Funday Sundays

How is it yet another bank holiday?! It feels like we are being utterly spoilt by these Monday morning lie in's at the moment- not that I'm complaining!

Anyway, after chatting to a few of my lovely readers, and even my closest friends, I've decided to start sharing a little more with you in my tiny corner of the world wide web. But don't worry- my snip bits of gossip will always be accompanied with a little bit of beauty love!

This weekend it was time for a much overdue catch up with my gorgeous friends, Heather and Zarah, after Heather returned from 6 months of living the dream in Austria. I met the girls whilst working for Estee Lauder, so meeting up with fellow make-up lovers I decided to push the boat out from my usual chilled Sunday look! 

After rifling through my make-up bag I decided to create plum smokey eyes, complete with rose pink lips and cheeks.

 I started with the Illamasqua Compliment Palette, sweeping the cool brown liquid metal over eyelids from lash line to socket, before highlighting the inner corner of the eye with the champagne shadow. Adding smokiness with the rosy plum shadow in the socket line and the deep purple to the outer corners and lash line, before finishing with Daniel Sandler Velvet Waterproof Eyeliner in Grey to top and bottom lash lines and two coats of Max Factor Masterpiece Max mascara. 

Finished look

For naturally sculpted cheeks, I buffed Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow under cheekbones before sweeping yet another cream pigment, this time in Androgen, from the apples of cheeks and up over cheekbones. Finishing with a subtle highlight on tops of cheekbones using Kryolan Illusion in Silk.

The finishing touch of pink, was from my favourite lip stain Kryolan Lip N Cheek in Petunia, followed by Art Deco High Shine Lipgloss in clear. 

All ready for a day in Liverpool and lots and lots of girlie gossip!

Lots of fun with the girlies!

AW14 Beauty Trends

Well what a nuisance to have my busiest time in the salon, and a bad case of writers block over the fashion week period! Especially with this being the Autumn Winter showcase, which are typically always my favourites.

So this season I've been catching the shows online in between clients, and spending my bedtimes on Vogue.com reading show reports. Oh the glamour of fashion...

Well, what should we be wearing on our faces come September according to the fashion giants? To start with....blue. Yes, blue. 

At Temperley make-up artist Lisa Eldridge created blunt, squared ended flicks of eyeliner in bright blue. Keeping skin, lips and brows natural, all focus was on the outer part of the eye, with a soft peachy tone in the inner lash line and tear duct. Then over at Giles Lucia Pieroni created a soft punk look, with pastel blue shadow applied to the lower lash line, and deep grey smokiness on the eyelid. Finally at Michael Van der Ham, Sam Bryant used MAC to create a girlie 60's look with orange lips and a simple wash of dove blue on eyelids. Whatever way you wear it, blue is looking like a top trend for AW14.

Temperley- Image Cosmopolitan

Michael Van der Ham. Image- Cosmopolitan

 I'll be stocking up on Illamasqua eyeshadow in Anja, Illamasqua Eye Colouring Pencil in Debonair, MUA Gel Eyeliner in Blue and Crown All Eyes On You set for a professional finish.

Gucci Image- Cosmopolitan

The make-up genius and my ultimate heroine, Pat McGrath created stunning looks this season, as predicted. Inspired by the 1950s and 1960s the looks she created for Dolce and Gabbana and Gucci are wearable, simple to create, yet effective.

Dolce Image- Cosmopolitan

At Dolce and Gabbana models wore clean flicks of liquid eyeliner teamed with fuller brows, flushed cheeks and a naturally flawless complexion. Then over at Gucci, we jumped forward a decade to a 60s dollesque look. Focusing on longer bottom lashes and fuller, thicker top lashes, teamed with a muted pink/mauve lip. 

As a lover of vintage inspired looks, and liquid liner framed with full lashes, I swear by Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner, Eyeko Eye Do Mascara, Liz Martins Lashes and Art Deco Teint Concealer. 

Macmillan Charity Single

A few weeks ago I headed down the road to Manchester, to work with singer/songwriter Lisa Williams on her latest record Breathe Out.

Lisa was releasing the record exclusively at the Gavin Blyth Ball on Saturday 26th October, which was packed with stars of Emmerdale and Coronation Street. The annual ball, held in memory of the acclaimed producer Gavin Blyth, who sadly passed away after a short battle with cancer in 2010, aims to raise funds for Macmillan. Therefore, all proceeds from the singles proceeds will also be donated to this brilliant cause.

