HauteFuture Now Offers Advertising!

That's right my lovelies, HauteFuture is now offering advertising on this page for just £2 a month! After paying via PayPal all you have to do is email me your button, preferably in the same size as the lovely Lucy from Louminous has done recently and I will pop it on the side of my page with a link back to your page. The order in which the advertiser's buttons will be placed will be decided basically on the order that people pay for their advertising.

Just so y'all know, if you go on my blog, you are exposed to between 14,000 and 17,000 unique visitors each month!

So what are you waiting for? It's first come, first served... Let the advertising begin!

Love and snuggles
GabriellaSofia

GabriellaSofia's 2012 Holy Grail of Beauty... Part 4

Welcome back for the fourth and final instalment of Hautefuture's Beauty Awards or my 2012 Holy Grail of Beauty. So let's get on with it...

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Cleanser...

In First Place... Liz Earle's Hot Cloth Cleanser is winner for 2012. It is really gentle whilst simultaneously exfoliating my skin and opening up my pores. The best way to wash my face in 2012 was with this genius product.
Must Buy In 2013... I really want to try some Origins skincare and they do a foaming wash which is my kind of thing. Also, I want to invest in a Clarisonic Mia... or a cheaper alternative. Does anyone know of a cheap version I can buy?

GabriellaSofia's 2012 Holy Grail of Beauty... Part 3

Fancy seeing you here! Back for Part 3 of my 2012 Holy Grain of Beauty? Well, welcome! I've really enjoyed choosing my favourite products for these awards but I'm even more excited about the products which I am hoping to but in 2013. Its great being able to write my Must Buy list on my blog so I can't forget what I am saving up for. Anyway, let's see what other products are on my 'Re-Purchase For 2013' list...

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Eye Liner...

In First Place... I am actually really disappointed with 2012 in terms of eye liner. I have tried many and thought they were fine, but not a single product has really stood out to me this year. Even my beloved Fabuliner felt-tip liner by INCOLOUR in the USA didn't cut the mustard this year as it has been fading and transferring to my upper-lid. Other products which haven't set my loins alight include Maybelline's Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner, Benefit's BadGAL, Soap and Glory's Smoulder Kohl and Barry M's Liquid Liner. Disappointing.
Must Buy In 2013... I just need a good eye-liner that won't transfer to my upper-lid or melt in the outer corners of my eyes. Any suggestions?

GabriellaSofia's 2012 Holy Grail of Beauty... Part 2

Thanks for coming back to HauteFuture for Part 2 of my 2012 Beauty Awards (also known as my 2012 Holy Grail of Beauty!) Without much further ado...

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Bronzer...

In First Place... This year I have really learned how to contour my face with bronzer and my best ally in this has been my Hoola bronzer by Benefit. It is really quite dark, but bronzer should be used sparingly and in layers anyway, so it doesn't need to be dark at all.
Must Buy In 2013... People RAVE about NARS Laguna bronzer so this year I think I'm going to bite the bullet and add it to my collection.

GabriellaSofia's 2012 Holy Grail of Beauty... Part 1

Happy New Year everyone! I'm hoping you all celebrated with your friends and family and are super-excited about 2013, because I sure am. I don't quite know why... I just have a FEELING about this year.

Anyway, I wanted to do a post like this last year, but never got round to it, so here it is, my Beauty Holy Grail for 2012! In some categories I've also listed items which fell into my Bad Books in 2012 and some beauty products which I'm looking forward to in 2013. So sit back, relax, and let the good times roll.

Louise Gray for Topshop Makeup on a Budget...

If you are anything like me at the moment, you'll be saving up your pennies for Christmas already (I like to be WAY prepared so I don't have to scrimp around the festive season...) so although Louise Gray's colour-popping cosmetics collection for Topshop is absolutely beautiful, you'll be hunting for a cheaper alternative.

As a lipstick lover, I made it my goal to track down some dupes for the two Lips in the collection entitled  Mexican Wave (a rich blood-orange-peel colour) and Legend (the hottest of hot pinks in a deep hue). After seeing that they cost a whopping £10 (!!!) each I scribbled with each of them on the back of my hand just so I would have a swatch for colour comparison.

