BUT YOU DONT NEED TO WEAR MAKEUP

The media is filled with articles telling women they don’t need to wear as much, if any, makeup, and that men actually prefer women who go for the more natural look. Look on Instagram, especially on my feed, and you’ll see the complete opposite...women so contoured, so flawless and faces so beat they could pass for drag queens. And then we have the queens as well, and nobody is telling any of them to tone down the war paint. While it strikes me that the people putting these “less makeup is the way forward” articles out there are frumpy women without a clue how to do a liquid liner flick let alone a Kim Kardashian contour, it’s more than evident that people need to just keep their personal opinions on other people’s appearance to themselves, which brings us to the subject of today’s lesson, kids.

“You’d look so much better without makeup. You don’t need it.”

This is something that comes my way on a daily basis, but that doesn’t mean it’s something I’m taking on board. For me, as a twentysomething year old man (let’s keep it vague with the age, you’re never too young to start lying about how old you are, after all), wearing makeup isn’t about trying to cover anything up or help with any insecurities, it’s about having fun and looking how I want to look. I’m not deluded enough to think I have supermodel good looks and no amount of gym time is going to give me the body of Zac Efron (gratuitous shot of Zac Efron’s body is included below, you’re welcome), but try and tell me I don’t know how to contour myself the cheekbones that genetics didn’t bless me with.

People experiment with clothes and hair all the time, so why do we find it such a big deal that in 2015 boys are finally joining in the fun with makeup? The amount of Instagram comments about how it’s not fair I can do my makeup better than most girls I see on my feed is ridiculous. Bitch I’m sure if you watched a few YouTube tutorials and stopped buying your brushes from Primark you’d do just as good. Getting featured on the Instagram page of Illamasqua, as well as on BuzzFeed, should have been such a fun experience, but comments from ignorant, chavvy girls who look like a pre-X Factor Cher Lloyd stating the obvious (I’m gay, really? Thanks for telling me, I must have missed that memo. My eyebrows are too big? So are your thighs. That cropped top was a bad decision) are of course the thing that never gets forgotten.

So what if I like to do a smoky eye or go to town on my eyebrows? It’s not something I’m doing to please anyone but myself, so why give me your opinion?  There comes a point in your life when you stop caring about what other people think, and focus on you. This is the mindset I’m currently in...like RuPaul says, “If you cant love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an amen up in here?”. 

Roll your eyes, throw your shade, I don’t care anymore. This blog might be a bit self indulgent but it’s my blog and you don’t have to read it...but if you stick around there will be lots of fun with clothes, makeup and everything else that’s going on in my life.

And maybe I might even get that Zac Efron body one day as well. Too far?

Until the next time...

xoA

Fifty Shades of Cray

It's been a while since I've blogged, due to nothing more than just time constraints and laziness. And how I've missed it. So here's a quick one to get the juices flowing.

I'm sure a lot of you have reserved your (probably plastic covered) seats at your nearest cinema for this Valentines' weekend for what looks set to be one of the biggest films of 2015, and as the date of its release grows nearer, despite never having an interest in the book series or not even having the faintest desire to see the film until this point, all I can think about for the last few days is I WANT TO SEE FIFTY SHADES OF GREY!

It seems like the type of story aimed squarely at sex starved menopausal women and girls who've just came into adulthood in the aftermath of the Twilight series, but given the fact the book was such a defining pop culture moment upon its release, could the film have the same effect? And more importantly, do I want to miss out on all the conversations about it like I did when Fifty Shades fever gripped the world in 2011?

So here's what we know so far: Jamie Dornan, cast hurriedly to fill the title role when Charlie Hunnam dropped out, will not be showing the goods. The sex scenes will be toned down from what was written in the book, and one of the most memorable moments from the book has been cut completely - probably for the best since I don't think anyone wants to see a sex scene that reminds us the female lead is in the midst of her monthly visit. Rita Ora's "big Hollywood break" playing Mr. Grey's sister has turned out to be a blink and you'll miss it appearance wearing a wig she probably borrowed from a Liza Minelli impersonator - not that I'm complaining since the pop starlet is quite possibly one of the most irritating people on the planet.

