DO YOU THINK YOU COULD? MOVE HALF WAY ACROSS THE WORLD? INSIDER FESTIVAL FAVOURITES SPECIAL CITY BREAKS GUIDE
SUMMER HAIR
Inspiration
MEN CONFESS LOOKS OR PERSONALITY?
INSIDER INVESTIGATES BULLYING
COMMON BEAUTY MISTAKES THAT WE ARE ALL . MAKING
MAY 2013
ON THE COVER 7 Festival favourites Stand out from the crowd with our festival favourites 8 Do you think you could? Move halfway across the world? 10 Insider real life One reader talks about her bullying ordeal 22 Common beauty mistakes That we are all making 30 City breaks guide Get the perfect guide to some of the hottest European cities 37 Men confess What do they look for? Looks or personality?
INSIDER GOSSIP
4 Editor’s letter Catch up with Insider XOXO’s very own editor 5 Insider meet Meet the girls behind Insider XOXO 6 Insider mail You have spoke and we have listened
page 29
FEATURES
13 Gadget girl Be tech savvy with our girly gadget guide 25 Rate your mate Who is our mate of the month? 32 Beyonce, Mrs Carter tour The queen of pop is back with her latest tour 34 Meet the Sons of Pitches The latest boys on the A Cappella scene 36 Pet of the month We have found some of the nations cutest pets
Ioana Photo
BEAUTY
Insiders Meet page 16
18 A to Z summer beauty must haves It’s as easy as A,B,C 21 Instaglam your Instagram Add a spice of glamour to your Instagram
WANT TO WRITE FOR INSIDER? We have some great opportunities for writers to join our Insider team. Send your CV along with a covering letter to our editor Charlee at: editor@insidermag. co.uk
ON THE COVER
page 27
Photograph: Ioana Zamfir Hair: Louise Cockell from Rock Paper Scissor Hair Design Make-up: Beau Rani MUA Clothing and Styling: Rhianne Butler Model: Lana Taylor
EDITOR’S ETTER ’S LLETTER
EDITOR
Hiya! CURRENTLY LOVING I have fallen in love with Topshop’s range of Marvel tops. Being the geek I am I already own 3 of them!!
WHAT I’M WEARING I have been loving Benefit’s fake up concealer. Its been my go to concealer recently as I’ve been suffering horrible breakouts.
Today marks the launch of the first edition of Insider XOXO, and I really hope you will enjoy the issue.
WISHLIST I am really craving a new bag at the moment. Being the Vuitton lover that I am, I would like to get my hands on this speedy.
The summer is here and we are looking forward to long summer nights, European holidays and garden parties. We’ve got loads in store for you this month with meeting the Insider crew, summer essentials, going on the hunt for quirky jewellery and finding out what it’s SHOE ENVY like to move all the way from Australia to the UK on your Do you remember when you were own! young and jelly shoes were all Will your summer be spent going to festivals? Well we have all your festival needs on page 8. Or maybe you are looking for somewhere to spend your summer holiday? Well we have got you covered with our city breaks guide on page 31.
the rage? Well they are back and I love the Topshop sandles.
We also asked you to get involved and rate your mate and submit your pet of the month nominations. Find out the winners on pages 25 and 36. We hope you enjoy the first edition, and enjoy the start to the summer! BEAUTY MUST-HAVE I was able to try Clinique’s CC Cream this month, and I have been blown away by how great it is. Move over BB, CC is now here!
e e l r a h C xoxo
SUMMER SKIN Speed up that tan with St. Tropez’s tanning mousse. I love this as it’s easy to apply and gives a great looking tan!
R hq INSIDE Insider
d am behin e t e h t Meet XOXO
Jennu Cosh
Insider Press Officer and Features Writer. Jennie is your go to girl for all the latest happenings at Insider HQ. She also writes for the site and magazine. When she’s not writing for Insider she will more than likely be jetting off to on glamourous European holidays.
Megan Caulfield Insider Fashion Writer Megan is one of our site fashion writers, she loves everything about high street fashion and know how to spot a good deal. When she’s not writing for Insider she will often be out having a good time with her friends.
Jennifer Ormsby Insider Review Writer Jenny is one of our review writers, her passion is writing music reviews, she is your go to girl for all the hottest releases in the music industry. When she’s not writing for Insider she spends her time studing for her media and communications degree.
INSIDER XOXO 5
R E D I S IN ail Love at first sight
Join the Insider Network and let’s chat!
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m
Insider has become a favourite read of mine. I love reading the beauty content and have learnt so much from it. I cannot wait for your first launch and are excited to read the magazine once it launches. Thanks for bringing so much great content to a beauty and fashion website.Lizze, 22, Wales
Love the site!
