Add Your Own Design to Your Old Handbag

London is well known for its creative designers and inventive street walk. I was walking along with a group of friends, something caught my eyes and made me turn back and look again at the trendy window display, I see a sign of the store written on it Year Zero London. As I look closer, I see Hermes handbag with a twist and yet sophisticated that made me tell my friends that I need to go inside and see what they have. I see two artists who are sales people, with a very stylish hair and many earrings. Their looks resemble the store theme and products they have.

Year Zero London-Hala Ajam

I take a closer look at the Hermes handbag and I see colors all over the bag with urbane images.  I asked the sales man how much is the handbag, he says it’s for 10,000 pound then I asked him is that the real Hermes handbag or is it fake. He looked at me and said it is real for sure. Then he added, bring your own handbag then sit with the artist and tell him what you want to do with your handbag. Within two weeks or more, you can have your own special unique piece.

I found that a very interesting story to write about and share it with you all so I asked the sales man if I can take a photo of the window display and he asked the woman but she said no in French explaining that she doesn’t want anybody to take photos of the store then I asked her gently and explained to her that I will write a blog about it and then she said yes and the guy gave me the business card. It was nice of her to allow me to share this with you.  Take a glance at these handbags that are artistically made.

Hermes With Funky Design

LV With Cartoon Design

Skulls Design

After I left the store, I started thinking which handbag I can bring with me next time I go back to her and make my own artistic LV!

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Val Garland MAC cosmetics MasterClass In London

London is the place where all artists meet and inspire one another. In a special Master makeup event presented by Val Garland, a group of makeup artists who are united in their passion for makeup made a huge impact on exchanging ideas and opinions in the art of makeup. Val Garland is well known for the creative sculpture art in each photo she presents. The photo itself is a piece of art.

The room was amazing and very inspiring. I met many makeup artists from all over the world, 2 from Milano, 2 from Sweden, 1 from Denmark and many more.

However, we were like 20 people, we left the hotel to the cocktail reception; it was freezing when we arrived and there was like 100 makeup artists waiting in line to get inside. We mingled at the reception with various nationalities and different background until it was a time to take a seat and let the show begin.

5 Models sat on chairs

Fashion Inspired By Lebanon

History repeats itself; fashion itself brings what’s good in the past and upgrade it to what’s good in the present. Lebanon has always been an inspiring land to people around the world. When they visit Lebanon, they can’t help but feeling all enthusiastic and eager to enjoy every minute of their stay here. That’s why Lebanese designers across the region had been the ultra- inspiration to the world of designs. People come here to learn about designs and meet experts before they take their independent step to make their own designs.

This season, fashion conscious individuals can adapt the look with gracious circle of Arabic letter designs whether dresses or t-shirts or bags or accessories. Anything that makes them think of the old times sake.

Lebanon is the country of flashback from the past. Lebanon is proud of its history and will always be one of the most captivating countries in the world.

Take a sneak peek at some of the selected Lebanese designs.

Inspired by Letters

Without doubt, the inspiration comes at a different categories, the symbolic, the singers flashbacks, causes prints, the scripted prints and the funny comments prints.

Menhbek ya Beirut

Inspired by street art

Inspired by traffic in Lebanon

Lebanese Kiss & Hug

Stores In Lebanon

Inspired by events in Lebanon

Causes Tshirts to spread awareness

Accessories inspired by Arabic letters

Lebanon has the heritage as old as the earliest evidence of the mankind. Lebanon has an Arab culture colored by western influences. The only land where they bring what’s good in the East and what’s good in the West. Crossing the bridge between the East and West makes it a unique culture and sophisticated origin. Maybe this is one of the reasons why all Lebanese are proud to be part of this great force and most importantly, proud to be Lebanese.

 

You can contact Hala Ajam Via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.

You can also check Hala Ajam’s Blog.

Hala Ajam Bridal Revival

What could make mothers more exhilarating than to see their lovely daughters making their step down the aisle. The bride to be is about to get ready and our mission is to make her dream come true.

The wedding day is usually a culmination of dreams and visions collected over the years. In some cases, these images are simple and the transformation requires nothing more than a beautiful wedding dress. In other cases, they are more elaborate details such as hair and makeup.

Hala Ajam‘s Bridal Ad

Express your wishes, and how you see yourself on your wedding day. With an experienced team, working to create your look, translated your dream into reality can be made easy and far less stressful. I believe that a woman knows herself and knows what she wants.

