Sylvie Hurford

what can i say - i'm huge with the under 12's

2009-09-30T23:32:00.000-07:00

Well there you go then

2009-09-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my partner in crime and hairstylist extraordinaire Merle Titus and I were discussing the casting of Julia Roberts as Liz in the movie adaptation of 'Eat, Pray, Love'. (Haters who think we chat too much at work, as it is, please exit stage left)

Anyway, we don't like Julia. We like Emily Blunt. We especially like her because she is beautiful in an un-intimidating, but naturally disarming way. We were wondering what she looked like without make up. And look who pitches up on Perez this morning? Lovely.

Apparently, one day, it will be Spring

2009-09-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

Well, at least that's what we thought about three months ago when we shot our Spring main beauty story for Fair Lady! Styled by my dear and hugely talented friend Kim Gray, and shot by Jacques 'John Voigt' Weyers - here is our story, featuring Genevieve Morton from Full Circle
thanks Kimmy for the pics - easier to steal than to actually scan myself. KIDDING!

What a drag

2009-09-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

Now I've recently become verrrrry fond of the over-eyebrow-contour-highlight. Too fond maybe.
Its hard not to love it, as when its done subtly, it creates a stencil for the eyebrow, a minute lift of the forehead and adds generally lightening and brightening of the eye area - its also chops about a decade off the facebook age you're willing to admit to.

I watched, mesmerised, as Odidi Mfenyana transformed to his alter-ego 'Odidiva' - a process which, not least of all, required an over-eyebrow-contour-highlight. Applied with a shovel.
And I liked it.

Probably time to tone it down a notch or two.
In the meantime, here's a link to Odidiva's fan page - the only singing drag in SA - fierce.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Odidi-Mfenyana/7222014931#/pages/Odidi-Mfenyana/7222014931

just in case you were wondering

2009-09-26T06:40:00.001-07:00

2 Loerie make ups, my mother's function, 1 reunion, 2 press events and a million gifts and snacks later

Bonjour, Bourjois

2009-09-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

shhhhhhhhh. my secret is out!
http://www.fairlady.com/articles/view/you-heard-it-here-first-1

go for the bronze

2009-09-26T05:53:00.001-07:00

a pretty picture from Fair Lady with the lovely Bailey.

Sofsheen Carson, Dark and VERY lovely

2009-09-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

It was Tuesday so I must have been in Jo'burg
oh so very lovely to shoot with clients who put you into comfy hotels, book you with groovy photogs and put on a perfect spring day
Not least of lovely was Nonhle - the new face of Dark and Lovely who I got to meet for the second time after shooting the commercial in Cape Town for the lotion a few months ago

and on to number 2

2009-09-26T05:41:00.001-07:00

A master class with Bobbi Brown's Tia Hebron who has gold toes, a wicked laugh and a good line in quips.
and.... we got THISSSSSSSSS!

watch out Kate Hudson

2009-09-26T05:36:00.001-07:00

Goldie, not so much

I eat nothing if its not on a platter

2009-09-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

what a day - 2 major beauty events in one. Firstly - the Smashbox presentation by make up artist Daniel Chavez - adorable, over the top, reads like an infomercial and truly one of the most sincere showmen and sweet, sweet guys.
Two on camera interviews, one for 3 Talk and one for Woolies instore and we were out of there. Not without smashing down at least 3 salmon canapes, 2 expert cappucinos and 1 hazelnut brownie ( please god not stuck in my teeth for interviews) - nothing like a mid-morning cocktail party to beat off the hangover sent directly from hell and UPS'd to my door
excellent goodie bag and delightful marketing team

20 years, reunions and genes

2009-09-26T05:28:00.000-07:00

This is my mother. I have her genes. I've just been to my 20year school reunion, and so apparently do all my old classmates.

Rest peacefully my friend

2009-06-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

My birthday twin and old friend Crispian Plunkett, longman, master photographer, creative genius and fan of shaved heads passed away this last weekend. His death has had an extraordinary impact on all of us, as did his life. I am desperately sad.

You bright up my life

2009-05-13T07:29:00.001-07:00

A little something to brighten up a gloomy day...