*Mexican Wave is on the bottom, Legend on the top*

The formulas are absolutely heavenly. Usually I find that with glossier more moisturising Lips that the colour pigment suffers, coming out slightly fainter and needing a couple more coatings just to achieve the colour you see in the stick. However, with these they are both true to the colour in the tube and incredibly creamy and soft. An absolute dream. Nonetheless, they are still £10 and I can't really justify spending that much when I am trying oh-so-hard to save. So I put the Lips down and had a quick glance over the rest of the counter before planning to head off in the direction of Boots to find my dupes...

HOWEVER, and here is the real clincher. As I was 'glancing' I spotted the Lip Sticks in the shades Hedonist and Clueless which looked almost identical to the Louise Gray colours. Amazing right? And better still? They are only £7 each. 

See, Hedonist is the orange line and Clueless is the pink one! Once again, the pigment is fantastic and in the pencil form the Lip Sticks are easier to apply for a more precise finish. The only drawback is that as the Lip Sticks are intended for a matte effect they don't have the same kind of glossiness as Louise Gray's Lips do. Having said that, we all know that this can quite easily be resolved by slicking on some lip balm underneath and dabbing on a little clear lipgloss over the top.

Now, I know what you are thinking, '£7 is still a lot babez! You'd only be saving £6 if you bought both! NOT GOOD ENOUGH." And I would be inclined to agree with you.... that is if I wasn't mad on the Louise Gray Cheek Duo in Up In The Air too...

The duo costs £12.50 which once again, I can't really justify. But just look how those colours pop in the palette! I very nearly couldn't resist... That was until I swatched a little of each colour on my hand and was horrifically disappointed with the pigmentation. 

You can hardly even see the colours! I soon realized I got a colour which was much truer to the pan when I scribbled a bit of the Lip Sticks on each finger and patted them into the apples of my cheeks. So technically, these Lip Sticks dupe for not just one product each, but two. Great success.

Needless to say, next payday I will be heading out to buy Hedonist and Clueless for £14 as opposed to buying the Louise Gray Lips and Cheek Duo for £32.50. A whopping save of £18.50 is to be made here. You. Are. Welcome.

Have you given into the temptations of Louise Gray? Do you know of any other amazingly cheap dupes for the Lips and Cheek Duo? Do you ever put lipsticks on your cheeks in place of blusher? I do it all the time, the creamy consistency is WAY better for staying power.

Love and snuggles

GabriellaSofia

x

My USA Haul...

This is the post you've all been waiting for ladies... the USA Haul!

Now, I must warn all of you that were expecting a haul similar to that which I carried home with me last summer... This year was not as flashy. Last year, I carried an entirely separate suitcase full of new things back with me, and I must have spent no less that $2000 on shopping alone. I did this because I was working last summer so was constantly earning, plus food was so cheap last summer and I never needed to pay for fun things to do because working in Disney World they let you go into the theme parks for free. This year, I wasn't earning. Also, I found the food to be somewhat pricier in the places on my route from Los Angeles over to New York than it had been in Orlando. AND I wasn't getting many freebies in terms of activities.

*Last year's haul...*

That being said, I couldn't come home without 'investing' in a few key items for the coming season, now could I? Of course not, it would be a scandal! So here is (the majority of...) what I bought in the States...

*WOWZAS. From the left to right you will see... A red lacy dress with a deep back from Forever 21, two pairs of cheeky panties from Victoria's Secret, a yellow bodycon skirt from Forever 21, a galaxy print blouse from Forever 21, a very short peach lacy dress from Forever 21, two MORE pairs of cheeky panties from Victoria's Secret, ANOTHER bodycon skirt from Forever 21 but red this time, a sheer hot pink blouse from Forever 21 and a pleated pleather skirt from Forever 21. Three guesses what my favorite store is? Oh and in the middle of the peach dress you'll see two MAC lipsticks in Sequin and New York Apple in the Frost finish.*

So as I say, this is the majority of the stuff I picked up in the States. For once I didn't spend much in American Eagle at all really, except for on the red sweater in this photo:

And the New York T-shirt in this photo:

Here are the goodies I bought closer up...

