We've moved!

We've moved! 

I now have a lovely new home for Flicks and Red Lips over at

www.flicksandredlips.com

Don't worry- nothing else has changed, I'll still have lots of beauty news, make-up advice and general girly gossip!

Whilst you visit our new home, why not follow Flicks elsewhere too!

You can find us on

Facebook- FlicksRedLips

Twitter- SianLouiseAuld

Instagram- SianLouiseAuld

I look forward to seeing you in my new home soon!

Sian-Louise

x x x x

A closer look at the OPI Coca Cola Collection

Last month you might remember I was lucky enough to attend the ultra glamourous launch of the OPI Coca Cola collection, in a swanky London hotel well now it's time to explore that collection a little more!

OPI are famous for their celebrity, film and brand collaborations, and the drinks giant is following in some pretty amazing footsteps. Gwen Steffani, Mariah Carey and Bond to name but a few! This limited edition collection features inspiration from The Coca Cola Companies best loved brands, including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, Vanilla Coke, Sprite, Fanta, and Coke Zero. So we can expect a wide shade range, with one to suit us all!

Plus, with each bottle of Coca Cola inspired lacquer featuring the OPI Pro Wide Brush, and their professional chip resistant formula, these little bottles of loveliness will make it nice and easy to create a salon worthy manicure from the comfort of our bedrooms!

So, lets take a closer look at our shades shall we!

Classic glossy red, 'Coca Cola Red'

Soft, feminine pink 'Sorry I'm Fizzy Today'

Vibrant tangerine 'Orange You Stylish'

Creamy nude 'You're So Vain-illa'

Personally, I think all of the above shades would look fabulous with a summer sun-kissed tan! Especially, Orange You Stylish, which would be the ultimate flash of colour peeking out from your summer sandals!

For those of you who prefer deeper or metallic shades, don't fret!  There are lots on offer for you too!

Dramatic black with red sparkles 'Today I Accomplished Zero'

Metallic deep lime 'Green On The Runway'

Rich black cherry 'Get Cherried Away'

Seriously sparkly silver! 'Turn On The Haute Light'

Deepest, darkest purple 'A Grape Affair'

See, lots and lots to choose from! If you can't make up your mind, why not try the '10 Pack of Style'? Featuring each bottle in miniature size, plus OPI professional top coat. You'll still get 10-15 manicure's per bottle enough to last you through to Autumn Winter at least!

The OPI Coca Cola collection officially launches on QVC UK on Saturday 21st June at 5pm- with me in the hot seat!

I'll be talking you through the whole collection, plus some fabulous professional secrets.

Hopefully you'll see me and my classic Coca Cola Red manicure then!

Neon Nails

 You know Summer is well and truly here when we all choose to showoff our bronzed bodies with complimentary neon fingers and toes.

This 'Summer' is no different, with OPI this week launching their six new Neon Nail Lacquers. Let's just hope the sun soon starts shining so we can show off at least a subtle hint of sun-kissed skin!

Not only does this collection feature 6 full size wearable shades, we have also been treated to a colour boosting, white base coat, developed to enhance our brighter nail shades! Simply apply 1-2 thin coats of Put A Coat On, before following with two coats of your chosen nail lacquer shade.

I personally reach for coral or pink tones in Summer, so I'm LOVING Down to the Coreal, tangerine toned Juice Bar Hopping and vibrant Hotter Than You Pink.

But, perhaps this year I'll try to think outside my manicure box! Especially with citrus shades Life Gave Me Lemons, You Are So Outta Lime!, and bold purple Push & Pur-Pull.

Plus, if you are lucky enough to be jetting off for some much-needed sunshine, these shades are available in OPI Gel Colour- meaning a chip-free neon mani for a good few weeks!

Essence Cosmetics

Last week saw the Summer press launch of Essence Cosmetics UK held by the lovely people at Flipside PR.

If, like me, you haven't heard of Essence before, we are a bit behind the times I'm afraid. This low priced, but high quality brand are the number 1 cosmetic brand in Europe, and currently available in 70 countries. Looks like I need to fly out more!

The collection features eyeshadow palettes in a array of shades, a large selection of eyeliner and mascara formulations, plus lip, nail and brow products. All costing less than a large take out coffee!

In the UK, from July we can pick up a bargain or two alongside our home ware and garden accessories, in your local Wilko store. 