Fair Lady - June issue on street now
photography - Mark Cameron
makeup - Sylvie Hurford

Here's one we did earlier...

2009-03-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

My pal and right up there in the top favourite photographers has launched his website. Have a look - its glorious http://www.markcameron.co.za/

Also berry lovely!

2009-03-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

berry lovely....

2009-03-16T03:53:00.000-07:00

Bragging rights...

2009-03-16T03:45:00.000-07:00

Fair Lady Chocolate beauty story outtakes and web shot

because, unusually, I actually dont have a lot to say for myself today - probably because I'm quite faint with fatigue - I'll update with the reasons why!

I am also having a complete love affair with the Essie Fluorescent Nail varnish, and have spent most of the weekend gazing lovingly at my toes which are currently decked out in 'Short Shorts' - this may have significantly dulled my intellect, but who cares right?

you know you love me... ex oh, ex oh

2009-02-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

My friend Caren once said that she hated shopping for music because once she got into the store she felt she was in a game that everyone else was in on, and she didnt know the rules... or words to that effect.
That's how I felt about the fashion on Gossip Girl
I've been glued to my laptop for a week now as dishes pile up, emails go unread and deadlines get missed, watching box sets of GG. Mainly because I'm mesmerised by Leighton Meester's lipstick. Mesmerised. It is perfection. I'm also mesmerised by Blake Lively's slight eyelid overhang ( desperate to correct it with the dirty brush, create a crease where there isnt one technique) and naso-labial lines that are a fraction too deep to make her convincing as a 17-year-old.

When I mention GG to anyone they whisper, awed, 'and the CLOTHES'. Eat shit Patricia Field.
I didnt get it. I really didnt. Until I went sourcing with the lovely Margaux today for our beauty shoot. All I saw was tartan, pussy-bows, peter pan collars and perfect little jackets. In fact, I got it so much, we're trying in on our 83 year old model tomorrow.

Blah, blah, black...

2009-02-18T10:03:00.000-08:00

Oh for goodness sake. There's a whole bloody hooplah going on on this http://www.women24.com/Women24/TVGossip/CelebGossip/Article/0,,1-6-104_21655,00.html blog. All about the first "Black" face of Elizabeth Arden.

Bottom line, Lerato is 'black'. She is a model who is being used to represent a line of foundations created for women with deeper, darker, richer, skin tones - Its also groovy that she happens to be a smart, kind, funny and talented person.
She is also the first person who has a 'deeper, darker, richer, skin tone' that is being used as a spokesmodel for Arden. We could hardly advertise the new range on a 'white' face.

There are no sacred cows in the beauty industry. You choose the person who is right for the product. And the product is in this case the shiz. Its fabulous. The tones are great, the colours accurate and they are a dream to work with.

Much of the actual shoot was spent barbequeing any remaining cows by the stylist ( Muslim) hairstylist ( 'coloured'), Make up Artist (white) and model (Black). We shrieked as we stuck magazine pictures of Zeta-Jones over Lerato's face and telling the creative director that we wanted her photo-shopped just like 'that' - ala Liya Kebede for Lauder.

And you know what? Lerato looks just as she is, a beautiful 'black', African woman - just as she was meant to look and just the reason she was chosen - TO SHOW THE PRODUCT TO ITS BEST ADVANTAGE . So give it up, really.

At Last - Elizabeth Arden

2009-02-14T23:59:00.000-08:00

Finally! The new face of Arden South Africa has been launched and FINALLY I can put up the picture - Keeping this under wraps since November has been unbearable
Here is lovely Lerato - she is glorious, a dream to work with and a perfect choice!

Hair - Merle Titus
Styling - Ardiel Dessai
Photo - Mark Cameron http://www.markcameron.co.za/
M/Up - Sylvie Hurford

http://www.women24.com/Women24/TVGossip/CelebGossip/Article/0,,1-6-104_21655,00.html

and here's a great link to the event! http://www.fairlady.com/2009/02/elizabeth-arden-cape-town-beauty-editors-and-loyiso-rock/

That 70's show

2009-02-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

So I'm starting a commercial tomorrow for Moonlighting, and the tone is authentic seventies. I had to take some references in, to show what I had in mind for Hair and Makeup - and I couldnt really find any that I liked - because frankly, most of it sucked - well at least the orange/brown period mid-seventies did.
I took in these, because I really liked them, and, so did the director

Which goes to show, sometimes things just appeal to groups of people purely on mood and aesthetics - and if you concur, you know you'll be creatively safe with each other. Mostly.

