Archive for November, 2009

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A gorgeous fragrance by CHANEL – CHANCE

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

Very often, after I have applied the brides makeup on her wedding day, I will help her put on her wedding dress and I will stay with the bride until she is ready to leave for her ceremony and make sure that all of the finishing touches to her look are complete. Just before she leaves, the bride will often have a final spritz of perfume and one of my beautiful brides used a gorgeous new fragrance by Chanel and I absolutely adore the scent of this perfume, it is currently one of my favourite fragrances and I think it is a perfect wedding day fragrance for a bride.

It is such a refreshing fragrance, which is suitable for daytime use – the best thing about this fragrance is that it isn’t heavy, but it is a fresh fragrance which lasts all day. Created with daring young women in mind the intoxicating new Chanel Chance scent blends the freshness of citron and hyacinth with the warmth and spiciness of amber of patchouli and jasmine for an unexpected combination of notes.

Jacques Helleu, the Artistic Director for Chanel, created a jewel of a bottle ; a perfect circle with a silver collar, like an echo of the legendary square N°5 bottle.

Remember that the scent that you wear on your wedding day should be special – you will always remember your wedding day and the happy memories of that day whenever you wear that fragrance in the future.

CHANEL CHANCE is available from www.Boots.com

Posted in Chanel, Fragrance | No Comments »

1920’s bridal photo shoot – create the makeup look for your wedding

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

Last year I travelled down to the beautiful Combe House in Gittisham, Honiton in Devon for a bridal photo shoot with my good friend and amazing photographer Rosie Parsons. I have worked on many shoots with Rosie and her style of wedding photography is beautiful. (www.rosieparsons.com)

Our 2 models looked stunning in 1920’s style wedding dresses – Becki Simpson created stunning hairstyles, which complimented the dresses perfectly. Vicky Rowe was the stylist, from www.vintageteasets.co.uk .

When discussing the makeup look for this shoot, Rosie the photographer requested a look which would be able to be re-created by a bride on her wedding day. In the 1920’s brows were plucked to a very thin line, cheeks were painted with doll-like rouge, lots of mascara, the lips were obviously painted and the complexion was flawless.

To make this look wearable for a bride today, I made the complexion flawless and rather than obvious, bright blusher I gave the model more of a pretty bridal glow to her cheeks. I kept the eyeshadow pretty and light (with a little contour using a matte shadow) and I did line the top lashes with a fine line of liquid liner at the root of the lashes and applied false lashes. I defined the brows gently for a modern look. For the lips, I applied lipliner, pressed the lipstick on to the lips and then applied a slightly lighter tone of lipstick to the centre of the lower lip.

Products used: After using Lancome skincare to prepare the skin, to create this look I used Daniel Sandler Cosmetics – here is the list of the Daniel Sandler products that I used:

Re-texturising Face Primer, Catwalk Compact (applied with Base Brush) in shade 1, Hide It Under Eye Concealer shade 3, Camo Cover Concealer shade 2 (applied with concealer brush), Invisible Blotting Powder (applied with contour/powder brush), Mineral Matte Blushers in shades Rose Bud, Hush Pink and Natural Beauty (applied with Blusher Brush), Opal Mineral Eyeshadow (apply using Eyeshadow Brush No.1), Tornado Matte Eyeshadow (apply using Smudger Brush), Eye Delight Loose Eyeshadows in shades Ice and Pink Gold (use eyeshadow Brush 2) Eye Love it in shade Rock Chick (as a liquid eyeliner, apply with Lip Brush). After curling the lashes I used Baby Jet Mascara and applied false eyelashes by Mister Mascara. For lips, I applied the Automatic Longlasting Lipliner in Earth Red, followed by Lipshine SPF 15 in shade Cherub and then the Luxury Lipstick in shade Pucker.

To find out more about the products I used, go to:

Daniel Sandler: www.danielsandler.com

Lancome: www.lancome.co.uk

Mister Mascara: www.beautique.com 

Posted in Blusher, Daniel Sandler, Eye makeup, Eyebrows, Eyelashes, Face powder, Foundation, Get the look, Lancome, Lipstick/ gloss, Makeup, Makeup brushes, Makeup hints and tips, Mister Mascara | No Comments »

Bye bye blemishes!