I have loved visiting your website prior to your magazine launch. The beauty features are great and I have learnt so much from your makeup expiry dates post! So much of that I didn’t know, and afterwards gave my makeup bag a freshen up. Sophie, 18, Luton
Get In Touch Email us at: editor@insidermag.co.uk Facebook us at: www.facebook.com/insiderXOXO Tweet us at: @insiderXOXO INSIDER XOXO 6
Inside Love
I have been looking forward to your first edition of the magazine. I love your hair tutorials and they really helped me learn how to create a cute side braid. I am looking forward to trying the look out over the summer. Thanks Insider! Lauren, 17, Manchester
INSTAGRRAM
@charmed_charlee Look what our editor found in her Haribo sweets!!
TOP TWEETS
ed to e I manag First tim ch braid :)I’m do a Fren y! And it’s all well happ @InsiderXOXO thanks to naged to do it!! that I ma H @ItsNatDU
Festival
favourites
With festival season just around the corner our Insiders have picked their festival favourites that will leave you standing out from the crowd. Hat, £16, Miss Selfridge Bracelet, £2.50, Asos Dress, £16.00, Miso
Waistcoat, £14.40 Soul Cal
Earrings, £5, Mataln Bag, £24.99 USC
Playsuit, £18, Dorothy Perkins
Dress, £19.99 New Look
Necklace, £14, Oasis
Top, £12.99 H&M
Shorts, £10. Boohoo
Bag, £28. River Island
Boots, £33, Office
Top, £15, Fashion Union
Shorts, £28, Firetrap
Converse, £45, Schuh INSIDER XOXO 7
Coat, £45, Topshop
u o Y k n i h Do You T Could
Move halfway across the world on your own? For most girls being sixteen is hard enough as it is; deciding who to go to the end of year social with, knowing what to wear for this summer’s trends, deciding on those big life choices which could determine your whole future. So how about adding moving across the world to that list, do you think you could? Annabel Clifford is 16 and lives in Geralton, North Western Australia, this summer she is about to embark in the biggest life choice yet; moving away from her friends and family, in busy fast paced Australia, and travelling 12,000 miles on her own to go and live in a sleepy Cotswold village in England.
“I am saying goodbye to my closest friends, my mum and my older sister”
Meet Annabel was the right thing to do, I am still very young. In Australia people tend to grow up a lot quicker so I guess for me, I felt ready”.
But leaving her home in Australia is not the only thing this relocation has meant, Annabel has had to say So what would make someone so goodbye too. “I am saying goodbye young decide to move half way to my closest friends, my mum and across the world all on her own? my older sister Ashlea, that by far has Annabel’s motive was to reconnect been the toughest part of all of this”. with her father who she hasn’t seen To make it easier for Annabel, her for 15 years. “It’s a big step, I know sister decided to leave home in that, but we got back in touch with each other last year and when I came January and move to Sydney with friends. “Once I wasn’t seeing her to visit him in England I just knew everyday I felt a lot more comfortable that’s where I wanted to live”. about leaving. We talk all the time still and I was happy to have that So is it all that easy, to up sticks and reassurance that no matter where we pack your life away in Australia and both live we will still be as close as open a brand new one in England? ever”. “It took me months to decide if this INSIDER XOXO 8
Annabel has dreams of one day becoming a chef and whilst in England she is going to train professionally. “I have sorted out a placement for when I get here at a really posh restaurant, they have Michelin stars and have trained some top chefs, so I am really excited about that opportunity”. Moving to England hasn’t felt daunting at all for Annabel, in fact the complete opposite. “It just seems like one big amazing adventure, I can’t wait to meet new people and try out some things you cant really do in Australia”. The main one of those being the snow, “I have never seen the snow ever before, but it always looks so nice in pictures and I can’t wait for my first winter here. The cold nights, the log fires, the long walks in the snow, it just all sounds so romantic”. Trust us Annabel, I think the idea of a sunset walk on a beach in Australia is much more appealing for us Brits… Annabel with one of her friends at Prom
Annabel’s top tips for travellling solo •Make sure you save as much as possible before you go. If it’s a permanent move you may not know how long it will be until you can get a job and you need to be prepared for that. •Look up visa restrictions on working, education, time allowed to stay. My dad is British so my visa is not as restrictive, but some have many clauses on them, which if not followed could lead to deportation. •Have lots of photos, everywhere! Of all your friends, family, favourite places … It’s not to make you home sick, it’s to help you remember. You will make new friends easy enough, but never forget the ones you’re leaving behind. •Make sure you have Facebook, when you go out and about and meet new friends then you can gain that instant connection by adding each other and therefore make even more new friends through them. •Pack loads of food you love from home, they don’t do TimTams in England and I had major cravings I had to get my sister to post a load out to me.
