Elanthian Vogue/Olaesta 5120 EXTRA!

Editor: The Editorial Team

Editor's Thoughts

Back in 5118, we introduced the concept of Elanthian Vogue EXTRA as an additional publication to our regular numbered editions and supplementaries. In it, we take an in-depth look at just one particular aspect of the Elanthian fashion or beauty scene. Whilst we would normally focus on a notable designer – see our Veola special - or a recommended piece for a style-conscious wardrobe, this "extra" covers the growing trend in the use of cosmetics.

We are taking this opportunity to also give you a few hints on upcoming summer trends so you can achieve that new, on-trend look with your cosmetics and to reveal the 5119 Vogue Gallery winner for Olaesta!

Editor

A Closer Look At ... Cosmetics

We have briefly touched on the use of makeup as a beauty aid in several earlier editions but the availability and diversity of cosmetics has increased over the last few years. Many people want to look more attractive and rely on such products to improve their image and achieve a sense of individuality.

For many women – and increasingly men - makeup is an important tool in their everyday beauty arsenal. From eyeliner, to lip gloss, to blusher — there's now an extensive range of products available from a variety of reputable sources that can help make us feel better about the way we look.

But what exactly is makeup? It is simply a temporary device used to add color or to prettify our features. We can also make use of paint or henna on different parts of the body (such as arms and hands) to enhance or highlight certain aspects of our overall look but this will be covered in a future edition.

Basic Products

Basic cosmetic items are readily available in selected Elanthian boutiques in the form of creams, oils, powders, and sticks. General stockists include Elaraeyn's Boutique in Wehnimer's Landing, A Twist of Roses in Ta'Illistim, and - for those with the means to access the Isle of the Four Winds – the beauty salon within Shear Delight. It is worth noting that Elaraeyn Hevlyn occasionally stocks seasonal specials too.

These basic products are very modestly priced - the higher prices in A Twist of Roses are warranted because of the fancier packaging - and they all contain about 10 applications; it is possible to MEASURE how much you have left. The cosmetics are similar in their functionality in that they all enhance aspects of your existing features (skin, cheeks, eyelids, and lips) in a particular way. Personal choice dictates whether you wish to apply just one or two for a more subtle look or go for a complete makeover.

Let's start with skincare! Using a moisturizing oil on your skin will make it appear "soft".

INSPECT OIL ~ You carefully inspect your rose oil.  It appears to be some face oil.
WEAR OIL ~ You pour a drop of the rose oil into one cupped palm, then rub it evenly along your hands and arms, moisturizing the skin.
[Model pours a drop of some rose oil into one cupped palm, then rubs it evenly along her hands and arms, moisturizing the skin.] 

If you prefer a more matte finish, you should opt for compacts or cases that give you a "powdered" look. They come with their own integral powder puff for precise application.

INSPECT CASE ~ You carefully inspect your pale cloisonne case.  It appears to be some face powder.
WEAR CASE ~ You open the pale cloisonne case, take the rolton wool puff from it, and gingerly powder your nose.
[Model opens a pale cloisonne case, takes a rolton wool puff from it, and gingerly powders her nose.] 

Adding a touch of color to your complexion is possible with blush smoothed onto the "cheeks". Blush comes in powdered form in phials, vials and tins.

INSPECT PHIAL ~ You carefully inspect your powder-filled phial.  It appears to be some mauve blush.
WEAR PHIAL ~ You sprinkle some mauve powder from the powder-filled phial on your fingertips and carefully smooth it on your cheeks.
[Model sprinkles some mauve powder from the powder-filled phial on her fingertips and carefully smooths it on her cheeks.] 

INSPECT BLUSH ~ You carefully inspect your cinnamon blush.  It appears to be some cinnamon blush.
WEAR BLUSH ~ You sprinkle some cinnamon powder from the cinnamon blush on your fingertips and carefully smooth it on your cheeks.
[Model sprinkles some cinnamon powder from the cinnamon blush on her fingertips and carefully smooths it on her cheeks.] 

Similarly, it is possible to add a shimmer to your eyelids with eyeshadow vials and phials.

INSPECT VIAL ~ You carefully inspect your powder-filled vial.  It appears to be some gold eyeshadow.
WEAR VIAL ~ You carefully dip your fingertip in the powder-filled vial and pat a thin layer of fine gold powder on your eyelids.
[Model carefully dips her fingertip in the powder-filled vial and pats a thin layer of fine gold powder on her eyelids.] 

INSPECT PHIAL ~ You carefully inspect your platinum phial.  It appears to be some moonstone grey eyeshadow.
WEAR PHIAL ~ You carefully dip your fingertip in the platinum phial and pat a thin layer of fine moonstone grey powder on your eyelids.
[Model carefully dips her fingertip in the platinum phial and pats a thin layer of fine moonstone grey powder on her eyelids.] 

No sultry look is complete without the application of eyeliner, which usually comes as a stick or vial and applied across the eyelid to "outline" the eyes.

