Pop superstar Taylor Swift has officially signed a new record deal with Universal Music, which marks her first signing with a major label.
Before this, all of her music has been released on independent country label, Big Machine. She signed with the small recording company, which is an imprint of giant UMG, when she was only 14-years-old, and her deal has now expired.
At the age of 28, she will now release her music globally through Universal Music Group.
The news came after she uploaded a photo to Instagram of herself posing with Universal executives Lucian Grange and Monte Lipman.
One year one from the release of her triple-platinum album Reputation, Swift underwent talks with every major record group, and requested more financial and creative freedom from a potential new deal.
This is massive news for Taylor, as she will now own all of the music which she records, resulting in the singer earning more money through sales and album streams.
Universal have also agreed to repay their artists with any money made from Spotify streams.
This is not the first time Taylor has campaigned for streaming service rights for artists; in 2015 she played a large role in persuading Apple Music to change how they pay artists.
#OnThisDayInMusic 2015, Apple Music reversed its payment policy, a day after #TaylorSwift said she was refusing to allow the company to stream her latest album 1989. Apple now said it would pay artists for #music streamed during trial periods pic.twitter.com/giHuWJBGYd
— Countdown Music Aust (@CountdownAus) June 21, 2018
The singer wrote a now-iconic open letter to Apple requesting that artists, producers, and creatives are fairly paid for their work:
"I say to Apple with all due respect, it’s not too late to change this policy and change the minds of those in the music industry who will be deeply and gravely affected by this."
Swift has now utterly changed the streaming game, with Universal now accepting her terms in the newly arranged deal.
"As part of my new contract with Universal Music Group, I asked that any sale of their Spotify shares result in a distribution of money to their artists," she wrote on Instagram.
"They have generously agreed to this, at what they believe will be much better terms than paid out previously by other major labels."
"I see this as a sign that we are headed towards positive change for creators – a goal I'm never going to stop trying to help achieve."
"I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Scott Borchetta for believing in me as a 14-year-old and for guiding me through over a decade of work that I will always be so proud of."
"The best thing I've been lucky enough to receive is the dedication, trust and loyalty of the fans who have cared about the words and melodies I've written. My biggest goal moving forward is to make you proud."
Chairman and CEO of UMG Lucien Grainge spoke out to praise Swift for her work:
"Few artists in history approach Taylor Swift's combination of massive global hits and creative brilliance. She is so multi-talented, she can achieve anything. I have such enormous respect for Taylor, in particular for her use of her hard-earned influence to promote positive change.
"Because of her commitment to her fellow artists, not only did she want to partner with a company that understood her creative vision and had the resources and expertise to execute globally on her behalf, she also sought a partner whose approach to artists was aligned with hers."
Lipman, founder and CEO of Republic Records, added: "Taylor has not only captured the imagination of an entire generation, but has also redefined the paradigm of the modern music industry."
Swift's latest album Reputation received unprecedented critical acclaim before becoming the biggest-selling album of 2017, selling around 1.3 MILLION albums in just one week.
Congrats Taylor, keep fighting for fair pay and artists' creative rights. You do you, queen.
Demi Lovato just stepped back into the social media ring to clap-back a fan who accused her of unfairly firing her back-up dancer.
The fan took to Twitter yesterday to call out Lovato's team, claiming their behaviour is "rotten" regarding the handling of the singer's altercation with her backup dancer.
Lovato shut down the fan for claiming that 'Dani', who spoke out about the star's recent overdose, should not have been fired.
According to Revelist, Dani Vitales, a backup dancer at the time, went to the press following Demi's drug overdose and trip to an L.A rehabilitation centre.
Dani Vitales, who was Lovato's longtime friend, then decided to write a lengthy statement on social media about the controversy, denying rumours that she supplied the singer with drugs:
“I have NEVER touched nor even SEEN a drug in my entire life,” Vitale, also 28, wrote on Instagram.