I've decided to spend a mere £10 and try out a few bits for myself. With my upcoming travels and festival fun approaching, cheaper products are essential. No offence, but I'm sure I'll be less distraught loosing a £2 eyeliner, then I would a £22 one. 
Don't you agree?!

Yellow by Design Guest Blogging

If you told me last year, I'd become an avid fan of taking public transport to work every day, I'm pretty sure I would of burst out laughing. Probably crying with laughter in fact.

There was nothing I hated more than the thought of a hot bus, full of children on the school run and suited businessmen and women on their daily commute to their desks. Especially not when you carry a ridiculous amount of make-up and beauty products around with you.

Then I discovered they had WiFi. Yes, such a simple addition as a bit of free internet made me do a 180. Ridiculous I know. But this little bit of WiFi meant that I could spend 60 minutes a day reading blogs rather than staring at the traffic in front. An easy choice to make!

And if it hadn't of been for this bit of bus WiFi, I wouldn't have found myself engrossed in TV presenter Pollyanna Woodward's blog Yellow by Design. Or come across her call for guest bloggers.

Before I'd even arrived home for an early evening glass of vino, I'd emailed the YBD team examples of my work and kept all my fingers and toes crossed that they liked me.

Luckily for me, they did! Last week, my FIRST EVER guest blog was featured on Yellow by Design!

I won't give anything away, but I personally think it's quite the hot topic I'm discussing, so why not head over there and see for yourself!

LFW SS14 Day 2

After a manic day running round the city beneath a SS12 Cath Kidston umbrella, it was back to Liverpool for me, and a 14 hours of clients at So Coco Rouge. So, it was back to streaming shows online and drooling over the new collections we have ahead of us.

IMAGE- Herald Scotland

Holly Fulton has been one of my favourite designers since she launched her label back in 2009- which is no doubt due to our joint love (some say obsession...) with the Art Deco era. Next season however, she's been inspired by an era, a little closer- the 1970's. With a large collection, packed with a variety of prints and multi-tonal palettes of blue, orange and grey, Fulton provided us with a complete Summer wardrobe. Perfect for sunny days yachting in Cannes.

Hair and make-up was also inspired by the disco days- a sleek deep set parting sweeping into full, tight curls, brushed through, creating cloud-like fluffiness. Brushed through brows, vivid purple shadow applied to the eye lid and right up to the brow and a metallic bronze-nude lip completed the look. 

IMAGE- VOGUE

Then, it's onto yet another favourite- John Rocha- A collection that I turn to for inspiration every year. Rocha's SS14 collection was another to include a monochrome palette, alongside delicate floral patterns, ruffled fabric and sheer panels. The MAC make-up team created metallic silver eyes, by using loose pigments and teamed this with feminine soft pink lips and slicked back, crimped hair. 

IMAGE- VOGUE

As early evening approached, it was time for the celebrities favourite and fun filled brand, House of Holland. With a FROW consisting of Harry Styles, Kelly Osbourne, Nick Grimshaw and Elllie Goulding, this show is instantly guaranteed newsworthy- but did the collection stand up to its Holland's credentials? 

It most certainly does. Lace, checks, florals and  religious motifs. Metallics, pastels, bright primaries and denim. Accessorised with cat-eye sunglasses and peaked caps, what more could you ask for? 

And the make-up pleased me immensely- luminous complexions, flicks of liquid liner and full raspberry red lips. Hair was styled by Babyliss, using a heated wand to create loose summer waves, finished with slicked back front.

Bridal Beauty

Now for the final instalment of my bridal series- and the all important finishing touches! As you are now aware, it's only 2 weeks until my best friend, Sian, gets married and we thought we'd share her bridal beauty tips here for all you brides-to-be!

First up, it's our hands, which we know will be one of the main focus's of our guests attention- after all they will be dying to see that sparkler!

Well, you've always use rubber gloves when washing up, and treated your hands to a weekly exfoliating treatment right!? Well, if your like me, and the majority of women I know- No we haven't! So what can we do to ensure your hands are in tip-top condition with skin as soft as a babies in a matter of weeks?!

Fear not, Soap and Glory to the rescue! Their Endless Glove is. 2-in-1 hand treatment, consisting of both a hand cream and moisture mask. Packed full of Shea butter, Grape-seed and Macadamia oils this leaves your hands thoroughly hydrated for up to 12 hours. Simply apply- concentrating on the back of the hands- these are most exposed to the elements remember- and let this cream do the rest!

