The SCR take on LFW SS13

Phew...arriving back in Liverpool and straight back into day to day life at So Coco Rouge. Coffee is most definitely needed!!

 

Whilst our minds are still down in London admiring the upcoming fashions, Robyn and I decided to create our own versions of two of our favourites.

 

First up is Antoni and Alison, which you'll remember was a splash of blue or green with a nude centre panel. Instead we used MAC pigments Mauvement, Vanilla and Naked, mixed together to create a warm natural toned area to the centre of the eye.

Products used-

Art Deco eye base

MAC Pigments- Mauvement, Vanilla and Naked to centre

Lily LoLo mineral pigment in Pixie

MUA Mascara

Estee Lauder gel liner in Black

 

 

Then we decided to create the Topshop make-up, Hannah Murray created.

Gorgeous pink lids with heavy Kohl.

 

 

 Products Used-
MAC Paint Pot- Artifact
MAC Shadow- Perky
MAC Kohl liner- Smoulder
MUA Mascara in Black



 

 

Next up- Louise Gray and Vivienne Westwood- if we dare?!!!?

Vauxhall Fashion Scout- DAS Collection

It seems a shame not to feature any of the upcoming designers at Vauxhall Fashion Scout, so I thought it would be good to introduce my favourite. DAS Collection, which was launched in 2008 by sisters Reem and Hind Beljafla.

 

 

 

 

 

I have always admired Alek Wek, and it was fantastic to see her open the show on Monday at Freemasons Hall.

 

The collections rich jewel colour palette was paired with luxurious silk fabrics, and elaborate gold jewellery.

 

Alek's make-up was kept very simple- dewy and neutral, in comparison to the other models 1950's inspired winged liner and classic red lips. All make-up was provided by Body Shop.  Models hair was slicked back, with a short centre part, into a neat top knot. A look that funnily enough Robyn was rocking on Monday too- how very fashion forward of her!!

 

 

Image- Vauxhall Fashion Scout

 

LFW Day Five

How quickly this week comes and goes- it seems like within the blink of an eye its all over once again!!

 

I have always had a soft spot for Mulberry bags, ever since I first held a Bayswater in Selfridges, Trafford. My love grew when I stumbled upon a beautiful vintage Mulberry in a local antiques centre 2 years ago, for under £100!  So, today as I am very season, my eyes are peeled on their SS collection.

 

 

 

The FROW as it is every year was jam packed with celebrity fans, alongside previous bag name-sakes, Alexa Chung and Lana Del Ray. This year they introduce the 'Willow' bag, which is surely a bargain buy- with its detachable clutch bag!!!

 

Once again, plaits and soft texture were featured in the models hair, whilst skin was left bare and dewy with heavily highlighted cheeks. Eyes were heavily wing lined with black liquid or gel liner, and lips stained with a rosebud pink.

 



Images- Vogue

 

 

 

Then off I head back up north, with a head full of Spring Summer brights yet dressed head to toe in AW Black leather.

 

Goodbye LFW, now let the countdown to February and AW13 begin!

 

 

 

 

LFW Day Two, Three and Four

From day two London is a buzz of sunshine, coffee and a schedule jam packed of the best shows in town.

 

Picking my favourites was tough- but here is a quick breakdown the ones that caught my attention the most!! I'd suggest you grab yourself a brew (Starbucks chai skinny latte for me por favour!) and a comfy seat before we begin!!

Day Two and we head first to the Topshop space in Bloomsbury to marvel at the fabulous Holly Fulton. The lip's at the Fulton show, are to me, what spring summer should be about- Experimenting with bright, loud colour.  The lips were a clever blend of tangerine and fuchsia, blending seamlessly together. Models skin was beautifully sunkissed by Sienna false tan, and a sheer coverage base was used to create a bare dewy look. Eyes were kept completely make-up free- ensuring all eyes were on those fabulous lips!!

 

Image- She Said Beauty

 

 

Once again we saw plaits emerging in the SS shows. This time alongside deep side partings and textured swept fringes.

 

Mavla headed the nail teams, creating these colourful intricate designs featuring beach balls! Well it is Spring Summer after all!

Image- She Said Beauty

 

 

 

It was then onto Somerset House, and one of my favourite designers. John Rocha. I always find his show inspiring, and adore the ethereal look he always creates.