This Valentines looks set to see cinemas packed with groups of single girls out to distract themselves from the fact they are still in search of their own Mr Grey, and unhappy men dragged their by their female partners in the hopes of having some fun in the bedroom afterwards, but what about the rest of us? Do I really want to spend valuable cocktail time sitting in a packed cinema watching what will probably turn out to be a series of awkward, toned down sex scenes strung together with lightweight, forgettable plot that has been largely met with a "MEH" reaction from critics?

Maybe if my other half wants to smuggle some cocktails into the cinema, I could be convinced.

Jeremy Scott's Moschino Pre Fall 2014 Collection

Not one to usually do a blog devoted to my thoughts on someone else's collection...but homage must be paid where due.

Jeremy Scott has always been someone who I've admired as a designer. He definitely thinks outside of the box and nothing is ever too much or too tacky.

That's a good thing.

Adidas x Jeremy Scott Instinct Hi

(My babies)

His collaborations with Adidas have produced some pretty bananas stuff (including your boy's prized white hi-tops - definitely an investment buy which have more than earned their stripes based on a cost per wear ratio). Now in his first collection as creative director for Moschino, the amazing Mr. Scott has produced a collection as tastefully gaudy and tacky as possible.

This. Is. Sickening.

Photos: Style.com

Some of it might be veering on mental, there are pastels and florals and weird trench coats with lace negligees attached to the front that haven't made the cut here, but all of the quilted leather, the iconic Moschino logo emblazoned wherever possible, cow print and GOLD EVERYWHERE is just so spot on and already giving me major wardrobe inspiration for the next few months.

 

Photos: Examiner

The attention to detail on the bags is SO deliciously tacky, definitely statement pieces to add a touch of ghetto fabulous to any outfit, and that red longline varisty jacket will probably be on Rihanna's back in no time. Let's just take a second to look at that jacket in all it's glory.

If anyone wants to donate this jacket, I'd be forever grateful, if not, I'll settle for one of the caps. Definitely getting serious vibes that this varisty trend is far from over, and this love affair with all things ghetto looks set to remain. All in all, Jeremy, shantay, you stay. This definitely has The Playground seal of approval.

xo

A

One last binge...

So here is January, that time of year where we tighten our belts (or try to after a month of festive indulgence, partying and hangover carb loading) and vow to make our wallets fatter and our waistlines thinner. This is the time of year where not one of us can justify a shopping spree after the shiny new stuff we've received from both Santa and ourselves...but one last shopping spree wouldn't hurt, would it?

This lucky boy received some extra cold hard cash by way of presents, with nearest and dearest deciding I was too hard to buy for and decided to let me treat myself instead. Good choice made by all. So of course this money burned a hole in my pocket and was spent within days. And what a spending spree it was!

White mesh oversize T-shirt, Topman

Who doesnt love a bit of mesh? This is a t-shirt I've had my eye on for a while as it's a nice twist on a basic white t-shirt, but kept forgetting to buy it when I was in store. So imagine how happy I was to find it on the sale rail for half price! 

From my Instagram, follow me!

I wore it with black super spray on skinny jeans, also from Topman, which are a wardrobe staple (more on wardrobe staples in a forthcoming blog, watch this space), white Nike Air Force One's and a black beanie...when you have jet black and brand spanking new white, what else do you need?

Oversized "Dior Homie" beanie, BlvckSouls

This was another piece I'd had my eye on for a while, but had always convinced myself my head was too big to get away with beanies. On sale and low in stock, it was a now or never moment, and I love it! It only arrived two days ago but I can't wait to wear it.

Nike Air Max, Footasylum

I told myself I wouldn't cave to the Air Max epidemic, that I was a hi-tops boy through and through, but when I spotted these I knew I needed them. Y'all will know I have an aversion to colour, so the black, charcoal and pale grey palette was perfect, and the perfect little pop of colour coming from one of my favourite hues, neon green, sealed the deal. The rule of no more trainers for a while went right out the window when I saw them, but it can be re-inforced now that the purchase has been completed.

Three Row Chain Necklace, Topman

Another piece I've wanted for ages but couldn't justify buying to add to my collection of ghetto chains, when it had that shiny orange 50% off sticker on it, I couldn't resist. Yet to wear it, but I'm sure it will become a fave.