To lock in extra moisture, try applying before bed and popping on a pair of Cotton Gloves, Marks and Spencer do a great pair for a bargain price of £3.  It may not be the most attractive of looks, but hey, he's agreed to marry you hasn't he!

Next up, it's our feet! A brand I have recently been introduced to is Margaret Dabbs. Margaret is an award winning foot care specialist and even has a 'sole spa' in one of my favourite stores, Liberty in London. 

Luckily for us, Margaret's range is available to use in the comfort of our own home!

For silky soft feet- essential for dancing the night away- treat your feet to the exfoliating foot mousse , hydrating treatment oil and Intensive hydrating foot lotion.

Wearing a strapless and sleeveless dress? Then remember, during a bleak winter these areas are usually kept under wraps! Slough away dead skin and reveal a glowing complexion with Orgins Ginger Body Scrub. Used on wet skin in the shower, this scrub is a true luxury and one I have used for years. (NB- ginger is also an aphrodisiac, so remember to use this one on your wedding morning!)

And finally- scared you'll be overcome with emotion and give in to a good blubber? If you have a make- up artist, they will insist you wear waterproof mascara. So, if you are doing your own, make sure you invest in a good mascara! The latest offering from No7, Stay Perfect Mascara, is practically life proof and won't budge. Expect to wake up with perfect lashes the next day!

If a more natural look is more you, then try RapidLash Enhancing Serum. I've yet to have the pleasure of trying this product, but looking at the customer reviews it seems like a sure winner! Apply every night before bed and within 30 days you should notice your lashes look longer and fuller . If you have tried this I'd look to hear your thoughts!

And that's it! Your all set! 

Most importantly, enjoy every second of your big day. The one thing all my brides tell me after, is that it all flew by in a whirlwind. So try and take a moment and let all the emotion and happiness sink in. 

To all of you getting hitched this summer, I wish you all, a lifetime of love and happiness! 

Bridal Skincare

A big part of my make-up and hair work in Liverpool is Weddings, and its a part I really adore!  

All of the brides I 'make-up' for their big days are special. But the one I have in less than three weeks time? Well, shes just something else entirely. Not only is she special, she is one of my bestest, closest and oldest friends.

Moi, and the bride-to-be also called Sian!

After being present at their first meeting, secretly being in on him popping the question last year, and now finding myself in my first (of many, i hope!!) bridesmaid dress, to say this bride and her wedding are a big part of my life is an understatement. 

And as a make-up, hair and beauty junkee it was pretty obvious from the off that I would be taking the role of 'Wedding Beautifier' (along with my bridesmaid title of course!)

So, with lots of you getting married this summer, I thought it was the perfect time to reveal 

'The Sian's' pre-wedding beauty kit! 

First up- Skincare! Although every bride I work with wear's a type of foundation on the big day, having a glowing complexion to begin with really enables us to the minimal amount possible. After all, make-up should be used to enhance your beauty, not mask it.
For the past few months Sian has been using the award winning range from Liz Earle- the Beautiful Skin Kit in particular, which features the celebrated Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser.

You start by applying 2 pumps of cleanser to dry skin and massaging in circular motions - starting at the centre of the face. Rich enough to remove a full face of make-up, this cleanser is still gentle enough to use over the most delicate eyes to remove stubborn eye make up too! Next, wring one of the muslin cloths in warm-hot water and hold open over skin for a few seconds, before using to sweep off cleanser. Finish with a splash of cold water before sweeping a cotton pad soaked with Instant Boost Skin Tonic over skin. 
For super soft and hydrated skin, massage Skin Repair Moisturiser in upwards and outwards movements twice a day. Packed with Vitamin E and Anti-oxidants, this replaces lost moisture and protects against dryness. 






For the perfect first kiss, its essential brides-to-be keep their lips hydrated 24/7!
Sian loves the Fabulips kit from Bliss, which includes a lip cleanser, scrub, plumper and balm for under £40. They are also the products used in the Bliss Spa for their lip treatments- so you can treat yourself to a spa treatment at home every day!
Begin with the foaming lip cleanser, which removes even the darkest lip stain! Next, remove any dry rough areas with the sugar lip scrub- featuring vanilla and orange it smells delightful!
(NB- this does contain nuts and is NOT suitable for those with nut allergies)
Finish with the minty flavoured lip plumper and/or Fabulips lip balm for smoother, softer lips.
How can he resist?!

Next we'll be looking at making our locks luscious and our body beautiful!

