for me, this is what Fibre Hairdressing is so good at – knowing what celebrity is going to affect hair trends and knowing how to replicate this for their style-hungry customers. Over the years there have been a multitude of famous cuts from Jennifer Anniston’s ‘Rachel Do’ in the 1990s, every one of Victoria Beckhams crops, chops and bobs to Mrs Cole herself. Changes in celeb cuts directly affect popular styles, and sensitive to customers’ demands, Fibre Hairdressing is the first place to find out how to create quiffs Rihanna would be proud of.

Tellingly, when Posh got rid of her extensions after the 2006 World Cup, requests for extensions took a sudden drop. And when Jennifer Aniston wore braids in her hair to the 2009 Oscars, Fibre Hairdressing were the first to realise this was a trend that would dominate our summer hair.

And if it’s a simple style – like JA’s braids – that you want then Fibre Hairdressing has engineered its own innovative Style Bar. This drop-in service allows girls to choose from a menu of suggested dos for a special occasion. No shampooing, blowdrying or cutting involved, this simple service can give you a ‘Chick Flick’, ‘Side Pony’ or ‘Party Curls’ in as little as 15 minutes, perfect for after-work dinners long after the party season comes to an end. Wanting to look like Angelina Jolie has never been easier.

Hair cuts, colours and styles have always had a huge influence on how we look and subsequently how we feel about ourselves. That’s why Fibre Hairdressing doesn’t just cut hair, but also offers pampering hair ‘Treatments’. These half hour sessions involve a shiatsu head massage, hand massage, consultation to choose the right products to revive your hair, conditioning treatment, blowdry and a take-home pack with Paul Mitchell products inside. The packs, with names such as ‘Thirst Quencher’ and ‘Bling on Blonde’, are specific to your hair needs, thickening, conditioning and hydrating your locks wherever necessary.

Whatever you choose to get done, you’re bound to have a great ‘feel-good’ time and come out looking like a million dollars (or like you have a million dollars). Using the best products, continual training, and following celebrity trends makes Fibre Hairdressing one of the best salons in this city – it’s not hard to see why it already has a few real celeb clients of its own.

But for me? I came in looking like The Adams Family’s Cousin Itt and came out like a member of Girls Aloud. Cheryl Cole, I might not be, but for today, and 2010, I, at least, have her hair.

Fibre Hairdressing
Lowry Outlet Mall
Salford Quays
M50 3AH
0161 877 4797

Open seven days a weeek

lowryoutletmall.com

Pampering Treatment At a snip from £12.50, this treatment includes shiatsu massage, hand massage, conditioning, consultation and treatment take-home kit.

Style Bar £10 per 15 minute appointment to create a dry-style of your dreams for that night out or special occasion.

Words Natasha Al-Atassi

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URBAN DECAY – BEAUTY ON THE EDGE

January 2, 2010 by Editor  
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NOT FOR THE BEAUTY VIRGINS OUT THERE, URBAN DECAY IS THE COSMETICS RANGE THAT PACKS A PUNCH.

LAUNCHED IN 1996 IT IS RENOWNED FOR ITS EDGY SHADES AND EQUALLY INNOVATIVE TITLES- INSPIRED BY THE URBAN LANDSCAPE OF THE US, HOME OF THE BRAND. THE ROLL CALL OF EYE-SHADOW HUES ALONE INCLUDE THE OMINOUSLY NAMED OIL SLICK, WHICH TURNS OUT TO BE A WEARABLE SOOTY BLACK EYE- SHADOW SHOT THROUGH WITH SHIMMER OR POLYESTER BRIDE, A SILVER SHADOW WITH WHITE GLITTER.

Best sellers include the teasingly titled Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss, which allows the user to undress a miniature man at the flick of their wrist, surely all one could want in a lip gloss?

Or try the best-selling 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, which combines a creamy blendable texture with a long-lasting waterproof formula, immediately conjuring up images of tousled- haired rock chicks too cool to give a second thought to their make-up after casually slicking it on.

This in essence sums up the brands ethos. It is the antithesis of mainstream make-up brands who focus on the ‘pretty pretty’ aspect of the market. It simply doesn’t do ‘the no makeup, makeup look’ and makes no apologies for it.  Long before the sold-out jade green Chanel nail polish made its catwalk debut, Urban Decay were producing similar statement hues.

Recently the brand has latched onto the increasing trend for complexion perfectors and enhancers. New products launched for the ‘fall season’ include additions to the primer potion family, the complexion primer potion which comes in two formulas: brightening and pore perfecting and the eyelash and lip primer potions.