“I DO NOT DO DRUGS, nor would I ever encourage, or supply them to anyone I love.”
Speaking about the painful emotions which she endured following the accusations, Vitale said,
“The circulation of an UNTRUE story on the internet yanked my life, my reputation, my name and everything I have worked so hard to stand for, out from underneath me. A damaging narrative that demonized me, placed blame on me, and has since cost me so many wonderful moments in life.”
"I care about Demi just like all of you do. I have not said anything about this situation until now because her recovery has been of the most importance"
"I was not with Demi when the incident happened, but I am with her now, and will continue to be because she means the world to me just as she does to all of you."
On Thursday, a fan then took to Twitter and Instagram to write:
“It was completely unfair to fire dani, she’s one of the few who really cares about demi’s health and has been helping her for 3 years, she’s surrounded by people who only care about her money and she does not see it.”
The fan accused Lovato’s “team” of being “rotten,” commenting: “She does not realise it, needs a total change.”
We suspect the fan never thought Ms Lovato would actuallly see the tweet, but Demi saw it alright, and didn't hold back in the comments section:
“You have no idea what you’re talking about, ” later writing, “True friends don’t do interviews about you after you OD.”
Yikes, y'all so dumb… She wasn't talking about Dani Vitale but about her jiujitsu trainer Danielle Martin…. pic.twitter.com/S4PzklNwrS
Most readers speculated that she was referring to back-up dancer Dani Vitale, the 28-year-old singer quickly responded: “I’m not talking about Dani Vitale.”
Lovato might be referring instead to Danielle Martin, her former trainer, who spoke out last week about severing ties with the singer:
“Pretty sad. I did nothing but empower her. Nothing bad to say. The people around her I’m sure were happy to run to her. They told her I was taking the situation and making it all about me. I’d never do that. Not ever. I was standing up for her. That’s all.”
It's pretty clear that Demi's fans are NOT here for Danielle:
Demi: *overdoses*
Danielle Martin while Demi’s fighting for her life in critical care: *goes to closest media outlet and talks on personal shit, poses for pictures, exposes private stuff
Coleen and Wayen Rooney have released their official annual family Christmas card and their four boys look so gorgeous.
The kids – nine-year-old Kai, five-year-old Klay, two-year-old Kit and nine-month-old Cass are clad in matching striped pyjamas, smiling at the camera.
The photo shoot was carried out by Liverpool-based photographer Grace Kellie, who has snapped the Rooney family before and with mum Coleen plans to use the pictures to make Christmas cards for close family and friends this year.
Kellie Stamper, Director of Grace Kellie Photography, said, “It’s always a pleasure to have Coleen and her four adorable boys back in my studio.''
She continued, ''The youngest two were just days old when I first photographed them, so it’s lovely to see how much they’ve grown.''
She added, “Having customers return time and time again reassures me that I’m doing my job well; that they not only love the photography I create, but also feel at ease in my studio and with my art direction.”
Coleen, who has been married to husband Wayne for ten years, often posts about her four adorbs sons on social media and it seems that her fans loved the Christmas card as much as we did.
One wrote, ''Beautiful picture'' while another said, ''Gorgeous'' with four love heart emojis.
The Bernard Shaw is a well-known site for political activism: murals dedicated to Savita Halappanavar, the Repeal Movement and the homelessness crisis have appeared in recent times alone.
This week saw a spark of anger which turned into a flame following a controversial Cork rape trial in which a female barrister named Elizabeth O'Connell used a 17-year-old woman's underwear as evidence against her.
As a result, #thisisnotconsent protests took place all over the country, with women and men marching with 'I Believe Her' banners in the air.
Protest in Dublin city centre this afternoon. Ruth Coppinger is calling for rape myths to be dispelled in our courts. Protesters hold up underwear and signs saying ‘this is not consent’ pic.twitter.com/xwM540UWGF
The Bernard Shaw's latest activist art piece is dedicated to the young woman whose 27-year-old alleged attacker was acquitted of rape following Elizabeth O'Connell's finishing statement.