Bobbi Brown... and turq and yellow and cerise and sparkle

2009-02-09T06:12:00.000-08:00

I had a ball at the seasonal Bobbi Brown gathering of 'makeup artists in a suite with snacks and champagne' on Friday
For some time, the kind fairies in marketing have been providing me with foundation and concealer palettes filled with every shade of their gloriously sheer stick foundations and cream concealers.
The other brands in my box have honestly been gathering dust since I received the first of these.
Clodagh and her team have a very real understanding of the value of marketing through makeup artists - a concept which is pioneered by Bobbi herself and filters through her representatives, worldwide.
Friday's soiree featured a great presentation of BB at NY fashion week debuting her new Bobbi Brights palette, the launch of a superb new foundation ( albeit in a godawfully heavy glass bottle - no good to carry 18 of those - but I might just secure one for personal use) and the goodie bag, as usual was spectacular. I'll upload a picture of the lipstick palette which caused me to swoon and squeal.

A free agent

2009-02-09T06:03:00.000-08:00

So, I'm on my own.
After 6 years of being represented by an artists' agent I cut the cord today
Things have changed so much in this market in the last year or so and I think that while previously there was a certain cache to belonging to a representative agent, now, not so much.

Better that I should take my own bookings, get to talk directly to my clients and make myself available, and negotiable. 20% commissions on bookings have turned representation into an unaffordable luxury.

A rose by any other name....

2008-12-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

by my vote still smells as sweet
Bulgari for Women at R160 for 30ml...? I aint arguing
If you take your empty bottle to any store they'll fill it up for you in 3-4 days or if you just cant wait that long, take a trip to Tygervalley where they'll do it for you, in store, immediament!
http://www.fragranceboutique.co.za/

Pretty lady at Face

2008-12-17T08:57:00.000-08:00

One of the other lovely things that happened on my Yardley shoot was running into my old pal Monique de Jager... ( let me be very certain about, that when I say old, it is merely by virtue of that we have known each other for a decade - Monique is FAR from old!) - she is a model who I have had the good fortune to work with and ( don't be a hater... she is quite as beautiful inside as out) who has opened a gorgeous little salon in De Lorentz street in Gardens - from tans to nails to waxes to massage she does the whole toodle ( drawing the line at sacks - if you dont know, dont ask).
Her price list is incredibly reasonable and spending time with her is a treat... just a few hours over those two days reminded me that I was miserable that I dont see her more often.
Aside from that, her experience as a model gives her a superb insight into feeling uncomfortable and exposed ( try posing in your undies in front of a team of people) so she is super sympathetic, and wonderfully matter of fact about the dreaded waxes and the gnarly-just-been-through-winter toes.
Have a look at her website at
http://facemdj.com/index.htm

Ex, ex, ex

2008-12-17T04:49:00.000-08:00

I
Addicted to Blistex but horrified at the now unspeakable price ( something like 60 bucks, seriously)
Well, help is at hand - Try Carmex ( god knows why they couldn't call it Calmex - despite the fact that I think its a registered trademark for nervy pills)
It clocks in at about R25 and is amazing - I love it.
Sadly it doesn't come in the cute little vintage tin seen above but its what's inside that counts

UPDATE
so I had a look at the pot - its the same!

the gift that keeps on giving

2008-12-17T04:32:00.001-08:00

so I was back at Canal Walk today stalking for xmas presents, trying not to conspiciously consume and lo and behold before you could say pah rum pumpum pum I was through the doors of Dischem, again, for the second time in a week.
Once again my visit was fruitful. They are now stocking the unbelievably desirable, and first choice of beauty professionals, Tweezerman - such was my excitement that I didn't check if they had the heated eyelash curlers and now I want to kill myself, but, I did get these... above
slanted mini-tweezers at a whopping 195 SA Rond but believe me, worth every cent
WHY didn't I check the curlers......

