Ladies… The ReallyRich.com boys need your help!

Every day we get letters from women suffering with bullying at home, domestic violence and brutal attacks every day of their lives.

To coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this October Your Online Gay Best Friends will be launching a huge campaign aimed at raising awareness of this personality crushing bullying that many of our readers live with on the daily basis.

The month-long project will bring you daily articles and videos from people who have suffered with domestic violence and the experts who helped them escape.

But! It can’t happen without your help. We’re asking any reader who suffers with any kind of domestic violence to email us in confidence and help others in a similar situation. We’re looking for people to take part in the campaign and be interviewed. We will never identify anyone who does not want to be made known.

Email mike@reallyrich.com or rich@reallyrich.com in complete confidence.

Domestic abuse takes many forms and often isn’t even physical – but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t leave scars. Never stand for it – stand up to it. Together we can speak out and make a difference to thousands of women. Check out Women’s Aid and Refuge.

OMG You Guys!

So Rich and I were in London Saturday Night with friends after catching Legally Blond The Musical at the London Palladium and guess who we bumped into in G.A.Y Night Club? – none other than Miss Kylie Minogue!

The Princess of Pop was back in London from performing in Ibiza all week, for an exclusive and “secret” appearance at G.A.Y. But if you tell a one gay man Kylie’s in town – you know the whole gang is going to turn up! The venue was packed to bursting you could barely breathe. And girls, I can tell you, thousands of sweaty men packed together ain’t always a good thing – But OMG was it worth it!

A metallic gold-clad Kylie burst onto the stage just before 1.30am and, looking flawless, rocked through a breathtaking set that included her new single ‘All The Lovers’ and other album tracks. She also belted out some old favs such as ‘BetterThe Devil You Know’ ‘In Your Eyes’ and ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ much to the roar and whistles from the crowd.

Kylie seemed on top form, looked amazing and laughing with the crowd throughout. When balloons fell from the heavens and glitter bombs exploded the superstar even joined in with the balloon fights, knocking them back into the audience screaming, “it’s crazy in here guys.” You couldn’t wipe the smile from her face bless her.

The performance marked Kylie’s 10th appearance at G.A.Y Night Club in London, and celebrated her album, Aphrodite, reaching number one in the UK.

To top off the night, G.A.Y’s Jeremy Joseph presented Kylie with a massive cake featuring the number one, and also a gigantic teddy bear from Hamley’s, bearing a T-Shirt with the words, “Auntie Kylie.” As you know Kylie’s sister Dannii gave birth to a beautiful baby boy last week. Soooo sweet.

A highlight for me was surely during her last song she shouted to the audience, “You know how much I love you don’t you?” with only a colossal roar as a reply.

Well Kylie, if you only knew how grateful Rich and I were to be lucky enough to be there… We most definitely love you too. You’re a super star!

Mike x

Hello again, I’m now back from my summer break in France, which was simply beautiful. Lots of red wine, good food and relaxing on the beach.

While on holiday I was talking to a friend of mine and we were discussing topics for this weekly column which ranged from how to dress if your pregnant and where to get your clothes – at this point she nearly collapsed over the somewhat impossible task of finding ‘cool’ maternity wear – through to sexy evening wear and lingerie.

Now remember, I’m tasked here with writing tips for women on how to dress and how to look sexy, so I can only really go on what I think, so please, no comments about a successful experience with edible knickers!

Lets start with underwear. I’m definitely of the belief that a little more than a little less is far sexier to a man. I’ve bought underwear for my girlfriends plenty of times before and watched in horror as men not so au fait with shopping pick up (almost everytime) silky red knickers with the opposite lace edging (black) or the skimpiest pair of knickers known to man. If they cost £30, you would have £29.50 stuck up your arse!

On the underwear front I would advise that you show your partner some photos of women in their underwear and ask him what he likes. Inevitably he may chose bum floss everytime, but you have to be comfortable to be sexy and you have to compliment you own body too. Also, showing him photos is sexy and not really a chore.

Now, I’m not saying that wearing support knickers is the way forward here, it isn’t, but there are so many lovely pairs of knickers and bras that ooze SEX that are out there and it’s about making the right combination look good on you, so you have to FEEL sexy, comfortable and not like you’re on the set of a porno.

My personal affordable favourites would be Floozie and Elle MacPherson.

Knowing that you have sexy underwear on can also make you feel very womanly, attractive and sexy on a night out whatever size you are, but lets look at some golden rules – golden being the operative word!

If you don’t have the legs, butt or tummy to wear figure-hugging clothes and short dresses, then don’t. Be stylish. Classic cut trousers with flat, or pleated front with a flair or tailored into the ankle are very sexy and cool, worn with a heal or flat studded sandals.

