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BGN interviews the cast and crew of the Lionsgate film The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

Featured in the interviews are: Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Alex Pettyfer, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Babs Olusamokun, Cary Elwes and Jerry Bruckheimer.

Based upon recently declassified files of the British War Department and inspired by true events, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is an action-comedy that tells the story of the first-ever special forces organization formed during WWII by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill and a small group of military officials including author Ian Fleming. The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly “ungentlemanly” fighting techniques. Ultimately their audacious approach changed the course of the war and laid the foundation for the British SAS and modern Black Ops warfare.

Interviewer: Jamie Broadnax

Video Editor: Jamie Broadnax

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare premieres in theaters nationwide April 19th.

Mario Castello/Corbis/VCG/ Getty Images By India Espy-Jones ·Updated March 29, 2024

“Contour is a staple in the beauty world,” Fenty Beauty Global Makeup Artist Priscilla Ono tells ESSENCE. “It’s a technique that defines and sculpts the face by using light and dark shades to accentuate, create, and enhance.” After foundation, contour is a great way to add dimension to your makeup look. However, “not everyone has the same face shape,” Ono says. Learning the best sculpting techniques for yours is the key to giving yourself a face lift, as opposed to walking outside with harsh lines.

Although contour “is not a one-size-fits all approach,” less is certainly more with this makeup step. From finding shades to complement your skin tone, to blending well and avoiding over-contouring, following Ono’s do’s and don’ts can take your look from flat to fierce in just a few swipes.  

Below, Ono walks us through her secret to defining and sculpting the face.

“After foundation, take the contour and apply it directly to the areas of the face you want defined. I will usually start by lifting the cheekbones, then go around to the temples to define the face, and then add a little under the jawline and chin.”

“My favorite product to contour with is the Fenty Beauty Match Stix Contour Skinstick. I like it because the product glides onto the face so effortlessly, and the easy-to-use stick format is perfect for a targeted application. The creamy formula is also super easy to blend and stays put without creasing or caking.” 

To blend you can use a shaping brush, concealer brush, or even your fingertips. “You can even contour the sides and tips of your nose, bring it into your hairline, and more. It’s truly like art– playing with light and shadows to create shapes,” she says. “Sometimes I will use a sponge because it’s less time-consuming than a brush, and it is easier to blend.”

“You should avoid using a shade that is too dark or warm for your natural skin tone. It’s also important to remember that less is more and to contour only as needed. You want to focus on a more natural lift and definition, rather than a harsh line. Blending is key! Also, avoid over contouring. Only contour the areas that need it. Not everyone has the same face shape, so this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Just ask yourself what areas you want to define,” she says.

“For example, I have a small forehead, so I skip contouring this area. Another thing to note is that you should avoid using the same shade to contour your face and nose. I like to use a cooler, more subtle ‘bone tone.’” 

The post Beauty Secrets: How To Contour With Priscilla Ono appeared first on Essence.

What happens when we have too many programs opened up on our computers? The computer starts to operate at a slower pace. The same applies to our mental computers—our minds. We live in a time where it’s commonplace to have a plethora of things going on simultaneously. However, it still doesn’t take away from the fact that we are human and one of our most basic needs to function is to have a peaceful mind. The reality is this—the more cluttered our minds are, the more cluttered and chaotic our lives will be. Having a clear mind set is vital to us thriving not only in business, but in life. The truly successful life is a balanced life.

Keep your environment clean

As simple as that sounds, it’s very important. Our surroundings are often a direct reflection of what’s going on inside and mentally. The physical act of cleaning is a cathartic experience that brings a sense of accomplishment, ease, and is symbolic for picking up the clutter in our lives.

Carve out quiet time daily

No matter how chaotic your life may be, you have at least five to 10 minutes to still yourself and sit in total silence. It is often in silence where we begin to see clarity manifest. Without clarity no task or dream will ever be accomplished.  Silence also provides serenity and quells any anxiety one could be experiencing. This exercise can be done anytime during the day. Start out with five minutes and slowly begin to increase it.

Mapping

Create a map of all the things that are cluttering your mind. Place them in order of importance. Come up with a plan to attack each task one by one. Please exercise patience. This is an exercise to ease the angst and craziness that often occurs with a cluttered mind.