The barrister urged the jury of eight men and four women to consider the woman's underwear, which happened to be a lace thong, claiming that the woman "was attracted to the defendant and was open to meeting someone and being with someone".
Not Asking For It in Dublin at the Bernard Shaw. Great street art by Emma Blake. Boom! pic.twitter.com/ea8MnAzlzU
The Richmond Street South mural shows painted images of various shapes and sizes of underwear, with each branded with the words 'Not Asking For It.' The work was created by Emma Blake, a street artist and graphic designer, also known as Estr.
The mural's appearance is in support of the solidarity rallies which took place this week, urging the government to change the way in which rape trials are conducted.
Women's rights group ROSA wrote that the judicial consideration of the girl's underwear as evidence was a "disgrace".
ROSA also stated: "These lines of character accusation and victim blaming are unfortunately a common tactic used in cases before the courts relating to sexual violence."
"The judiciary has proven itself time and time again to be utterly damaging to survivors of sexual violence to seek justice."
Let's hope these crucial protests lead to the necessary changes to Irish law regarding sexual violence.
Faux real, winter is well and truly on its way. "What does this mean?" I hear you ask. It means… it's time to get FURRY.
Finding the perfect coat can be a difficult, time-consuming and frustrating task. We've decided to do all the work FUR you, and compile a list of every coat that has caught our eye on the high street this winter season.
So far, brands such a Monki, Mango, Topshop and Zara have impressed us with their glamorous faux fur, but there are some KILLAH vintage websites such as Nine Crows, ASOS Marketplace and Beyond Retrowhich sell vintage faux fur items that have us collapsed on the floor in sheer fashion overdrive.
I mean, you're welcome.
Nasty Gal Go Fur It Faux Fur Coat, was €121.00 now €60.50
Some of these uber-glam coats are on sale this week (Black Friday, how are ya) so nab them before they sell out.
Fur can be a tricky business to navigate, finding the right one to suit you is honestly like picking your new home. You're seeking comfort, warmth, and a place to sleep.
What? You can't deny that those coats are prime nap-time material. They're warmer than our hearts after watching pupper videos on Youtube.
Love is well and truly in the air this time of year, especially with everyone we know getting engaged. There’s no doubt Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding inspired many lovebirds, but unfortunately, we can’t get married in St. George’s Chapel.
Luckily, Ireland is full of stunning hotels that are bound to take your breath away on your special day.
This Black Friday the four-star Hotel Kilkenny will release 12 dates in 2019 to brides and grooms-to-be with a 20 percent discount on their entire wedding package.
Renowned for its attention to detail and premium wedding service, the four-star luxury venue which has been voted one of the top 20 wedding venues in Ireland and one of the top five wedding venues in Leinster is a chic hotel located in magical Kilkenny City.
Hotel Kilkenny is part of The Griffin Hotel Group, a sister property to the world-renowned Monart Destination Spa and the luxurious four-star Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford.
The family hotel group is focussed on quality service and delivering a bespoke experience for each bride and groom time and time again and Hotel Kilkenny offers exclusivity to all couples on their wedding day with a one-wedding-a-day policy.
For a bespoke wedding day, couples can choose between the stunning recently refurbished Orchard Suite with its private walled garden or the impressive Skyline Suite which offers majestic views over the medieval Kilkenny City.
In addition, a private drinks reception area complete with its own bar, an outdoors patio ensconced in a stonewalled garden offers an intimate entertainment area.
This one-off offer is available to couples who are planning a winter wedding in 2019 as long as one of the 12 dates is reserved before December 31, 2018.
The expert wedding team created tailored packages to suit the individual needs of each couple. In addition, a two-night post-wedding stay in the multi-award winning five-star Monart Destination Spa is also included in the Hotel Kilkenny wedding package, this alone is worth over €1,000.