*My uncle actually bought me the red dress which was such a lovely treat! I figured these panties were cute because they let my butt peek out at the bottom which I kind of like... The yellow skirt is a bit bright, but with the right coloured sweater it is pretty cute.*

*This peach dress caught my eye immediately because I was looking for something to wear on a hot date and I just thought it was really cute! Although it is really quite short, it is floaty enough so it doesn't look cheap or slutty or brassy. I think the colour suited my tan quite well although I'm note sure how fab it looks now I'm pale again!*

*MAC lipstick swatches... Frost finish, Sequin on the bottom, New York Apple on the top. This photo was taken with flash. Look out for my review on both these products and I'll probably using them in tutorials very soon too!*

*Now for without flash... I also bought a MAC Lipstick for my sister in Russian Red too so I will probably be robbing that from her soon for a video or two :)*

*I actually bought the galaxy print blouse because the back of my neck was SO sunburned in Los Angeles that I needed something light to cover it. I bought this blouse which kept me covered but actually caused me even more bother because the fabric was so scratchy and rough on my sore skin... Having said that, it is a really cute blouse. Very sheer and sexy. I couldn't resist buying another couple of cheeky panties, and as soon as I saw the flattering fit of the yellow bodycon I just had to have it in red too!*

*This pinky blouse (I know it looks purple in this picture, but trust me, it is pink) is totally not my style AT ALL. I just picked it up so I would have something to try this black skirt on with (which I fell in love with at first sight because it is so effing na-na-na-come-on-feels-so-good-being-bad S&M I just couldn't resist) and I immediately loved it. I haven't tried it on since though and looking at these pictures is making me a bit apprehensive as it is so not me... watch this space*

*There are a couple more items which I picked up while I was away including this Essie nail-polish in the shade Masterplan. I also bought another shade named BBF Boy Best Friend which is a very pale pink polish. I'm hooked on the Essie formulas, they just look so shiny and smooth, I can't stop looking at them and stroking them. Full review soon to come!*

Apart from everything in these pictures, I also picked up a couple of bits of jewelry and a pair of black booties from (you've guessed it) Forever 21! I'm sure you'll see them tons this season as I swear I'm going to wear them every day through Autumn/Winter. 

So what do you think? Are you gutted I didn't buy as much as last summer? What is your favourite part of my haul? Have you tried Essie polishes yet? Don't you JUST LOVE the MAC Frost Finishes?

Love and snuggles

GabriellaSofia

x

Review: benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion...

I have been hunting for new products to add to my clearly WRONG skincare routine recently, so I was very excited when I received this little benefit sample in the post. I have always loved benefit cosmetics with a fiery passion, but this was the first time I ever tried one of their skincare products...

I love the word 'Emulsion'. I don't know why, it just sounds really gooey and cool. Anyway, the benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion is an oil-free formula (which I expected to be fab on me as I get unsightly breakouts occasionally) which hydrates, protects and comforts the skin whilst also offering an SPF of 15. 

I found the formula to be very thin when I squirted a little out on my hand. It almost ran straight off! When I applied it to my face, I soon realized that a little goes a very long way with this product. I found it to be very lightweight while it was on. However, I found throughout the day that my skin looked really quite greasy and my battle throughout the day to keep my face looking matte worked only to make the layer-upon-layer of powder foundation I had applied appear cakey and gross. 

On the other hand, I used this product before bed one night and found that it worked perfectly as a hydrating overnight mask as I woke up in the morning with the smoothest skin ever. Of course I had to cleanse the residue from my face in the morning, but what was left beneath was the loveliest butter soft skin that I think I've ever experienced! I have only just run out of this product after about a week and a half of using it (which just goes to show how your £19.50 stretches in the value for money) and as soon as I get paid I am investing in this as an overnight face cream. That said, I would not advise using this as a daytime cream in spite of the fact that the SPF properties are no use at night, I just don't think it is worth it considering the amount of powder I used that day... However, everyone's skin is different, so maybe try popping into benefit and asking for a sample to see how you get on?

Have you tried any of the benefit skincare line yet? Do you know of any cheaper alternatives to benefit's Facial Emulsion? What do you think about benefit branching into skincare?

Love and kisses

GabriellaSofia

x

Social Networking 101: Blogging Inspiration #1

This is a list of my Blog Idols or Blog Crushes... Blogs that make me cringe with jealousy that they are so professional, interesting and pretty to look at and make me want to do better! There's nothing like a bit of healthy competition, so without much ado I'm going to let you in on my little secrets...

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I adore...

Victoria's Vintage 

   So I might be a teensy bit biased seeing as the blogger is my bestie Victoria Measures, but this blog is really great to while my spare minutes away browsing. She posts hundreds of pretty photos each month, writes about people that inspire her and gives updates on her day-to-day life including fashion hauls, competition wins and DIY craft products. She's One To Watch if you ask me, so head over there and take a look!