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

More than ever before, adults are enduring the challenges of oily and breakout-prone skin conditions. I have certainly noticed this working with my clients – I am regularly asked for advice from brides who are concerned about oily skin and blemishes and ask me to recommend products that can improve the condition of their skin for their wedding day.

In the past acne products were aimed at the teenage market, but these products were very often harsh on the skin and not suitable for the adult skincare market. Major skincare brands recognised this problem and there are now some amazing products available to treat this concern and rather than strip or dry the skin out, they address the problem by re-balancing the skin in a more gentle manner.

A brand which has created an amazing range suitable for adult acne is Dermalogica – their Medibac Clearing range is regarded as one of the most effective on the market. As someone who has combination skin ( I have a very oily T-Zone, but have to address the concerns of ageing on my eye & neck area) , I have tried several products over the years and two of my favourite products to treat blemishes are:

The Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel (I apply this in a thin, even layer overnight after cleansing and toning to my T-zone).

This is an overnight treatment designed to help clear skin congestion and help prevent future breakouts while soothing aggravation and purifying. 

During the day, I use the Dermalogica Special Clearing Booster ( apply this to any blemishes, to help them heal quickly).

This 5% Benzoyl Peroxide concentrate, fortified with Zinc Sulfate, Tea Tree and Sage, controls bacteria, reduces irritation and scavenges free radicals while helping to accelerate breakout clearing. What I love about these products is that they are effective, but they do not sting when you apply them – I have experienced this in the past and it is not a nice feeling on the skin!

If you are interested in finding out more about Dermalogica products, I recommend that you visit a Dermalogica Salon and book a Face Mapping session - this is a zone-by-zone skin analysis, which will address all of your skin concerns and you will leave with your very own personal prescription which will advise you on the right Dermalogica products for your own skin. 

There are many other products in the Dermalogica Medibac range – to find out more go to www.dermalogica.com.uk

Posted in Cleanser, Dermalogica, Oily skin, Treatment | No Comments »

Shavata Precision Eyebrow tweezers – a must have for perfect brows!

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

 Anyone who knows me will tell you that I really do have a passion for beautiful brows!

Having beautifully shaped brows can make all the difference to your completed makeup look and brides are often amazed when they see the difference that adding a little colour to their brows can make.

Mother of the brides are even more surprised as giving definition back to their brows (a lot of women find their brows get thinner with age) can take years off their face.

Many brides have their brows waxed, some like threading – which ever way you shape your brows it is essential that you have a fabulous pair of tweezers to keep the brows looking clean and neat at home. There is a difference between cheaper and more expensive tweezers – you pay a little more to have a pair of tweezers which will not pinch/ bruise the skin (we have all done this at some point) and good quality tweezers will remove every hair (even the little short hairs).

The tweezers that are in my makeup artist’s kit and I also have a pair for my own use at home are made by the UK’s leading brow expert, Shavata. Shavata has an amazing range of brow products, but my absolute favourite product in the range is her Precision Eyebrow Tweezers (RRP £19.50).

These tweezers are hand finished and made in Switzerland. This instrument is very pointed and precise, enabling you to take out the shortest and finest of hairs.

If the Precision Eyebrow Tweezers are too fine for you, Shavata’s Slanted Eyebrow Tweezers(RRP £19.50) are also excellent -  these tweezers are also hand made in Switzerland, are great for bulk tweezing and are really good for those with poor eyesight.

To read more about Shavata, go to www.shavata.co.uk

Posted in Eyebrows, Shavata | No Comments »

Beautiful bridesmaids

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

The bride is always the centre of attention on her wedding day (rightly so), but it is also important that your bridesmaids look beautiful too. After choosing the dresses and deciding how they will wear their hair, it is also important that you consider their makeup.

You want the bridesmaids to look pretty and to compliment you in your photographs – if you leave all of the makeup decisions to the bridesmaids, you may have one with black smokey eyes, one with brown colours and one with pink! It can be difficult as sometimes you may have a bridesmaid who wants to stand out and then there will be other bridesmaids who don’t want to wear any makeup at all – this is something I have seen before at several weddings.

How do you ensure that the all of your bridesmaids look fabulous, compliment you perfectly, whilst keeping each bridesmaid happy?