 

Today was no different. Sam Bryant designed this years make-up, creating an ethereal smokey eye, using light brown earthy tones with a cream texture, extenuating the contour of the eye socket. This was paired perfectly with a chiselled cheek and jaw and a matt bare lip.

 

Image- MSN

 

 

To complete my day two favourites with a holiday feel, its off to House of Holland, and the FROW everyone wants. Celebrity friends galore!

 

MAC designed and headed the make-up, focusing soley on eyes. Back was the favoured bleached brow, along with a softly blended brown smokey eye. Skin was bronzed, complete with faux freckles, contoured cheeks and a nude lip. The sunkissed theme continued into the tousled beach waved hair, softely pinned.

 

Image- Facebook

 

 

Day Three, usually the day when your bum gets numb, your body stops responding to your usual cappuccino hits and  you slowly turn to an espresso. But this year, all you need is a little bit of Val Garlands creative flare to get you right back into the swing of things!!

Image- Getty

 

Vivienne Westwood Red Label- the one show that will make SS13 stick in my mind.

Think 1950's-1960's. Think Andy Warhol. Think Techno Colour.

 

Add a touch of the wonderfully bizarre personas Val creates for Lady Gaga and you've got it.

 

Beautiful 1950's set hair, the perfect hourglass figure and make-up you can only begin the imagine.

 

Once again the word on everyones mouth was Westwood. (And Garland the Goddess!!)

 

 

Its then onto Topshop Unique, which started off as such a small show, yet has grown to be one of the hottest tickets in town. Hannah Murray as always headed the make-up team.

Hannah like all pro make-up artists likes to mix it up- so used pinky blusher on lids, soft peach lipstick on cheeks and a neutral shadow on lips- and boy did it work!!

 

The Kohl lined eyes added an edge of grunge, which is so hot this AW, one can only hope it can continue way into SS.

 

Image- Inside Out

 

Finally Day Four-  and we are back off to the Topshop space for Louise Gray.

Once again this is a show like Westwood- known for being a little alternative and brimming with creativity.

This year was not a disappointment. You thought 'Scouse Brow' was a bold look? Then the 'crowned' brows here probably aren't a trend you'll be inheriting!

Like House of Holland and Westwood, at Gray faux freckles and beauty marks were also created- but in the un-natural tone of electric blue- which was also used as a liner across the socket line.

Tangerine lips finished this bold make-up, which is now slowly becoming my SS shade of choice.

 

 

 Image- Vogue

 

Its then onto Burberry- yet another favourite of mine, mainly due to my love of a trench coat.

This seasons trench has had an injection of metallic colour, many describing the final collection looking similar to a box of Quality Streets!

 

To keep with the Burberry tradition-hair was kept soft and simple with deep side partings paired with simple eyes and a classic red lip. Beautiful.

 

Image- Reuters

 

 

Four days down and one to go. Lets up the espresso intake, crack open more bubbly and celebrate our wonderful city in all its glory.

LFW Day One

This morning was a tad different to the most.... its  not everyday you are sat on the tube surrounded by a gaggle of 6ft beautiful yet unique looking models and plentiful stressed out journo's rushing from venue to venue, skinny Starbucks in one hand, blackberry in the other- it can only mean one thing.

Day One of London Fashion Week.

 

I have loved Fashion Week for as long as I can remember. In fact I'm pretty sure I strutted my first steps inspired by the likes of Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell. So being in London during this period feels like home. A busy, stressful one mind.

 

Over the next week I thought I would post a few of my favourite make-up, hair and nail looks that have been showcased. And no doubt, before long I will be showing you the interpretations we create back at So Coco Rouge!!

 

Antoni and Alison kicked things off this morning with an explosion of vivid colour and unique eye make-up. I love the concept- bright blue and green shadow, applied randomly leaving a naked centre panel on both the lid and under eye area. Cheeks were lightly contoured and lips left soft and nude.

Although I can't see this exact look transpiring onto the high street, I think we can easily take inspiration from it! Definitely one for Robyn and I to play around with back in the studio!!

Hair was keep slick and simple, looks like the pixie crop really is here to stay.

(typical as I'm growing mine out!!)

