If Liberty makes the prettiest cotton in the world, who makes the prettiest clothes? You do! For the first time we’re publishing our own book of inspirational home sewing projects. Designer Lucinda Ganderton has showcased some of our favourite Liberty Art Fabrics in this sumptuous how-to guide which is divided into three chapters – Essential, Organisation and Luxury. Highlights include shopping bags, elegant cushions, kimonos, bean bags and throws.
The Liberty Book of Home Sewing is due for release in October, but we’ve got a sneaky preview just for you, our lovely readers…
Watch as illustrator Kerry Lemon decorates our brand new beauty hall – adorning one wall with this stunning peacock design. Team Liberty have a great love of this exotic bird, and so, it would appear, do you. Peacock feathers are one of our oldest and best loved prints, and sales of Liberty peacock fabric in the 1920s broke trade records. Caesar, a more contemporary take on the classic pattern, was added to our Classic Tana Lawn range in 2007.
Our new and improved beauty hall now has a Bobbi Brown counter! Yesterday one of their elite make-up team, Alberto Esteban, dropped in to solve your beauty dilemmas live on facebook, and we thought we’d share our highlight of his tips…
I am going to Italy this August and always struggle to find products that wear well in the heat…any recommendations?
Alberto says: We have a great variety of long wearing products – for a natural, long-wear glow apply All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15 in Desert Sun. For your eyes, try our Long-Wear Cream Shadows in Bone and Cement, for a super natural holiday look. For the evening why not add some fun sparkle with Graphite Shimmer Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner? Finish your look with No Smudge Mascara.
What are the best blusher colours for pale skin?
Alberto says: Go for cooler, paler tones of blush – bright pinks and soft corals look great on fair skin. Bobbi’s iconic Pale Pink Blush looks stunning on everyone – no wonder it’s her favourite!
I have big round eyes, are there any make up techniques that will help make them look smaller?
Alberto says: Many women use darker tones and strong definition not only to make their eyes look smaller but to create a signature look that is both classic and wearable. Try smokey hues with darker liner on the top and bottom lash line and extend the liner on the outer corner of your eye to create an almond shape.
I’m 47, Hazel eyes, pale skin. Problem is I’ve got very short and sparse eyelashes from repeated chemo treatments over the last 10 years. I used to have lovely Audrey Hepburn almond eyes; now they are miss piggy, what with ageing and all. What can I try to pretty them up please?
Alberto says: Bobbi has some great tips for women that have been in your situation in her Living Beauty Book, which you may like to read. You can gently apply eyeliner on the top lash line to create the illusion of lashes. To create the most natural look, blend the liner with a soft grey shade – try Bobbi’s Cement Eye Shadow.
Can you recommend a good foundation that will last all day for oily skin?
Alberto says: Our very popular Skin Foundation SPF 15 gives you the perfect buildable coverage for all-day wear – it comes in 15 skin tone correct shades – visit our counter and one of our Professional Makeup Artists will help you find you perfect match.
I love wearing heavy mascara and liner, but it always ends up under my eyes! any tips to stop it migrating?
Alberto says: Don’t use too much eye cream on your lid before applying makeup, and go for powder and long-wear gel formulas. Try our fantastic Long-Wear Gel Eyeliners and Long-Wear Cream Shadows – they’re super resistant to the elements and are long-wear guaranteed!
I don’t like wearing heavy make up but still need coverage – is there a tinted moisturiser you could recommend for me?
Alberto says: We just launched two fantastic new Tinted Moisturisers, both with SPF 15. One is Oil Free, more appropriate for an oily skin type or someone who likes a semi-matte finish. The other formula is slightly richer for someone who prefers emollient textures. They are both packed with antioxidents for extra skin protection.
I always struggle doing my own make-up for a special occasion. Have you got any tips or suggestions?
Alberto Says: Bobbi’s philosophy is that anyone can be their own makeup artist with the right beauty knowledge. I would recommend to keep it simple and …focus on one area – eyes, cheeks or lips. If you want to learn specific techniques visit our counter at Liberty where our professional makeup artists can walk you though Bobbi’s Makeup Lessons – they are 11 to choose from and they are complimentary!
I have dry skiin, can you tell me which foundation to use for a dewy, luminous look?
Alberto says: Bobbi has two great options for you – EXTRA SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm is great for a sheer, dewy look and doubles up as a moisturiser too (it’s one of my favourites!). Alternatively, Moisture Rich Foundation SPF 15 will give your skin the glow that you’re looking for, with a bit more coverage.
Last night we toasted the official launch of the Assouline Literary Lounge, a tranquil haven filled with the most beautifully presented tomes we’ve ever have the pleasure to gaze upon. The event was in honour of photographer Cecil Beaton, whose private scrapbooks and personal collections have been gathered together in a stunning hard back book, available now on our ground floor.
Back to the party, and Prosper Assouline himself had gloves at the ready to help guests, including our managing director Ed Burstell, leaf through some of the rarer titles on offer. We nibbled on delicious trays of canapés and sipped cocktails from the Bungalow 8 pop-up bar, which was assembled in the jewellery hall especially.
If you missed out on last nights joviality you may be tempted to try your hand at a little cocktail mixing of your own – here are last night’s tempting recipes…
The Liberty Beauty Hall has doubled in size. Step inside to discover beauty secrets from around the globe, from the likes of Kiehl’s, Aesop, Laura Mercier and NARS, as well as our selection of exciting new brands…View more pictures of the beauty hall on our Facebook page