A sexy vest under an open jacket or frilled shirt on its own also looks cool with a nice pair of trousers. Remember to accessories the top and compliment with a belt. Hair neatly down with a cut-in fringe or roughed and held up looks classic and sexy.

I’m also a huge fan of the jump-suit and maxi for any shape.

But perhaps the cardinal sin women make on a night out is the orange face and hands. Be subtle, men don’t like orange women and women don’t like orange men, we’re not umpa lumpas!

Nice nails, a sexy perfume (Agent Provocateur) and knowing you have sexy underwear on, combined with a lovely stylish (but comfortable) evening outfit and you’re nearly there!

Go to Clinique for a make-up makeover and advice. It’s worth every penny!

Until next week…

Robin x

The lifestyle of a girl is becoming evermore hectic with every year that passes. Whether it’s late nights at the office, early mornings with the kids or just plain partying, all these long hours and lack of sleep are bound to have an adverse effect on your skin…so what do we do girls? Fight back. Introducing Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage…

I’ve been using Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum twice a day for two weeks and I’ve never felt anything like it. Fast approaching my mid-twenties, I am concerned about the ever-increasing weight of the baggage under my eyes – and what long-term effects this may have on my skin. Having always put day and night cream around my eye area, nothing feels as good and tightens the area around my eyes like the Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage. After using it, my skin felt totally tingly and fresh…it’s a feeling that’s hard to describe!

The instantly cooling medical grade stainless steel ball deposits a liquid gel-serum to help massage and refresh puffy eyes, reduce the appearance of dark circles and brighten the eye area. All About Eyes Serum incorporates Amentoflavone and Humulus Lupulus Extract, unique ingredients with soothing properties for the skin. The Caffeine in it also helps reduce the appearance of irritation and puffiness that may accumulate under your delicate eye area – perfect if you’re one of the 9/10 gals with a hectic lifestyle!

The best bit about Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage is it’s portability. I’ve been throwing mine in my man-bag during the day, slipping it in my pocket during nights out and pretty much taking it wherever I go. I’ve subtly applied it on the train, in the car, in my friend’s bathroom, in a nightclub…literally wherever. No more do I hear “You look tired Rich” – even if I feel like Frankenstein, I still look fabulous.

Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum is suitable for all skin types. To apply, just gently roll the ball under the eye beginning at the inner corner and rolling towards the outer corner with gentle pressure. Repeat and use a finger to tap in any excess liquid after the second application until fully absorbed. Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum can also be used under or over makeup and layered with other eye treatment products. For best results though, I recommend applying in the morning as a base for eye makeup and then throughout the day as needed.

The Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage costs approximately £20 / €29.00 / $25.50 and is available online, or at all good department stores.

Here is the new trailer for the last of the Harry Potter Saga: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The finale of Harry Potter will stretch over 2 parts, one released in November 2010 and the other July 2011.

So for all those who hate Harry Potter you’re going to have to put up with him and his friends Hermione and Ron for another year! But for all those of you who can’t get enough of the magic, your time with Harry just got extended…

I personally can’t wait to see how they end it… But what will happen Christmas 2011? Harry Potter has dominated the festive screenings for so long…

What do you think of the trailer?

Mike x

The sun seems to be out again, and with temperatures potentially soaring through June/July I can only imagine what nightmare get-ups I’m about to witness as thousands of men across the country plough through their drawers at home looking for the short/T-shirt combinations.

This week ladies the heat is off you. I’m going to give you a quick once-over of how to dress your boyfriend this summer so that you don’t feel like you have to walk three or four paces behind.

The key things that look horrendous on men when they decide to strip off include…pale, hairy feet and legs; three-quarter-length sports trousers or those with the toggle at the bottom; Bright coloured T-Shirts with comedy, cartoon, Mr Men logos; Football shirts (unless vintage Italy, Holland, France, England red 1966 full sleeve or Spain) and those awful comfort sandals that are bordering on correction footwear.

So, as with the ladies, the important thing for men to do is add a hint of colour to the skin, including feet, before exposing them to the unsuspecting public.
Ladies, you can do this for your man. It will save those embarrassing orange streaks that he will inevitably get after applying a tanning moisturiser and it COULD also lead to something quite naughty!

Hairy toes is always a no, no. It’s not so bad with a tan, but girls, again, I’m afraid it’s up to you to keep your man’s random hairs in-tact. Make sure he has moisturised his feet, that his nails are well looked after and hairs neatly preened and not sporadic.