ASOSisn't playing around this year and has promised the biggest sale event of the year this Friday. You can head to this page to keep up-to-date with all the glorious savings you can make.
But if you can't wait until the end of the week, head to their outlet to enjoy 70 percent off brands.
Missguided have already got underway with the incredible Black Friday deals, so shop at your own pace and enjoy an incredible 50 percent off everything* using the discount code: CYBER50.
They have claimed they are "going harder than previous years" with their sale on Friday, so this will definitely be one to stop by and snap up some fantastic offers.
Littlewoodsalso got in on the action, they are holding a Black Friday Week, kicking off November 19 with new deals to be launched daily throughout the week and right into Cyber Monday.
The savings have come early for all you Nasty Gal fans, they have kicked off with 50 percent off everything* with the code: OHSNAP.
Forever 21are counting down to Black Friday with deals all week.
H&Mare currently preparing for the Friday madness with a 50 percent off Denim and Basics. Stay tuned later this week to see the real H&M Black Friday beast unleashed.
River Islandhas a 30 percent off partywear in the lead up to Black Friday in the UK and ROI.
Zaraalways goes big for this shopping holiday and this year is no different – for the sales sign up to their newsletter and get on site or in store on Friday.
Gym + Coffee are ahead of the game and have released their Black Friday deals already. Their website is a haven of savage bargains and for you Irish gals, their Dundrum store is in full on sale mode.
Gymshark has fitness fans hyped for a 70 percent sale this Black Friday.
The company released the good news on their Twitter.
Blackout is coming…
Up to 70% off is something you don’t wanna miss.
Like this tweet to receive notifications and exclusive updates.#GymsharkBlackoutpic.twitter.com/fhntYomHm9
And for all you protein junkies, MyProteinsBlack Friday sales have already begun with a minimum 40 percent off using the code: BLACK.
If you're looking for a fitness tracker, such as Fitbit or Garmin, Currys are running amazing deals – so snap up a bargain.
The Nutri Bullet is in every fitness junkies wet dream, and Lidl has unleashed a huge saving on the product. This Friday, you can purchase the 600 series Starter Kit for €49.99 or £39.99.
Nike has daily deals in the lead up to the big day, so check out their website.
JD Sports are also splashing out the savings and before the big day, you can head over and save 50 percent on their men's tees, vests and shorts, and 50 percent off women's tops and shorts too in Ireland. Or if you're located in the UK, they have a 50 percent sale off all clearance AND an extra 20 percent off if you useUnidays.
Adidaslove Black Friday and this year won't be any different, so make sure you keep an eye on their website.
Argoshas launched their Black Friday deals already and they will last until November 27, so if you're in need of a telly or laptop, you know where to shop.
The king of the dealsAmazon, has incredible savings on all your tech gear and they've already got their sale well underway.
One place we didn't think of looking for our tech goodies was Lidl. But the supermarket has some UNREAL deals on tablets and the Philips 6203 Series 50" 4K Ultra Slim Smart LED TV. Check out the sweet deals if you're an ROI gal, here. Or if you're a British babe, here.
Harvey Normanare also getting involved in the action and you can sign up to their email service to get all the best offers.
Therapie Clinicare offering a massive 20 percent off for Black Friday. The Therapie Clinic Black Friday sale is running from November 19 to 25, AND, beauty lovers can get 20 percent off laser hair removal, skincare treatments and gift vouchers this Black Friday. To check out their sweet deals and all the T&C's, see their website.
Beauty Bay are taking part in this week's events and have said that their offers are on their way.
The savings are already happening at Superdrug, from toothbrushes to make-up and skincare, check them out here if you're from the UK and here if you're from Ireland.
Boots have also joined the fun and enjoy a variety of savings on a wide number of items here (ROI) and here (UK).
Debenhamsare spoiling us with offers starting from Tuesday, November 20, and their Black Friday sale won't be one to miss with their furniture deals. You can update the decor just in time for Christmas.