Fleur de Force

Fleur has a great blog but the real 'win' of her work in my opinion are her YouTube channels. She posts frequent fashion hauls, make-up and nail tutorials and beauty reviews really frequently at her Main Channel and I often watch them early in the mornings during breakfast or something. Fleur has such a nice conversational style that her videos are really easy to watch! Plus, if like me you are uber-nosy then Fleur has a great Vlog About Her Personal Life too! Here's just one example...

Elle and Blair

These two sisters were the girls that got me into blogging and vlogging! Elle, the older sister, started making videos of herself in her bedroom years ago with an average camera and minimal editing. She got her sister involved and now they both have a couple of channels each, as well as their website where not only do they post features on beauty products, fashion brands and competitions they're loving, but readers can also talk to each other on their forums and shop tons of girly essentials in their online store Glitzy Glam. Elle posts great haul videos like this;

And Blair is the BEST at make-up tutorials;

I wish I was a Fowler girl!

What Olivia Did

This is one of the most beautiful 'real life' girls I've ever seen (meaning she's not a famous super-model, actress or musician) AND she has the most amazing clothes collection I've ever seen. I would kill for just five minutes in her wardrobe, no joke! If I'm ever lacking in a bit of fashion inspiration, I know I can head over to her page and 'borrow' one of her looks with my own clothes and look classy, sexy and chic all at once. She's my ultimate, go-to, blogging, fashion idol. Be prepared for the lushness.

AndreasChoice

This is another video blogger who I like checking out on one of those days where I'm exhausted and just want to spend the day in bed under the duvet getting ideas to make me look hot! Of course, Andrea's videos are perfect for this as she's extremely gorgeous in a very natural way :) Furthermore, she's absolutely hilarious and never fails to make me smile. She has really clever ideas about home remedies for lots of different problems that girls might have... Dark underarms? Acne scars? Various uses for salt? AndreasChoice has you covered! As if that's not enough, she's really nice too and Tweets, comments and emails back as often as possible.

Temporary Secretary

Sarah is a jewelry designer and blogger which I love above all others (apart from those in this list which naturally I love equally!) Her jewelry is so cool and unusual in lots of cute little styles. My favourite piece in her collection is this little bird cage necklace, but sadly it sold out before I had times to get my hands on it! The pieces are very reasonably priced and so many people would compliment your bling if you were wearing Temporary Secretary. A busy bee, Sarah's blog is awesome too to the extent where she actually won Look magazines prestigious blog competition. As with Andrea, Sarah is really sweet and she is always happy to answer comments and Tweets if my experience is anything to go by. Seriously one worth following.

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So, those are my top favourite bloggers and vloggers so far! I literally find new favourites every day, so if you think I'm seriously missing out on one which you think I would love as much as the ones listed above then let me know... It's quite a challenge though! I seriously believe in sharing the love and congratulating girls (or guys) on their blogs when they're doing a great job, because even with my few viewers I know how much work goes into a blog. So, well done ladies!

I advise all readers to click on the above links and rate, comment, like, follow and subscribe to them... I promise, your fashion sense, beauty regime and lifestyle will thank you for it :)

Love

gabriellasofia

x

Haute Future Beauty Tutorial Everyday Make-up Look...

Thought I'd do a relatively simple makeup look for you guys today as I'm heading out to do some pretty standard daily tasks and I had enough time to film this morning so there you go! I've recently been wearing this look as it's quick and easy to do whilst also looking KIND OF natural. At first I felt a bit weird not wearing eyeliner but I think it gives a much fresher effect and means I don't get melted black prints on my upper lids due to the uncharacteristically hot weather we've been enjoying in the UK recently.

What makeup look do you have at this time of year? Do you think contouring is a bit too done for the hot weather? Is it bizarre to you that I shade in my eyebrows?

In order to be aware when I post new things, you really must follow, subscribe and like my pages! Here are all of the links...

Please follow me on Twitter at:
http://twitter.com/hautefuture

Subscribe to my Youtube channel where I post hauls, tutorials, outfits of the day and WAY more:
http://www.youtube.com/user/HauteFuture?feature=watch

Also check out my facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/HauteFuture/149057205180776

Finally, here is the link for the Joe Gilligan Trust:
http://www.joegilligantrust.com/

Please rate, like, follow, comment and subscribe and I promise there will be loads of beauty, fashion, lifestyle, culture and gossip material going up on here each week :)

Thanks for watching, guys and I'll see you soon!