The makeup artist should realize your dreams. Yet, you must be willing to listen to her advice to avoid drawing attendtion to less attractive features of your face on your wedding day. For example, if you have close-set eyes and want a smoky look, this will in fact make your eyes appear even closer and in some case, almost cross-eyed. The makeup artist is always able to find a solution to give you the look you want. Your aim is to look beauitful on your very special day, and the makeup artist is there to make sure you will.

Take a glance at some of  Hala Ajam previous work that made a huge success.

Bridal Makeup shoot

Bridal Makeup shoot

Bridal Makeup shoot

Norma Naoum

Now that we came to an end, do you see yourself in any of these selected makeup styles? If yes, then you are ready to walk down the aisle and enjoy the best day of your life. All what is left to do is to make sure that the wedding decoration and serving styles meet your interest. We are all here to make your dream come true.

 

 

Hala Ajam’s Book-Face To Face

This text was taken from Hala Ajam’s Book Face-to-Face

 

You can contact Hala Ajam Via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.

You can also check Hala Ajam’s Blog.

An Ode to Delicateness

I was stunned by Elie Saab’s Spring/Summer 2013 show for the Paris Couture Fashion Week.

Naming his collection An Ode to Delicateness, Saab could not be more spot on. As always he fails to disappoint his eager audience.

A brilliant collection, I thought Elie Saab outdid himself yet again with a collection that is almost painfully delicate, and endlessly feminine. We’ll go over some of the most striking highlights of the show.

The always-glamorous burlesque performer Dita Von Teese was one of the most noticeable attendees of the show. In a glittery coat over a knee-length dress, Von Teese impressed in classic black.

The show kicked off with angelic white. The first shade of Saab’s choice. This piece is is a long-sleeve block-white with subtle embellishments on the chest.

Saab experimented with cuts, although always keeping it delicate. I am in love with the the embellished top on this piece.

Classic was in, and the sequins here are just a preview of what is to come in this collection in terms of glamour and shine.

Then came the pastel blues of the collection. With an almost aquatic theme, the gowns were embroidered so delicately in coralesque patterns with shimmering blue crystal.

I love the sleeves on this piece; romantic, dreamy, nostalgic almost.

Again with the daring cuts, I love the embroidered neckline and we can see how Saab kept it consistent with the aquatic embroidery on the most delicate of fabrics.

A more floral theme was also observed on some of the gowns in the show. Using 3D flowers on top of sheer fabric made the gowns look ethereal and floaty.

I loved the clustered crystals on the neck and sleeves of this piece. Glamour at its most refined.

The most striking part of the show was when the dusty lavender gowns went in. In my opinion, they were the most delicate of all pieces and truly encapsulated what the theme of the show was about. They looked almost too delicate for words.

The way these dresses moved was unbelievable. Very fairy-like and dreamy.

A touch of peachy gold warmed up the collection.

What I found refreshing was that, towards the end of the show, Saab starts giving the collection an edge. Out with the pale pastels and in with the more striking colors, just to avoid making the collection too sweet. In came the ladies in red.

With baroque black detailing over soft florals, Saab kept showing the darker, edgier side of the collection. I love the clash in this piece.

Of course, in came the ladies in all black, but the pieces did not lack the subtlety, craft, and delicateness of previous designs. All what changes was the color.

The sheer fabrics made the black gowns look like ethereal smoke on the runway.

And of course, last came the highlight of the show: the bride. With the most delicate of lace and striking baroque patterns, this bridal dress incorporates simplicity and complication at once. The fabrics give it that clean, luxurious look and the detailing is extremely poetic.

Defining luxury, An Ode to Delicateness  was an ethereal collection that does not disappoint Saab’s clientele. Always proving to be the master of his own craft, Elie Saab shines again in Paris Fashion Week.

Hala Ajam and Elie Saab at Dubai Fashion Week.

Hala Ajam is a Lebanese makeup artist who has worked with international and local celebrities such as Queen Rania, Claudia Schiffer, Haifa Wehbe, Nawal El-Zoghbi, and Shereen Abdul Wahhab. 

تألُّق بمنتهى الرقة من هالة عجم

SUBTLE GLAMOUR، تألُّق بمنتهى الرقة، الحملة الإعلانية للمكياج، من أخصائية التجميل اللبنانية هالة عجم

أطلقت أخصائية التجميل الشهيرة هالة عجم حملتها الإعلانية الجديدة لموسم خريف 2012-2013، بعنوان Subtle Glamour أو تألُّق بمنتهى الرقة.