Footwear is simple in the sun – Havaiana flip-flops, Birkenstocks and espadrilles or a suede loafer (Florio Kurt Geiger £95) work brilliantly with a subtle tan and knee length shorts. They also work with rolled up jeans (baggy or slim) and linen for the smarter casual attire.

Shorts can be a real sticking point for men. What length, style, colour? It’s easy, for out and about shopping wear a short that reaches the top of the knee in a nice navy, Khaki or dark green – H&M do nicely priced colours and styles. Don’t be afraid of gingham or checked shorts either, because they look trendy and stylish.

T-shirts should compliment the shorts, for example, a khaki short would look good with a navy T-Shirt and navy shorts look good with a white T-shirt.

Only wear vests if you have a nice colour and shape. A belly and flabby tattooed arms is a no, no. However, if you have a shape and tattoos (nicely designed NOT bulldogs) that’s fine – I have tattooed arms myself!

Vests can be accompanied by accessories, such as drooping chains and bracelets, but please, NEVER put your man in tight neck chain with a tooth on it or beads. IT IS NOT COOL!

Evening wear can be rolled up trousers, jeans or shorts, and it’s nice to wear a thin cotton shirt in white, navy or black. However, if the weather is hot a T-shirt is fine. Vests are a no, no in the evening unless you’re very cool and abroad or wearing one under an open shirt.

A loose open cardigan can look great over a vest or shirt!

On younger men you can’t beat (if the skin is well kept and tinted) a nice flip-flop, knee length short, T-shirt or vest with Ray Bans and a straw hat with accessories.
For those a bit older, make a variation of this look but with a T-shirt and Birkenstock.
H&M, Top Man, Zara, New Look all cater for you within very fair prices. Schuh, Office will have the flip-flops and the Birkenstocks.

Happy dressing! : )

Robin x

Read my previous column about dressing yourself in the summer here

ReallyRich.com are proud to team up once again with Clinique, our favourite cosmetic brand. This time we’re bringing you a step-by-step video makeup tutorial to help you achieve that flawless, custom-finished Clinique look.

We took a trip to Selfridges London and picked up some priceless makeup tips from Jannine Burton – one of Clinique’s leading consultants.

Luckily for you, we brought along our trusty video camera to capture every moment so you can benefit fron Jannine’s beauty wisdom.

Yes, so many of you were writing to us with your questions about foundation, concealer, eye shadow, mascara, lip gloss and lipstick that we decided to take your questions to the experts and pick up all the secret dos and don’ts to achieving perfect makeup for every skin type.

Plus we took along Sophie, one of ReallyRich.com’s loyal readers as our Clinique model!

So it’s time to get the right foundation tone to match your skin, rid your eyes of those dark patches and apply a lip gloss correctly so it lasts all day!

For all the products used in the film check out the list below, paying special attention to Clinique’s fabulous Airbrush Concealer!

Lots of Love,

Mike and Rich xxx

Products Used:

Superfit Makeup in Bare

Blushwear Cream Stick in Rosy Blush

http://www.clinique.co.uk/product/1596/5011/Makeup/Concealers/Airbrush-Concealer/All-Skin-Types/index.tmpl

Quick Eyes Cream Shadow in Truffle

Instant Lift for Brows in Deep Brown

Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine in Cherry Bomb

http://www.clinique.co.uk/product/1687/5089/Skin-Care/Moisturizers/Moisture-Surge-Extended-Thirst-Relief/All-Skin-Types/index.tmpl

Moisture Surge Facial Spray

Foundation Brush

Concealer Brush

High Impact Curling Mascara in Black

Hi Mike,

Ever since I told my boyfriend that a girlfriend at work has regular threesomes he won’t stop going on about her and has even suggested we should invite her over one evening!

Excuse me?! Yer right! It’s obvious he just wants to get in her pants!

Obviously each time he suggests it I tell him it’s out of the question, but he still won’t stop. Almost every day he mentions how ‘cool’ it would be to see me ‘get off’ with her and he doesn’t seem to realise how much it’s starting to upset me. Even when I tell him I’m not attracted to her he still doesn’t understand – then asking me if I would consider other women! He’s THAT desperate to sleep with someone else other than me!

What do I do Mike? At first it was pathetic but now it’s really starting to affect our relationship. Like, during sex I think about her – and then him and her – and quite frankly it’s ruining everything. How do I get him to stop pressuring me to have a threesome? Should I say yes to just get it out of his system?

Thanks for your help

Susie – 27, Glasgow.

Susie, Susie, Susie…

Peer pressure from your partner can be upsetting and sometimes down-right annoying but should you be disregarding his threesome requests so quickly? Yes, when you say no, he should listen to you., But in the same way when he says suggests a threesome you should be listening too hunny, because it sounds like the extra woman doesn’t matter to him. What matters and what excites him… is you.