INSIDER REAL LIFE
“DOCTOR’S TOLD ME IT’S SOMETHING EVERYONE GOES THROUGH” Samantha, 21 from Sheffield shares her bullying ordeal with Insider and how she is trying to help others. Six years ago Samantha Cave became were spread from there on”. a bullying victim after cruel friends and “It started out as a little classmates attempted to ruin her life. Now argument between me and the 21-year-old has turned her life around a friend and escalated from and is hoping to raise awareness of the there” seriousness of bullying and give advice to those who are suffering. “It lasted for around a year and a half, I “It started out as a little argument suffered from cyber bulling, physical and between me and a friend and escalated emotional bullying. People would throw from there”, says Samantha when things at me and call me names day after discussing when the bullying first began. day”. Little did she know that the small argument would escalate into years of serious bullying. “I said I would speak to her when she calmed down but she didn’t” remembers Samantha, “the next day I went to school and the rumours
INSIDER XOXO 10
However the abuse did not stop there, her health became seriously affected. “At 15 I stopped eating and became very ill, I was severely depressed and had to have a range of psychotherapies. My health was
paid for. My mom took me to a private psychiatrist and he diagnosed me with clinical depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. I was put on anti-depressants and I am still on these today. I got help from private and voluntary counsellors, who were amazing”. Overcoming the bullying
A Bebo hate page was set up by the bullies
“I had no help from school, the police, or doctors” severely affected by it all. “For 3 years I was having counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy and psychotherapy, and found it wasn’t helping,” Samantha adds. Lack of help Samantha tried every avenue for help, “I had no help from school, the police, or doctors. “The school said I was upset because my dad had died three years before, the police said they wouldn’t do anything because it was too much paperwork – but if I was black they could because it would be racism. “I went to the doctors for help and they told me it’s something everyone goes through. They refused to give me antidepressants”. It was only when her mom took drastic action and paid for private help that she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. “I only received help when it was
“I had an amazing family who helped me so much, they were so supportive and were always there for me. When I was at school the thought of getting good grades and getting out of that environment helped” The 21-year-old now has plans to move to Dubai, “as I have gotten older my ways of overcoming the bullies is to be successful and I am now moving abroad to take myself away from it all”.
“My ways of overcoming the bullies is to be successful” Advice Samantha now feels that more needs to be done to protect victims of bulling, “before Christmas I suffered more cyber bullying, I found out who it was but I was told by police if I said or did anything to him or tell anyone who it was I would get done for harassment”. The lack of help she received means that she now hopes to help others who have suffered the affects of bulling and advises that victims should “save everything, any conversations, pictures, anything! Keep a record of everything that was done to you and even doctors appointments”.
“This will show that things did happen and that is your evidence. I kept all mine and it allowed me to turn around and say ‘look I can prove you did it when I had rumours spread about me’. “Never be too scared to get help, I used Victim Support and ChildLine and found these helped a lot! Be prepared to fight, it’s not easy by any means but things will get a lot better, you just have to fight for it”. Making a success
hoping to move to Dubai in September to study. She now hopes to set up her own website to help bullying victims and to give them advice, “I am working with some amazing people to raise awareness of bullying and what it can do to a person. I am also going into schools to talk to pupils about the consequences of bullying. “I want people to realise that you can get help, you just have to fight”.
The ambitious student currently runs her own beauty business whilst studying clinical and forensic psychology and is
70% of young people have experienced some form of bullying, with as many as one million children being bullied every week, inside and out of school.
BeatBullying is a registered charity set up for young people who are victims of bullying and want to seek advice straight away. The site is ran by young mentors who have been trained and are there to listen and support victims.
the site that you will be able to talk with.
Mentors are there seven days a week to speak to, so no matter what time of the day there is always a friendly voice that you can speak to about your problems.
For more help and advice with bullying visit their website at www.beatbullying.org.
If you find yourself struggling with more serious issues of bullying such as depression, self harm and emotional abuse there are trained councillors on INSIDER XOXO 12
Schools involved with the BeatBullying campaign have also set up face-to-face mentoring for students to speak to if they need help.
t e g d a G
girl
Technology is not just for the guys anymore. Get the hottest scoop on the best gadgets that every girl needs in her life. BassBuds
Embedded with Swarovski Elements, BassBuds earphones combine style with sound; from their classics to fashion range there is a style for everyone. These fashionable earphones are a great way of bringing a pop of colour to any outfit. Not only do these earphones look great but they sound great too, built with Advanced Crystaltronics Sound Technology these headphones produce distortion free bass and crisp treble. This means that no matter what song you are listening to you will emerge yourself in a great audio experience.
Fall in love with the portable BassBoomz speaker, this handy Bluetooth speaker allows you to play music wherever you go. Perfect for a day down at the beach or simply to listen to music out loud in your room, the speaker has a built in rechargeable battery that lasts for seven hours. Simply twist the speaker up to start playing your music, the sound clarity and bass that is produced from this small speaker is fantastic. Listen to your favourite songs in a whole new dimension, and if you’re a fan of bass music you can connect two of the speakers for double the bass! In a variety of colours there is a style to suit all, the sleek chrome finish makes it the perfect travelling companion for the summer.
Boxed in a luxury gift box these will make the perfect gift for any music or fashion lover.