Rock N Kohl with Charlotte Tilbury

After returning to the North after a few days working in London, I had a horrible feeling I had planned to stay in the big smoke for longer. But, what on earth for?

Then a twitter and Instagram trending hashtag appears like a great big lightning bolt. 

image- Selfridges

One of my inspirations, make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury was hosting a week long beauty festival at one of my favouitre beauty meccas, Selfridges. 

Due to launch her own brand in September, House of Rock N Kohl, the event is a great introduction to whats in store, and a fantastic chance to learn from the UK's best.

Image- Selfridges

The event consists of a variety of events- including an evening of backstage beauty chat with Lisa Eldridge , Charlotte herself and Vogue Beauty Director Nicola Moulton, 'Tilbury' style transformations and a chance to have your lipstick read by the Psychic Sisters.

You can even bring along your make-up bag for a health check- Team Tilbury will be on hand to recommend the best products for you and teach you the best ways to use what you already have! 

Us make-up artists love having a nosey in each others kits, and Charlotte is obviously no different! Her kit favourites are even on display, and available to buy in store. What a great way of finding out what the top pro's can't work without!

Image- Selfridges

So, if you are in London this week and are a bit of a beauty junkie like me, then head down to Selfridges! Judging by this video it looks like you will have a ball!

A peek behind the scenes at QVC

The past few days the OPI team have set up camp at QVC! 

Not only was I on air on Sunday lunchtime, but Lisa and Julie spent a number of hours on air yesterday with our Today's Special Value. (A product at a lower price for 24 hours only.)

The show I was part of, was a Love Beauty show with the handsome Craig Rowe, who picked his favourite beauty products to demonstrate- one of which being the OPI Avoplex range!

We were in great company, with other featured brands including Liz Earle, Decleor, Elemis, and SBC.

Backstage with Craig

There is a great buzz backstage at QVC, and the production staff there are a pleasure to work with. They really help keep those nerves at bay- and I should know, I suffer BADLY with them!!

Lisa and Julie working hard on air!

If you are a fan of OPI make sure you follow @OPINAILS on Twitter to hear about our next show!

OPI Nail Envy

Carrying heavy make-up kits, daily typing and the rubbish weather we have had this spring have definitely taken its toll on my poor nails.

Breaking, cracks and splits are a pain to most people- but when you work in the beauty industry it is even more important that your nails look good 24/7!

So, for me its OPI's hero product, award winner and best seller Nail Envy to the resuce!

Containing hydrolised wheat protein, (which is very similar to Keratin the protein our nails are made of!) calcium and vitamin E, this is one nail strengthener that packs a punch. 

Application is simple- clean your nails of all varnish using a non-acetone nail varnish remover and file nails down to a suitable length. I like mine just over the finger tip, perfect for when I am working around the delicate eye area!!
Nail file wise, I absolutely love the OPI crystal file, which enables you to file in any direction without the risk of causing splits. Be careful not to drop yours though- trust me, they do shatter when dropped on a tiled floor!!!!

1. Apply your first coat of nail envy, which acts as your base coat. 
2. Follow with two coats of your favourite OPI nail lacquer, if you wish
3. Apply a second coat of envy as your top coat
4. Apply another coat of envy every other day 
5.Remove on day 7 and start again!

OPI claim you will see visible results within 4-6 weeks- and they are not wrong!!

I like to use the Original formula, which has a high gloss, but the Matte formula is perfect as the base coat as it ensures your nail lacquer adheres well for a long lasting chip free finish.

The Matte formula is also a favourite amongst men, children and those of us who work in catering or care industries. My mum for instance works for the NHS and the alcohol hygiene gels they constantly use causes havoc with her nails. Using Matte envy protects her nails and creates a healthy looking nail, but it's completely undetectable. Win win!

If like me, you are a fan of gel polish like OPI Gel Colour or Shellac, its important give our nails some extra TLC in-between appointments. I like to give my nails a break one week a month, treating them to some Nail Envy love, to prepare them for the next gel application. The beauty being I can still wear my favourite red polish whilst treating them!


OPI is available from most UK salons, Boots, John Lewis.
But, for a real bargain, tune into QVC on Sunday 16th June at 12 noon where you will find a fantastic OPI offer to celebrate their latest nomination at this years QVC Customer Beauty Awards!

If like me, you already love Nail Envy, then you can place your vote here!

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.