Working as part of the Art Deco creatives team, I created a bold evening make-up, inspired by Lisa's sapphire sequin dress by local designer Nadine Merabi. 

Stylist Siobhan Cooper from FashionStylist.Me, sourced a gorgeous array of evening gowns, statement jewellery and elegant shoes, which inspired hair stylist James Wilson and I to create hair and make-up fit for a Hollywood scarlet.

Once Lisa's hair had been styled into volumeous waves, I got cracking on make-up! 

Using a warm burgandy shadow in the socket line, with gold shimmer on the eyelid and inner corner, I added a pop of colour to Lisa's eye make-up, with sapphire blue on the outer corner and lashline. 

For an extra hit of Hollywood glamour, I created a deep red lip and matching nails, finishing the look with a contoured cheek.

Then it was time for photographer Ian Mcmanus to work his magic on a rooftop garden, looking over Manchester's buzzing streets.

You can read lots more news from the star studded ball here and listen to Lisa's track here.

On tour with Blue and Roxanne Pallett

What a week it's been- from a secret music shoot (more about this next week!) to the Inside Soap Awards and working with former Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett as she joined boy band Blue on tour, I have certainly been a busy bee!

On Friday I headed off to the O2 academy in Leeds, for the Art Deco Creatives team along with hair stylist James Wilson, to ensure Roxanne was looking flawless for her performance. Some of you might remember her taking part in Soapstar Superstar back in 2006, where she impressed judges with her powerful voice. Well, she's since been treading the boards on The Rocky Horror Show, making her a great choice to accompany the boys when performing their cult hit 'Too Close'.

When working with the bright, hot lights of a large stage, it's important make-up is stronger than a typical photographic application. Roxanne decided to keep focus on her eyes, with sculpted features and nude glossy lips. I chose to use Art Deco Long Lasting Foundation with Perfect Stick and Perfect Teint Concealer for a flawless coverage with Bronzer and Shimmer Cream to add soft contouring. 

To add extra drama to eyes, we added two sets of false lashes to the top lash line and one natural set to the lower lash line, for the Bridget Bardot effect. 

Last minute prep backstage

Watching the gig after Rox's performance

Once making sure Roxanne and the Blue boys were ready for their performance, it was time to enjoy the gig- and relive some of my favourite tunes from my teenage years! 

It's a hard job but someones got to do it!

You can read more information on Roxanne and Blue's gig here.

Colour Blocking Shoot

This week not only did I receive the Swimwear shoot images, I received these stunning colour blocking images too!

Once again shooting with photographer Michelle Wilson of MSW Photography, stylist Louise Dwyer and model Ksenija of Nemisis agency, this shoot was focusing on strong colour and lightly inspired by the cult series 'Mad Men'. 

                  

With a flawless complexion created by using Kryolan Dermacolour and Make-up Forever HD Foundation (Which you can find over at make-up mecca Guru Make-up Emporium!) and simple contouring using Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate, I kept the strong colour on lips and nails.

In the pink styling images, I used Art Deco Lip Lacquer in Creamy Cerise and OPI nail lacquer 'Charged Up Cherry' 

For the yellow and blue styling, I used Kryolan Lip Stain in Rock, which complimented my favourite red OPI nail lacquer perfectly (typically a limited edition!) 'Off With Her Red' from the Alice In Wonderland collection. 

You could also try OPI Nail Lacquer in Cookie or Big Apple Red for a similar look.

For the ultimate Mad Men hair, I prepped Ksenija's hair using Babyliss Heated Rollers before backcombing the roots and inserting a hair pad from So Coco Rouge to create instant lift.

I then pinned the length of Ksenijas hair in flat rolls to the nape of the neck. Finishing with TIGI Bed Head products Head Rush, After Party and Hard Head.

Swimwear Shoot Images

There's nothing more exciting than receiving the images from your latest shoot- but I have been itching to see the images swimwear and colour blocking shoot I worked on last month more than any other!

And, I was certainly not disappointed when they landed in my inbox!
First up, the swimwear collection!

                          

Here are the main products I used to create this colourful, summer look!

1. On eyes, Illamasqua Cream Pigments, 'Androgen' and 'Bedaub' 
2. Followed with various bright MAC eyeshadows 
3. Concealing any skin imperfections with Kryolan Dermacolour and MAC Face and Body Foundation. 
4. Soft contouring using Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate and a subtle hint of colour to the apples with Kryolan Lip N Cheek in Hibiscus.
5.  I added a strong pop of lip colour using Sleek Pout Paint in Rosette and Art Deco Clear Gloss.
6. Nails painted in OPI nail lacquer 'Charged Up Cherry' 

I can't wait to get these images in my portfolio, and work with this talented team once more!