ببراعتها المعهودة وقدرتها الفائقة على الإبداع، تستخدم أخصائية التجميل هالة عجم مزيجاً رقيقاً من الألوان لتولّد انطباعاً خادعاً من السحر الطبيعي. تتحوّل الألوان معها من الأبيض إلى البرونزي، إلى لون الشوكولاتة السويسرية فوق العينين، وللمساتٍ رائعة على الإطلالة الأنيقة لمكياج الحملة، تضيف خبيرة التجميل مسحةً ناعمةً من أحمر الخدود وأحمر الشفاه باللون الزهري المتورّد. لطالما عُرفت الأخصائية هالة عجم في عالم التجميل بابتكارها إطلالاتٍ تبدو غايةً في البساطة، وهي مشهورة بقدرتها المذهلة على إقامة توازن رائع ما بين الرقيق والمتألق.

في خطوةٍ مواكِبةٍ لعالمنا المتطوّر بوتيرةٍ سريعةٍ، اتخذت هالة عجم مبادرةً أولى من نوعها فاستخدمت روابط الإعلام الاجتماعي كعناوين وحيدة تضمّنتها حملتها عبر اللوحات الإعلانية. فكانت الأولى في المنطقة التي لم تستخدم للتعريف عن نفسها في حملتها الإعلانية إلا عنوانها على تويتر، ورمز تطبيق إنستاغرام، ورقم هاتفها، وهي بذلك توجّه دعوةً للجميع لدخول عالمها.

لخبيرة التجميل هالة عجم موقعها القوي على الساحة اللبنانية في عالم التجميل – والطلب كبير على مهاراتها في المكياج. وهي قد اشتهرت بعملها مع النجمات في مختلف أنحاء العالم العربي، مثل شيرين عبد الوهاب، ونوال الزغبي.

هالة عجم، أخصائية تجميل الفنانة شيرين عبد الوهاب

 

 

هالة عجم، أخصائية تجميل الفنانة نوال الزغبي

 

 

Subtle Glamour by Hala Ajam

SUBTLE GLAMOUR, Make up Campaign, by Lebanese Makeup Artist Hala Ajam

 

 

Acclaimed makeup artist Hala Ajam has just released her Fall 2012-2013 campaign, Subtle Glamour.

Celebrating her own artistry, Ajam uses a delicate blend of colors to create the illusion of natural dazzle. Colors morph from white to bronze to Swiss chocolate on the eyes, while a soft blush and glowing pink lipstick make for the campaign’s refined look. Ajam has been applauded in the makeup world for crafting such deceivingly simple looks, and is known for her uncanny ability to always strike a fine balance between the subtle and the glamorous.

Keeping up with our fast-paced world, Ajam also pioneered the use of social media links as the only titles in a billboard campaign. The first in the region to use nothing for introduction besides her Twitter address @HalaAjam, as well as the Instagram logo and phone contacts, Ajam immediately invites everyone to step into her world.

Ajam is well-known for being a real force in Lebanon—an in-demand makeup artist who is famed for her work with Arab celebrities such as Shereen Abd El Wahab and Nawal Al Zoghbi.

Shereen Abd El-Wahab Makeup Artist Hala Ajam

Nawal Al Zoghbi’s Makeup Artist Hala Ajam

Bridal Step by Step by Hala Ajam

Before

The Model before beginning the Bridal Makeup

Step 1: 

For a photogenic face, use 2 colors of foundation; the first one should be the same color of your skin, and is applied all over your face and under your jaw line. The second should be two shades darker, and is applied on areas which you want to make appear smaller like the nose, cheeks, forehead etc.  Finally, apply the concealer (anticerne), which should be two shades lighter than your skin color to brighten up under the eyes and the center of the face. Finally,  set it up with powder of the same shade of your correction.

 

 

Step 1

 

Step 2:

As for the eyes, apply on eyelids and under the eyebrows a beige eye shadow. On the bone of your eye, use a medium color brown (blend well) and the same medium color under your lower lash line.

 

 

Step 2

 

Step 3:

Use a dark brown shadow in the crease of the eye and under your lower lash line, blend well.

 

 

Step 3

 

Step 4: 

Apply liquid black eyeliner on the upper lash line, line lips with a natural color. Apply a peach color blusher on the apple of your cheeks. And finally, apply false eyelashes.

 

 

Step 4

 

Step 5:

Apply a natural nude color on the lips. Now you have a natural make up for a natural bride, the final photo is just to show you that the flash of the camera will take away 50% of the make up. So if you’re going for a day wedding don’t overdo the makeup so it will not appear to bold in the pictures, since the photographer won’t be using flash. 