Love
gabriellasofia x

Review: Clinique 3 Step Skincare for Combination Skin...

So I know that Clinique's 3 Step Skincare routine isn't particularly 'new' on the beauty scene. In fact, the 3 Step System is possibly one of the most world-renowned cleansing routines on the market at the moment, and hundreds of thousands of women world-wide label it as their go-to for gorgeous skin. However, at £20 for just the introduction kit I wanted to try out the range before committing to an expensive cleansing routine which I might not like. Luckily, Clinique are very generous and offer two weeks worth of samples for free to every new customer. Knowing how much I love free stuff, I rocked up to my local Clinique counter in Boots and had a twenty minute-long consultation where the lady who helped me was absolutely fantastic. I left with three miniatures of Clinque's most popular products for combination skin and it was as easy as that! Huge apologies in advance for the terrible quality of my Crapberry photos :)

So first up is the Clinique Mild Liquid Facial Soap. This gel based formula lathers to create what feels like a very moisturizing cleanser which I don't usually expect from a gel for combination skin. Whilst I was using it, I thought it was so lush and because of the suds it felt like a proper luxury experience. After rubbing the foam in circular motions over my face and splashing my face with water a couple of times to get nice and clean I was happy. For about five minutes. After five minutes, my skin felt a little tight (although not unbearably so) and looked a bit shiny, almost like I'd polished my face with wax, which I know sounds really weird.

Next up was step two, Clinique's Clarifying Lotion. This is a toner type product which you're supposed to dampen a cotton wool pad with and sweep it across your face. The idea is that this product removes any final dregs of makeup or oils which have been left on your skin so that you're not locking them in when you smooth over the moisturizer. I've always been a bit scared of toners because I've often found them to be quite harsh and drying. Unfortunately, I found this to be exactly the case with this product. It smelt a bit like I was wiping nail polish remover across my face, to the extent where I couldn't even come within an inch of my eyes because they stung when I did. Sure, it felt refreshing enough, but about two minutes after the toner had dried my skin felt even more tight than after the cleanser. Also, my face was ever-so-slightly red and clearly irritated by the assault which Clinique had unleashed on it. This clarifying lotion did undoubtedly remove the last bits of makeup which is visible from the UsedCottonPad photo I took. However, I was shocked that the cleanser had left this much makeup on my face in the first place! Not good.

Finally, is step three, Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Only once before have I used a gel-based moisturizer (that time it was from Clarins and I loved it although never repurchased because I found it too expensive...) and this time I found the same fantastic results. This moisturizer is perfect for combination skin as it isn't so heavy that it suffocates your pores but is creamy enough to take care of any dry patches. I also found that this product can be used really sparingly, making it more cost effective. With this moisturizer, the drying effects of the cleanser and toner were reversed and my skin felt better than it had before I'd started the three step system.

As you can see, my Clinique 3 Step System journey has been a rollercoaster ride which I've taking morning and night for two weeks. I always try to use a new skincare routine for at least two weeks in order to give it chance to properly get to work on me. In this case, after just three days I found I started to get breakouts around my nose and between my eyebrows and those which I already had on my chin were further aggravated. However, I understand that when using a new brand or new products, skin can go through a 'purging' experience where it gets worse before it gets better as all of the impurities are being lifted to the surface before being flushed out. But still, I don't believe I will be purchasing the three step system sadly. Part of the blame must lie with myself, as I told the Clinique consultant that I have combination skin when really in hindsight I think I probably have dry skin. This confusion arose from the occasional spot that I get on my chin which I assumed meant I am oily in some areas, but upon further research I've since realized that they are menstrual breakouts and are in fact nothing really to do with the skin itself. Having said that, I won't purchase the whole line, although I would definitely consider investing in the moisturizer as I must admit its quite possibly the best I've ever used! 

There's a no-makeup picture for you. Its funny really because with the Clinique 3 Step System my skin looks and feels so clean and fresh after I've completed the whole thing, but the discomfort after the cleanser through the toner and until the moisturizer just isn't worth it for me. That said, I need to make clear that Clinique are a fab company and I'm sure they'll be happy to help me adjust my samples in order to try out a line more suited to my skin as the lady in Boots was so helpful. Furthermore, please everyone keep in mind that this is JUST MY EXPERIENCE with the system. Everyone's skin is different and whilst some people may call this line their 'Holy Grail of Cleansing Systems' I would have to disagree on a personal level. Please don't let this deter you from trying out the range though. Finally, although I did not purchase the products for this review they are provided in sample sizes which are available to anyone interested in the Clinique 3 Step Program. Also, I was not paid in any way for this review.