BassBoomz
Summer Hair Inspiration BORED OF THE SAME OLD DAY TO DAY STYLES? CHECK OUT OUR HAIR INSPIRATION LOOK BOOK
Model: Lana Taylor Clothing and Styling: Beau Rani MUA Hair: Louise Cockell Assistant Photographer: Eunice Cornejo Photographer: Ioana Zamfir
A to Z Summer Beauty Buys
Want to update your makeup bag with the hottest beauty products? Our Insiders have rounded up the best beauty buys to keep you sizzling this summer.
A
ussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Want to liven up your hair ready for the summer? Aussie’s 3 Minute Reconstructor will liven up the dullest of hair giving you locks to be proud of.
B
enefit’s They’re Real Get luscious looking lashes this summer with Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara, the best selling mascara will instantly lengthen lashes giving the impression of wearing falsies.
C
C Cream Move over BB Cream, there is a new cream in town and it is this year’s must have beauty product. Clinique’s CC Cream hits all the right spots and keeps your skin looking fresh whilst covering any unwanted blemishes.
D
eep Cleanser Keep young skin looking fresh with an effective deep cleanser such as Good Things Deep Pore Cleanser. Using a cleanser on the skin will remove any unwanted oils, dirt and grime that builds up during the day leaving skin healthy and fresh.
E
xfoliate Get rid of that wintery dry skin and prep your skin ready for the summer by exfoliating. For skin that looks radiant it is best to exfoliate once or twice a week with Soap and Glory’s the Greatest Scrub.
F
ake Tan Not able to go away this summer but still want to look sun-kissed? Cheat a little bit with St. Tropez fake tan, this easy to apply lotion is the safest way of tanning and you don’t even have to leave the house.
G
olden Get the perfect summer glow by adding a bronzer to the face, Rimmel’s Natural Bronzer gives the face a natural sun-kissed look without looking too orange.
H
ydrate Apply a hydrating mist to your face to give dehydrated skin an instant boost, Simple’s Skin Moisture Boost Spray will give the appearance of naturally dewy skin whilst boosting your skins natural appearance.
I
lluminators Keep your skin glowing this summer with No7 Skin Illuminator, apply this on top of your foundation to your cheeks, under your brows and the inner corners of your eyes to really highlight the features of your face.
J
ojoba Oil If your skin is being tricky this summer, Jojoba oil is a great way to calm skin that is prone to breakouts. The oil is similar to the natural oils found in your skin and the Nivea range is a great way to moisturise.
K
ind to your Skin We all know that too much time spent out in the sun can not only damage our skin but leave sore redness. Nivea’s After-Sun Lotion is not only kind to our skin but also soothes and relieves the pain that sunburn can leave.
L
ip Gloss For kissable lips, skip the lipstick and go straight for L’Oreal’s Glam Shine Stain Splash. Lighter shades will keep you looking fresh faced without looking too over done for the summer.
M
ineral Makeup Mineral makeup is perfect for the summer as it is so light it feels that you are not wearing makeup at all. Opt for Bare Minerals as they sell starter kits that contain everything you need for complexion perfection.
N
aked The Urban Decay’s Naked palette is the perfect summer eye shadow palette. The palette consists of 12 colours which can be used for various summer looks, INSIDER XOXO 19
from bronzed beauty to summery shimmers.
O
range You may think that orange is a hard shade to pull off, but it’s not as hard as you may think. Make a change this summer and opt for OPI’s Cutie-cles as this will look fab against your tanned skin.
P
rotect Freshly died your hair and plan on going on holiday? Chlorine is hair’s worst enemy so make sure you don’t end up looking green by applying Original’s Protect Beach Spray Oil, this will protect the hair from saltwater and chlorine.
Q
uench Hydrate your thirsty skin with a Simple’s Kind to Skin Moisturiser, this hydrating moisturiser contains active ingredients that help keep skin nourished all day long.
R
evlon Lip Butter If you aren’t a fan of lip glosses than opt for one of Revlon’s Lip Butters. Available in a range of shades these lip butters provide fresh colour whilst moisturising the lip.
S
untan Lotion The most needed summer essential of them all, it may be boring but it’s very important to wear sunscreen every time you go out in the sun. We recommend Soltan products as they have a variety of SPF and lotions to choose from
T
X
ravalo Don’t want to risk breaking your favourite fragrance bottle whilst travelling? Opt for the travel friendly Travalo Spray Bottle. It’s simple, fill this small bottle up with your favourite fragrance and away you go, the perfect travelling companion.
tra Staying Power There is nothing better to keep your makeup in place than firstly using a primer, Revlon’s PhotoReady Perfecting Primer is lightweight and softens the skin to help create the perfect canvas to apply your foundation.
rban Decay Setting Spray Those long summer days can often wreak havoc on our makeup, meaning that it can either fade during the day or slowly wipe off with the heat. Combat this with a setting spray from Urban Decay, these sprays will help keep your makeup in place for 12 hours.
outhful Skin Naturally H20 aka water will help keep your body staying cool and your skin protected in the summer. The heat will make your body lose extra water so it’s always best to get your two litres a day.
U
V
itamin E Not a beauty product, but in this case is a beauty vitamin. Being out in the sun can cause lasting damage on the skin, by taking this supplement it will help protect the skin from damage that occurs as a result of UV light.
