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.

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

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!

Vintage Beauty Shoot

Earlier this year photographer Michelle Wilson of MSW Photography asked Robyn and I to work with her on a vintage inspired series of images, set within So Coco Rouge. The beautiful Olivia Hunter of Boss Model Management was my model for the day, and was an absolute pleasure to work with. So lovely to see beauty inside and out!

We wanted the images to be inspired by screen icons of the 1940's, with the setting of a backstage dressing room. For a modern twist, we decided to keep Olivia's look simple with luminous skin and swept back hair.

To define Olivia's eyes, I used soft neutral tones, in a variety of shimmer and matte finishes. This technique would be perfect for a naturally beautiful bridal look or special occasion too.
The majority of products I used for this look are from MAC, but you can use any brand you wish. 

1. Sparingly apply MAC Paint Pot in Painterly all over the eye lid and up to the brow bone using your ring finger. This acts as a great base for eyeshadows and creates a gorgeous warm pink tone to the lid. 

2. To highlight the brow shape, apply MAC matte eye shadow Vanilla, to the area imediatly under the arch of the brow and blend well. This creamy tone creates the brow definition we need for a vintage look.

3. Using a tapered or pencil brush (my ultimate favourite is by Charles Fox- no name or number I'm afraid, but its a must have!) apply a warm toned, light taupe like MAC Malt to the centre area of the socket line. Make sure you don't follow the socket shape at the inner and outer corners as this can make the eye appear smaller. 

4. Blend using a small amount of MAC Naked Pigment, a nude shimmer, on a fluffy brush, working upwards towards the blow area.

5. Next, apply MAC Vanilla Pigment to the lower lid in pressing movements on a flat brush, before blending up to the contoured socket line. Apply to the inner corner of the eye too, for the ultimate doe-eyed look.

6. Finish with a fine line of Estee Lauder Stay In Place Gel Liner, 2 coats of black mascara and indivudal lashes in short and medium to the outer corners of the eye.