Argoshave some sweet deals on their homeware and hopefully, they'll only get better as the week goes on.
Harvey Norman has loads of live Black Friday offers, which includes 60 percent off bedroom furniture and 50 percent off dining furniture.
House of Frasercurrently have up to 60 percent off on selected lines, so go check them out.
I can hear your bank account screaming from here, happy shopping.
The 25-year-old has been dating Alex for almost two years.
She said, "I hear a violinist and I'm like, 'That's going in my wedding!' I love strings, the whole idea of marriage…the day and the dress. I'm a hopeless romantic but, at the same time, I'm career-driven first."
She continued, "I know marriage is lovely and cute, but I'd rather just be with Alex for the rest of my life if I had to pick."
Meanwhile, her fellow band mate Leigh-Anne Pinnock also admitted that she wants to wed her bf, Watford FC footballer Andre Gray.
The 27-year-old, who has been dating Andre for more than two years, said, "Do you know what I'm excited for? Our names. To say Andre and Leigh-Anne Gray in letters."
She continued, "Obviously we want to get married. Like I'm more excited to get married than have kids. I've planned every detail of my wedding…the big day. I've been planning it a long time."
They deffo seem to have their minds made up – good luck to their lads.
Amid shutdowns in commercial surrogacy programmes in some of Europe’s most notable destinations, parents from abroad are turning their hopeful eyes to Ukraine. Would you?
While it’s rarely the first choice of any hopeful family, surrogacy can sometimes be the last viable option available to couples in need.
While contemporary medicine has be able to address a myriad of infertility issues, there are still some that are insurmountable. Leaving parents in need with few options.
Surrogacy is a hot debate in the media right now and has been for at least the last decade. Few countries have ideal legislation concerning the practice while others outright ban it.
Countries that were prominent for commercial surrogacy practices, such as India, Thailand, and Nepal, have closed extra national programmes due to reports of exploitation.
So where does that leave parents hoping to secure the future of their families? “Most of our clients are heartbroken when they come to us,” a spokesperson for a prominent multinational surrogacy company explains.
“Surrogacy is rarely anyone’s first choice, and the faith that the process requires is monumental.”
Dr. Rashmed Tounsend, has been working with the Valencia based company Ilaya since it’s advent in 2011. Ilaya services Ukraine surrogacy programmes but operates out of Spain.
“I think that most couples would prefer to work with a surrogate that was local to their home country, but due to legislation and cost, that option is largely unavailable to them,” Tounsend tells us.
Ukraine has seen a surge in their surrogacy numbers since larger countries have been forced to ban the practice, but booming business hasn’t been enough to curb some couples concerns about exploitation and treatment of surrogate mothers.
Following the terrifying reports of the exploitative practices of surrogacy industry leaders, many intended parents hesitate to look abroad for their possible options. However, many are left with no choice.
With the rising costs of surrogacy programmes at home, or strict laws that don’t allow for a reliable avenue to pursue such procedures, families aren’t given many options.
The average cost for a surrogacy program in the US starts at around $90,000. Prices continue to rise should patients require multiple IVF attempts or run into other complications.
And that’s only if you live in a state where surrogacy is legal. “Couples from states that do not allow for surrogacy can see an increase in their total costs due to travel arrangements and necessities.” Tounsend reminds us.
For families from such countries as the UK or Australia, travelling to a country like the U.S. for surrogacy is completely out of the question, due to financial constraints.
This leaves these families searching for options that are closer and much less costly. “Ukraine then becomes a much more viable option, because it’s located in mainland Europe, so no specialised visas are required for travel.” Tounsend says.
Flights from the UK to mainland Europe can be obtained at a fraction of the cost of those to the US.
Surrogacy: The Only Choice for Some
Surrogacy in the Ukraine has been strictly regulated since 2000. Laws outlining the rights of intended parents, as well as setting parameters for who is eligible to become a surrogate, were set in place.
