Is is just me or does it seem odd to anyone that I am a classical musician who dedicates most of my day to the study of music yet I rarely post about music on my blog?
I think that this is because I find music an aural experience mainly, and that itself is impossible to express through text. Also, having this blog gives me the opporturnity to express and explore my interests that otherwise I wouldn't have the time for, considering I'm studying music full time at the Conservatorium. I don't post very often here at all, and that is sad. I have been making the effort to post more often lately, and I hope my loyal followers have been appreciating that. =)
Oh, and I've been featured on Dark Side of the Net recently. Seeing their little blurb about me made me realise that this blog doesn't really reflect the main interest of my personality and current focus and life goal.
So anyway, would anyone like me to post music related content? Such as beautiful pieces of music, interesting facts or posts on the musician's lifestyle? Please let me know! I would love to share with you all such a dominant part of my life even more.
xxx Lilly
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Laced Eyeliner tutorial
This is a look I wear reasonably often out to clubs and the ocassional daytime event (like the recent picnic for example). I actually thought this look was pretty common place, seeing people such as The Green Fairy wear it out regularly, but while clubbing and attending events many Goths of all ages ( including ladies who have been dressing up for many more years than me) asking how I created the effect. So, I decided that it would be a great blog tutorial.
The makeup will look a little something like this... (these photos were quickly snapped while I was in the middle of getting dressed ready for bi-monthly Melbourne Goth night Requiem, and may have been a drink or two down already.... XD)
This look is simple enough. Begin with your regular foundation and powder routine. I would suggest that you completed almost as much of your chosen makeup as you can, leaving this as the final technique. Perhaps leave you lips bare for the moment though as you hands may smudge the lipcolour or the lace/net you use could very likely lift away and even transfer any product ruining everything. And, you don't want that. Really.
Depending on whether you want to wear fake eyelashes, or like me have naturally long lashes, skip the mascara until afterwards too. You'll know why soon enough...
Now, take an old pair of lace or fishnet tights and find part of the pattern that you like. Remember that the transfer on your face will be the reverse, so find a pattern with lots of space, rather than something with a lot of material. However, a good amount of material is important to create a contrast. The stockings I used this time didn't have a thick weave, hence the slight blending.
I highly recomend you trial this makeup before you do your final makeup, as the pattern you choose will affect the look you want 100%. I would also recomend choosing a regular pattern like fishnet, as I think uneven patterns (for example a floral lace) look a bit silly. But that's just me.
Find the crotch of the tights (please ensure they're washed!) and stretch that over your face with the pattern lining up to wherever you want it. It needs to be quite taught to follow the contours of your face, so keep your hair up and in a bun if it is long. Most likely it will be up for your makeup anyway. Once you've begun, you can't really change it, so make sure it's right before you start.
Now, take a flat foundation sponge or flat powder puff. Trust me, don't use a brush, even a Kabuki brush, as the bristles flick the product around and under the lace and it just doesn't work at all.
Dampen it ever so slightly and then liberally press it into your desired pressed powder eyeshadow or blush and lightly tap off the excess. Press it firmly onto your face with even pressure as desired. Here you can be creative, creating a gradient or even multiple colours. I personally like this technique on my temples fading around my higher cheekbones ands forehead, similar to contouring. I found that pressing firmly but not excessive dabbing achieved the best result. Going crazy with the dabbing of the sponge just made a blur of pigment similar to using a brush, but too light pressure looks silly or fading.
Once you believe you've achieved you're desired look, carefully lift the stockings out and then over your hair (finish your hair afterwards). You can use a brush to reduce the severity of this look or to blend the edges, just be gentle. If it is really full on I would suggest to use a makeup removing wipe and gently wipe off the sections you don't want, and then fill in with foundation or powder if necessary. This can also create a striking line across your cheek. XD
Something that I didn't do in these photos was choose stockings that have a thick weave, hence the slight blending.
In these photos I sealed the makeup with some sealing gel mixed with some cosmetic glitter using a coarse Kryolan sponge. The flash I used doesn't really pick up on the glitter, but there was a lot! This look can be bit fragile if you don't set it with something like a sealing gel or spray.