Have you tried Clinique's 3 Step System before? Do you have any toner recommendations for me? Have you experienced gel moisturizers before?

The Clinique 3 Step System introduction kit can be bought from Boots online for £20, however, I would advise anyone and everyone to make the most of the consultation service which the brand offer in store, in order to give you an expert opinion of what should work best.

Love and snuggles

gabriellasofia

x

HauteFuture Needs You!

Hey guys!

So I'm writing this post because if you've been reading recently then you'll see that I've recently had to decide to take a big long blog-break which is really sad for me :( If you didn't know, please check out this post: http://hautefuture.blogspot.com/2012/02/we-are-on-break.html. Anyways, it is for this reason that I have decided to accept guests posts during my break. What I hope to gain by doing this is: 

1) To make sure my poor blog doesn't look barren and unloved

2) To give some of my fellow bloggers access to my followers

3) To get bloggers who like my page (and their followers) to be more interactive with me

Basically there are only a few 'requirements' of guesting on my page. Firstly, I try and make HauteFuture seem as professional as physically possible. This means using only original photos (none 'borrowed' from other websites and blogs unless approved and accredited), I like photos in virtually every post as they catch people's eye on the News Feed and I like the photos to be quite clear although they obviously don't need to look like a photography expert took them haha. The quality of the writing style and language used means a lot to me on my page. I literally do not tolerate swearing practically at all. Sometimes I'll put a naughty word with asterixes in the middle eg. 's**t'. However, I try not to use these words hardly ever, and when I do they're in a kind of flippant or off-hand way as a joke rather than aggressively. Ideally I'd prefer for my guests to avoid these words completely if at all possible. As for the quality and style of the piece, check out my page: http://hautefuture.blogspot.com/ to see the sort of 'standard' I work at. Obviously, there are always a couple of rascally typos that slip through the net, but generally I tend to draft then proof-read my posts to make sure that they read as well as they can. This means not using sentences that are too long, words that are too long/in the wrong context, punctuation errors etc. I will obviously proof-read and perhaps slightly edit if necessary the pieces you send to me but I will send you any editions that I make to confirm that you feel like you're still being truly represented. I will hopefully not have to make too many changes though, as explained in my WE ARE ON A BREAK post, I don't have a lot of spare time at the moment!

Now enough of the 'rules' haha, I want this to be fun! So what am I looking for? What do I hope to achieve by having guests on my blog? Well, I've noticed that a lot of people run 'interview' posts while others just allow the guests to write whatever they want. I don't want my guest posts to be cliche and I also want them to have some kind of structure. So I was brain-storming a bit and then I though YES that's the point... Bloggers have brains. I'm so sick of the stereotypes that bloggers are just dumb bimbos who don't care about anything bar mascara, mini-skirts and macaroons (because cupcakes are sooooo out!) A couple of times I've had hater comments telling me how 'shallow', 'unintelligent' and 'spoilt' we are, and how if we only opened our beautifully made-up eyes for two seconds we'd see a world of pain around us blablabla. So I want to do something to prove that bloggers have brains AND hearts, by giving them a platform to express their social conscience. Sound complicated? Well, it's really not... let me explain how we can translate beauty, fashion and lifestyle to things that 'matter'. 

Here are some examples of posts which I'd like to see... if you can think of other ideas then I really welcome them! The more the merrier...

Beauty

- Human hair extentions

- Animal testing

- Animal hair in make-up brushes

- Tanning 

- Children being beautified eg. Toddlers and Tiaras/salons for kiddies

Health

- Fad diets

- Supplements/diet pills 

- Body image

Fashion

- Sweat shops

- Real fur versus faux fur

Lifestyle

- Non-mainstream interests (in music, film, books)

- Self-improvement

- Making money go further in the recession

- Bisexuality

- Home-made gifts versus shop-bought

Like I say, these are just some ideas and anyone is welcome to run with them! I want the blogger to be passionate about the piece she chooses and I want her to know her topic inside out. What I mean here is, if you've never used hair extensions before then don't write about the humans versus synthetic hair topic. Similarly, although I wouldn't want the gory details of a bisexual experience you've indulged in (although more power to you sister!), if you've never considered your sexuality in depth then please don't write about bisexuality.

