HOW TO CREATE A DIY GABION PLANT STAND

The gabion technique, which involves a metal cage filled with stones, has become increasingly popular in the U.S. Although it has long been used in Europe and Australia for creating retaining walls, fire pits, and furniture supports, you can easily apply this concept to create a unique and durable plant stand for your garden. To make your own, you’ll need three wire tomato cages, some fieldstones, and a round paver for the top. With just a few cuts and strategically placed stones, you’ll have a stylish, sturdy stand that adds vertical interest to your garden. Save money by using stones from your yard or purchasing small river stones in bulk. You can also experiment with different toppers, such as weathered wood, a round metal tray, or a piece of slate. This DIY project takes about an hour to complete, and your gabion plant stand will last for years to come.

What You’ll Need

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS

  • Protective eye gear and gloves
  • Bolt cutter

MATERIALS

  • 3 4-foot-tall heavy-gauge wire tomato cage
  • 16-gauge stainless-steel wire
  • 250 pounds of 6- to 8-inch fieldstones
  • 10-inch-diameter paver
  • Planted container

Instructions

STEP 1: NEST CAGES

Invert the three tomato cages and nest them together, adjusting the cages so the grid openings align evenly. To secure the gabion structure, wrap 4-inch lengths of wire around a few intersections of the cages, fastening them tightly.

STEP 2: CUT OFF CAGE LEGS

Wearing eye protection and gloves, use a bolt cutter to trim the spiked anchor legs of the tomato cages. Cut the legs so they are even with the top ring. Making sure the cuts are level will help keep the planter top steady and ensure the structure remains sturdy.

STEP 3: FILL CAGE

Place the gabion cage in its desired location and begin filling it with fieldstones. Start by adding the largest stones first, then fill in the gaps with smaller rocks, arranging them tightly to minimize any large spaces.

STEP 4: TOP WITH PAVER AND PLANTER

Center a paver on top of the filled tomato cages, ensuring it sits securely. Then, place a potted plant or container of your choice on the paver. For a stylish option, you might consider using a Better Homes & Gardens planter, available at Walmart.

Tip: For a more polished look or to introduce color, consider filling the gabion with stainless steel garden globes instead of rocks. You can find globe sets in various sizes online or at local nurseries. These globes are durable, long-lasting, and can be reused for future projects.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, creating a DIY gabion plant stand is an easy and affordable way to add unique vertical interest to your garden. With just a few simple materials like wire tomato cages, stones, and a paver, you can craft a durable and stylish piece that will last for years. Whether you choose to use fieldstones or opt for decorative stainless steel globes, this project offers endless possibilities to personalize your outdoor space. In just about an hour, you’ll have a functional and eye-catching planter that enhances the beauty of your garden.

When Bared Face Becomes a New Beauty Standard: This Doja Cat No Makeup Look will Definitely Inspire You!

Have you ever wondered that one-day no-makeup looks will become a trend? For years, the #NoMakeupMovement has been around. When makeup is worn frequently that it feels like a chore, you want to confidently walk out with your completely bare face (maybe with just sunscreen on). It’s the time to learn how to love yourself, to know that flaws are normal, no need to hide them. 

Many celebrities have followed this trend. They proudly posted their selfies with their bare face, sometimes with the hashtag #nomakeup. Some said that the trend may be linked to normcore, a fashion movement that is inspired by suburban aesthetics, while others said that it is a balance between pragmatism and feminism. And in this article, we will discover the rise of the no-makeup trend and how it influences individuals as well as the instructions on how to do the no-makeup makeup. 

An Introduction to the No-Makeup Trend

While a bare face is only some people’s everyday look, for the majority, it has been taken as a beauty trend that must be invested in. People tend to spend most money on expensive skincare products and trips to dermatologists, hoping to make their skin look more perfect in replacement of makeup. It undermines the point of this movement, which only focuses on helping people to feel confident in their skin. The wrong approach leads to an issue that has been referred to by some as ‘makeup shaming’. If wearing makeup makes you feel more comfortable, if eyeliner makes your eyes look sharp, then no need to be ashamed of it.

We wonder if no makeup movement becomes something that is being applied and taken as a standard to be strived for, instead of creating a space for those who want to be themselves without makeup. This raises a concern that what if we are replacing a pressure (that is wearing makeup) with another, which is without makeup.

The Rise of the No-Makeup Look

In 2016, the no-makeup movement rose to fame and that’s when the phrases “Lady Gaga no makeup” or “Emily Blunt no makeup” became famous. Its popularity has been fueled by public figures such as celebrities and social media influencers, who dedicatedly embraced this trend. Influential figures in the entertainment industry have taken the lead in promoting natural beauty, they fight against the traditional notion of beauty that heavily relies on wearing makeup. Those notions had changed women’s minds, making them think that they have no value but beauty and that the only way to be pretty is to apply makeup. 

