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We're a little ass company navigating the rough waters of the creative world—so you know CBD stays on deck. This round, our all-natural contenders are Foria's CBD Lube, June's CBD Serum and Herbivore Botanicals's Cannabis Sativa Facial Oil. We're all about the feel-good splendors of cannabidiol, but don't just take it from us. office Issue 10 coverstar Abella Danger judges three all-natural products to let you know which items to snatch or pass.
P.S. Stayed tuned, because we have our next judge coming in red-hot tomorrow afternoon!
What would you change about each product?
I wouldn’t change anything about these products—they are perfection.
Which one would you most likely eat?
If I were to eat one of them, it would definitely be the Foria lube. Since it's lube, I would imagine it’s edible, and it smells really good.
Which smells the best?
The best scent was definitely the Herbivore's Cannabis Sativa Facial Oil. Although they all smell really good, the sativa wasn’t too overpowering.
Read up on our interview below.
When did you start doing makeup?
The second I hit puberty.
What interested you in the medium?
The school I went to didn’t have an art module (I know!), so it was just a way to express and play with color that was really accessible and had endless possibilities. It was so easy to play around with. There are lots of artistic people in our extended family, and my mother is particularly good at color visualization, so I think all those things combined captured my imagination. And makeup was the tool I chose for expression.
What was your favorite look that you’ve created?
Tough question, but I think the early days with Grace Wales Bonner were special. Her aesthetic expressed a sense of newness for the era and for men, especially black men. It was so intelligent, considered and interesting. For me, it was explorative—I would use pigment, glitters and all types of concoctions. A particular favorite was the fashion in motion event we did at the V&A.
What song is at the top of your playlist right now?
Arianna Grande's "7 Rings." My husband says it’s like she wrote it for me.
Whose makeup would you like to do that you haven’t done yet?
Rihanna, hands down.
Do you have an idea for the look?
It would be colourful and textural. Something loud and sexy but a lil shy at the same time... just like me. Jk, I'm nothing like that.
What is your favorite decade for beauty?
To be honest, I don’t really look to the decades. But If I had to pick, then maybe the 20s, because of the sheer discipline of refining a look properly for the first time. Also because they were really discovering new products and coming out with some great formulas for the first time (vaseline and mascara).
Who are some artists that inspire you?
Richard Diebenkorn is always a favorite and always an inspiration—I could look at his works all day and still find something new to be in awe of. Picasso, of course. Turner too. I like a lot of art—including the art that I hate, because it had enough balls to make me feel strongly, which is no simple thing.
What is your personal go-to beauty look?
I change it around a bit, but it's mostly built on anchor points, a cheek, a chunky clumpy lash—but mostly, a colorful eyeliner. That way, my eyes have an impact, but they don’t bore the hell out of you.
Give me a rundown on your skincare routine.
It is extensive. It will always involve a cleanse, serum and moisturizer as a baseline. After that, I add in extra serums, masks, exfoliants, targeted creams or oils as needed. Then there is the body care. I’m never without three different textures of exfoliator and body moisturizer. I always have a lotion, cream and oil in the bathroom. Climate determines texture choice (That old and classic saying!). On top of that, there's what I put in my baths: magnesium flakes, milk powders, scented blooming oils, etc. Like I said, extensive, but I love the product, so what's the harm?
Bright colors or glitter?
Both.
Do you have any summer beauty hacks to deal with the heat?
Get yourself a FOREO UFO, and use the Matte Manic mask on it. It's a treat on set when I have oily-skinned models, and we're in a hot location. Oh and Muji Blotting papers—they're great when you got a full beat on, and you don’t want to mess it up.
What iconic beauty look would you want to recreate?
I'm not really into that idea. I mean I'm not gonna tell you I only ever have original thoughts, but I don’t really base looks on what other people have done. I think it's a bit lame to try be someone else (a recent discovery since I've gotten older).
Thoughts on brows?
Brows are great, but they’ve been really pigeonholed of late—everyone has the same brow now! I like them to have personality with different shapes and sizes. it's a good way to throw the viewer off without being too obvious.
What beauty trends do you think we’re going to see this summer?
The optimist in me wants to say... a return to individuality.
The hairstyles employ little to no product, so the texture of the hair is left untouched. Then, the hair is brought back into a loose, low ponytail. Overall, the look will allow for a uniform silhouette in addition to preserving the natural essence of each person’s hair.
Read our interview with Mahony below.
How did the creative process looked like for this look?
I have worked very closely with Ganni on their shows for quite a few years now, and we usually start the process with a casual meeting a few months before showtime. I'm briefed on the theme, and then we discuss directions for the hair in a very loose fashion.
How would you describe the aesthetic you were going for?
The hair for the Ganni S/S ‘20 show is building on previous seasons' explorations of the quintessential “Ganni-girl." Adding to the natural and individual themes of the past this season, we worked with a bit more control by tying the hair back in loose and low ponytails. We allowed the girls' natural texture to shine through, keeping singular characteristics while the tie backs created a uniform silhouette. Creating these looks, we cross-referenced the tennis court location and the famous Jurgen Teller book Go-Sees. A 90’s girl with a natural look, a great attitude and a subtle sporty feel. We used very little or no product in the hair at all. By simply just adding a fine mist of water and then gently manipulating the hair with Dyson’s brand new “Gentle Airflow” attachment (for the Supersonic hair dryer), we pushed the style without disturbing the cuticle, achieving a directional, yet natural style.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from many places, but often not the obvious ones. I have a very extensive library of books at my studio in Copenhagen. I've always thought of this as a source of inspiration. In later years, I have found that books, gallery visits and other things that I originally sought out for inspiration are more general knowledge-forming tools, used as reference points. True inspiration that materialises into creation is often much more spontaneous, sparked by collaboration with other people or from unexpected experiences of the senses. Textures, colours and smells often ignite productive or creative thoughts.
For those of us who aren’t Ganni models today, what is the best trick for a bad hair day?
Accessorize or put a hat on it. No reason to force it! That's the quick fix of course, but as with anything in life, preparation is key. The simple steps are in order of importance …
• Healthy hair starts with a healthy lifestyle. The quality of your hair, at its core, comes from within.
• Use a good Boar bristle brush every night before going to bed, like you do a toothbrush. It stimulates blood flow and carries oil into Lengths for shine. Mason Pearson makes my favorite brush.
• Use products free of harmful chemicals. And when shifting, remember that it takes time to work—just like a detox.
What is the most unexpected item you have in your show kit?
Most people think it’s quite funny that we carry around a leaf blower to create wind in the hair.
Have you ever been star-struck from someone you worked with? If so, then who?
I have a very pragmatic approach to the way I work; I focus very much on the job and that keeps me grounded enough. Coming away from working with people who have impressed you can have a lasting impact. I have been fortunate to meet a lot of amazing people, and it is part of what makes the job so special.
If you could only create one hairstyle for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Fundamentally cutting a great bob will make pretty much anyone look great, as it can be varied in length to suit most heads. A great haircut is the foundation of everything.
Who or what has made the biggest impact when It comes to finding your style as a hairstylist?
I think my biggest direct mentor was the guy who really taught me how to cut hair: X Vidal Sassoon Art Director Lance Lowe. The foundation he gave me as a craftsman is one that I still use every day and am forever thankful for.