Exercise

The benefits of exercise are limitless. The endorphins released during exercise provide clarity, creativity, and energy. All are needed for optimal mental health and acuity.

Video journal

Almost everyone has a smartphone with a decent camera on it. Take some time to pour out your thoughts. The great thing is it doesn’t have to make sense nor does it have to be pretty or refined. This is an exercise in brain dumping. Moreover, get rid of everything that is vying for space in your mind.

Give yourself a break

The easiest yet hardest thing for most to do is to take a time out. We often think we are missing out and should always be doing something. This notion often leads to mental overload, and in the end it usually does more damage than good. Allow yourself some time to just do nothing. Watch some TV, read a book, cook, or go for a walk. Do something every day that has nothing to do with the weight of the thoughts going through your mind.

Remember, we have the ability to not only change our world, but the world as a whole…BE GREAT!!

By Tayler Adigun ·Updated March 29, 2024

To date, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has resulted in the death of over 12,300 Palestinians, including at least 4,000 children, and led to the displacement of an estimated 1.5 million people. This has been a globally harrowing moment that has been nearly 80 years in the making. In short– a genocide of an indigenous population. 

When tragedy strikes so far away, it is easy to feel helpless or dejected to the whims of those in power. Of course, there is much to be said about our elected officials’ actions or lack thereof in times of crises, but there are still actionable ways we can show our alliance through our purchasing power. Afterall, aligning your pockets with your beliefs is one of the strongest forms of solidarity.

In support of those efforts and to further amplify needed voices of the cause, below, we have compiled a list of beauty brands that are vocal and steadfast in their support of Palestine. 

Founded by Olamide Olowe, Topicals has been an incubator of change in the skincare industry since its launch in 2020.The brand makes products, like the Faded Serum and Like Butter Moisturizer, for various skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Most recently, they’ve launched the Slick Salve Mint Balm. A portion of these proceeds will be donated to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF).

Founded in 2013 by US-Iraqi beauty mogul Huda Kattan, an OG of the beauty blogger era, Huda Beauty has taken the beauty space by storm digitally and IRL. Kattan has been forthcoming with her support of the Palestinian people on both her personal and professional pages, sharing the direness of standing “on the side of the oppressed,” and pledging to donate $1 million between Huda Beauty and their sister companies to charity organizations, Doctors Without Borders and Human Appeal as shared on the brand’s Instagram page. The money will go towards water, hygiene kits, fuel, and medical care for the people in Gaza.

Launched in 2018, Kayali is the fragrance subsidiary of Huda Beauty. A joint venture between Huda and her sister, the “perfume princess” Mona Kattan, Kayali has quickly become an aromatic mainstay of the scent world on TikTok. They gained fame for their indulgent scents and aesthetic packaging. But, beyond signature aromas, the brand has been clear in its support of Palestine, as demonstrated by their social media posts and monetary pledge.

The third branch of the Huda Beauty empire, Wishful Skin, was launched in 2020 by Huda Kattan with a focus on “soft, smooth skin [and] diminished pores.” In tandem with Huda Beauty and Kayali, they will be contributing towards a donation of $1 million towards the people of Gaza.

Founded in 2014 by husband and wife duo Sal Ali and Farah Dhukai, Farsáli is a cruelty-free skincare brand offering a wide selection of facial creams and serums with an onus on ethical sourcing and sustainable self-care.

As a part of its Black Friday sale, for every item sold, the brand pledged a day’s worth of food to feed children in Gaza. “With every product sold, we’ll donate a day’s worth of nutritious food to help a child in Gaza,” a post on the brand’s Instagram stated. Further, the brand has shared that regardless of sales, they are committed to donating at least $20,000

Glossy makeup is the creative output of Natasha Zaki, a renowned makeup artist who has worked with industry giants including Pat Mcgrath, Dior and Lanvin. In response to the ongoing crisis in Palestine, Zaki has utilized both her professional and personal platforms to speak out against the inhumane treatment of the Palestinian people, describing the continual bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces as an inexcusable strike against justice. “Justice is regarded as the greatest and most fundamental moral virtue, overarching and taking precedence over all others. Equally, however, justice remains the most contentious moral, ethical, political and social issue of our time,” Zaki shared on her Instagram. 

The post 6 Beauty Brands In Support Of Palestine appeared first on Essence.