The Eyelash Primer in particular is bang-on trend- the beauty world currently awash with the seemingly incessant flutter of fake lashes. No longer the preserve of the footballers wife clan, they have been seen on every runway from London to New York. Forget the statement biker boot they are this season’s must-have accessory. This magic potion applied pre-mascara, is designed to give the appearance of false lashes sans the hassle and fiddly glue. Genius.

AGENT2 Magazine Urban DecayThe Book of Shadows Vol II launched for the ‘holiday season’ is a palette consisting of 16 shades, a tempting dolly- mixture of their most coveted hues and 8 exclusive to the palette. This book will be perfect for dipping into over the festive season, as the dreaded Xmas parties beckon. It includes 2 handy travel size 24/7 eye pencils and a mini eye shadow Primer Potion.

If you want to indulge your inner wild-child even if the nearest you’ve come to dating rock-star is a guy in a tragic indie band, look no further.

Words Ashley Wallis

URBANDECAY.CO.UK

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WINTER TRENDS NAILED

November 22, 2009 by Editor  
Filed under BEAUTY AND GROOMING

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NAIL_POLISHWITH EVERY SEASON COMES CHANGE. TREES RECEDE TO LAY A CEREMONIAL CARPET OF CRIMSON AND GOLD, ROOT VEG AND GAME REIGN SUPREME ON OUR MENUS AND WARDROBES SHED THEIR DUSKY CHIFFON AND WHITE LINEN TO COCOON THEMSELVES IN ROBUST TEXTILES; SMUDGING BLACKS, NAVY BLUES, DEEP PURPLES, PARTY SPARKLERS AND, THIS YEAR, METALLICS, LEATHER AND LACE.

And so we must not forget that fashion extends beyond our finger tips, and fingernails are also to be embellished in the latest must have tarry lick. I for one love nothing more than when the nights draw in and nature tells me it’s time to slick on the winter shades like a leather jacket for the nail plates, oh yes!

NAIL_POLISH_BLUE_REDWell this year is no different and with the seasons vamp fashion trends it’s all about attitude. This winter’s femme fatale won’t be caught dead without statement fingernails to complete the look.

Chanel, as always, is the powerhouse of producing nail polish that, without fail, every season sets beauty editors bare-faced nail beds scratching around to be engulfed by the fashion house’s hottest hue. And said hue is Jade Green.

Inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s winter collection which incorporates the colour in shoes, jewellery and tweeds, these green little bottles have sold out in boutiques and department stores with waiting lists of hundreds and many going for three times the price on Ebay.

LEVERNISMidnightRedNailPolish-ESQ-YourLover-fb-60383750But if green isn’t you, then all is not lost. It seems nail colour is no longer the only way to point out a statement. Across the pond the latest craze to emerge is the Louboutin manicure, where the under side of your nail is painted red like the soles of the fashion shoe, or, (dare I say it) stick-on patterns in high-shine metallics.

Other talon trends seen on the catwalks this winter are the reverse French manicure, an avant-garde take on the domestic goddess staple, and matt nail polishes are a few firm favourites for this season. Could it be true? No more high gloss top coats? Appears so!

Words Alice Fredenham

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FRAGRANCES D’ÉTÉ

July 2, 2009 by Editor  
Filed under BEAUTY AND GROOMING

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Fashion, beauty, fragrances: all require big decisions. Does my bum look big in this? Which face wash is right for me? And, which scent accentuates my personality? Well, we at AGENT2 have done some of the hard work for you. We have tried some of the best, most unique and rare fragrances for men around. You cannot go wrong with these. So take your pick.

green_new2GREEN BY BYREDO

Green by ByRedo is a fragrance that is suitable for either sex. ByRedo is a new collection of eau de parfum from the creative talent of Ben Gorman based in Sweden. He came to the world of perfumery in 2006 when he founded ByRedo, the word a charming play on “Redolence”, a sweet and delightful scent. Exclusive to Les Senteurs, Green is said to be based on the memory of an unknown but beloved fragrance that Gorman’s father wore when he was a boy. The scent is fresh but long-lasting. Combining sweet almond with vanilla and musk it is both sweet yet sophistiated. Perfect for anyone with a nose for a summer scent.

pulp_new3PULP BY BYREDO

Pulp is the fruity fragrance that is wrongly named; it is childlike and playful. It reminds us of days in the sun, evoking the senses to the splash of sweet fruit. Whatever the weather, you will feel soaked in sunlight. According to Les Senteurs the ‘top notes are dewy blackcurrants laced with green bergamot and cardamom seeds’. Imagine Greece, the Bahamas; all the tropical places where you long to spend your vacation time. It is simply delightful.

chembur_new2CHEMBUR BY BYREDO

Chembur is a leathery, older scent. Gorman’s mother is from Mumbai and he recalls family picnics held outside the city in Chembur surrounded by temples and shrines, filled with smoking fragrant incense and garlands of marigolds and jasmine. The fragrance perfectly captures an Indian afternoon covered in richness, heat and colour. The strong scents include bergamot, lemon and incensed oils of Nutmeg and ginger.

