Art & Makeup - Lan Nguyen-Grealis

Here at The Amazing Blog, we love experimenting with our makeup. To us, makeup is more than a simple daily routine, it’s an art. So when Art & Makeup came across our desk at the office, we all stopped in our tracks.

Art & Makeup is a stunning compilation of more than 200 images of award-winning makeup artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis’s best works. As the youngest Golden Mask award-winner for Makeup Art, Lan has created a book that showcases just how imaginative makeup can be. By drawing inspiration from painters, sculptors, and cinema, Lan transforms makeup into breath-taking artwork with the help of legendary photographers like Rankin and David Bailey. To complement the editorial works, Lan has also included step-by-step tutorials for some of the techniques used in the book, along with tips and tricks from industry professionals.

While these works definitely aren’t wearable for most people, Art & Makeup would be an amazing gift for any makeup enthusiast. We also think it would be the perfect coffee table book for charming your guests! If you want to spend an hour drooling over the gorgeous images like we have, you can pick it up here for £22.03.  

Audrey Hepburn: Portraits Of An Icon - The National Portrait Gallery

We here at The Amazing Blog, think that it’s pretty obvious that we love any and all beauty related things. When we heard about the Audrey Hepburn Portrait exhibit at The National Portrait Gallery, we knew instantly that this was something that we had to share. The aptly named “Portraits of an Icon” exhibit sees the portraits displayed for the first time in the UK with the help of the Audrey Hepburn estate. Wrapping up on the 18th October, there’s still plenty of time for you to go and drink in these iconic images.

Audrey Hepburn photographed wearing Givenchy by Norman Parkinson, 1955 © Norman Parkinson Ltd/Courtesy Norman Parkinson Archive. Used with permission from The National Portrait Gallery.

She has widely been regarded as one of the first international celebrities, her films are so timeless. We certainly still find ourselves fascinated by her work. The event will not only document her most famous roles, including How to Steal a Million, Two for the Road and, of course, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, it will also explore her lesser known beginnings. Starting from her roots in Belgium, through to her West End chorus line and dancer days, up until her big silver screen roles and beyond, this is a great way to get a glimpse into the starlet’s life.

Audrey Hepburn on location in Africa for The Nun’s Story by Leo Fuchs, 1958 ©Leo Fuchs. Used with permission from The National Portrait Gallery. 

Though it is a photography exhibit, it really is so much more than that. Ms. Hepburn got her proper start in the business here in London and we know that she would be happy to be back, and to be honoured in such a way.

Audrey Hepburn by Philippe Halsman for LIFE magazine, 1954 ©Philipe Halsman/Magnum Photos. Used with permission from The National Portrait Gallery. 

Tickets can be booked online in advance at the National Portrait Gallery website here or in person at the Gallery every day starting at 10 a.m. Ticket costs are including voluntary donation: Adult £10 / Concessions £8.50 or standard price: Adult: £9 / Concessions £7.50.

Jessops Academy - Photography Courses

With the summer upon us, it is important to catch all the images of fun we are sure to have. Here at The Amazing Blog we are not the best photographers, unless you count selfies! But we have found the answer, and it comes in the form of Jessops Academy Photography Courses. Jessops has introduced full-day courses on everything from beginner wedding photography to capturing birds of prey.

Whether your aim is to be the most popular photographer of the summer or to just chronicle your day to day activities, Jessops is sure to have something for everyone. The classes are held from 10-4pm and start at £119, or £79 with the purchase of a camera, lens or flashgun. There are classes suited to everyone and if sharing is not your thing, you have the option of one-on-one tutorials starting at £39 per hour. With 6 venues offering the full day courses, you are sure to find one close to home, if that is not the case the one-on-one classes are available at 28 different locations.

Jessops is rolling out the red carpet so that we can learn to take more than just great selfies on our summer nights out. Course bookings can be made online, in-store or by phone 0844 3303319

Cities at Dawn by Anthony Epes

 

The Amazing Blog team is based in London, but luckily our working hours are pretty normal which means we don’t venture out at dawn that often. We have however, just been introduced to the splendid sight of London at Dawn by photographer Anthony Epes and we're now planning on paying more attention to this beautiful time of day.  He also photographs Paris, and consequently created the book Paris at Dawn, both filled with stunning and surprisingly emotional images.

Paris at Dawn is filled with exquisite photographs, some of which are quite moving as they show the city as if it were still asleep itself, just like most of us are at dawn. It’s very still and there are hues that we aren't exposed to on an average day so these photos allow you time to appreciate it. I love seeing Paris at this peaceful time, there’s no human disturbances like traffic or loud children, it’s literally just land before we make our mark and I find that very tranquil to see. Each image does just what brilliant photography should do, it tells a story or presents us with a journey. I feel like it makes you consider how everything in the image got there. If there is an old man sat outside his little shop then you take the time to think about him and why he sits outside at this time of day.

The London at Dawn book is just as intriguing, and may be more interesting for some of you as you can really compare it to the way you see London every single day. The photos are simple, with some beautiful, vibrant colours. For me, flicking through this book gives me the same kind of secret satisfaction as when you can see through a home window at night time and they have their lights on, it provokes a sense of curiosity in you. You will find yourself amazed at how involved you can become in these photos and seeing somewhere you think you know so well, from a wholly different perspective.

It doesn’t stop at these lovely books either. Between the 18^th and 29^th of November there is an exhibit of the project, and this takes place at The Gallery & Café, Foyles Bookshop, 113-119 Charing Cross, London, WC2H 0EB. The books are available to buy here  and at Foyles Bookshops.

London International Antiquarian Book Fair

If you’re anything like me, you’ll use any excuse to read. Take this wonderful weather for example (have I mentioned how glorious the weather is?!), grabbing a book, a nice cold drink and a chair in the sun is my idea of heaven. So for all you bookworms out there, and non bookworms, this weekend’s London International Antiquarian Book Fair in Olympia is for you. And The Amazing Blog's very own Lucy (of Lucy’s Mondays fame) has her own book loving blog, www.theunlikelybookworm.com, so you can be sure to catch her perusing the stalls at the fair. This book fair is a book lovers dream – in its 55^th year it shows no sign of slowing down. Considering the current decline of book sales, this fair is an impressive testament to book lovers everywhere. The fair attracts over 160 booksellers from around the globe – ranging from illustrated books, manuscripts, fine bindings, maps, prints, photography, books from the 15^th century to today, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for more of an educational day out there are a variety of lectures for you to attend. And if you’re just looking to look at some historical and beautiful pieces, there are guided tours for you to see all the reassures on display.

If you’re an experienced Antiquarian Book buyer or just starting out, the fair is a brilliant place to make a stop at for any area of your book collection. The fair has an unparalleled array of books, perfect for collectors and newcomers alike, the books on sale and on show welcome all visitors. So whether you’re looking to add to your collection or just add some style to your house, the Antiquarian Book Fair is the place to be this weekend, don’t let another year pass before you attend!