sometimes its just what a girl needs - a little Otis

2008-12-15T11:49:00.000-08:00

totally off the topic - for a change! - but my chap sent this to me today... it made me laugh, and cry
enjoy it ( and some of the beautiful faces in their 'vintage' make up)
xxxx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ddLvbCQbU4

Yardley gets a makeover

2008-12-15T02:56:00.000-08:00

I spent two lovely days working on the new Yardley campaigns with their beautiful spokesmodels Palessa and Carla....
Yardley are launching new deeper, darker shades for dark skins - YAY! Well done to them...
The pigments are very true, and the foundations work beautifully - especially the mattifying mousse.
I love the pressed powder in 'Caramelised' - it is flawless and doesn't leave dark skins looking pink or ashy

WWKD 2 - bragging is unladylike

2008-12-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

but seriously, I do love these.....
Bao from Boss
Daniella from Alfa
Photographed by Malcolm Dare/Pixel Foundry
http://www.pixelfoundry.co.za/malcolm/index.html
and styled by Caren Walsh/Sample
http://sampleps.blogspot.com/

WWKD - for Caren

2008-12-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

Not for nothing...

2008-12-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

She is, at.. (work it out yerself - she was crowned in 1974) still extremely beautiful.
The thing that impressed me most was the texture of Annaline's skin - smooth and even.
With any 'older' model - my priority is to recreate youthful radiance
I started with a highlighting cream, moisturiser and silicone base ( use Smashbox or Dermalogica Barrier repair cream) and then buffed a combination of 3 Bobbi Brown stick foundations into her skin.
In between applications of skin preparation I misted her skin with a Body Shop Vitamin E misting spray to boost radiance, cut powdery-ness and to seal in moisture.
Powder only in the essential areas... around the chin, nose and under the eyes to set concealer.
Keeping the ball of the eyelid light and sheeny, knock back the slight overhang we all have with a taupe or brown powder to give the illusion of bigger, rounder eyes.
Add a little sparkle on the inner corners to further open the eyes
Mascara and a little liner complete.
Peach toned blusher - Nars Orgasm and MAC Prrr Lipglass are the finishing touches.
Get Kevin Epstein on hair, Mark Cameron behind the lens and fling her into a fuck-off ballgown and you've got a seriously hot shot.
You'll find out where and what when its published... sorry. I am nothing if not discreet. And will be in deep shit if I blab!

UPDATE
It must be said I had serious reservations about spritzing Annie, it is the tool I use to threaten Jack when he barks at the children or gets woelig in the car. Just didn't seem right somehow.

more from perez... ok I'm hooked

2008-12-09T13:25:00.001-08:00

This is why we don't go in the sun girls, or smoke (too much) or shove masses of cocaine up our noses, or date Pete Doherty.
I still cant help but love her

Miss World

2008-12-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

I must confess to always having had a soft spot for a beauty queen. Especially the smart and funny ones like my lovely friend Joanne Strauss who has a handle on some of the best beauty pageant jokes I've ever heard.
I've also had the good fortune to make up pretty much every one of the Miss SA's from the last 15 years... certainly, at least the ones that anyone can remember
So I'm ever so excited about doing Anneline Kriel's face tomorrow
perhaps she'll sign my sash from the Heavenly Bodies MCQP party 9 ( ?) years ago when I went as Miss Universe, and my poor date went as THE universe - silver speedo and twinkly lights around the groin obligatory.

Why does the expensive stuff always start with a La

2008-12-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

A while ago my dermatologist, Rowena Mckenzie recommend I try this stuff - so I did.
Then I wrote an article about budget saving tips on using great products and I recommended it too.
Basically, It is the shit. I've been using the regular Physiogel just for the body for the last little while, but now am converted fully to the A.I. for very miserable, sensitive, dry and easily breaking out into godawful patches of eczema skin.
Although I did recommend it as a cheap option ( face it its a fraction of the price of La Mer or La Prairie), dumping R220 bucks a month ( 3 weeks) on the body is pretty steep. And I really need it.

Imagine my joy when I discovered it at Dischem in Canal Walk for R133.00. So I bought the face cream too.