W
axing There is no excuse for forgetting to wax now that the summer is here. Choose waxing over shaving as this removes the hair from the root, leaving skin softer for longer. For best results try out Veet’s wax strips.
Y
Z
Sleep A bit of a cheat, but the best beauty product for staying great this summer is in fact sleep! Catch at least 8 hours every night to stay refreshed because when you feel refreshed you will look it too!
Insta-glam Your
Get picture perfect snaps with our top tips for glamming up your Instagram. Photo Ready Skin Apply a primer under your foundation to give the appearance of an airbrushed finish, the creamy texture will soften the look of your face when in front of the camera. A mousse foundation contains photochromatic pigments, that are not too heavy on the skin and minimise the appearance of blemishes by reflecting the light onto the face. Tinted lip balms look great in photos, their moisturising properties make the lips look soft whilst producing a strong pigment. Remove the Shine If you’re busy dancing the night away be sure to take with you a pressed powder, this will not only remove any embarrassing shine from your face but will also keep the redness in your face at bay. Never be caught off guard in those dance floor pics. Use of Flash Using flash when taking your photos can wash out your features so try to avoid it where possible. If you need to use a flash for more light be sure to wear stronger colours of makeup, however don’t apply too heavily as you will just appear looking a little orange.
Perfect the Perfect Pose Confidence is key when striking the perfect pose, by angling your chin down slightly this will give the impression of a slimmer face. Don’t be sucked in by breathing in on photos to appear slimmer as this will appear on your face, instead try standing up straight and this will instantly help you look slimmer. Dress to Impress If you are posing with a full face of makeup don’t then ruin the whole look by taking a photo in your joggers. Try sprucing up your outfit to compliment the whole look, by simply wearing your favourite skinny’s and a cute blouse this will give the impression of a finished look, and become the envy of all your Instragram followers. INSIDER XOXO 21
n o m m o 10 C Beauty s e k a t s i M
From picking the wrong shade foundation to skin faux pas our beauty Insiders are here to help you avoid these common beauty blunders.
1
Wrong shade foundation foundation out at home to not
According to a recent survey by Garnier, 94% of women are wearing the wrong shade of foundation making it the biggest beauty mistake.
Sometimes this is down the non-natural light giving the impression that darker shades suit your skintone. However foundation should create a perfect complexion that covers skin imperfections. Test the foundation on the jawbone for the best colour match. Some counters offer foundation samples in your chosen shade, this way you can try the INSIDER XOXO 22
only tell if it’s right for you but to look at your skin in different lighting to check for the correct colour shade. Remember to blend past your neckline to avoid a cringe worthy tideline.
2
Don’t shake nail polish
Despite what it may say on the bottle,shaking your nail polish is never good for pefecting the perfect mani! Avoid shaking your polish
bottle before applying to your nails, as vigorous shaking creates tiny air bubbles that you can’t see until your nails are painted and have dried.
brush before leaving them to dry on a paper towel.
For salon inspired nails roll the polish bottle between your hands before application to warm and mix the paint colour.
There’s nothing like spraying your favourite fragrance daily, however you may not realise that your favourite scent is actually off putting to others. Our Insiders recommend no more than three sprays to ensure that you are left smelling fresh without gassing passers by out.
3
Going to bed without washing off makeup
Now this has got to be the oldest tale in the book, no matter how long a day you’ve had going to bed with makeup on is another big beauty mistake many of us make. Cleaning your skin not only stops pesky breakouts, but it allows the skin to breathe and go through its natural renewal process. Don’t forget about your eyes, no one likes waking up in the morning with panda eyes.
4
Not washing your makeup brushes
Wondered why you are suffering from a breakout? It could all be down to not cleaning your makeup tools. Makeup brushes are a breeding ground for germs and old makeup, so by washing your brushes once a week can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and oil build up. An everyday spray helps to keep brushes clean, and for a thorough clean use a few drops of shampoo and work through the
5
Overspraying of fragrances
Remember to spray fragrance on to the skin, if sprayed directly onto fabrics it can cause staining, but also the fibres react with the perfume to leave a rather unpleasant smell.
6
Constant polish on polish
Sure we all like to wear nail polish but at what cost? Constant colour on nails can cause the bed to discolour leaving your nails with a noticeable yellow tint. This means that leaving your nails without a colour is not an option. Discolouration is sometimes caused by the lack of a base coat or the constant use of darker shades. To remove the yellow tint rub your nails with lemon juice then massage your hands. Keep your nails paint free at least once a week to reduce the staining on your nails.
7
Overdone mascara
Mascara is meant to highlight your eyes whilst giving the appearance of thicker and longer lashes. However going overboard and overlaying mascara can cause mascara to quickly clump together and clumpy mascara never looks good! To remove any clumps use a mascara comb right after application. For a natural look apply the brush as close to the roots of the lashes as you can and wiggle it back and forth before pulling outwards.
