Exciting new project!

Well, the past few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind! But I'm very excited about the news I can now share with you all!

As most of you know I have been working hard during 2012 to build the media side of my career, with lots of help from my wonderful agent Joanna at Red24 Management. I loved featuring on UK shopping channel QVC in September, and I was delighted to hear there was a chance I could be appearing more often in the future!

I was thrilled to be invited down to the UK head office of best selling nail care brand, OPI, to meet with the team who run the QVC side to the business. Just being invited to step inside the Lena White offices was an absolute privilege. Although I walked in a bag full of nerves, every member of staff I met could not have welcomed me more and within minutes I felt right at home.

 

I am delighted to tell you all, that I have been appointed as a OPI Guest Presenter for QVC!

I will be working alongside current guest presenters, Lisa Bennett and Julie Barham, who have featured on QVC for a number of years.

 

My first show is next Saturday (1st December) at 11pm, which I am rather nervous but very excited about! It would be great if some of you tune in to support me and see what wonderful products I'll be working with!

 

 

OPI is a brand I have used for many years- in fact their Alpine Snow lacquer was the first nail colour I stole from my mum's dresser! Even when I started my beauty training, almost 10 years ago now, OPI was the brand I turned to. Ensuring even as a trainee, I was using professional products that both my clients and I could trust.

Since focusing my career down the hair and make-up route, a selection of OPI products have always been kit staples. What many people are unaware of, is that as a make-up artist it is usually your responsibility to look after your artist/client/model's nails too, so finding a brand you can trust under on set pressure is paramount.

Luckily, when we launched the new So Coco Rouge salon Katy, our fantastic Beauty Therapist and Nail Technician, loved OPI as much as Robyn and I do. So when it came to choosing which brand to offer our clients, we knew exactly where to turn! Alongside traditional lacquer we also offer their latest product Gel Colour, for long lasting chip-free nails.

 

 

 

As I'm sure you can tell, I am so happy to be working with OPI and QVC. It feels like the perfect end to a fantastic year, and I cannot wait to work with them more closely in 2013 and beyond.

 

 

Boux Avenue comes to Liverpool One

Today Boux Avenue launched their latest stylish store in Liverpool One, and I was one of the lucky few to be invited along to the secret preview!

 

Boux Avenue, the UK's equivalent to Victoria's Secret, is a chain of lingerie stores owned by  Dragons Den star and business mogul Theo Pathitis.

We were greeted at the event by two gorgeous models, dressed in fur and one of Boux's beautiful corsets, complete with a modern take on 1940's Victory Rolls and classic red lips. Once inside, and a chilled glass of champagne in head, the browsing could begin!

 

Boux Avenue's collection includes beautiful bridal lingerie, everyday essentials and a vast nightwear range boosting both thermals nightshirts and barely there negligees! There certainly was something for everyone and every occasion!

 

 

 

Lots of friendly, trained advisers were on hand to assist us in our lingerie browsing, and even offered complimentary bra fittings to those of us brave enough to loose the layers on such a cold winters day!

 

Having taken a sneak peak into Boux Avenues changing rooms, loosing the layers seemed like a perfect idea!

 

Each beautifully decorated room is named after one of the exquisite fabrics used to make our all important lingerie.

 

 

 

But what really makes these changing rooms so different to every other high street store- is the lighting.

 

Boux Avenue, give us ladies THREE options!

Daylight, Dusk and Evening.

 

It really makes a wonderful change to see yourself in the lighting most of us will wear our new underwear in before we've even decided to buy it!

And if you need any extra help with the correct fitting or you require a different size, just press for concierge and one of the Boux advisers will come to your beck and call.

 

 

If that wasn't enough, I was also treated to these gorgeous goodies!

Huge thanks to Fluorescent PR for inviting me to this fantastic event!

 

 

From Berlin With Love!

Having the So Coco Rouge salon in a leafy area of the city is idyllic. Well, that is until autumn approaches and you find your front door blocked with golden leaves!