I recommend buying a few key products for your bridesmaids – you could give them the products in a little gift bag on the morning of the wedding, as part of their gift.

Buying foundation is difficult unless you can actually go shopping with the girls, as your bridesmaids will have different skin tones and skin types. So, I would recommend that you ask the girls to apply their own foundation, concealer and powder and to shape their own eyebrows if they usually do this as part of their makeup routine.

Keep the cheek and lip colour the same, a soft pretty pink looks pretty and not too heavy – a lip colour that I have found works well on most skin tones is the Daniel Sandler Line ‘n’ Lacquer in shade Crystal Pink (RRP £16.50) – a clever product which has a lip liner and gloss all in one component, your bridesmaids can apply the lip liner first and then the gloss on top.

For their cheeks, a pretty colour to compliment the lip colour is the Daniel Sandler Watercolour in shade Cherub (RRP £11), this is the product that I use more than any other product on the cheeks for brides/ bridesmaids as it is so pretty.

For eyes, it is best to keep it simple for the bridesmaids -  do not give them anything too complicated! If you would like the bridesmaids to wear pink/ grey tones, buy them the Daniel Sandler Polychromatic Eyeshadow in Rosy Tan (RRP £9) and the Velvet Waterproof eyeliner in shade Grey Velvet (RRP £9) or, for brown tones the Sheer Satin Shadow in Guilded Taupe (RRP £9) is easy to wear, along with the Velvet Waterproof Eyeliner in Brown Velvet (RRP £9). You can then ask them all to use their own black mascara.

You can order these products for your bridesmaids online, go to www.beautique.com

(Wedding photography by www.englishroseweddings.co.uk, makeup by Sarah Brock)

Posted in Beauty gifts, Blusher, Daniel Sandler, Eye makeup, Lipstick/ gloss, Makeup, Makeup hints and tips | No Comments »

Cosmetic Lift Pack by Dr. Lewinns Private Formula

Monday, November 16th, 2009

This is one skincare kit that I couldn’t wait to try, it probably had something to do with the fact that on the box it reads ‘facelift without surgery’ –  I rushed to my bathroom to unpack the kit and applied the product to my skin as quickly as possible!

If ageing is something that is a concern of yours and you would like a course of treatments before your wedding day – this is the perfect solution not only for the bride, but definitely for the mother of the bride and you can do this treatment in the comfort of your own home.

Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula Cosmetic Lift Pack is a revolutionary creation which refines, tones and ‘lifts’ the skin without the use of needles or lasers.  Formulated with multivitamins, Cosmetic Lift Pack firms and tones skin with the powerful new generation ingredient Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), an anti-oxidant which also firms the skin and reduces signs of ageing.  Albumen is another key ingredient, which painlessly tightens the skin while the Aloe Batbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice soothes and moisturises the skin leaving you feeling rejuvenated and looking visibly younger. 

The Cosmetic Lift Pack (£50.00) comprises of a Gentle Facial Cleanser, a Cosmetic Lift Activator, a Cosmetic Lift Powder and a Professional Application Brush. The Cosmetic Lift Pack is also ideal for sun damaged skin, rosacea and also reduces the appearance of acne scarring and is suitable for all skin types.

I have some ladies who like a quick fix five minute mask which comes directly out of one tube. This requires a little bit more time as you have to measure the products (by teaspoon) and mix them together – but it took seconds and it was really easy, I actually liked preparing my own facial treatment! To obtain younger looking skin, the Cosmetic Lift is to be used over six month period with an initial ten day phase – applied once on day one, again on day five then again on day ten.  Then it is recommended to continue with only one application per month to maintain the appearance. 

You have to leave the mask on for 30 minutes – the first time I used this product, I read the instructions and applied the product as recommended (you apply it with a brush in various directions on each part of the face) – and even as I was applying this product, you can feel it start to tighten and lift the skin. It was definitely one of the quickest results of a lifting mask that I have tried so far and it feels like a ’serious’ treatment. The formula dries to quick a hard finish towards the end (not a mask you can apply and then call one of your bridesmaids for a chat whilst you are wearing it)!