8
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
Your skin is always in constant need of hydrating so a fundamental part of your routine should include moisturiser. Don’t believe the myth that moisturiser causes breakouts and oily patches, instead this product will keep your skin soft and stop flaky, dry spots. Moisturiser also acts as a great base for applying makeup, it not only helps the appearance of foundation but helps keep your foundation in place for longer.
9
Shaping your brows
When shaped correctly brows can really enhance your eyes and overall look, so for the best shaping head to a professional brow technician who will give you the ideal shape for your face. When taming brows it is important to INSIDER XOXO 24
make sure you don’t over pluck in the heat of the moment, as when you get older the brow shape becomes thinner so that accidental pluck may not grow back. If you want to fix your brows in between shaping follow the natural arch of your brows to maintain the best shape for your face.
10
Lip liner
Applying the right lip liner not only prevents the lipstick from bleeding but can also define and enhance your lip shape. However two-toned lips are never a good luck, lip liner is designed to act as a base for your lipstick and not to stand out against your lipstick. As your lipstick fades during the day make sure you colour your lips with the liner so that you’re left with a base colour. Match your lipstick and liner to enhance the colour and leave you with a long-lasting lip.
Rate my Mate Think you have the best mate? We asked you to rate your mate and we have found the best mate for May.
Meet Nat
Congratulations to Nathalia Ward who was nominated by her best friend David, for Rate my Mate. So how does it feel to be to have won Rate my Mate? I feel honoured, I didn’t even know or think that someone would nominate me for something like this. Why do you think David nominated you? I honestly don’t know why he nominated me, but we are best friends and we do spend a lot of time together, so maybe he saw something in me that he felt made me the right person to nominate. What is the best moment the two of you have shared? We have had so many funny and cool moments. Probably the best moment we have had is going to the Harry Potter Tour down in London, we had such a good time!
e
Say Chees Nat and David
Statement Jewellery
STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD WITH THESE PRETTY AND UNIQUE JEWELLERY FINDS.
Model: Charlotte Archer Jewellery: Pasu Roungpanyaroj Photographer: Alex Kennedy
TRAVEL
CityEscapes
Do you really know all you need to know about the world’s hot spot city breaks? Well, if you have ever wondered what is in store for you if you venture across seas, then look no further for our Insider reveal of city breaks across the globe. Paris Join us in the fashion capitol of the world. Bonjour, and welcome to Paris! The Champs Elysees is the main shopping hub of Paris. Along this street you will see an array of designer French boutiques, amazingly yummy patisseries and the famous brands we all know and love. Gorgeous buildings lined along the street with trees and benches all along, which trust me you will need, as it is one long walk from top to bottom.
you are in a bar and a French lad tries the old “oah la la” charm on you, grab your The whole city is amazing to see and you girl friends and move on by, then they get will feel every inch the fashionista just the hint and try their luck with someone being there! There are gorgeous fountains else. and plazas to provide the perfect backdrop to your photos. But the most Next off, watch your handbags, you wont fantastic photo opportunity you can get believe how easy it is to get your purse whilst in Paris has to be The Eiffel Tower. stolen without even realising. Metro Try to go at night if you can, the view stations are notorious in Paris for of Paris all lit up is spectacular and the pickpockets, especially if they can spot whole of the tower sparkles and glows, it the English girls by a mile off. Best tip is really is something to see. to ignore anyone who comes and speaks to you for directions, tell them you don’t So Paris, the city of love, romance, understand. It is very quick and easy to passion and sleazy guys! Yes it is true, in do and practically impossible to notice Paris the men just don’t get the hint when what has happened until it is too late. you say no to dancing with them. In fact, most of them find it more attractive when a group of you are adamant you are not interested. So best plan, just walk away, if
INSIDER XOXO 30
Berlin
yourself and purchase a few goodies.
There is so much to see, so it depends if you want to go down the history route or the modern shopping route as there is plenty of both. If you want to get a feel of Post-War Berlin then there are some interesting sites.
For a once in a lifetime experience in the city, you have to try out the ‘Dark Restaurant’. It is one of only two, the other being in London, where you get served by blind waiters and to give you an idea of what life is like for them, you eat your meal in complete pitch black darkness. If it’s the one thing you do in Berlin, it the most memorable experience you will have and highly recommended.
Next stop on the map is Berlin. It really is a truly inspirational city with so much history that will really move you to experience.