Largely due to this legislation, as well as having high standards for medical care, saw Ukraine sweeping up many families who were looking to secure a surrogate outside of their home country. However, these laws can be difficult to regulate properly.
There have been reports for surrogate mothers receiving less than ideal medical care, and being victims of obvious malpractice. One report mentions mothers being treated “like cattle” and mocked by doctors.
While officials stress that this is not the norm, whispers of malpractice and embryo swapping have also been heard, although are still unfounded as of yet.
While it may not be an easy choice to make for many couples, it is one that has provided positive results for many.
Health experts in Ukraine estimate that there are over 2,500 babies born to surrogates each year in their country, which makes them familiar with the practice.
They also offer novel medical techniques and incentives that are not seen in other countries, like an unlimited number of IVF attempts, and no age restrictions regarding gamete supplication from intended parents.
Surrogate mothers that are found eligible are set to earn well above what would be expected from a Ukrainian minimum wage.
However, commercial surrogacy abroad is still not risk free, and hopeful parents are urged to do thorough research before choosing a clinic to continue the procedure with.
Which continues to make the choice a difficult one for families who worry about more than just the financial costs of surrogacy.
“Ukraine surrogacy is just one of the options that we offer prospective parents. There are other avenues available to some couples.
While it’s not the first choice for many, it’s a choice that our clients are extremely satisfied with in the end. Ultimately, our goal is to provide safety and happiness to our clients and our surrogate mothers.
Whatever avenue is the best for all parties involved, is the one we pursue.” Tounsend says.
We, on the other hand, roll out of bed and can only pray that we manage to look semi-decent instead of the apocalyptic zombie which was passed out in bed only moments earlier…
If I can remember to put toothpaste on my toothbrush instead of moisturiser, I think I’m winning.
These celebrity gals, however, are often expected to look #RedCarpetReady 24 hours a day, which sounds exhausting, to be honest.
We decided it was time to watch these notorious Vogue Vids to study the movements and cosmetic habits of faces such as Bad Gal Riri (she doesn’t need make-up, make-up needs her), Emily Ratajkowski, Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid to see just how relatable these ladies are.
We were inspired by the hilarious Maddison Bush, who uploaded parody version of a make-up tutorial while attempting to imitate Vogue's famous faces.
Hint: not relatable in the slightest. Not even close to it.
1. First up, Bella Hadid.
As we all know, Bella is one half of the supermodel sister duo of herself and Gigi Hadid, AKA: two of the most ridiculously stunning human beings on the planet. We actually doubt if they’re human… they look like they were made in a laboratory for beautiful people. No fair.
From the very start of these videos, it’s already hard to find anything in common with these women. They are all doing their beauty regime in unnaturally aesthetic bathrooms in luxurious hotels or mansions, whereas we’re struggling to find a mirror that isn’t covered in foundation smudge marks, or are possibly in the queue for the house bathroom for the last 35 minutes.
From the second models such as Bella face the camera, it’s difficult to choke down the fact that they aren’t wearing any make-up because they already look damn FLAWLESS.
Like, wig = snatched from the beginning. *sigh*
The videos are also alarmingly short, considering most of us take at least 15 minutes to put our faces on. The fact that famous faces only take 5 minutes to look that good is frankly both disturbing and insulting to my pale palour.
(I’ve been asked if I am anaemic countless times, I’ve just started saying yes now, it’s easier).
Bella begins by saying “models can do their own make-up too!” Good to know, Bella. Good to know. You’re very normal.
She continues by saying, “I look really tired because I’ve been travelling for two months straight.” You poor gal Bella, travelling the world in private jets and glamorous clothing must be devastating to your complexion.
Bella uses concealer, a contour stick, highlighter, brow pencil, lash primer and mascara to complete her look in five minutes.