Image- Vogue.co.uk

 

At Maria Grachvogel, the nails immediately jumped to my attention. Reminiscent of my school days producing a french polish with tippex- the pure white nails will be perfect against with a sun kissed glow next summer. I can't wait for Katy, our Beauty Therapist at SCR to try the look out on me, using our favourite brand OPI. Make-up was kept clean and simple, with a touch of a pink stain to enhance the models lips. Hair was again inspired by the playground- centre parting, tight braids and plaits- which have funnily enough be highly requested this month. Perhaps us Liverpool girls really are ahead of the trends?!!

Image- Harvey Nichols Pintrest

Then, at Corrie Nielsen we had a much more advant garde approach with make-up. Not a favourite look, but one that definitely made me sit up and take note! A selection of warm toned red's and peaches were buffed into the models skin, with the deepest concentration of colour around the hairline, blending down towards the cheek area.  Gelled side parting with textured crimped lengths gave the models hair an ombre effect, something which is still pretty big this AW.

 

Image- Vogue.co.uk

 

 

All in all a fantastic start to SS13- long may it continue!!!

My time in-front of the camera!!

As a make-up artist and hair stylist, I'm used to being on film sets- but today was a different story!!

 

To continue my leap into the world of an 'expert' I was booked as a guest presenter/expert for Britain's favourite shopping channel QVC !!

 

The item I was lucky enough to be introducing to the nation was a mini hair straightener- the type that I always have in my kit, as well as my handbag!

 

Arriving at QVC was quite nerve wracking- I had visited the set many times in their original Battersea home, but today I would be working at their new custom built studios in Chiswick, which are absolutely stunning! Think modern glass rooms, floor to ceiling screens and super cool lighting!

 

Once I was shown to my dressing room and green room the nerves disappeared and the excitement kicked in!! Luckily for me, I was sharing my room with the lovely Hilary Barnett, who looked after me and showed me the ropes!

 

 

Before I knew it, I was in the sound department getting 'miked up' and ready to go live with the lovely presenter Debbie Flint, who really helped to calm my pre-show niggles!

My time on air flew by! Luckily I felt very relaxed and almost at home on set, and was pretty gutted when the director yelled cut! I hope to return to QVC very soon- especially when the dressing rooms are this pretty- a make-up artists dream!!!

 

Here is a small snippet from the show!

 

Vogue Fashion Night Out

Luckily for me, I happened to be working down in London this week! Which meant I could FINALLY attend a Vogue Fashion Night Out!! In a nutshell FNO was the brainchild of Vogue's Anna Wintour. The event encompasses fashion and music , with guest lists mixing of celebrities with the general public, to celebrate, shop and raise money for the Refuge charity.

First up we headed over to Carnaby Street (I resisted my favourite shop, Liberty, knowing that once in there I very rarely leave!) to an event being held by Think Publicity, who SCR Pro regularly supply creatives to. This event was celebrating the millinery talent of Rosie Olivia and a chance to showcase her AW12 and SS13 collections. Rosie is currently stocked in Fenwicks on Old Bond Street and thorough website Love Hats, which even lets you virtually try on her creations!!

I was lucky enough however to try one on for real!! I love this little leopard number, and think it should become part of my daily attire!!

Next stop was the Chanel Pop Up Boutique in the heart of Covent Garden- well with a business called Coco, how could I not?! Myself and my long time friend and designer Jen (Vasey Knitwear) tried all the new products including the gorgeous Coco Noir fragrance, which may be knocking my favourite Mademoiselle off its shelf!!

 

Our favourite items however were the limited edition Vogue lipstick and nail varnish sets, which you bought from a special Chanel vending machine!!! I couldn't even get near the machine to grab a pic myself, so here is good old Twitters version!!!

As a make-up artist I always love looking at little touches like these face charts. They were presented in a gorgeous Rouge (how fitting!) book and featured in depth step by step instructions on how to use the new products to create this seasons hottest looks.

The weather this week has been gorgeous- finally Summer has arrived!! If like me you suffer with humidity hair (thankfully I'm not as bad as Monica in that episode of Friends!!) then this ingenious idea from GHD is right up your street!!

This space ship looking vehicle is in fact a pop up hair salon, which parked itself in the centre of Covent Garden!

