BellaSugar

Australian Schools Let Companies "Teach" Makeup

BellaSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:55 -0800

I know that marketing in schools is nothing new, but a program in Australia is taking things to a new level. A program called Fashion Roll Call, which is sponsored in part by makeup brand NP Set Cosmetics, is touring all-girl schools around the country. Their goal is to educate girls in fashion and beauty industry careers by presenting a "lunch-time fashion parade" followed by makeup application tutorials taught by makeup artists who work for NP Set.

When I was 13, I probably would have been excited for this, since it means no class and playing with stuff my parents wouldn't let me wear. But as an adult, I have mixed feelings. The cosmetics brand is getting choice branding access to kids in exchange for a few makeup tips. And since this program is being billed as educational, and intended to teach children about the fashion and beauty industries, why no boys or coed schools? There are tons of men in the fashion and beauty industries, and their absence suggests that the informational element here is a thin veneer to make aggressive marketing more palatable. What do you think?

How-To: Nicole Kidman's Australia Updo

BellaSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:00:44 -0800

One movie premiere, but double the hairdos for Nicole Kidman! Though she wore long, loose locks at the screening of Australia in Sydney, she chose this beaded style for the photocall beforehand. I'm here to help you re-create this look for any evening out – all you need is two rubber bands, pretty barrette optional.To get the look, read more.

Sweep your hair over to one side of your head. Take most of your hair and pull it aside with a clip (you don't need that part now) but leave a small piece hanging down at the bottom.
Take that loose piece and make a ponytail slightly to one side on the back of your head. Since this will form the middle section of the bun, place the ponytail where you want the center to be. Pull the elastic over it, leaving a small loop with loose ends over the nape of your neck when you secure it.
Grab the rest of your hair as if you were going to make another ponytail, but begin twisting it until it coils around the first bump that you made. Put the second hair tie around the bun and leave the remaining, dangling ends over the original set on your neck.
Add a barrette for a special touch. Check out a couple beaded versions below.

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Should Plastic Surgery Be Banned for Teens?

BellaSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 06:00:57 -0700

In Australia, there's a raging debate over plastic surgery right now. Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has spoken out about teenagers who choose plastic surgery, saying that deciding to go under the knife is a decision "best left until one is an adult." Additionally, she's concerned that young people may be addressing poor self-esteem by having rhinoplasties and breast augmentations:

"Evidence suggests that this worrying trend is a response by children and young people to the pressures they are feeling to look perfect in an increasingly competitive world obsessed with beauty and celebrity."

This is more than just idle talk, though. Premier Bligh has introduced a discussion paper that considers banning non-essential plastic surgery for people younger than 18. If she can get support, Queensland could be the first Australian state to have such a ban. What do you think? Is this something you'd support, or should the government be completely hands-off?

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