INSPECT STICK ~ You carefully inspect your indigo kohl stick.  It appears to be an indigo eyeliner stick.
WEAR STICK ~ You open the indigo kohl stick and skillfully draw a thin indigo line across your eyelids, accenting your eyelashes and making them appear more sultry.
[Model opens the indigo kohl stick and skillfully draws a thin indigo line across her eyelids, accenting her eyelashes making them appear more sultry.] 

INSPECT VIAL ~ You carefully inspect your tapered bronze vial.  It appears to be a holly green eyeliner stick.
WEAR VIAL ~ You open the tapered bronze vial and skillfully draw a thin holly green line across your eyelids, accenting your eyelashes and making them appear more sultry.
[Model opens the tapered bronze vial and skillfully draws a thin holly green line across her eyelids, accenting her eyelashes making them appear more sultry.]

Last but not least, fuller lips can be achieved with creamy lipstick available in small pots and vials.

INSPECT VIAL ~ You carefully inspect your cream-filled vial.  It appears to be a rose lipstick.
WEAR VIAL ~ You dip your pinky into a cream-filled vial of glossy rose cream, then apply it to your lips, finishing with a dainty smooch.
[Model dips her pinky into a cream-filled vial of glossy rose cream, then applies it to her lips, finishing with a dainty smooch.]

INSPECT LIPSTICK ~ You carefully inspect your claret lipstick.  It appears to be a claret lipstick.
WEAR LIPSTICK ~ You dip your pinky into a claret lipstick of glossy claret cream, then apply it to your lips, finishing with a dainty smooch.
[Model dips her pinky into a claret lipstick of glossy claret cream, then applies it to her lips, finishing with a dainty smooch.] 

Using some of the samples currently available in the outlets mentioned earlier, our model underwent a complete make-over. A natural beauty with thick-lashed hazel eyes and dusky skin, I think you'll agree that she now looks quite different!

She has a shimmer of gold on her eyelids, beautifully holly green-outlined thick-lashed hazel eyes, cinnamon cheeks, glossy claret full lips, and soft, dusky skin.

All of these cosmetics are easily removed with the simple RUB of a suitable piece of cloth (available from Elaraeyn's Boutique) or ball of cotton.

RUB SQUARE (oil) ~ You pat your face with your ivory cotton square, carefully absorbing the oil that you applied.
[Model pats her face with a quilted ivory cotton square, carefully absorbing excess lotion.]

RUB SQUARE (powder) ~ Using your ivory cotton square, you brush away the fine layer of powder on your face.
[Using a quilted ivory cotton square, Model brushes away the fine layer of powder on her face.]

RUB SQUARE (blush) ~ You use your ivory cotton square to remove the color accenting your cheeks, leaving only your natural beauty behind.
[Model uses her ivory cotton square to remove the color accenting her cheeks, leaving only her natural beauty behind.]

RUB SQUARE (eyeshadow) ~ With light motions of your ivory cotton square, you daub away the light powder shading your eyelids, restoring your skin's natural color in its place.
[With light motions of her ivory cotton square, Model daubs away the light powder shading her eyelids, leaving her skin's natural color in its place.]

RUB SQUARE (eyeliner) ~ You carefully wipe away the color accenting your eyes with the ivory cotton square.
[Model carefully wipes away the color accenting her eyes with a quilted ivory cotton square.]

RUB SQUARE (lipstick) ~ With a few deft motions, you use your ivory cotton square to remove the color accenting your lips.
[With a few deft motions, Model uses a quilted ivory cotton square to remove the color accenting her lips.]

RUB SQUARE (natural) ~ You rub the ivory cotton square over your face, cleaning it thoroughly.
[Model rubs an ivory cotton square over her face, cleaning it thoroughly.]

Advanced Products

More specialized products can often be found at festivals.

Nail polish was first introduced at the Ebon Gate festival in 5112. It was launched by Ianthra Nishaye Nalfein at the Painted Talon and featured more recently in Veiled Compliments at the festival on Mist Harbor last year. Unlike the other aforementioned cosmetics though, nail polish adds a UNIQUE feature to your overall look (OOC: It is only possible to display one UNIQUE feature at a time).

Most standard bottles of nail polish off-the-shelf are filled with 20 applications but a few talented merchants have been known to increase their capacity as well as customize the color and potential manicure. They are available as gloss, lacquer, polish, tint, enamel, and glaze.

The following sample on our model demonstrates the use of a customized tint. It is actually possible to glean quite a bit of information by just studying the bottle closely (ANALYZE, MEASURE and INSPECT).

WEAR BOTTLE ~ You dip the brush of your flared glass bottle into the tinting within and precisely apply it to your fingernails with a sweeping finish.
[Model dips the brush of her flared glass bottle into the tinting within and precisely applies it to her fingernails with a sweeping finish.]

INSPECT TINT ~ You draw your hand back and inspect the polish on your nails, confirming that you do, indeed, look fabulous.
[Model draws her hand back and inspects the polish on her nails with a slight smile on her face.]

TAP TINT ~ You tap your lacquered fingernails on your palm with an exasperated sigh.
[Model taps her lacquered fingernails on her palm with an exasperated sigh.]