Passers by were able to drop in for a wash and blow dry at the fraction of the cost of a London salon.

However- I definitely wasn't brave enough to sit in the crowds with wet hair! Would you be?!



Boots No7 Project

My first project as a cosmetics expert has come through pretty quickly, thanks to my brilliant agents, Red24Management at the stunning Hospital Club near Covent Garden (If we lived closer, Robyn and I would kill to have our HQ here!!! One day!)

It's a great project that takes me right back to me roots- my first ever job- at my local Boots store, working on the fragrance counter and drooling at the No7 counter that was opposite me. 

At every given chance I'd jump on there and help the customers with their product enquiries, which luckily lead to the opportunity to cover counters during low staff and taking me down the make-up route I so desperately wanted to explore.

So getting the phone call from Joanna, at Red24, sharing the news that Boots themselves had chosen me, and a top make-up artist and blogger, Kath Gould for their latest product launch was a dream come true! After many conference calls, hundreds of emails and countless sleepless nights, myself and Kath were announced as the Cosmetics Experts and Social Media Managers for their innovative Foundation Match Made Service.

The Match Made Service, in case you haven't heard (and you should of- it really it the word on every women's lips) is a revolutionary device No7 have spent 3 years researching an developing. The small hand held device has a 8 LED and 1 UV light, which enter the skin at a variety of angles. The device then takes a number of photographic images of your skin to match you with your correct foundation shade from their extensive range. The range incidentally is vast. No7 have tested 2000 UK women's skin tone to develop 17 skin true shades, which are available across all 7 formulation types. Phew!

I was lucky enough to pop into mu local store and old workplace to enjoy the service on launch morning, where counter manager Kelly matched my shade to Deeply Ivory. After a thorough analysis of my skin type and amount of coverage/look I required, Kelly suggested I try Stay Perfect or Beautifully Matte, depending on my look that day. But I couldn't leave without some to try in work, so I ended up with 6....well they were on 3 for 2 after all!

I can honestly say I love them both, and I'm really impressed with the shade chosen by the device. if only I could have one of these in my kit for emergencies- I'd make life on a dark set so much easier!

One week into my project for No7, and I love it. Answering women's queries and seeing their excitement for the product and new range on Facebook is infectious. Its great to hear their relief at finally having the stress taken out of choosing that all important base!

Take a look at the page I work on here- www.facebook.com/no7

A little update

Lets go right back to about 2 years ago. In fact, exactly 2 years ago today.

It's a rainy September day and I'm huddling up with an on set bag practically the same size as me, on a pew at the back of an old church. To my left is fellow make-up artist and long term friend, Robyn, chewing my ear off about how we should open a make-up studio in our hometown, were ladies could have their hair styled and make-up applied by true industry professionals. We had been doing make-up professionally for 7 years by this point.

A few months of in depth research and sheer hard work later, So Coco Rouge was born. Our lovely little studio tucked away on one of Liverpool's most famous art filled streets opened its doors to hundreds of brides, ladies that lunch and girls looking to feel like a celebrity for the weekend.

Within a matter of days we discovered we'd need a hard working team to work alongside us, not just in the studio, but on our professional jobs too. And the pro team was born.

The newly re-named SCR Pro, which is due to under-go a brand revamp this year, started off as a small team and grown into a creative agency, one of very few in the North. SCR Pro provides the likes of production companies with make-up artists, session stylists, manicurists and fashion stylists, for any sized project. In its short life, SCR Pro has provided creative talent for Hollywood actor Alan Cumming, Sky Sports and a number of fashion houses.

In early 2012, we decided So Coco Rouge needed a much bigger premises, where we could expand the team to offer hairdressing and beauty too. After viewing 40 commercial properties in a 2 mile radius and a one postcode restriction, we finally found it. Our perfect little shop, with a Parisian chic feel that suits the brand so well. On July 26th, we opened the doors to the So Coco Rouge Make-up, Hair and Beauty Parlour.

So, you'd think that would be enough to keep us busy. Apparently not.

Robyn, is a talented beauty writer and regularly answers reader questions in a Bridal beauty column in a national wedding magazine.

Whilst I on the other hand have taken the leap into the media, working as an on air cosmetic expert.

You can follow my giant leap here.....here's hoping I land on my feet!