By the end of the video, she’s essentially ready for the Victoria’s Secret carpet, minus the wings. It’s offensive. *cries in poor*
Relatability level: 2/5.
2. Kendall Jenner. Also known as ‘KANDALL JANNARRR’.
She’s already using products we can’t even dream of affording without selling our organs illegally online, so the relatability factor is null from the beginning.
She claims that she “learns a lot from being on set.” Us too, Kendall. We frequent photoshoots on the reg constantly, it’s the cross we bear.
Relatability level: 1/5. Sorry Kendall, but your bathroom alone is next level boujee.
3. Lili Reinhart.
Our third gal is Riverdale’s gorgeous Betty Cooper herself, Lili Reinhart. We have high hopes for this one, seeing as her social media presence is all about positivity and female empowerment, as well as Cole Sprouse, AKA Coal Sprouts, Jughead Jones.
Lili also begins her video by eating food on camera, it seems to be a common ‘relatability’ tactic. This time, it’s Chinese food. She has us hooked.
She also admits from the beginning that she already has foundation on, thank God. If that was her natural complexion I think I’d have had to tell her to stay in her lane.
Lili doesn’t mention the products which she uses, which we translate to mean that we probably cannot afford them…
She uses pink eyeshadow, lip gloss, a basic nude foundation and of course, concealer and highlighter. Voila, she’s ready for her close-up.
Relatability level: 3/5. She’s the winner so far, mainly due to her Chinese wontons. They just look so tasty.
4. Emily Ratajkowski.
Ah, the notorious sexy selfie queen.We have serious doubts about the relatability level of this gal, she’s got cheekbones for days and an enviable glowing tan.
Plus she could look sexy even if she went to Coppers until 6am the night before and had an absolute ‘mare when those jägerbombs came back to haunt her. The hardest look to pull off, arguably.
She comments that “I do my own make-up for red carpets a lot”. Same, tbh…
All this girl needs is Pat McGrath lipgloss, her blush which she confesses to be addicted to, and a bit of concealer. Wait… that’s it? That’s all it takes? Seriously?
We quit. We are the weakest link, goodbye.
<
Relatability level: 0/5. Sorry Emily, but you took a duck-face selfie when you were done, and DIDN’T delete it or take a second take. That’s downright blasphemy in our books, we need at least 13 photos before we can find one we don’t hate.
5. Rihanna
Last, but not least, BAD GAL RIRI. An icon. A sass queen. Fenty Beauty extraordinaire, we have high hopes for this one.
From the beginning of the ten minute long gift, RiRi shows off her bubbly personality without plugging her own products at all, which is a miracle in itself.
If you haven’t tried using Fenty Beauty products, girl you are MISSING OUT. They’re flawless.
Some of Rihanna’s best quotes from this video include:
“Everyone knows concealer is made for hiding bags and dark circles, and hangovers and bad decisions.” YAS queen, she’s in the know. Riri gets the struggle.
“You’ve got to have powder for when you get greasy on the fly, honey.” Preach it.
“Pink eyeshadow says summer, sunset, love, drama, BITCHES.” We would pray to the church of Rihanna, honestly.
“The key to highlighter is not to be afraid, make-up is fun. It’s there to play with.” She hits the nail on the head, so many of us can find make-up intensely frustrating when we are expected to follow certain trends and look a certain way.
At the end of the day, beauty products should be used for our own enjoyment and empowerment, and if make-up doesn’t empower you, your natural beauty is all you need.
Riri claims that she learned how to contour when she gained weight and wanted to hide her ‘double chin’ and forehead, which was hugely surprising to us. Superstar celebrities have insecurities too, gals.
“The best teacher is yourself.” Say it louder for the people in the back, Rihanna. Everyone has their own unique look, individual face and preferred beauty regimens. You don’t have to look to famous people to understand your own complexion, all you need is you.
Riri relatability level: 4/5. Her personality is down-to-earth, her tips are one of a kind and her products are gold star standard.