I don't want these pieces to be telling people, 'Don't do that' or 'Do do this'. I want them to look like a sensible argument which takes into consideration both sides of the story, but ends with your personal opinion. I'd like the pieces to be quite short (less than 500 words) so you don't have A LOT of space to work with, but as intelligent young women I'm sure you'll be able to put across your points eloquently :) I don't mind the pieces being 'controversial' perhaps one of you out there believes that animal testing has numerous benefits. However, I don't want any of the pieces to discriminate or be prejudiced towards anyone... For example, if you choose to run with with 'home-made versus shop-bought' gift idea, please don't say something like, 'Shop bought gifts are thoughtless and impersonal and anyone that does this has not imagination.' Instead, say 'Home-made gifts are thoughtful, more personal and show that your imaginative and creative side.'

I know these points are kind of obvious to everyone out there, but I thought I should say them as I know that some bloggers out there have a different tack with things like this than I do. I don't want my page to be biased (even if I don't agree with your stance but you've argued your point well, I'll feature it!) and I don't want my readers to think that I'm handing my blog over to a bunch of guests who have no idea what HauteFuture is all about. 

In terms of photos, it's pretty easy really. If you want to write about animal testing put a picture of you and your pet, and you wearing a face full of make-up (whether from anti or pro animal testing brands depending on your stance). If you are posting about faux versus real fur, post a picture with your wearing your fave fur coat. If you're posting about body image, perhaps draw a picture of a 'perfect' body, or if you're feeling really brave, post a bikini picture of your own (class is important though!)

Finally, I would like any guests to my blog to do a mini post on their own site saying something like 'Check out my fab guest post over at HauteFuture' with a link to my blog, and also to tweet and post on Facebook (if you have a Facebook page for your blog) about it too, all complete with links. In return for this, I will of course link your blog and write a sentence or two about why I love it at the beginning or end of your post. 

So where do we go from here? I would like to schedule one guest post per week, so I'd like you all to email me to show that you're interested with a few little details...

1) Your name

2) Your Twitter

3) Your blog Facebook (if you have one)

4) Your blog link

5) Your top two favorite topics to write about from the list or from your own imagination :) 

6) A deadline for when you think you can have the piece written by

My email address is: hautefuture@gmail.com

Once again thank you for all of the support I've had recently from everyone out there. I know this post has been an absolute essay, but things are really hard since I've decided to take my break and kind of 'handing over the mic' on my page is a big deal and I'd like to make sure that my faithful followers are seeing guest posts which are true to the image which I've given HauteFuture. I hope that makes sense! Thank you so much for agreeing to help me, it means so much!

Hope to hear from your all soon...

Love

GabriellaSofia

x

ps. Even if you've NEVER blogger before, I still want to hear from you!

IMATS 2012... My Plans For IMATS...

IMATS is just two days away now and I'm getting mixed emotions... I'm absolutely dazzled at the idea that HauteFuture, a blog which was just an idea this time next year, has been invited as press for one of the largest international make-up conventions the globe has ever seen. I feel so lucky! I'm super excited, but also kind of nervous as I've never been to IMATS before and I know it's a huge beauty cult event and I don't want to look like a total amateur... not least because I've written myself a little itinerary of the seminars I'd like to attend. Is that a bit nerdy? Nonetheless, here are the seminars I'm hoping to hit, in amongst the shopping and a cheeky visit or two to the VIP section which I referred to in my previous IMATS blog... I've borrowed the seminar descriptions and photographs from the IMATS website.

***

Saturday


9.30am - I need to collect my Press Pass from the IMATS registration team

11.45am to 12.45pm - Cover FX presents DAVID ALLAN JONES 'Complexion Fundamentals from Runway to Editorial' International fashion make-up artist David Allan Jones will discuss the importance of creating beautiful, luminous skin for runway and editorial. He will discuss ways to integrate CoverFX products into your kit to ensure your models have picture-perfect skin. His extensive make-up work on the runways of New York, Paris and Milan—as well as his editorial make-ups in leading fashion magazines such as ELLE Italia, Flair, Tatler, Wallpaper and Harper’s Bazaar—have earned him international recognition. At LONDESBOROUGH ROOM STAGE.