Siksilk Beanie Hat, SikSilk

Another beanie I grabbed when purchasing my Air Max, for the 6am starts when the snooze button is more appealing than the hair straighteners. Making the most of beanies while it's still cold enough, as who knows what this summer and the ever unpredictable British weather holds for us?

And with that last spurge, there will be no more shopping until February. Oh, apart from one last thing...

Hydra Veil, Illamasqua

This. Is. Amazing. I tell you no lies. Writing about cosmetics is one thing I tend to shy away from, even though they're something I love. But upon receiving a free sample of this upon a recent visit to my local Illamasqua counter, I'm 100% sold. Not a moisturiser, not a primer, put this on your skin before applying makeup and the results are flawless! Skincare products, and things like primers, are something I always think are just a con to get more money out of you when you're buying makeup, but this is something I NEED in my life. Definitely making a trip to Illamasqua to buy it on my next day off.

Until the next time...

xo

A

Keep up to date with my outfit of the day on Instagram (@allancraig), using the tag #WhatAldoWoreToday

Tis the season....to treat yourself?

Unless you've been living under a rock the last few weeks, you will have noticed that the festive season is well and truly upon us, the time to start spending your hard earned money on those nearest and dearest to you instead of yourself.

Well I'mma leave it to RuPaul to summarise my thoughts on this one...

Can I get an amen up in here?

Okay, so strictly speaking it probably isn't the best idea to be making trips to MAC and Zara when your boy has presents to be buying, but when you've got a slight shopaholic problem, what's a boy to do? With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to be thinking of others. But can y'all just appreciate the nice things I bought myself first?

Let's start with this jumper from Zara. Why? Because it is gone with the wind fabulous, of course. Anyone who knows me knows about an obsession with a certain Versace for H&M bomber that never quite made it into my wardrobe and has been coveted on eBay ever since (but seriously, no matter how much I love it, I just can't justify spending 6 times the RRP on something that, at the end of the day, is H&M quality with a Versace label attached). This is the perfect alternative, just the right amount of gaudy Versace-esque baroque print on the sleeves and something that I'm having to ration myself from wearing too much. With Zara, you run the risk of dipping your toes in the water of the "generic gay" look that seems to be so prominent, and of course you always have to go up a size (thanks, Zara), but totally worth it. This is definitely the favourite addition to my wardrobe this autumn/winter.

What next? Well, there was a fateful day last weekend which involved a trip to MAC. A £15 concealer was all that was needed, so why did I leave £80 lighter? Well, let's just say that this particular trip to MAC was a success. A few days previous, I had went in (on a quiet morning one day during the week, at which point the normally mobbed store was dead), but the girl who ended up serving me did nothing more than slap a few samples of concealer on the back of my hand with little explanation of what they were and what all the NC, NW and other colour names meant, never mind what each particular product would do and why I should buy it. Needless to say I left empty handed that day, but returned on a particularly busy Saturday. This time, the girl who served me couldn't have been more helpful (whether or not this was due to being accompanied by my makeup artist boyfriend who always manages to ensure whoever is lucky enough to serve us gives us amazing service), sat me down at a chair that wasn't in use (the less said about her draglicious manager who told her she shouldn't have done this as it was busy and they had bookings - in front of me - the better) and tried out a few samples on me, talking me through what she was doing and the benefits of each product. This resulted in me not only leaving with a concealer, but a brush and two bronzers (one for me, one for the boy - see, I'm not too bad at present buying). It just goes to show the difference good customer service makes, which is something I'm always very particular about. If you give me bad or no service, you don't get my money. Simples.

Yes, in the picture, these hot black leather joggers are modelled by a girl. But so what? When you spend 40+ hours of your life every week in a girl's clothes shop, you end up getting caught out by things that you want to wear. These leather joggers are from Forever 21 and are the perfect addition to my winter wardrobe. The bonus to such purchases is that the definitely don't fall into the "generic gay" category as you'll rarely see another guy wearing the same things you've found in a womenswear retailer, definitely not as much as if you'd been hitting up Zara or Topman. They are perfect, and I am excited to start wearing them.

