Parma Violet

Im sure you all remember those little Parma Violet sweets with the strange flavour, but gorgeous colour. I think one of those things you absolutely loved or absolutely hated – I always loved them and actually still do.

I wanted to bring in a beautiful violet make up story and Parma violet the flower is a pretty little thing with a gentle aroma which has benefits for skin and health. (scroll down for more info on the benefits of Violet)

Ann (58) is a Qigong and Tai Qi teacher and kindly let me have fun with make up, her wonderful skin allowed me to come in scarily close with my camera. We had a laugh mixing colour and placing chains and rings. The violet paint can be replaced with a gentle violet shadow on your eyelids, which I have suggested in make up used. All the jewelry in the shots is made by Ann so this was also a great collab. Her silver rings, chains and earrings can be purchased from her Etsy Shop

For Jewelry enquiries and shop: www.annbarnett.co.uk

Beauty Chat

How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?

58 and I don’t mind at all!

  • Do you think your own life personal stresses has an impact on how you are visibly ageing ?

Yes, to a certain extent.  But I think it’s quite nice, being able to see the life in someone’s face…

  • How do you feel within yourself as you get older including health?

Sometimes I find ageing hard, but most of the time I think it’s part of life and I’m really ok with it.  When my Mum passed away though I was understandably fragile, so I noticed I felt more upset about ageing but of course at that time it was also mostly grief that I felt.

We all age… and I personally am happier now I’m a little older.  Life in your twenties can be hard and I feel much more secure and happy now.

  • How do you feel about the physical signs of ageing when look in the mirror?

I don’t really notice them generally unless there is something startling!

  • Have you or would you consider any intrusive anti-ageing treatments?

No –  I’d prefer to age naturally.

  • Do you think our societies attitude to ageing has any impact on how you feel about yourself?

Yes, a little – I think it’s a real shame that sometimes women feel invisible as they get older.  But I think we need to work towards changing this so that we all feel seen and heard, whatever the age.

  • Do you think seeing untouched fun and positive imagery of older women can make a difference to societies attitude on age?

Yes, absolutely – that’s one reason I wanted to do this blog with Karen.  I was amazed that it was only good lighting and fab makeup and of course Karen’s skill that made these pictures – it was great fun doing them. 

  • Do you think seeing untouched fun and positive imagery of older women when you were younger would of made a difference to how you feel about yourself now?

Yes, probably.  I’m a little worried that so many photos are touched up online and on social media – it puts a pressure on people to look a certain way. 

  • What would your 25 year old self think about you now?

I think she would think I’m doing ok!  I never thought I would end up teaching Qigong and Tai Qi  (which is what I do) but at some deeper level I think it was pre-destined.  So I’m doing what I love and was meant to do.  One main theme in our sessions is acceptance – we learn to be in the moment and to stop some of the worrying that we all do, we are totally present in our bodies and it’s very healing and peaceful

  • What is your can’t live without make up product and brand?

Boots Number Seven – my Mum always used this brand and I love it too.

  • What is your favourite skincare product?

Boots moisturing foundation at the moment.  Also I like the ‘Look Fabulous Forever’ highlighter.

After Make up

  • Have you enjoyed this experience?

Yes, loved it!  It was great fun and very empowering .

  • Do you think having your make up done is an uplifting experience?

Yes, very much so and it’s nice to use some self expression and play around a bit – using a bit of  acting.

  • Do you like the make-up even if not how you would wear it every day?

Yes, I love it and will start using the lilac eye shadow .

Thank you so much Karen, you made my day and I loved the whole experience – I feel bouncier and energised now – I think it was fun to look at how we express ourselves through movement and body language and I’d love to do another session with different make up and  perhaps a different theme. 

I feel inspired to start a new project about body language and using your physical power – exploring this through photos perhaps.

Thank you for the fun and the inspirational session.

If you are interested in Qigong and Tai Qi please contact ann@mindfullime.co.uk

Make up Used

Foundation: Charlotte Tilbury https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/beautiful-skin-foundation-4-neutral

Skin highlight: LFF https://www.lookfabulousforever.com/instant-bright-highlight

Eyes:

Contour/highlight: Charlotte Tilbury https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/filmstar-bronze-and-glow (love this)

Lips: CT Gloss https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/lip-lustre-portobello-girl

Lip Pencil: Urban Decay – Naked https://www.urbandecay.co.uk/en_GB/lips/lip-pencils/

A bit about Parma Violet

Violet is used as a salve for dry or chafed skin, abrasions, insect bites, eczema, It is cooling, soothing, and anti-inflammatory. Flawless vegan beauty brand uses parma violet in a couple of their products – check out their cleansing scrub. https://www.myflawless.co.uk/collections/flawless-skincare/products/cleansing-sugar-scrub-parma-violet

bYOUtanical says ‘Violets can be used for respiratory tract conditions, particularly dry or sore throat, stuffy nose, coughs, hoarseness, and bronchitis. Other uses include treating pain in the minor joints, fever, skin diseases, headache, trouble sleeping (insomnia). As they are an edible flower they can also be used to decorate salads and cakes’

Workshops

Graceful Disgraceful Make Up Experience

Next available workshop at Pythouse Tennis clubhouse Wiltshire (for women50+)

Sunday June 12th 2.30pm-5pm

This will be the last arranged date until September.

Private groups 4-6 and private hosting can still be arranged during the summer months

or one to one lessons all in Wiltshire UK

 Graceful Disgraceful – Karen Lockyer Make Up Artist

One to Ones

Please contact me if you would like a one to one make up or make up lesson (Wiltshire UK based) https://www.karenlockyer.net/one-to-ones-make-up-lessons/ (all ages)

Photographs: Taken by me using a phone no retouching just light

Make up: by me

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