PS my pal who is using retin A at a usual R250 per tube, stocked up on the same brand ( she had her script) for R85

This makes me feel a little better

2008-12-08T12:27:00.001-08:00

Althought I do actually know it, it still makes me feel better!
Thanks Perez! http://perezhilton.com/

No Pulse

2008-12-08T12:04:00.002-08:00

So what is a blog if not to occasionally rant.
I mentioned that I'd written a massive feature on sun safety for Pulse ( You magazine's healthy sibling) - the sole purpose of which, I thought, was to raise awareness about the dangers of sun exposure in SA and to educate people about potentially harmful, and fatal skin cancers.
The reason I took on this story, aside from one of pure economy, was that I felt it would be a good exercise for me to present hard fact, do solid research and to work within the very specific guidelines of the publication - with a little shock value thrown in. Its all very well writing fun opinion pieces about lipstick and botox - which I love doing, but I've always believed that the reports in You are pretty thorough. In addition to the actual story, I did three 'celebrity' interviews and a tiny bit of puff about international celebrities sun habits.
Basically they have edited the entire story around these two puff pieces. It lacks any real oomph and quite frankly wouldn't scare anyone into reaching for the sun block.
Its also miserably embarrassing that I hassled three top dermatologist for WEEKS to give me input and advise and to give the story credibility, which I think it thoroughly lacks.
Simply put, I'm enraged.
I'll probably never work for them again after this, but seriously if that's the deal with the way they edit, then I'd rather my byline be off it and they can keep the couple of K, I earned for it

The good news in all this gloom, is that my mole was not melanoma. But I was scared enough to have it checked, and the doctor was concerned enough to excise it.

Sylvie Hurford: MakeUP 101

2008-12-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

Sylvie Hurford: MakeUP 101

congratulasies

2008-12-08T05:35:00.000-08:00

To Kim, Caren and Janice who got great mentions in two fab blogs...
Caren and Janice in http://www.womanandhomemagazine.co.za/index.php?p[IGcms_nodes][IGcms_nodesUID]=2c00737aea3c2298f97a7c4a6d5494c5 for their business 'Sample'
and Kim Gray who made the Women 24 'It List' with her style blog...http://www.women24.com/Women24/FashionBeauty/NewsTrends/Article/0,,1-7-163_21025,00.html#
Have a look at the sidebar under my blogs for their links

let me tell you a secret....

2008-12-08T03:24:00.001-08:00

this is my heaven...
God Bless my pal Alexia who has just winged her way over from the YOU, ESS of AYE to holiday with her adorable family and of course, to bring me my secret weapon. If you can get your hands on this stuff, do. The no. 2 is what you want... The pot is tiny, so take out another bond on your home and buy two!
http://www.lauramercier.com/products/colour/flawless_face/secret_brightener/secret_brightening_powder/

Hair raising!

2008-12-07T09:08:00.000-08:00

Here is a shot of the gloriously beautiful Jodi Balfour, one of the Miss SA finalists and all time lovely chicken in a head of Miss Rosebud hair extensions which we made for her 'big, beautiful pageant hair'!

Barbie se moer.

2008-12-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

The holy grail....
this post is largely a childish manifestation of my absolute fury at having to deal with the Pick and Pay Hyperama in Ottery today where I spent an hour of precious Sunday time buying a canvas garden umbrella only to bring it home and find it broken.
I decided to maximise my trip by doing a little Christmas shopping - namely for the what has become the search of a lifetime - A Barbie lunchbox and juice bottle for Rose, who has very specific ideas about style.
I love Barbie, I have no real issue with her - she is arguably one of the most iconic beauties in modern times and despite having some minor weight disputes with her agent, Mattel, she has managed to keep her pert little nose clean ( unlike my other favourite Kate Moss) and has kept her sparkly crown of supermodeldom perched firmly on her golden head

So having chosen not to fight it on principle, WHY I ask is it so bloody unbelievably impossible to get pure Barbie merchandise...?
3 3/4 year olds are not stupid.
Fake-o, bullshit, pseudo Barbie tat like this (above)
will not do

MakeUP 101

2008-12-07T03:48:00.001-08:00

Here is the link to the Facebook group
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?id=541545349&pid=1582899#/group.php?gid=48230007754

Moley, Moley, Moley... Rank undiluted fear...