PROFUMO 50ml - Medite#1282AMEDITTERANEO BY CARTHUSIA

Sicily in summer time. Sunshine. Fresh fruit. Fresh air. Walks along the promenades. These are the images released when you are splashed in Mediterraneo by Carthusia. A citrus scent that is so fresh, so clean that it brings you to Rome’s cobbled streets whilst you walk around your own town. It is strange how a splash of Meditteraneo can completely change your day. Gets our vote.

ABSINTH (Front)NASOMATTO ABSINTHE

Absinthe is a rich, decadent, earthy and interesting ix of notes. The box states the fragrance as “the result of a quest to stimulate irresponsible behaviour”, and an after-hour scent this most certainly is. The scent resembles the creamier smells; vanilla, almonds that reminds me of glamour. Every woman’s simple black dress, glammed up by a dash of Absinthe.  Guys, you can slip into this sexy number as well.

Oud_27_High_DefLE LABO OUD 27

As we put our noses to the bottle of Le Labo Oud 27 we instantly thought Wicca. It has notes of incense, saffron, cedar and patchouli. This church-like scent isn’t repulsive; it in fact welcomes you to have a sniff. A smell for the older generation it is still a winner. Don’t avoid it but embrace it.

LE LABO ROSE 31Rose 31 High Def

Roses for Men? Could that be right? Is there a fragrance so feminine for men? Well, according to Le Labo Rose 31, there is. It is also our favourite. Ever since we tested it in the AGENT2 office, we have been spritzing it around with gay abandonment. The compliments that come with wearing this fragrance are amazing. To be asked what you’re wearing; to be told you smell fantastic; what a great way to spend your day. The fragrance notes include Grasse rose, cumin, pepper and amber. These simple flavours create an enchanting blend making everyone draw to you as soon as it settles on your skin.

Words Stephen Bailey

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CALIFORNIA DREAMING

June 11, 2009 by Editor  
Filed under BEAUTY AND GROOMING

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It is often said that we are living in a society where it is all about your appearance and since Y2K, this notion has only increased. Vanity has taken over and products that were only targeted to females have now spread to the Y-Chromosome too. As manscara and man-kup creeps in many beauty retailers, alongside the hype of celebrity endorsements, male-vanity is becoming an epidemic to the thrill of one man: and that man is Baxter Finley. 

He may not produce man make-up but Finley is the unsung father of the modern man’s skincare industry. Moving from the city of New York to the hills of Los Angeles, Finley discovered that the constant sun was having a harmful effect on his skin. He searched high and low for a moisturiser that wasn’t pink or floral and then he found one. Working in advertising Henley realised there was no better product to advertise than your own: Henley’s very own man moisteriser, called Super Shape. The first line of male-only grooming products, called Baxter of California, was launched from his Beverly Hills HQ in 1965.

Super Shape’s massive success enabled Baxter to work on more products for men, including toners, night creams and even under eye concentrate. He became LA’s very own male-skincare Willy Wonka.

Since then, Baxter of California has developed a solid reputation for producing premier products for men and their skincare needs. This line for the ultimate playboy has become an institution in its own right in Hollywood and I urge the UK to jump on board too.

The website says that “today Baxter of California has a new look and feel with updated packaging, exciting new imagery, new cutting-edge men’s products that target very specific skincare needs… Ideal for all skin types, the high-tech assortment works alone or in tandem, providing men with intelligent skincare solutions to anti-aging, shaving, cleansing and basic skincare” and we have to agree completely.

After having sampled a few of the products, including the Clarifying Clay Mask, the Facial Scrub, the Herbal Mint Toner and the Oil Free Moisturiser, we at AGENT2 are completely in awe of these products and are am sure many men will follow when they discover the zing that is put in their step after using them.

FACIAL SCRUB

The scrub effectively tones, exfoliates and promotes cell renewal which improves the smoothness of the skin to make it baby soft whilst revitalising complexion too. Use it just once a week.

CLAY MASK

Baxter got it right with the clay mask. It deep cleanses and purifies skin for a revitalised complexion, while hydrating and soothing the skin on its surface. If you are having a blotchy bad skin day, apply this now.

OIL FREE MOISTURISER

The plant based hydration works to restore the skin’s moisturiser barrier, leaving the skin feeling soft, refreshed and shine-free.

HERBAL MINT TONER

The toner from Baxter is not only our favourite from the line but our all-time favourite toner. It cleanses, hydrates and tones with mild herbal extracts. Heavenly.

Products available at www.carterandbond.com

Words Stephen Bailey

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