Other makeup for this look was hot pink and purple eyeshadow with gold, gold glitter and black mascara and liquid eyeliner, plus foundation, just fyi.
I hope you enjoyed this makeup tutorial. Please give me some feedback in the comments!
xxx Lilly
The makeup will look a little something like this... (these photos were quickly snapped while I was in the middle of getting dressed ready for bi-monthly Melbourne Goth night Requiem, and may have been a drink or two down already.... XD)
 |
| This was my makeup on Saturday night, before my hair and outfit was done. |
This look is simple enough. Begin with your regular foundation and powder routine. I would suggest that you completed almost as much of your chosen makeup as you can, leaving this as the final technique. Perhaps leave you lips bare for the moment though as you hands may smudge the lipcolour or the lace/net you use could very likely lift away and even transfer any product ruining everything. And, you don't want that. Really.
Depending on whether you want to wear fake eyelashes, or like me have naturally long lashes, skip the mascara until afterwards too. You'll know why soon enough...
Now, take an old pair of lace or fishnet tights and find part of the pattern that you like. Remember that the transfer on your face will be the reverse, so find a pattern with lots of space, rather than something with a lot of material. However, a good amount of material is important to create a contrast. The stockings I used this time didn't have a thick weave, hence the slight blending.
I highly recomend you trial this makeup before you do your final makeup, as the pattern you choose will affect the look you want 100%. I would also recomend choosing a regular pattern like fishnet, as I think uneven patterns (for example a floral lace) look a bit silly. But that's just me.
Find the crotch of the tights (please ensure they're washed!) and stretch that over your face with the pattern lining up to wherever you want it. It needs to be quite taught to follow the contours of your face, so keep your hair up and in a bun if it is long. Most likely it will be up for your makeup anyway. Once you've begun, you can't really change it, so make sure it's right before you start.
Now, take a flat foundation sponge or flat powder puff. Trust me, don't use a brush, even a Kabuki brush, as the bristles flick the product around and under the lace and it just doesn't work at all.
 |
| Having yor hair styled over your temples will make this look more blended and less 'suddenly prints on the face' XD |
 |
| Please excuse the bizzare eyebrows. Like I said I was still only half dressed =S |
Once you believe you've achieved you're desired look, carefully lift the stockings out and then over your hair (finish your hair afterwards). You can use a brush to reduce the severity of this look or to blend the edges, just be gentle. If it is really full on I would suggest to use a makeup removing wipe and gently wipe off the sections you don't want, and then fill in with foundation or powder if necessary. This can also create a striking line across your cheek. XD
Something that I didn't do in these photos was choose stockings that have a thick weave, hence the slight blending.
In these photos I sealed the makeup with some sealing gel mixed with some cosmetic glitter using a coarse Kryolan sponge. The flash I used doesn't really pick up on the glitter, but there was a lot! This look can be bit fragile if you don't set it with something like a sealing gel or spray.
Other makeup for this look was hot pink and purple eyeshadow with gold, gold glitter and black mascara and liquid eyeliner, plus foundation, just fyi.
I hope you enjoyed this makeup tutorial. Please give me some feedback in the comments!
xxx Lilly
The Goth Challenge 2013- Parts 7 and 8
My personal fashion choices come naturally to me so if I wore anything else I wouldn't be true to my own heart and personality. However, my fashion choices do change with time as my personality and interests develop and mature.
Why don't I wear Goth all the time?
Honestly, I wear simple Goth fashion every day. The ocassions when I don't I either have a performance, a super lazy day or just have nothing clean and suitable. I do enjoy dressing up on special ocassions though. I don't go 'all out' each day simply due to time restrictions in the morning, not to mention overall lack of interest when I know I won't be going out anywhere.
 |
| http://freak-party.tumblr.com/post/42335198967 |
xxx Lilly
Thursday, January 17, 2013
The Goth Challenge 2013- Parts 5 and 6
· My
wardrobe turnover
In all honesty I have no idea what this actually is asking about. What first comes to mine is the turnover of my clothes ie. how often I do my washing!?! I highly doubt that that is the real question, so if someone could enlighten me, I'd really appreciate it. XD
Using more deductive skills I can think that this means 'How otften do you wear your favourite outfits?' so I'll work with that.