In addition to our model's earlier makeover, she now has faintly opalescent azure tinting brushed onto her modestly manicured fingernails as well. The polish is hardwearing and will last until it is REMOVEd or simply replaced with a new coat.

Another interesting addition to your vanity table premiered at the Ebon Gate festival in 5114. A shop called Pucker Up introduced a small range of lipgloss and lipbalm products, which came in a variety of "flavors." Off-the-shelf, these fun little items came with 10 applications that wear off after about 4 hours.

SMELL LIPGLOSS ~ You detect a faint icy peppermint scent from the lipgloss.
[Model holds some icy peppermint lipgloss to her nose and takes a sniff.]

WEAR LIPGLOSS ~ You dab your finger into your icy peppermint lipgloss and apply a bit to your lips.
[Model dabs her finger into her icy peppermint lipgloss and applies a bit to her lips.]

KISS MY LIP ~ You rub your lips together, smoothing the lipgloss evenly over them and tasting the slightest hint of icy peppermint.
[Model rubs her lips together, momentarily smacking them.]

SMOOCH MY LIP ~ You bite your lower lip, tasting the distinct flavor of icy peppermint.
[Model bites her lower lip.]

LICK MY LIP ~ You lick your lips, tasting the distinct flavor of icy peppermint.
[Model licks her lips.]

When worn, lipgloss is not visible to a general onlooker but is noticeable to those who have a more intimate connection.

KISS MODEL ~ You give Model a lingering kiss.  Her lips taste of icy peppermint as they touch yours.
SMOOCH MODEL ~ You give Model an affectionate smooch and she smooches you right back, leaving you with the taste of icy peppermint on your lips.

Specialized Products

Making its debut in a shop called Draped in Darkness at Windfellow's Retreat last year was a totally new line in cosmetics (lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner and blush). A suitably themed collection also appeared again in Draped in Death at the Ebon Gate festival. Unlike the basic essentials, this very versatile makeup also accentuates your features in a UNIQUE way and something this special really should be worn alone!

The products can be acquired off-the-shelf with 20 applications but can be refilled by a talented merchant – who can also adapt the color and appearance.

WEAR COMPACT ~ You gently uncap the wand of your copper compact, then carefully begin to apply your makeup, lining your eyes with a precise sweep.  Perfection.
[Model gently uncaps the wand of her copper compact, then carefully begins to apply her cosmetic.]

One last look at our model shows you how her natural beauty is perfectly enhanced with an extra-special eyeshadow for an eye-catching look.

She has thick-lashed hazel eyes and dusky skin.  She has waist length, straight chestnut hair divided into several elegantly twisted sections and adorned with some lacquered ebonwood spider beads.  She has a narrow face and high cheekbones.  She has a metallic sweep of copper and bronze blended across her eyelids in a seamless gradient.

Due to its popularity, I think we can expect to see this cosmetic line at many festivals to come so give some thought to how you wish to utilize them and achieve a statement look with just a sweep and a flick.

Summer 5120

With all the options available, we should take a quick look at what's trending in 5120 when it comes to makeup. Think tropical: greens and blues in dazzling jeweled hues, warm earthy tones, and shiny metallics.

Lips ~ In 5019, it was all about the matte finish. Now, a lip gloss is perfect for that everyday go-to look. For more formal occasions, makeup experts like to add shimmer on the lips or go for a daring look; perhaps the upper and lower lips could have different shades?

Skin ~ Gone are the perfect powdered days. Now, it's more about looking natural and healthy with a sun-kissed glow. Expect to see more subtle hues and tints because what's more important is letting our skin breathe.

Cheeks ~ Blushers can now be used to highlight the eye area and vice versa, iridescent blue or green eyeshadow works just as well on the cheekbones as across the eyelids. From the cheeks, boldly sweep the color upwards to the side of the forehead; this is what they call the blush bomb.

Eyes ~ When it comes to eye makeup, go big or go home. This can be treated as a simple nod towards the trend or a dramatic statement. For dressier occasions that require lasting impact, look for metallic shades. As for eyeliners, strong lines are still the rage, however, the shinier it is, the better it will be.

Vogue

We couldn't end this EXTRA without acknowledging the month's Vogue Gallery winner. Jossarian Silithyr featured in an earlier edition of Elanthian Vogue and has many admirers. A bohemian in every sense of the word, he is known for his thought-provoking (often unconventional) artwork. His inclusion in the Gallery reminds us that fashion is art and you are the canvas. Get painting!

Olaesta
Jossarian Silithyr 
Bathed in a sunny yellow wash and dappled with violet, the surrounding landscape depicts an early spring meadow.  Dominated by grey and brown hues, however, the central focus of the composition is an easel at which sits an elf with silky golden hair worn in a sinuous braid down his back.  The clever positioning of both allows the viewer to see over the elf's shoulder - to the canvas that holds his attention - and it is possible to make out the exact same subject in miniature.  Dark shadows invade the page from all sides trying to encroach on the otherwise tranquil scene.
Portrait as featured in the 5119 Vogue Gallery