Scottish Ballet, Swan Lake and Nars; A magical combination

Pics David Eustace.

I reckon Black Swan has made Swan Lake the ballet synonymous with fierce make up looks. There probably won’t be a Halloween from here on in where someone doesn't rock the iconic black smokey eyes of Natalie Portman’s character. So when I found out the Scottish Ballet were going to be touring with an imaginative re-telling of the famous ballet, I couldn’t wait to find out what they would be using for the make-up and I was  so delighted when I found it was none of their than the iconic brand itself, Nars. A huge fan of their products and with so many among my staples, I knew we were in for a treat.

photo Christina Riley

I was crushed to miss Nars makeup artist Katie Campbell giving a  demonstration of the products used for the performance as having seen the official shots of Principal Dancer Sophie Martin in full face for both the roles of Odette and Odile, I was dying to know how they created such flawless looks. She looks simply breathtaking as both characters!

photo Christina Riley

Nars Ambassador Andrew Gallimore worked hard with Choreographer David Dawson to create designs that fit in with Scottish Ballets simple  and elegant aesthetic approach to Swan Lake. They have tamed the looks people might associate with the swans from the famous film, to produce characters the audience really connect to, allowing the emotion of the piece to shine through. Not only that but a lot of time has been taken to ensure the full look can withstand the incredible stamina that a principal dancer requires for these roles. If  it can last through a performance like Sophie puts on, it should last me a few sweaty hours drinking gin sitting down :) 

I was so blown away by the beauty of Sophie in the shots I have included a full break down of everything used as I know I won’t be the only one dying to attempt to recreate them. I was incredibly lucky to receive the Nars Matte lip pencils in shades Cruella and Belle de Jour to get me on my way. So far I have only tried  the beautiful nude and I am SO impressed with the consistency and lasting power, I cannot wait to try the striking red!!

Trying out Nars Belle De Jour matte lip pencil

I am sadly not here for the Glasgow leg of the run of this ballet  which is so sad as I would love to see this natural beauty Nars has helped create, shining on the live stage. You can catch all the tour details here and having seen many of their performances I can guarantee you a magical night.

The Tour starts the 19th of April until the 4th of June.

Makeup look for Odette:

EYES:

NARS Velvet Shadow Stick in Oaxaca - sketched all over eyelid and blend edges

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Brousse - use lighter of two shades - apply lightly over the socket-line/ add a little extra on outer 3rd

NARS Numero 7 Lashes - apply with waterproof Duo Lash Glue

BROWS:

NARS Brow Perfectors - to shape/fill brows to be natural looking still

NARS Brow Gel in Oural - brushed through to set shape

SKIN:

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

NARS Velvet Loose Powder

LIPS:

NARS Velvet Lip Liner in Waimea - line and fill whole lip

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Belle de Jour - apply over lip liner

Makeup look for Odile:

EYES:

NARS Velvet Shadow Stick in Oaxaca  - sketched all over eyelid and blend edges

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Brousse - use lighter of two shades, apply lightly over the socket-line/ add a little extra on outer 3rd

NARS Numero 7 Lashes - apply with waterproof Duo Lash Glue

BROWS:

NARS Brow Perfectors - to shape/fill brows to be natural looking still

NARS Brow Gel in Oural - brushed through to set the shape

SKIN:

NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

NARS Velvet Loose Powder

CHEEKS:

NARS Blush in Deep Throat - lightly on apples of cheeks for a natural flush of health

LIPS:

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella - apply all over lip

NARS Velvet Lip Liner in Belle Mare - sharpen outer lip line 

Glasgow Reviewed; 33Dowanhill

Every so often a review opportunity comes along that allows you discover an absolute gem in the Glasgow crown and the newly opened 33Dowanhill is exactly that. The minute I turned the corner in Glasgow’s westend and saw the beautiful cream and gold detailing of the outside, I knew I was about to walk in somewhere special. Greeted by the incredibly warm, and fun and not to mention absolutely glowing, owner Joanna, I was instantly at ease. She has created a peaceful and inviting reception space that is ideal for taking a seat and nattering all things skincare and she was sure to get to grips with how I felt my skin was and what I would like to improve.

photo c/o Andy Bell

I could have sat there chatting for hours, Joanna is so wonderfully friendly and passionate about what she is doing, it was so easy to get lost talking about the well selected range of products she has for sale in the shop as well as the amazing line up of potions she utilises in the facials. What drew me to 33Dowanhill when I first found their Instagram was the brands Jo was a fan of. I have never had a bespoke tailor made facial using some of my favourites before!. Pixi to P50 Via Oskia and Omorovica, she really has picked the crème de la crème and she sure knows how to use them.  From the minute we said hello I was properly staring at her own absolutely stunning skin, she looks incredibly youthful and healthy which is always so key when you are looking for someone to work some magic on your own. I could certainly tell I was going to be in good hands.

photo c/o Andy Bell

I loved Jo's enthusiasm for what she has started in 33Dowanhill, having decided to follow her true passion in life a couple of years ago into this business shows just how committed she is to providing an outstanding service for clients. As an almost 30 something still not sure where their direction in life is, it is always refreshing to hear others who have had the courage to start again and follow their heart. To ensure she is at the top of the game she has traveled from London to Paris and even Thailand to hone the skills she is offering and incorporates all that knowledge into her bespoke facial packages. 

photo c/o Andy Bell

So I might want to pretty much move in with the woman..... but can she work her magic on my skin that was feeling both dry and spotty following an Easter blowout including a very boozy wedding?? Oh yes she can. You know when you read all about celebrities and they reference their own personal facialists and it just makes them sound so glam? That is the level of treatment I feel Jo is offering, by no means your standard facial, this one was next level. I got settled under the heated blanket and from there on in the whole thing is a bit of a beautiful blur, aside from the use of incredible products it is the facial massage Jo studied in Thailand that really sets this apart. It was a joy to experience and I could literally feel the stress in my face melting away, this extends to a beautiful head and shoulder massage as a mask gets to work too. 

With a touch of BB cream and blusher the morning after. Glowy healthy skin!

When it was time to come out from my warm cocoon I was actually excited to see how my face looked as I knew that level of attention was going to have made a big difference and it really did. My skin was just unbelievably soft and hydrated while all the puffiness had gone and left a far more bright and toned appearance. I felt miles fresher too regardless of the hailstorm I was about to walk out into!! Gutted as I was to leave the 33Dowanhill haven, I was over the moon to unearthed a new top spot to recommend to people looking for a superb and skilled pampering. 

Prices for a 60 minute personalised facial start from are £68 and I love that she has also included an extra care option which is ideal for anyone needing a fragrance free experience. Pure ranges are used which makes it ideal for someone who is undergoing medical treatment or are pregnant or breastfeeding- she is a thoughtful lady that is for sure. She is even doing a damn good job of keeping up the blog part of her site with some super handy and well written posts of her own, worth checking out for tips from a pro!

You can contact Joanna on 0141 258 3069 or visit the facebook page here