I tend to wear my few 'basic' good outfits each time I go out, yet I accesorise and customise them to suit each day, so they are always different. =D Favourites included my favourite dress/ shirt with a corset, tights and heels. Or a loose shirt, long skirt and boots.
· My
favorite Goth brand
In general I can't afford high quality brands and I tend to avoid most 'cheap' crap. However, I love Gallery Serpentine, Dolly Q, Dark Muse Corsetry and Manic Panic.
Sorry for the pathetically short post; the past week I've had all manner of mouth related ailments that are severly affecting my ability to practise, and generally souring my mood at the moment. =(
xxx Lilly
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The Goth Challenge 2013- Parts 3 and 4
Presenting the second edition of the 2013 Goth Challenge. =)
down time/relaxing, going out to clubs or other evening activities such as cabarets and bars, occasionally attending meet ups and such, spending time on the internet and going to parties. I pretty much wear Goth clothing each day, and days where I go out in public I tend to be well dressed. I also go to concerts and recitals regularly, and tend to wear formal-ish Gothy attire to these events as well. I spend LOTS of time doing makeup and dying my hair, so I guess that counts. While I'm perfectly ok to leave the house with nothing but a thing smudge of black pencil, I do like using makeup and using different colours. My eyes are one feature that do tend to be expressed with many bright colours.
I think that there isn't a moment in my life that isn't a Goth lifestyle thing, because it is my life after all. XD I'll probably explain this in more detail soon.
Apart from makeup???
I like putting synthetic extensions and ribbons in my hair, and wearing jewellery, but to be honest I don't like having my hair overly covered, so I don't wear hats or similar things.
xxx Lilly
- What my own Goth lifestyle is like
down time/relaxing, going out to clubs or other evening activities such as cabarets and bars, occasionally attending meet ups and such, spending time on the internet and going to parties. I pretty much wear Goth clothing each day, and days where I go out in public I tend to be well dressed. I also go to concerts and recitals regularly, and tend to wear formal-ish Gothy attire to these events as well. I spend LOTS of time doing makeup and dying my hair, so I guess that counts. While I'm perfectly ok to leave the house with nothing but a thing smudge of black pencil, I do like using makeup and using different colours. My eyes are one feature that do tend to be expressed with many bright colours.
 |
| http://londonwarrior.tumblr.com/post/38757357164/lipstick-vamp-anna-de-rijk-vogue-netherlands |
- Favorite thing to put on my head
Apart from makeup???
I like putting synthetic extensions and ribbons in my hair, and wearing jewellery, but to be honest I don't like having my hair overly covered, so I don't wear hats or similar things.
xxx Lilly
Monday, January 14, 2013
Things I Love
Similar again to Sary Walrus, a blogger whom I love, I have decided to keep this little series a 'when I feel like it' type thing rather than a weekly event, much like everything else I post lately.... =S
This post is a collection of things I love and things that put a smile on my face when I have been feeling down, which has been more often than not lately, so this series couldn't have come at a better time.
Also, naturally, this will be in no particular order and are all of equal importance.
Winter days- when the weather is at the perfect temperature and the air is misty
Hot coffee with milk- and no sugar. Yes, I like my coffee white.
Op shopping- Some of my favourite pieces are from second hand shops, and I get a lot of delight in searching through the racks to find some true gems.
My new puppy Chillie- A few weeks ago we brought a new addition to our family, an eight week old whippet. She is growing up so fast now! She can be a bit of a terror (in between finishing this dot point I had to clean up three individual puppy droppings... =S), and is still learning, but she is very sweet and loves people. There is something just so charming about when you come home in the afternoon and an animal of a different species runs through the house to greet you at the door...