But if you are feeling a bit less historical and just wanting to experience Berlin then you cant beat the view at the top of the world famour TV Tower, it spins round allowing you 360 views of the whole city. Shopping in Berlin is typical to most European cities; the main street is a hub of local names and big designer brands. The prices aren’t that much of a bargain with the exchange rate currently, but whilst you are on holiday why not treat
Rome Rome has to be the happiest place I have ever been to. Everyone seems to be out enjoying the company of others, loving the gorgeous weather, eating some amazing food, generally living life like we all wish we could. The city is the perfect walking break, anywhere on the map you want to go to you can walk to within about 20 minutes. One hidden beauty is the Trevi Fountain, found amongst a load of piazzas and cobble alleyways you walk out onto the most incredible sight ever. The legend says that if you throw a coin into the fountain and make a wish you will be guided along a path to help find true love. But the fact is, just being there and seeing it with your eyes makes you fall in love with Rome. When it comes to fashion, no one does it quite like the Italians. There is a gorgeous cobbled boulevard that runs
right through the centre of Rome with tiny little shops all along it, mixed in with big named designer brands and shopping arcades. It really is an amazing eclectic mix of fashion, trends and style that is unique to Italy. Visiting the famous sites, such as the Coliseum, Vatican City and Bridge of the Angels you will find they are a nice walk with plenty to see and many places to stop for a bite to eat. The famous Sistene Chapel is hidden away within the Vatican itself and is viewable at a charge, but it is well worth the price, as it really is an awe inspiring site for anyway to witness. And after a long day of site seeing and shopping there is an array of cafes and restaurants to sit out and enjoy the views and hustle and bustle of Rome in the early evening.
Beyonce
Is Back!
Mrs Carter proves she is still the queen of pop. Jennie went along to find out more ... Well I chose the latter, and Oh Em Gee was she amazing!! When the night finally arrived and I was off to the LG Arena in Birmingham to see the opening show of her Mrs Carter World Tour, well then yes, I was a tad excited by it all. We got to the venue at around 6.30, which is when the doors were set to open, although we had to wait around a bit because they were late in doing so, it was a nice warm evening so none of us really minded. The place was buzzing, with artists performing on a mini stage in the food hall and everyone singing along being in a very happy mood. You could sense the anticipation of everyone there, no one knowing just what her set list is going to be and what kind of show we were about to witness. Either INSIDER XOXO 32
way, you just knew it was going to be something spectacular when it comes to Beyonce. So after having a little gorge on over priced food, my friends and I went to look at all the merchandise on offer. Obviously high priced, the cheapest things being a hat or key ring, both at £20. We all purchased Beyonce tops, not caring too much that they were £30, because, well it’s only one time. But also accepting many people would have been a bit annoyed that after already spending a ridiculous amount on the tickets, then having to pay a lot for merchandise, could be deemed a bit out of order.
So now to the amazing bit, her show! It was beyond incredible; her lighting for the whole event was so good. Meaning that taking pictures even when far away would still produce good quality images, as you had a stunningly lit backdrop.
She even gets some of the audience members to join in the singing of some of her songs down the microphone, which was a lovely personal touch to her fans.
The Mrs Carter world tour does feature some of her new material on the album, Her whole set was nearly 2 hours long, some of which aren’t too well known, but with so much singing and dancing you still enjoy listening to, even if you cant throughout the whole concert. During her sing along to it just yet. Fear not if you are costume changes they cleverly had a one of those not so hard-core devoted massive drop down screen that showed fans, Beyonce does manage to perform mini Beyonce movies, usually setting you loads of her really well known hits, up for the next lot of songs. However, near including: Halo, Single Ladies, Naughty the start of her show she kept going off Girl, Why Don’t You Love Me and stage loads for costume changes, which Irreplaceable. made it really difficult for the audience to get into the right mood as too The evening ends with an upbeat African many changes ended up kind of killing inspired melody of songs, really setting the atmosphere. But after she got over the night on a high. She even invested in the array of clothes she clearly wanted to a load of gold confetti cannons, glittering wear, the audience really got into the feel the standing crowd with a shower of gold of the show and the atmosphere became sparkles. The whole concert has been electric. really well put together with a good mix of songs for all audiences. This was my Half way through the concert she goes on first ever concert and I am now hooked a hoist and gets lifted over the audience and cant wait to buy some more tickets to the other side of the arena. Meaning and go to a few more. You really won’t those standing get a chance to see her begrudge the money for the tickets once and be nearer to her. This bit was great you actually get there and see what a and you see loads of people swarm round show she puts on… for photos, as she is so near the crowds!
Meet e sons
th
s e h c t i p of
Forget the Dalton Warblers and the Pitch Perfect Treble Makers, there’s a new boy band in town. That’s right, they are The Sons of Pitches! And they are ‘acca’-tually quite good… This year sees the massive trend of A Cappella singing hitting England and this Birmingham based boys only group is setting the style of what to expect, after recently being in New York at an International A Cappella singing contest.
to think that we differ quite a bit from the two of them though. We aim to imitate the sounds we hear in electronic tracks, not just rearrange the songs for vocals. This has the bonus of appealing to a great range of people; it’s quite entertaining to watch guys singing falsetto when trying to imitate a high synthesiser!
