Seen from the face within

Artwork by Lucas Simões.

"The Victorians feared that cosmetics were a paint that could be used as a mask  (Synott, 1990). For centuries, men had been suspicious of the use of such artifice, fearing that they could be trapped into marriage by the false appearance of the 'temptress' determined to lure them.  Face paints could be used to disguise disfigurement from disease, or to rejuvenate the appearance of an older woman.  Men saw the use of cosmetics as an unfair weapon in the armoury of unscrupulous women."

Black, P.  The Beauty Industry: Gender, Culture, Pleasure,  Routledge, 2004

Restrained Beauty

Jewellery designed by Burcu Büyükünal.

Cosmetic ritual and personal identities

Phyllis Galembo's primary interest is the wearer's belief in the power of ritual costume to alter their everyday reality, this transformation allows the viewer to appreciate not only the process of cosmetic application but also the beliefs of the person hidden under the face and body paint.  The transformation is intentionally shocking, frightening even, but nevertheless each image pulls you in and refuses to release you until the full impact of this form of cosmetic dress is appreciated.

Two Boys with Whips, Jacmel, Haiti, 1997

Ekpokang Masquerade, Calabar South, Nigeria, 2004

Lance de Corde, Jacmel, Haiti, 2004

Three Men with Chains, Jacmel

Beach, Jacmel, Haiti, 2004

Man with Gun and Phone, Jacmel, Haiti, 2004

Man with Gun, Jacmel, Haiti, 2004

Controlled Hair, Suspended Desire

 As seen on Fast Company's Co.Design

"Irritated by the unruliness of hair," and led by the desire to capture hair in a new way, Dutch design student Iris van Daalen has constructed jewelry that presents itself in the form of decorative items such as bracelets, headpieces and epaulets.

Hot for Fever Ray

Of course faceCULTURE has been aware of Fever Ray for some time, but the penny has finally dropped and it is time that attention was paid to the extraordinary vision presented by this performer. 

The silence that falls just after she reveals her face is priceless.

Vagina - Lucy Macrae for SHOWstudio

VAGINA from Lucy McRae on Vimeo.

VAGINA from Lucy McRae on Vimeo.

Always inspiring, never so reflective of herself to be consider a pastiche, Lucy McRae continues to offer a unique vision that can only be considered as truly innovative in the world of cosmetic considerations.

Alex Turvey - Everything that glitters...

Ford Fiesta "This Is Now" Alex Turvey Glitter / Couple Kissing from Alex Turvey on Vimeo.

faceCULTURE has featured the work of the director Alex Turvey before, but in the spirit of all things glittery, this work deserves to be viewed.

BRIGHT EYES - LIME TREE from Alex Turvey on Vimeo.

Intricate textile detailing mixed with cosmetics, featuring the eye, hand and heart.  Turvey understands how to visually inspire and hold the attention of those whose understanding of creative applications to the face and body seeks the divine.