Perfume- Perfume is such a love luxury for me. I find it is so enchanting, comforting and nostalgic. My favourite and guilty pleasure is Dior Addict.
Peppermint- My favourite sweet flavour, hence my internet-alias. XD
Sushi- My favourite food. I adore sushi so much. Each piece puts a smile on my face. =D
xxx Lilly
This post is a collection of things I love and things that put a smile on my face when I have been feeling down, which has been more often than not lately, so this series couldn't have come at a better time.
Also, naturally, this will be in no particular order and are all of equal importance.
Winter days- when the weather is at the perfect temperature and the air is misty
Hot coffee with milk- and no sugar. Yes, I like my coffee white.
Op shopping- Some of my favourite pieces are from second hand shops, and I get a lot of delight in searching through the racks to find some true gems.
My new puppy Chillie- A few weeks ago we brought a new addition to our family, an eight week old whippet. She is growing up so fast now! She can be a bit of a terror (in between finishing this dot point I had to clean up three individual puppy droppings... =S), and is still learning, but she is very sweet and loves people. There is something just so charming about when you come home in the afternoon and an animal of a different species runs through the house to greet you at the door...
Perfume- Perfume is such a love luxury for me. I find it is so enchanting, comforting and nostalgic. My favourite and guilty pleasure is Dior Addict.
Peppermint- My favourite sweet flavour, hence my internet-alias. XD
Sushi- My favourite food. I adore sushi so much. Each piece puts a smile on my face. =D
xxx Lilly
The Goth Challenge 2013- Parts 1 and 2
This series of posts is based upon the Goth Challenge that was devised by the lovely Darstalker Girl which was based off the Lolita Challenge. For all the details, be sure to check our her post!
Also, but I'm sure this won't come as a suprise, but I can't guarantee that I'll be able to post regularly. But, I will give every effort to complete it, as I think this is really creative and interesting. To speed things up, I'll try to do a few questions each time, in chronological order. =) Enjoy
1. 5 pieces that every Goth wardrobe should have, regardless of style
- A basic black, well fitting T shirt. Something comfortable, that can be worn underneath shirts, blouses, dresses or pretty much anything else to provide extra warmth. This can also be worn as a pajama top for something comfy and snuggly.
-Black boots. These are another 'staple' of mine. I tend to wear my boots until they literally fall apart (I need to get my Docs repaired =S), and they can be really comfortable for everyday wear, yet have lots of style and attitude for club or dressed up attire.
-Long black pants/ skirt. Personally I rarely wear pants, but I literally live in maxi skirts. They can be suitable year-round. Teamed with thick stockings and socks for winter and with little else in summer. Pants are also suitable to wear to a job interview, work or other similar occasions, and paired with leggings or stockings underneath, can provide lots of much needed protection against the winter cold.
-Black overcoat or trench coat. Something that can be pulled on over absolutely anything if you cannot face changing into something else before leaving the house, as well as being the first line of defence in winter. On the weekend I have put my previous trench coat into semi-retirement as I found, at an everything- $5 Vintage warehouse clearence sale, a pure wool black knee length overcoat that is amazing! XD
-A special piece. Within your budget of course, let's be realistic,, but I think that everyone should have a piece or two that make you feel amazing, looks good almost all the time and really reflects who you are, whether this is a luxury dress or a loved to bits pair of jeans that are falling apart! Even better if this is something you have saved up for yourself or an heirloom piece, as it will be sentimental and personal.
2. 5 movies for Goths
Well, really, this will just be a list of my personal favourites that I believe are Gothy. If you don't like them, or they aren't to your taste, then that's fine. Also, these will be in no particular order, and will be a range of genres. =) Oh, and I won't put ALL Tim Burton XD
- Beetlejuice, for Lydia and Betelgeuse's style attitude and the general lighthearted interpretation of the underworld/afterlife. A firm favourite of mine
-Repo- The Genetic Opera. Again, for the Gothy Cyberpunk/fetish styles of the cast and aesthetic, but also the catchy and great soundtrack and general awesomeness. Like, DJs play Zydrate Anatomy in clubs as dancefloor-fillers!
