If I’ve said it before, I’ve said it a million times;  makeup layers in Second Life are only super effective if you have a good base to start with. Random Matter’s ‘Ashri‘ provides not just a great base, but by gum it’s a lovely skin to wear too. I’d actually say that Ashri is one of those skins that don’t have the mass market appeal of some other skin brands on the grid, BUT before you read any further into that let me reassure you that is NOT a criticism. If anything, it’s a compliment. Ashri has a look about her that is unique, alternative and different to most of the other skins that I’ve worn thus far, but make no mistake, she’s beautiful and super-adaptable. 
First of all, the skin tone. I opted for ‘Porcelain’, which is a shade that is usually too pale for me to sport every day in the metaverse but the way that Nikohl Hax has crafted this base makes me question my Second Life choices. Seriously it’s a beautiful skin colour. (Zoom in on the picture above, I’ve done nothing to it other than crop it down!)You absolutely MUST try this one in world because you’ll only see the effect when you’re wearing her but as tones go she is one of the best I’ve seen at Skin Fair 2015. It is very hard to put it into words but there’s a luminescence about this shade that just sings off the screen. It’s easy for a pale colour to look very ‘flat’ on an avatar, and some creators have never quite got that right. Nikohl could teach them a lesson or two, because her shading takes nothing away from the base tone yet enhances, brightens and illuminates in all the right places. When Ashri is applied to a mesh body boy does she work perfectly.  I mean the back of her legs, the crease of her knees even has definition and lighting and her legs look amazing as a result.  There’s thought gone into this creation; check out the enhancement on her temple. I mean look! There’s shading there, somewhere that most skin makers leave out completely. It’s a revelation.  Incidentally, Ashri is a great skin to sport when nude and I’m pleased to say that you don’t really notice the neck seam on this one at all.  Never mind Second Life, I want to have my pasty white skin this colour in real life!  This is a skin that you can play about with and really enjoy. And here’s a thing- I got real hints of  celebrity whilst I was styling her on my avatar. See what I mean?

The above shot makes me think of Dakota Fanning.  The one below?

I get serious Michelle Pfeiffer vibes off this look!  In fact, and I hate to say it but the words are going to have to be said, this skin makes me think all kinds of alternative/hipster chic, if there is such a thing.  Coupled with PXL Sweet Lips (Yes, Random Matter has appliers, how awesome is that?!) you really can get that look. And what a look it is. So much FUN!  Back to my comment about makeup. Because of the way that Ashri’s face has been created she makes an outstanding base upon which to add eyeliner, lipstick and eyeshadow layers. She looks ruddy stunning as is, with her delicately colour-washed eyelids and hint of blush on her cheeks, but she really does offer you endless possibilities when you throw the contents of your virtual makeup bag into the mix.  I’ve tried her with different brows and with different looks and loved every single one.  Here are a few below to give you an idea of what I mean:

Of course, Random Matter has their own range of epic makeups to choose from too (click HERE to see what I mean!) so you’re never going to be short of ideas. And if you do run short of them you really should check out the website because it’s great; jam-packed with alternative stylings the like of which this Kitty really approves. Nikohl makes mean Jewellery and accessories too, which is what you’d expect from someone so talented (She’s in college full time for Graphic Design/Game Art.) Impressive no?

You’ll find Ashri at SKIN FAIR SIM 1, booth 53 (it’s on the top level).  Ashri can be purchased in Cream, Porcelain or Ivory tones.  There are 4 system lip colour options included in the pack (Base, Coral, Nude and Peach) and you can also purchase appliers for Sweet Lips, Loud Mouth, Nyam Nyam or Kissers. In each pack you’ll find base skins with Black, Blonde, Brown, Red or No Brow (woot!) options. There’s also a brow kit on sale for L$50, and they’re well worth treating yourself to! Incidentally,  this is another skin creation that doesn’t cost the earth (yet it feels like it should). Each tone costs L$600 per pack. Mouth appliers are just L$50 a throw, and body appliers for Slink, Physique, Maitreya Belleza AND Lolas are just L$50 each as well. It’s a bloody bargain yet it shouldn’t be, these are quality skins that deserve to be twice the price.  Luckily for us, they aren’t, and I insist that you buy them all.  Congratulations Nikohl, and well done for creating such a glorious skin. I’m loving her versatility and quirkiness, what a corker!