Most men pressure their partners to have threesomes not because they are bored but simply because they are just horny boys, who want to spice things up and see their girl do something sexy and dirty with someone else. If you took him up on the offer his focus would be on you throughout the sex – I’d put money on it!

Feeling awkward when doing anything adventurous is normal. I would actually urge you to try it with the understanding you are doing it as a couple and have to support each other. You could even have a password that is used to stop the threesome if it gets too much.

I’m also not sure how exciting he thinks a threesome is going to be! Often sex with strangers can be the most awkward sex of all – with all parties unsure of what everyone else enjoys and most people being too shy to be honest about the things that really excite them.

There’s nothing wrong with trying threesomes but taking that next step in a sexual relationship can often take you right back to square one and trust me… you don’t want to go back there. If you look up ‘Shit Sex’ in the dictionary I swear ‘Mike and Rich’s first time’ will come up. Lol

What’s important Susie is being sure of your limits and what you enjoy, and trusting your partner enough to be adventurous.

Good luck gal,

Let me know how you get on.

Mike x

Well a warm hello and welcome to my first column for ReallyRich.com. This column aims to help you dress the correct way for every situation, and, take my word for it, nobody knows what looks good on a woman better than me! So Gok Wan, you can do wan. Now’s the time for the brutal fashion truth.

Now you’re probably looking towards my credentials as a fashion expert before I kick-start what I hope will be a long beautiful friendship, so here’s all you need to know…

I’ve spent a lot of my life – all of 35 years – people-watching and observing some of the most outrageous fashion faux pas – from those god-awful dark blue, gold stitched jeggings through to the birds nest rock-chick hairdos that make me feel like going in to drug rehab.

This, paired with an extreme love of fashion/style for both men and women, hands-on experience in the world of fashion journalism and PR and being somebody that people look up to for advice makes me, I think, the perfect candidate to pass on my thoughts to you…

For the first column I would like to talk about fashion tips. Where to get the inspiration you need to create a ‘look’ that suits you and that you want.

People-watching is a perfect way to get style tips. We all see people we like the look of, so be vigilant. Look at what people are wearing and how they put their outfits together. The most stylish people haven’t often spent a fortune on clothes. They have accessorised and created a cool way to wear them.

Like everyone else into fashion I like to buy clothes, particularly shoes, jackets and accessories, but if I ever feel like spending more money. I take a look through magazines, I look at how people are putting things together and then do the same with what I have – you’d be surprised with what you can do with what you have already.

That ‘must have’ feeling will go away. I’m terrible for it. For the past god knows how many months I’ve had my eye on a pair of Kurt Geiger Florio loafers for £95, but rather than forking out the cash, I’ll scour for cheaper alternatives and they are always out there.

The key to being confident in clothing does not lie in the clothes themselves, it’s with how you feel in body and mind. Buying new things won’t keep you happy, so being able to ‘stylise’ and mix and match is not only the perfect way to create a cool, trendy look, but also to build confidence and peace of mind – it isn’t easy.

From a new haircut, to a visit to the gym or buying a relatively cheap accessory. All these things make us feel better, but give us a ‘different look’. Look at those horror show women you see dripped head-to-toe in the latest designer names. They look awful because they have no style. It’s the same with men. Look at the football thugs. Head-to-toe in Armani, Lacoste, Stone Island and Burberry, but looking like the average fat man down the local pub.

Don’t feel like your cheating by copying a look – granted, buying exactly the same thing as a your best friend might not be the best way to do this – but certainly look at people, look at magazines, models, celebrities, mix-up a look.

I think one other valid point to make here is not to have just one look. Be flexible. Be the summer hippy, the rock-chick, the sexy office girl. Give yourself personality through your clothes and your hair. You don’t have to stand out from the crowd, but creating a look can be huge fun.

I know this hasn’t been a hugely eye-opening piece of fashion advice, but it’s a concrete base to build from as it’s the basics of fashion – to experiment!

In the coming weeks I’m planning to talk about what not to wear in the summer and why? My favourite dressed male and female celebs and how to dress your boyfriends!

So for now

Goodbye

Please feel free to email me on robin@reallyrich.com

And take a look at my next column…

Lady GaGa’s Alejandro music video has finally been released courtesy of VEVO and YOUTUBE… and it doesn’t disappoint! Eight and a half minutes of what a music video should be.

Perhaps slightly more arty than the Lesbian-jailed filled crowd pleaser Telephone – this video screams Madonna Madonna Madonna!

GQ contributor Steven Klein has been a big artistic influence in the production of this video, famous for recently shooting with Naomi Campbell.

What do you think?