We have to remind ourselves that these celebrities have picked up countless tips from the top make-up artists in the business, whereas we got free eyeshadows from magazines as 11-year-olds back when YouTube make-up tutorials didn’t exist (yes, there was a time, believe it or not) and gave ourselves pinkeye.
I lost count of how many allergic reactions I had to dodgy make-up after my 3827th eye infection from cheap “make-up”.
I wouldn’t even call it make-up honestly, I suspect that magazine eyeshadows were essentially homemade concoctions of flour and food dye.
Fast forward a few years, and YouTube beauty accounts have blown up across the internet, courtesy of teenagers who are DYING to know how to contour.
The word contour genuinely did not exist until recently in Ireland, we were simple folk back then.
There was eyeshadow (roughly 4 colours), orange foundation, mascara and lip gloss which was just Vaseline that had notions about itself.
In 2018, the cosmetic industry is bigger than ever, and is only beginning to include minorities in its world, thanks to brands such as Fenty Beauty creating more foundation shades.
It can be difficult to relate to any models in the beauty industry, no matter who they are. However you mould your own look in the mirror, imitate Rihanna and declare “I look cute!”
Always finish your look by feeling yo’self, it matters that you are feeling good, not just looking good.
We have protein pizza, We have protein doughnuts. We have protein ICE CREAM for crying out loud.
But now, the Irish fit fam and gym bruhs and gunnies of the world have encroached their obsession with fulfilling daily nutrition goals on a product that we thought would be safe – the Advent Calendar.
Over on Twitter, one user shared a snap of a Protein Advent Calendar he spotted in Tesco last week.
@Island Miles' upload has garnered quite a lot of attention, with many lambasting our obsession with protein as having gone too far in this instance.
The calendar features a seriously buff reindeer wearing a knitted Christmas jumper which reads 'Merry Fitmas and a Happy New Rear.'
On his arm is a lady reindeer, decked out in gym leggings and a festively patterned gym top. She is laden down with a Santa's sack, full of protein shakers and gym water bottles.
The Spice Girls are officially reuniting to work on new projects, so if any year was going to channel the 90s era, it seems like 2018 is the year.
There are a few things that completely defined the 90s for us, and we wouldn't mind having around these days to go with our new Spice Girls album:
9. Pokemon
If there was any show that we rushed home from school to watch, it was Pokemon.
A real life reboot would be more than welcome, but who would play Ash?
8. Gameboy
Gameboys revolutionised the handheld gaming concept, and ours were filled with the likes of Thew Sims, Spyro, Crash Bandicoot and Final Fantasy cartridges.
We wouldn't mind one nowadays to entertain us on the commute.
7. Buffy The Vampire Slayer
One of the 90s most iconic shows – we still stream it to this day.
6. DIY Hair wraps
There was always some one in our class who came back from their holidays with a hair wrap – the absolute pinnacle of primary school glamour.
Their popularity led to the development of DIY hair wrap contraptions that more often than not ended up with us having to get our hair chopped off, but if they could improve the technology, we would nit be opposed to a cheeky hair wrap.
Okay so obviously Mr Freeze's are still in existence, but somewhere around the early 00s, the flavours changed.
We reminisce on the days where you had to absolutely wrestle your sibling for the last blue ice pop in the box.
4. Tamagotchis
All 90s kids will remember the horror of getting your Tamagotchi confiscated in primary school, only to get no sympathy after choruses of "but he'll die, Miss" from your teacher.
3. The X-Files
The 90s was the heyday of supernatural TV dramas, and The X-Files captured the imaginations of sci-fi fans the world over.
With all the reboots of vintage TV shows happening at the moment, we wouldn't be mad if The X-Files was among them.
2. Dairylea Lunchables
We had to absolutely beg our parents to buy us these for our lunch boxes, and while we were very rare;ly successful, the few times we were we felt like absolute chefs building our own cheese, ham and cracker towers.