2008-12-07T03:35:00.001-08:00

I've just finished writing a monster piece for the You magazine health offer... Pulse. Now those who know me, know that I'm actually a highly specialised doctor (web.doc md) masquerading as a makeup artist and beauty writer. Now my specialisation vacillates wildly between GP, Paediatrician and Dermatologist depending on my current crisis.
Getting to ruthlessly interview three (lesser) dermatologists for this piece got me thinking - and what little I do know now has become a violently, uncontrollable, wildfire thing.
I have long espoused the benefits of sun protection, not only because sun exposure is hideously aging but because I'm ruled by fear. Losing a friend to melanoma a year ago is not the sort of way anyone would like to consolidate this fear.
On thursday I had a mole removed because it looked 'funny'. I have regular mole maps ( I think) - in this state of panic you actually fail to remember whether you went a year ago, or two and this one wasnt' one of the worry ones... but things change, and it did.
So hold thumbs for me for Monday.... and in the mean time, seriously SLIP, SLOP, SLAP

http://admin.health24.com/huisgenoot_pols/Pols_6/3936-4287,48792.asp

more triffle...!

2008-12-07T02:08:00.000-08:00

The cover I did with lovely Shashi Naidoo and a link to some triffle!

http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za/content/beauty/beauty-masterclass/good-to-glow

you care, you really do!

2008-12-07T01:47:00.000-08:00

here's a link to a little contrib I did for Fair Lady a while ago...
love the pic we did... the genius of photographer Micky Hoyle
http://www.women24.com/Women24/FashionBeauty/MakeUp/Article/0,,1-7-48_15960,00.html

better late than never...

2008-12-07T01:23:00.000-08:00

I am finally getting around to getting back to the blog! And I promise to be vigilant!

some news....
I am doing a Make Up 101 for the festive season and will be offering party faces for R300 for anyone who needs to feel lovely for and end of year or season party...
email me or join our facebook group MakeUp 101
got a lovely mention on Stylist Kim Gray's blog which you can view here...
http://www.kimgray.za.net/about-me/pics/photo/3089082254/DSC01266.html

I'm just finishing up with all my end of year projects and in 2 short weeks will be off on holiday!

why am I so illiterate?

2008-04-13T12:02:00.001-07:00

So there is no way on earth to actually view my previous post... for some reason all I can see is a paragraph that seemingly pertains to ... NOTHING.
I've also spent the last half hour on Amazon.com trying to work out whether Sephora does, or doesn't ship orders to my area?
My inability to navigate the website has left me longing and confused.

MAC buys off grubby toddler

2008-04-12T05:58:00.000-07:00

So Rose ( who is 3) and I were stalking the Waterfront the other evening - after a lovely walk along the promenade. She wore her usual pink, Miami pensioner style - full fleece with matching fake pink crocs and sippy cup, with a ring of blue ice cream around her mouth. I was in neutrals - we ate some chicken on the trot and all in all were doing our best interpretation of the white trash that we are.
We happened across the MAC Pro Store on the lower level of the waterfront where there appeared to be some kind of event - that I was not invited to.
Now without being boastful, I should imagine, that when one is chosen as one of the top 5 makeup artists in Cape Town, by a selection of Editorial publications, to attend a once off opportunity of having a masterclass with the head of artistry for Bobbi Brown - that an invitation to the MAC Heatherette launch would not have been pushing the boundaries of what is reasonable? right?
Well apparently it was. - but this is not what shocked me. I ran into a couple of friends who I chatted to across the rope - all of whom admitted that they'd come only for the gift ( we only ever go for the gift BTW) - needless to say, their horror when presented with a pink ziplock containing a colour in pad ( all the same pictures my 6 year old pointed out disgustedly) and a small, a very small tube of crayons - the stationery type - HUH? I mean what in the name of god were they thinking?
Fortunately, for the fine ladies at the store - Rose is easily impressed, and was persuaded to unblock the entrance and persist in swinging from the velvet rope for a couple of these prized gifts.