Face Lace

Last week at So Coco Rouge HQ we received a lovely call from the talented make up artist Phyllis Cohen. Phyllis has worked with some of the most outlandish of celebrities, such as Annie Lennox, Boy George and the Rougettes favourite, David Bowie. Her artistic, bold designs made her the go to make up artist for those wanting an eccentric look and the Rougettes have admird her work for years.

After 35 years in the industry, Phyllis has launched Face Lace. Put simply, these artistic self adhesive designs create a look which would take us professionals hours, within minutes. 

From glitzy masks, to pretty artistic eye designs and smaller floral transfers, there is a Face Lace design for any occasion you need to make the boldest of entrances.

Ringing a bell? Face Lace has already been worn on the catwalks of London Fashion Week, Instagrammed by the cast of Made In Chelsea and used by top make up artists Pixiwoo and Lisa Eldridge in their popular tutorials. Face Lace are also the talk of press, only a few months ago the Daily Mail hailed Face Lace as the latest make up trend, and they have graced the pages on Vogue online. 

Why did Phyllis call a group of scouse make up addicts?!

Well, with Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazar only a stones throw from our beautiful little home and an event with Grazia magazine around the corner, Phyllis needed a Rougette to represent the Face Lace brand. Flick in place and my lips painted their signature red, off I went to tell the ladies of Liverpool about Face Lace! 

We showcased a number of Phyllis's best selling designs including the Crystallised Hipstar Mask and Crystallised Fleurty  which all looked stunning on model Charley, from Impact models. All of the designs proved popular with the audience, and I'm sure there will be lots of scouse ladies sporting Face Lace this Summer!

The evening, held by the Beauty Bazaar personal shopping team, included talks by tanning expert James Read and Grazia make up artist Anne Sophia Costa.

You can purchase yours from Harvey Nichols Beauty bazar or direct from www.face-Lace.com

Illamasqua Paranormal Collection

This week saw the much anticipated launch of the latest collection from creative make-up brand Illamasqua. Celebrating individuality once again, this collection features not only vibrant tones but Ultra Violet formulas too. 

A selection of the Paranormal imagery created by Illamasqua

The item I'd heard most about was the innovative nail polishes- vibrant neon shades, which brightly glow under UV light. You can guarantee these will be seen on every fashionista's fingertips at the key festivals this summer- starting with mine at this weeks Liverpool Sound City!

Available in the fushia pink 'Ouija',  vibrant violet 'Seance' and bright green 'Omen'-(similar to the shade sported by Jessie J on this series of The Voice) this polish is perfect for sunny days aswell as raving nights! Not a fan of brights? Then UV Top Coat' Geist' is for you- simply apply over any polish for the same glow effect!

Paranormal Collection

Next up is the Paranormal Palette. As a make-up artist, I prefer to carry my products in handy palettes like this- not only does it reduce weight it also saves us lots of time hunting for the right item! So, whenever a new palette item is released I'm itching to get my hands on them!

These eyeshadows have a texture like no other. They have the vibrancy, and initial feel of a cream but blend seamlessly like a powder. As the formula is silicone based it is also water resistant and long wearing- once again perfect for the Glastonbury showers! The quirky shades look super bright, but on application actually offer a softer wash of colour than expected- making them wearable for most occasions. I especially adore the pink and orange tones, which actually seem a little more pigmented than the green and violet- maybe this is the summer I will really adopt the bright trend?!

I'll be trying a simple wash of one of these shades over my eyelid and lower lash line, finishing with a strong line (or in my case-flick!) of Precision Eye Gel- another long lasting waterproof formula that delivers a deep, rich black shade.

The one item in the collection I will probably never be brave enough to try is Posture and ESP- two new purple lipsticks. Posture is a beautiful cool violet, whilst ESP is a deeper, vivid tone with a matte finish. I will definitely consider using these in my professional work, but for me?

 I think I am best sticking to my beloved reds!

And what should we be teaming with our new brighter eyes, lips and nails? 

A flawless complexion of course!

That's where Hydra Veil comes in- a lightweight gel packed with anti-oxidant marine algae, which instantly re-hydrates skin and reduces the appearance of redness.

Apply before make-up, focusing on any dehydrated areas, and follow with Skin Base Foundation for a flawless, radiant finish. Finish by buffing Gleam cream in Supernatural onto cheeks for a sun kissed bronze glow.

Once again Illamasqua has created a collection most of us will be head over heels for.

And in the words of the genius's themselves?

'After all why be normal, when you can be Paranormal?'