Photographer- Michelle Wilson of MSW Photography

Stylist- Louise Dwyer 

Model- Ksenija of Nemisis agency

Autumn Winter Make-up Ideas

This week I have really been embracing Autumn. From introducing the latest OPI nail lacquer shades to the audience of QVC,  to rocking the 90's inspired tartan trend, Summer seems well and truly behind me.

So whilst I have been busy wearing rich burgandys, deep plums and ruby reds on my nails, I have been incorporating similar tones in my make-up, especially for my work in front of the camera.

My absolute favourites in my make-up bag this season have to be from Illamasqua. Funnily enough, my faved three Illamasqua items, aren't from the latest collection (more on this soon!) or even the previous one. No, these beauties have been available for a good while! 

For sultry burgundy eyes, to enhance my OPI San Francisco Polishes, I have been using the Complement and Empower palettes. 

1. Starting with the taupe liquid metal from the Complement palette, I sweep over my eyelid and blend upwards using my fingertips, keeping the area immediately below my brow clean. 
2. Next, on a tapered brush (I LOVE my Charles Fox ones- I have three!!) I apply the rich burgundy shade from Complement to the centre and outer third of my socket line. Blending back and forth.
3. On a fluffy brush, such a as Crown Brushes C433, take the light warm taupe shade from Empower palette and blend the top of the burgundy working upwards towards the brow. 
4. Apply the champagne shade from Complement to the area beneath the arch of the brow and blend into the warm taupe.
5. On a small pencil brush, dot the deep purple from Complement into the outer corners of the eye and blend inwards and up into socket line.
6. Mix the light pink from Empower and champagne from Complement together and apply to the lid and inner corners of the eye.
7. I finished the look with Estee Lauder DoubleWear Eyeliner in Black and two coats of Art Deco Dita Von Teese Golden Vintage Lash Designer mascara.

For the flawless complexion needed on HD TV, I like to use Kryolan Concealer Wheel to any blemishes and under eye darkness and blend with Make-up Forever HD Foundation. Next, for a complimentary warm pink cheek, I am OBSESSED with Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Androgen blended from my apples upwards onto my cheekbones with Crown Brushes C404 Dual Fibre brush. For longevity, I lightly blend Art Deco Dita Von Teese Golden Vintage Blusher on top. Finishing with a warm, deep rose pink lip from MAC and a slick of gloss from MUA (bargain price of £1 and non-sticky!) and I'm ready to go on set!

Wearing my AW look backstage at QVC

New Beginnings

September is one of my favouirte months- the sun is usually still shining brightly, the leaves start to turn a shade not dis-similar from my hair colour and we can look towards Spring/Summer at Fashion Week. 

September is also known for changes and new beginnings- and this September I will be starting on yet another journey on my winding career path.

As if I wasn't busy enough, this year I will be beginning to teach- back at my old college, in the class that fed my appetite for make-up exactly ten years ago.

Wirral Metropolitan College will always be held close to my heart- as an eager, make-up obsessed 16 year old they encouraged me to follow my dreams and pointed me in the right direction. Since then I have always wanted to do the same for the next generation of artists.

I will be teaching the VTCT Fashion and Photographic classes, which luckily both take place on my day off from the salon- a Monday!

This qualification focus's on practical work, and the students will study current trends and look into the history of make-up and how it effects our make-up design today.
Ideal as a starting block to those thinking of a career in make-up artistry.

Luckily for me, the college have been very supportive, in allowing me to alter the college kits. This year my students will be using my favourite professional products from Art Deco, brushes from Crown and hygiene essentials from Pro Make-up Shop.

If you are studying with me this year, I look forward to meeting you very soon!

Swimwear and Colour Blocking Shoot

With being so busy working at So Coco Rouge during Wedding season, I haven't had a chance to get back on set for a few months. So when Michelle Wilson of MSW Photography contacted the SCR Pro team looking for an artist, I was delighted to see I was free to join the fun!

The shoot was focusing on both swimwear and colour blocking, so a great chance to try lots of new products I'd been itching to play with!