-The Addams Family Values. This is a chlidhood favourite of mine. Just because
-Chicago. Sex, sleaze, jazz, flappers, vauderville, booze and murder.! If you can handle the musical-ness, definately see it. Even better would be to see a live production, as long as it was high quality.
-Van Helsing. Frankly this movie has a crappy scrpit and is pretty shallow, but it has great special effects and lovely costumes. Particuarly, the outfits of the vampire brides, played by Josie Maran, Elena Anaya and Silvia Colloca have been outfit and style inspirations of mine since I first saw this movie...
It is great for silly afternoon viewing, or just for pure cheesey vampire goodness.
I hope you enjoyed the first installment of the Goth Challenge 2013! Please let my know what you think!
xxx Lilly
Also, but I'm sure this won't come as a suprise, but I can't guarantee that I'll be able to post regularly. But, I will give every effort to complete it, as I think this is really creative and interesting. To speed things up, I'll try to do a few questions each time, in chronological order. =) Enjoy
1. 5 pieces that every Goth wardrobe should have, regardless of style
- A basic black, well fitting T shirt. Something comfortable, that can be worn underneath shirts, blouses, dresses or pretty much anything else to provide extra warmth. This can also be worn as a pajama top for something comfy and snuggly.
-Black boots. These are another 'staple' of mine. I tend to wear my boots until they literally fall apart (I need to get my Docs repaired =S), and they can be really comfortable for everyday wear, yet have lots of style and attitude for club or dressed up attire.
-Long black pants/ skirt. Personally I rarely wear pants, but I literally live in maxi skirts. They can be suitable year-round. Teamed with thick stockings and socks for winter and with little else in summer. Pants are also suitable to wear to a job interview, work or other similar occasions, and paired with leggings or stockings underneath, can provide lots of much needed protection against the winter cold.
-Black overcoat or trench coat. Something that can be pulled on over absolutely anything if you cannot face changing into something else before leaving the house, as well as being the first line of defence in winter. On the weekend I have put my previous trench coat into semi-retirement as I found, at an everything- $5 Vintage warehouse clearence sale, a pure wool black knee length overcoat that is amazing! XD
-A special piece. Within your budget of course, let's be realistic,, but I think that everyone should have a piece or two that make you feel amazing, looks good almost all the time and really reflects who you are, whether this is a luxury dress or a loved to bits pair of jeans that are falling apart! Even better if this is something you have saved up for yourself or an heirloom piece, as it will be sentimental and personal.
2. 5 movies for Goths
Well, really, this will just be a list of my personal favourites that I believe are Gothy. If you don't like them, or they aren't to your taste, then that's fine. Also, these will be in no particular order, and will be a range of genres. =) Oh, and I won't put ALL Tim Burton XD
- Beetlejuice, for Lydia and Betelgeuse's style attitude and the general lighthearted interpretation of the underworld/afterlife. A firm favourite of mine
-Repo- The Genetic Opera. Again, for the Gothy Cyberpunk/fetish styles of the cast and aesthetic, but also the catchy and great soundtrack and general awesomeness. Like, DJs play Zydrate Anatomy in clubs as dancefloor-fillers!
-The Addams Family Values. This is a chlidhood favourite of mine. Just because
-Chicago. Sex, sleaze, jazz, flappers, vauderville, booze and murder.! If you can handle the musical-ness, definately see it. Even better would be to see a live production, as long as it was high quality.
-Van Helsing. Frankly this movie has a crappy scrpit and is pretty shallow, but it has great special effects and lovely costumes. Particuarly, the outfits of the vampire brides, played by Josie Maran, Elena Anaya and Silvia Colloca have been outfit and style inspirations of mine since I first saw this movie...
 |
| http://monsters4ever.com/post/40505613123/van-helsing-2004 |
It is great for silly afternoon viewing, or just for pure cheesey vampire goodness.
I hope you enjoyed the first installment of the Goth Challenge 2013! Please let my know what you think!
xxx Lilly
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