 

 

Step 5

 

 

The Final Touch

 

 

 

After

 

In day light weddings, use light & natural makeup because the photographer doesn’t use the camera flash. However, in indoors & evening events and since you will be exposed to projector lights & camera flashes, the intensity of the makeup will look less in photos because of the previously mentioned causes.

 

 

Hala Ajam

 

 

 

كيف تخففين من التجاعيد بوسائل العناية الطبيعية

لطالما كانت التجاعيد، وبالأخص تجاعيد الوجه، من أكبر المخاوف التي تقلق راحة المرأة. فغالباً ما تتساءلين: “كيف أتخلّص من التجاعيد؟” أو “هل ستصيبني التجاعيد عندما أتقدّم في السن؟”. حسن، من الممكن الإجابة على السؤال الأخير بالنفي “كلا” إذا اعتمدت طبعاً وسائل العناية الطبيعية بوجهك، ما سيخفف من نسبة التجاعيد إلى حد كبير.

تجاعيد

تتسبب عوامل كثيرة بظهور التجاعيد، ولكن مهما اختلفت هذه العوامل، يبقى الهم الأكبر العثور على حلّ للتخفيف من هذه التجاعيد. إليك بعض النصائح المفيدة، اتبعيها عند العناية ببشرتك كل يوم،  وستحصلين حتماً على نتائج ملموسة.

للتخفيف من التجاعيد، اتبعي الخطوات التالية:

• تجنبي أشعة الشمس: إن التعرّض لأشعة الشمس هو السبب الأول لظهور التجاعيد مع مرور السنوات، لذلك تجنبيها بقدر الإمكان
• .
• استعملي كريمات الوقاية من الشمس: إذا كان عليك أن تتعرّضي لأشعة الشمس، استعملي الكريمات الواقية
• .
• امتنعي عن التدخين: تطلق السجائر إنزيماً يحلّل الكولاجين والإيلاستين في البشرة، وهما عنصران مهمان يبعدان خطر الشيخوخة
• .
• لا تتنازلي عن نوم “الجمال”: سمّي النوم على هذا النحو لسبب وجيه: فالنوم الهادئ والمريح لثماني ساعات سر يمنح بشرتك الراحة التي تحتاجها لتبقى مشدودةً ومنتعشة ونقية، وبالتالي أقل عرضة للتجاعيد
• .
• نامي على ظهرك: إن النوم في وضعيات معينة ليلة بعد ليلة يؤدي إلى ظهور “خطوط النوم” التي تميل لأن تصبح دائمة

تجاعيد قبل وبعد

 .تناولي المزيد من السمك، منتجات الصويا (حبوب الصويا، حليب الصويا)، والفواكه والخضار: فهذه الأطعمة غنية بالبروتينات والفيتامينات التي تغذي البشرة وتحافظ على شبابها

  استبدلي القهوة بالكاكاو: يحتوي الكاكاو على مستويات عالية من نوعين من مادة الفلافانول المضادة للأكسدة (الإيبيكاتشين والكاتشين) تحمي البشرة من ضرر الشمس فتجعلها أنعم من حيث الشكل والملمس.

لا تبالغي في غسل وجهك: فالماء يشطف الزيوت الطبيعية الموجودة في البشرة والتي من شأنها أن تحافظ على الترطيب وتحمي البشرة من التجاعيد، لذلك، استخدمي الماء باعتدال

استعملي كريماً مرطباً: لا شك أن البشرة الرطبة مظهرها أجمل، ولا تبدو فيها الخطوط والتجاعيد واضحة أو ملحوظة

.

ترطيب البشرة

هالة عجم

Can Sun Tanning be Safe?

Everybody knows the dangers of sun exposure, but not everyone has heard of carcinoma. Carcinoma is the skin cancer caused by the regular and over exposure to sun rays. It is very dangerous and could be deadly sometimes. Tanning can be much safer  and you can avoid carcinoma when you consider the following:

 

Sun Awareness

  

 

Sun Blocker

 

A third fact is that early skincare prevents carcinoma at a young age and reduces the risks of having skin cancer when we grow older.

Finally, if you decide to “fake and bake”, keep in mind that regular tanning can cause carcinoma and can damage the skin exactly as if you were soaking up the sun because it is eventually based on artificial radiations. More importantly, if you notice any strange marks on your skin, you are advised to check with your dermatologist the soonest possible because early prevention and detection are always best.

Here’s to a fun-packed, safe summer!

 

Tan Bed

  

 

Hala Ajam