At this point, you may be wondering why everything is black. Do you even have to ask? However, this biker parka from River Island is probably my least favourite of my November purchases, which is ironic as it is the most expensive at a cool £85. Having stalked this jacket online, I couldn't wait for pay day to get it in my wardrobe. When I picked it up from the store and opened it, the excitement I had ancipated fell flat. Yeah, it's nice, but it's not as amazing as I'd hoped. However, I like the biker and zip detailing and it will be fine for the winter. If not, eBay it is.

For December, my resolution is to buy nothing for myself until my Christmas shopping is complete. We'll see if this happens, but I'm going to give it a good shot.

Until the next time..

xoA

Follow me on my Instagram account and check out my daily looks with the hashtag #WhatAldoWoreToday

BLEACH not blonde

Good morning Upper East Siders...

Let's start off with some facts. Clear facts. Nobody really cares what some 20something homo from Glasgow has to say about toiletries and beauty products. This is not a beauty blog. This is not anything other than opinion.

Where else to end up on an unsuccessful payday shopping spree than old faithful Boots? Land of the 3 for 2 on pretty much anything, advantage card points and unecessary toiletries and products that yes, are total impulse buys...can always be relied upon to relieve some hard earned money when all else fails.

Despite many a hard learned lesson about dabbling in peroxide, your boy's fascination with experimenting with a dip dye has been reignited with Khloe Kardashian's FLAWLESS ombre locks. Where else to head than the freshly launched range of BLEACH London products at Boots? BLEACH - for those of you who have been living under an Instagram free rock for the last year - is a cult London salon widely credited with the multi-coloured My Little Pony inspired pastel dip dyes many of you are now trying to grow out. With a new range of at-home products including a DIY dip dye kit receiving great reviews, it would be a lie to say the thoughts of "okay, I know my hair is finally recovering from being completely fucked with last winter's attempt at blonde, but would a wee bit of a dip dye really hurt?" hadn't been going through my mind. But no, I told myself, self control is the way forward. Instead lets focus on healthy, glossy hair. So the "Reincarnation Mask" and "Split Fix" serum were purchased, and here's what followed...

So let's start with the "Reincarnation Mask". Usually, all of these "deep conditioning treatment" type of product all promise the world, but do little more than leave your hair feeling a little bit shinier until the next time you wash it. Not sure how much the BLEACH version will fare, but so far, so good. Hair definitely feels healthier, and dead ends? What dead ends. Well, they're still there, but when you've not had a good trim for the last 5 months that can happen.

"Not a total betty, but a vast improvement." - Cher Horowitz

The reincarnation mask definitely leaves your hair feeling a whole lot healthier. The instructions recommend wrapping your hair in a hot towel while the treatment is in, but really, who has time to heat up a towel? In fact, how would you even go about heating up a towel?

Next up, the "Split Fix" serum. Okay, so on first pump you realize this isn't like any other serum. Your boy is used to Moroccan Oil, and this is definitely a lot runnier in texture. So runny, in fact, that most of the first pump slid off on the journey from hand to hair. Once applied successfully, however, you can definitely see a difference. These products are definitely ones that will be getting purchased again.

Now, maybe a dip dye isn't such a bad idea after all...

xoA

Crocroaches

Did you know it's been over a year since the internet got an injection of FashHole'y goodness? Time flies...

So we'll start this little session of filling in the gaps with one burning question that's never far from this homo's mind.

WHY THE FUCK ARE PEOPLE STILL WEARING CROCS?

This is one thing that needs to die ASAP. It's shocking to think that disco pants and ombre hair have come and gone but these hideous items of footwear still remain. It's a joke that's not even funny anymore. Unless you work in a hospital/dental surgery, these are not in the slightest bit acceptable. Ever. The only thing left after the apocalypse won't even be cockroaches anymore, it will be these offensive shoes, if you can even call them that.

Where is the appeal in these clumpy, perforated chunks of plastic in a variety of hideous colours? Why would you want to put these on your feet? In what way do these horrendous, offensive, hideous have such mass appeal that they have their own stores? And more importantly, who are the idiots spending money on these monstrosities in order to be seen in public wearing them?

I've made it quite clear in the past the strong, footwear related opinions I have (I will never approve of a nude ballet pump and have no qualms about admitting this), but Crocs really do trump all other footwear in the DO NOT WANT stakes. For real, I can't understand anybody who would ever want to wear these. Is there some sort of unexplained mystery appeal to these shoes that I'm missing out on?

xo
A