With the weather set to change to miserable rain we headed to Crosby beach first to shoot three swimwear looks. Stylist and co-founder of PickWick Magazine, Louise Dwyer created the looks for model Ksenija of Nemisis agency, featuring an exotic swimsuit and 2 piece plus a gorgeous peach toned vintage inspired number, all complemented with chunky jewellery. 

Swimwear Looks

Make-up Kit ready to go!

I designed the make-up to bring out the bright tones in all three outfits, making minor changes for each individual look. 

I layered cream pigments Illamasqua Cream Pigments, 'Androgen' and 'Bedaub' and MAC eyeshadows for a colourful eye look, whilst keeping skin fresh and clean with Kryolan Dermacolour and MAC Face and Body Foundation. Soft definition on cheeks was achieved by using Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate and a subtle hint of colour to the apples with Kryolan Lip N Cheek in Hibiscus. I added a strong pop of colour on Ksenija's beautifully full lips, using Sleek Pout Paint in Rosette and Art Deco Clear Gloss.

 Hair was kept simple, in a sleek tight ponytail and nails painted in gorgeous hot pink OPI nail lacquer 'Charged Up Cherry' 

Next up we headed to Michelle's studio to shoot three colour blocking looks- all with a slight Mad Men feel. With this is mind I created a bouffant hair style, and kept eye make-up simple, focusing on stronger lips. For a strong red lip, I knew exactly which product to turn to- Kryolan Lip Stain in Rock, which complimented my favouirte red OPI nail lacquer perfectly (typically a limited edition!) 'Off With Her Red' from the Alice In Wonderland collection. 

I cannot wait to see the finished images, because if these behind the scenes pics are anything to go by, they are going to be amazing!

Colour Blocking and Kryolan Lip Stain in action!

British Soap Awards

Did you watch the British Soap Awards this weekend?

If not, you have no doubt seen the endless tweets and pictures flying around the internet talking about how us Northerners out-styled our Southern cousins!

Luckily for my very competitive side, myself and the team over at So Coco Rouge, feel like we had a big part to play in winning this battle- as you can imagine we were very busy with our make-up brushes! 

Karen Hassan

First up in the SCR chair was Hollyoaks scarlet Karen Hassan who played Lindsay, until she met her grisly end at the hands of Silas last year. So Coco Rouge's  Robyn has worked with Karen on various red carpet appearances and this weekend she created stunning smokey eyes, luminous skin and nude glossy lips which complimented her slinky black dress and sleek hair perfectly!

And it wasn't just the cast we were pampering either!

The all important crew also needed to look red-carpet ready and our team were on hand to make them feel a million dollars too!

Emmerdales Kerry

Whilst Robyn was working her socks off in Liverpool, I was over in Manchester, in the middle of the Soap madness at the Hilton hotel. Working as part of the Art Deco Creatives Team once more, we got to work pampering the cast and crew of Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.

Laura Norton

Best Newcomer nominee Laura Norton, who plays troublemaker Kerry was my favourite client of the day. Laura's character Kerry isn't the most glamorous women in the village and her chavvy style definitely leaves room for improvement- so I'm sure many fans did a double-take when they saw her in this weekend!

We decided to create a look that oozed Hollywood glamour, using neutral tones on Laura's eyes with a hint of smokiness in the outer corners and full false lashes.

Contoured cheeks, a neutral lip and a killer red dress completed Laura's glamorous transformation.

Cricket's Annual Show with Art Deco Make-up

Working as a make-up artist, I'm lucky enough to use a variety of different products. One brand that I keep in my kit is Art Deco- and their eye base is one of my favourite all time products!

 

Art Deco also have their own team of Creative's who can be hired for all sorts of projects, from televised award ceremonies to celebrity photo shoots.

 

Their latest project was for Liverpool's famous fashion store, Cricket, who were holding their annual fashion show just in time for Christmas. I was one of the lucky artists who was invited by Art Deco to work with them on the project!

 

 

Sally, head of make-up at Art Deco designed the looks using Amy, a stylist at Cricket's inspiration of 'Naria's Ice Queen.' And with this being Liverpool lots of glitter and gems were in order!

 

Image- Art Deco

Sally designed two looks- one focusing on a dark smokey eye and the other with a striking 'crystal brow' using a variety of art/craft items alongside lots of Art Deco products! Manicurist Laura, was also on hand to ensure the models nails continued the theme- lots and lots of silver glitter!

Image- Art Deco

 

Image- Art Deco

You can read a little more about who attended the event here and keep your eyes peeled in next week's OK! magazine, who covered the event.

 

 

Image- Art Deco