1pm to 2pm - Make-Up Artist magazine presents FEATURED SPEAKER LAN NGUYEN 'Beauty Make-up for Fashion and Editorial' Join Lan Nguyen as she discusses the importance of teamwork in the fashion industry, the collaborative process and on-set etiquette. Nguyen’s demonstration will feature editorial and runway looks created with a mixture of products and textures. She will break her process into quick, easy steps, transitioning from natural looks to a few of the fashion looks she created for previous shows. At PALACE SUITE STAGE.

2.45pm - 3.45pm - Make-Up Artist magazine presents ANN BUCHANAN (Hugo), MARK COULIER (The Iron Lady), NICK DUDMAN (the Harry Potter series), DAVID MARTÍ (Gainsbourg: Ve heroique), BJOERN REHBEIN (Anonymous) and MONTSE RIBÉ (Gainsbourg: Ve heroique) 

'Oscar Panel Discussion' 

J

oin Leonard Engelman and this group of Oscar-winning make-up artists as they discuss the Academy Award process, from presenting their work at the bake-off to walking the red carpet. Moderated by Make-Up Artist magazine publisher and IMATS Director Michael Key. At MAIN STAGE

4pm - 5pm - Make-Up Artist magazine presents KEYNOTE SPEAKER VALENTÉ FRAZIER 'Red-Carpet Make-up: Essential Tools and Techniques' IMATS London 2012 Keynote Speaker Valenté Frazier is an Emmy Award-winning make-up artist with celebrity clients including Tyra Banks, Iman, Rihanna, Kerry Washington and Ciara. From a radiant canvas to the perfect pout, Frazier will reveal his expertise in crafting a camera-ready look by sharing the tips, techniques and Hollywood beauty tricks he uses onAmerica’s Next Top Model and with his A-list clients. At MAIN STAGE.

Sunday

11am - 12pm - Royal & Langnickel Brush Mfg. presents KEVIN JAMES BENNETT 'Techniques and Tools' A superior make-up application is determined by artists’ technical skills and the quality of their tools.  Emmy Award-winning artist Kevin James Bennett demonstrates a fashion- forward look using the techniques and tools that help him create beautiful make-up, time after time. At OPEN FORUM STAGE.

12.15pm - 1.15pm - Crown Brush presents ELESSA JADE of Pursebuzz.com 'Brush Essential Confidential' Make-up brushes are an essential part of any kit, and learning the fundamentals of proper brush application will put you ahead of the curve. Find out what makes an ideal brush, which brushes all make-up artist need in their kits and how each brush creates a different look and finish. Elessa Jade will also show you how to repurpose your brushes in a way you have never seen. At PALACE SUITE STAGE.

1.30pm - 2.30pm - EVE PEARL presents 'HD Bridal Beauty: From Natural to Hollywood Glamour'' The bridal industry is one of the most important and consistent sources of income for make-up artists. Emmy-winning artist and author Eve Pearl focuses on the bride and wedding party, paying special attention to skin tone, color theory and the EVE PEARL® method. Pearl shares her special way of applying eyelashes, creating a natural facelift, remedies for dark circles, blemishes, tattoos, scars and more. Learn how to coordinate bridal trials, book jobs, create bridal contracts, what to charge for services, preparation and organization. Learn how to achieve a long-lasting look on all skin tones, step-by-step corrective make-up techniques and how to advertise and promote your services to brides. At OPEN FORUM STAGE.

3pm - 4pm - Make-Up Artist magazine presents SAM and NIC CHAPMAN aka PIXIWOO 'YouTube Guru Q&A' Sam and Nic Chapman, aka Pixiwoo, share the must-have items in her make-up kits and their favorite make-up treasures. They will also answers questions on topics ranging from favorite brushes to make-up application tips to how to get started as a make-up artist or YouTube guru. Pixiwoo have nearly 430,000 subscribers and their videos have been viewed almost 75,000,000 times! www.youtube.com/user/pixiwoo At PALACE SUITE STAGE.

***

So I know that may be a ridiculously ambitious itinerary... I don't know how far apart these stages are based or how over-subscribed they will each by, but I'm hoping to at least make it to three of those things per day, so we'll see how it goes! 

Are you going to the International Makeup Artist Trade Show? Have you ever been to a similar event? Which seminars would you go to, given the chance?

Expect OOTD posts to come and hopefully a haul or two also... I'll be posting a full write up of each day too, so hopefully it will all go well and I'll have awesome stuff to report. I literally can't wait!

Love

gabriellasofia

x