This group of 8 A Cappella singers met at Birmingham University and have been making some interesting new style music, You recently went to New York, is this the start of some exciting new projects with no instruments in sight, instead it is all produced by sounds created from their from the Sons? vocal cords. We definitely hope so! New York was After seeing them on Youtube, performing such a fantastic experience for us as a group; we loved all of the people we met a hilariously good rendition of the Oasis hit, Wonderwall, I decided to get in touch and the Americans seemed to love us and our music too! We’re currently and meet the men in the strange red planning our U.K. tour for the summer. We jumpsuits. aim to visit each member’s home-town and put on a couple of shows in each. Do you liken yourself to the Warblers We also want to lead some A cappella from Glee or Treble Makers from pitch workshops in our old schools to inspire a perfect? new generation of vocalists! Well the prominence of these groups Wow a UK tour, that sounds pretty has certainly done a lot to get reams of people excited about A cappella! We like big… Did any of the group have any INSIDER XOXO 34
annoying habits during your trip to New York, maybe something to avoid on the tour?
finished, we arrange the winning song and record a video for youtube all in one 3 hour rehearsal!
There were a couple of snorers and a tendency for the over 21s to over-enjoy there beers just to spite the four members of the group that were under the American drinking age! Honestly though, we actually all really enjoy each other’s company. We spent most of our time cracking jokes and when we weren’t laughing we were bursting into spontaneous song.
You are all lovely lads, which one of you would you say is the highest maintenance?
So you must of performed a fair few songs by now, what is your favourite song to perform? We love to do our jazzy version of wonderwall because its really relaxed and fun and the audiences love it! Any surprising A Cappella arrangements coming soon then guys? It’s all up to our fans at the moment! We have just started our ‘3 hour arrangement’ polls again - where people can vote for the next song we arrange on our facebook page. Once the poll has
Highest maintenance is Joe (Belham). Rehearsing in front of mirrors just makes him want to check his hair all the time. Well that leads nicely onto my next question then, who do you think is the best looking out of you all? The one all your acca-ladies go crazy for? The boys decided to laugh this question off, insisting they are all just happy to be performing. Although a few guys did slyly look to Joe Belham as they were telling me this… So Insider is going to guess he thinks he has got it! So what is next for these lovely university lads after their New York stardom? Gonna do some recording in September and there are plans to go on a UK tour. We want to take it to the fans!
Meet the guys Joe n
I’m Joe Novelli, I’m 20 and I’m the highest guy in the group. I have been part of The Sons of Pitches for almost 2 years, and it’s by far the best thing I have done at uni! My favourite colour is red, my favourite food is pasta and my hair has been this long for probably about 7 years!
Joe b
I’m Joe Belham and I’m 22. My favourite colour is red. My favourite food is cheese - anything with cheese on or in. Novelty fact: I’m afraid of baked beans (that isn’t at all odd…)
Josh
Hey I am Josh Mallett, aged 20, I have been playing guitar and singing for the last ten years; music is a central part of my life. I can also claim to be in one of the longest possible distance relationships ever, having met my Australian girlfriend whilst volunteering in Vietnam last year.
Jim
I’m Tim Barsellotti, 22 years old, I’ve been in Sons of Pitches since its inception in 2010 and its been a journey and a half! Favourite colour is blue and novelty fact: I have a clumsy tendency.
Max
Hey I am Max, 20, physics student, likes croque Monsieur paninis, long walks in the woods and solving complex differential equations. (Sorry we got mesmerized by long walks in the woods….)
Joe
I’m Joe, 21, I love my girlfriend Zoe bundles, but love my pet cat Derek more. Sure you will all see me in Broadway soon with my riffs and ridiculously expressive face! Jack Hi, I’m Jack and I’m the Vocal Percussionist (Beatboxer!) in the group. I’m a classical trained cellist originally, but have spent much more time dropping beats into a microphone this year than playing the cello!
Pet of the Month At Insider we love cute pets, whether it’s your fluffy bunny or super cute dog. In aid of this we set out on a mission to find the cutest pet of the month and asked you to submit your pet. We have found our winners...
1st Place
Congratulations to Betty Coco and her owner Emma Allen on being the cutest pet of the month. Betty Coco melted our cat loving hearts with her stunning eyes and even more adorable face! Owner Emma said, “she does the best Jeremy Renner impressions”.
2nd Place
Our second place winner is the adorable Bailey Boo, thanks to owner Sarah Mayer for submitting!
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3rd Place
Our third place winner is the loveable Buttons! Thanks to owner Chloe Jones for submitting!
Mens
s d n i m
We here at Insider ask the questions you want to know, one of those being, “what exactly do men think about what us girls do?” Well worry no more, cause we have asked the question and here are a snap few responses from the guys…
looks
or
personality
Personality is much more important, well I say that, I wouldn’t go for a right minger of a girl; but having a horrible attitude and personality is a much bigger turn off even if the girl is stunning. Dayle, 22, Stoke
Depends how serious a relationship you are looking for; you need a happy medium of both really. They need to be pretty, interesting and have a nice personality all mixed in one to make it a good relationship.
John, 20, Kingswinford
Having fun with the girl is most important, they have to be up for a laugh. Being pretty and boring is such a turn off, they care more about themselves then the ability to have a laugh with each other. Carl, 23, Norwich
What burning questions do you want asnwered next? Tell us at editor@insidermag.co.uk