With influencers showing their bare faces proudly on Instagram or TV shows, they have moved to self-acceptance and self-love. This encourages people to embrace their natural beauty, flaws don’t matter and no one is perfect. The no-makeup look has rejected the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and soon becomes a symbol of loving yourself. 

The rise of the no-makeup trend has had an extreme impact on the beauty industry. One notable change is the introduction of lightweight and natural-looking makeup. Many makeup brands have stimulated developing products to meet the demand for subtle enhancements. They produce more foundations, tinted moisturizers, and other cosmetics. These products help to provide more sheer and natural coverage, allowing individuals to achieve a natural look while still feeling comfortable and confident. Additionally, the trend has provoked an expansion of skincare lines. People have started to prioritize taking care of their skin as a replacement for the foundation of their beauty routine.

Lady Gaga No Makeup

How No-Makeup Movement Affects People

Firstly, this has raised awareness of skincare, helping people to prioritize the maintenance of healthy skin. Instead of using concealer to mask imperfections, people tend to focus on nurturing the skin. The mindset encourages individuals to take better care of their skin, leading to a more natural complexion. 

Secondly, the sustainable and ethical beauty movement has influenced the popularity of the no-makeup look. There is a growing demand for cruelty-free and environmentally friendly products. This has stimulated makeup brands to develop makeup and skincare options that align with these values. One of the most expensive makeup brands- Charlotte Tilbury is not tested on animals and some of its products are vegan. And for this reason, Charlotte Tilbury is worth trying for once. The minimalistic approach of the no-makeup trend also resonates with the desire to reduce waste and consumerism. It encourages individuals to embrace an irreducible routine and put quality first. 

Lastly, the no-makeup trend is closely tied to empowerment and confidence. It encourages people to embrace their true selves and dismiss beauty expectations that often revolve around heavy makeup and flawless appearances. By challenging these notions, the no makeup look promotes self-acceptance and fosters a sense of confidence. Individuals are encouraged to define their standards of beauty. This will help lead to a more inclusive and empowering beauty culture. Regarding marketing strategies and campaigns, the no-makeup trend has led to a shift towards promoting authenticity and inclusivity. Brands are now embracing diverse representations of beauty, showcasing real people with different skin tones, textures, and features. Self-expression and individuality are being encouraged by highlighting that beauty comes in various forms.

Makeup-Free on Red Carpet

We can see the glamorous red carpet makeup looks of stars when they are walking down the hall, thanking their stylists as well as their acquaintances. However, few female celebrities have embraced natural beauty by facing photographers with bare faces. Whether they are deliberately going against those notions or just going around and feeling completely comfortable with their true self, they are stunning while doing that. 

Alicia Keys No Makeup

For instance, Alicia Keys is one of them. We had seen her without makeup when she came to WE Day in 2017. In 2016, she wrote a letter to explain why she decided to embrace bare-faced beauty and hoped to start a no-makeup revolution. 

How to Apply No-Makeup Makeup Look

The impact of the no-makeup trend extends to beauty influencers and content creators, who play a significant role in shaping consumer preferences. Influencers aligned with the trend often collaborate with brands that share the same values, promoting products that enhance natural beauty. Tips and tutorials are shared to achieve the no-makeup look, guiding skin care routines, techniques for subtle enhancements, and self-confidence exercises. 

To achieve the no-makeup look, several techniques and tips can be followed. Firstly, skincare is the replacement for the foundation step of this look. A well-maintained skincare routine is essential for healthy and glowing skin. This includes cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and protecting the skin from the sun. Using products and ingredients that nourish and rejuvenate the skin, such as serums with antioxidants or moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, helps create a smooth and radiant base.

For subtle enhancements, minimal makeup can be used to enhance natural features without looking heavy. Techniques for light coverage and natural-looking makeup include using a tinted moisturizer or lightweight foundation to even out the skin tone. Applying a dot of cream blush to the cheeks, a coat of mascara to define the lashes, and a sheer lip balm can add a hint of color and brightness to the face.

Ending

Embracing imperfections is a crucial aspect of the no-makeup look. It stimulates realistic beauty standards by saying that no one is perfect. Confidence-building and self-acceptance exercises play a significant role in achieving this mindset. Embracing imperfections not only contributes to the authenticity of the no-makeup look but also promotes a healthier and more positive relationship with oneself. However, it is not easy to stop wearing makeup, you can do it slowly and once your confidence has been built enough, this won’t matter to you anymore! Go get it, young lady!