 

Now is the perfect time to indulge in the latest trends approaching us for AW 12, and experimenting with nail colour is the quickest way to update your look! With a busy week of make-up work and the icy chill we have been experiencing in the North, my nails definitely needed a little love!

 

 OPI is has been one of my favourite beauty brands, since I started my training nearly a decade ago.  It's the nail colour range Katy, our in house Beauty Therapist uses in the salon, and my on-set kit wouldn't be complete without their perfectly sized miniatures!

 

With a free hour to pamper myself, I grabbed my favourite products and set to work!

 

 

As you can see, too much 'alcohol/hygiene' gel and the cold weather had certainly taken its toll- who wants dry, cracked cuticles!!

 

Nothing, a little bit of Avoplex Nail and Cuticle Replenishing Oil won't sort!

This little miracle should be massaged twice a day in the cuticle area (something I WILL be doing from now on!) but can also be used on elbows, knuckles and other dry areas!

 

 

 

What a difference just one application makes!

 

 

Now to decide which shade of lacquer I would try first this season!

OPI releases a large variety of limited edition colours each year, all inspired by the latest Hollywood film, catwalk fashion or art.

 

This Autumn Winter the  collection's I will be sporting will be the Germany Collection, inspired by the latest fashionable city, Berlin, and the SkyFall range to celebrate the latest Bond film and 50 years of Bond.

 

After much deliberation, I decided to try a nude shade from the Germany range.

My Very First Knockwurst is a beautiful nude with rosy undertones, ideal for a pale complexion like mine!

 

To prevent my nails from staining, and to ensure my varnish stays chip free all week, I firstly applied Natural Nail Base Coat followed by two of my chosen colour. For extra protection and added shine I finished with a Top Coat.

 

 

 

OPI make application really easy- even when trying to do your opposite hand!! Their exclusive ProWide brush ensures an even application, in three easy strokes!

 

Voila! Gorgeous nails ready to compliment my AW leathers!

 

 

 

 

(Sorry about the quality of this image! I think my camera was a little dazzled by these beauties!!)

Kryolan Live Event

 

Well what a night it's been!

 

Tonight myself and Robyn, were kindly invited by Propa Ganda to the launch of the re-branded Kryolan range, which was held at The Chemistry Centre, in London's Piccadilly.

 

 

 

For those of you who think you have never come across Kryolan, if Robyn or I have applied your make-up, then you have! In our professional kits and the huge kit we have at SCR, you will find many Kryolan products.

From Derma Blend for Tattoo, scar and blemish cover, to their nifty lip palettes and huge pots of translucent powder, Kryolan is the brand we turn to.

 

This event was to celebrate the recent re-branding and launch of their newest products, giving professional make-up artists the chance to try them first hand.

 

The evening began with a heart warming talk from both Wolfram Langer and his son Dominik, who explained to us how Arnold Langer, Wolfram's father started the brand back in the 1920's, influenced by his combined passion of the theatre and science.

 

65 years on the brand is still used by make-up professionals the world over. From specials effects in TV to traditional theatre make-up and fashion editorial work, Kryolan has products to suit each genre.

 

After a short video showcasing the products uses, the newest advertising images were released and live models surrounded us each wearing a unique make-up design inspired by each genre.

Like children in a candy store, we were all eager to get trying the products, and boy did Kryolan spoil us! Huge pots of pigment, stacks of glitter and palettes upon palettes of brightly coloured eye shadows were available to play with, and play we did!!

My favourite products included the High Definition 15 shade foundation palette, Shimmering Vision Cream Pigments and the re-packaged lip palettes we already swear by! Luckily, Kryolan very kindly supplied us each with a bag full of goodies to wet our appetite until the new range becomes available later this month.

 

Before the evening drew to a close, I was very privileged to be asked to give a mini interview on my thoughts on the new branding, (which luckily were all good!!) which I'll post here when I receive the finished piece!

 

 

 

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!