This is for someone who loves the experience of using serious skincare products – when I removed the mask, I really was surprised as my skin definitely appeared more toned and lifted. This is my new ‘miracle mask’, I stick to the regime and it is the mask I will use if I have a special occasion. For a course of lifting treatments in the comfort of your own home, this is perfect for the bride or anyone in her bridal party.

Read about Dr.Lewinns at  www.drlewinns.co.uk

Posted in Anti-ageing, Beauty gifts, Mask, Radiance and Brightening, Treatment | No Comments »

Rawganic – organic sensitive skincare

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Did you know? It is estimated that up to 60% of what we put on our skin gets absorbed into the body. Feed and protect your skin with beneficial organic oils. On average, organic ingredients contain higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants.

If you want silky smooth skin and are a fan of natural, organic ingredients then the Rawganic range is just what you’re looking for.

Manufactured in the UK by Marshall Curtis, the range has been dermatologically tested, is completely free of parabens, contains no artificial perfumes or colourings, is non-GM and has not been tested on animals. Plus, the whole range (which includes fabulous 100% organic cotton facial cleansing wipes, refreshing Apple and Elderflower Body Wash and award-winning Wild Chamomile and Olive Hand and Body lotion) is Soil Association and Vegetarian Society accredited..

I am definitely seeing an increase in the number of clients who have sensitive skin – in fact, almost 90% of the population will have sensitive skin at some point in their life! For clients who regularly suffer with sensitivity, the ingredients of the skin care products that they use is of the up-most importance to them, as using products which could potentially irritate their skin is something that they try to avoid as much as possible. I am often asked by brides who have sensitive skin which brands of skincare/ makeup I use before they make a booking with me, so I know how important ingredients are to these clients – which is why I was really interested to try these products for my brides and give them feedback on the quality of the products. All of the products in this range are priced under £10 each – so this is definitely an affordable way to use Organic skincare.

The texture of the products is beautiful and the smell is so fresh and clean,  it is definitely a unisex product that all of the family can use. The body products were gorgeous - but I have to say that the biggest revelation for me was the Organic Facial Cleansing Wipes! As a makeup artist, I go through packets of facial wipes! Finding a brand that doesn’t irritate the eye area on every client can sometimes be a challenge – but now I have found the answer, these facial wipes are simply brilliant.

 The wipes are based on a 100% organic cotton fabric that has no chemical binders or brightening agents, just organic cotton so they are completely biodegradable. The wet cleansing liquid is a blend that has been specially balanced for skin contact. It contains natural cleansers, skin conditioners and emollients so they are naturally soothing and conditioning. The pH is carefully controlled to around 5.5 to match the skin pH of most people so it does not sting like some conventional wipes. They are dermatologically tested. I’m a huge fan!!

Visit the website: http://raw-ganic.com/

Posted in Body care, Organic, Raw ganic | No Comments »

Your wedding day makeup schedule

Friday, November 13th, 2009

 

The morning of your wedding should be a time when you relax and  enjoy spending precious time with your family and bridesmaids.

The morning will seem to pass so quickly, as you all prepare for the big day ahead. Most brides will have a hairstylist to do the hair for herself and the bridal party and when I meet a bride at her makeup rehearsal, I will give her a schedule for wedding day makeup, so that she and the bridal party each have a time for their makeup.

When I meet a bride for a makeup lesson, not only do I design a makeup look for her to create herself, I also explain that it is advisable to book a time slot on the morning of her wedding for her to do her own makeup. If you are applying your own wedding day makeup, I advise you to do the same. Don’t leave your makeup to the last minute, or you will be rushing and the last thing you want is a shaky hand applying your makeup! Having to rush your makeup application on your wedding day will also make you feel stressed and nervous, so here is my advice for planning your own wedding makeup schedule, so your wedding day morning will run as smoothly as possible:

Traditionally, hair is dressed first and your makeup is the last thing that you apply, before you step into your dress.

When working with a bride and planning a schedule, I like to work backwards  from the time of the ceremony. Below are the questions I would ask and examples of timings for you: 

 

1) What time is your ceremony? 3pm

2) What time are you leaving your house/ venue where you are getting ready on the morning of your wedding? 2.30pm

3) What time would you like to be ready in your wedding dress? 2pm

4) How much time do you need to put your dress on? 20 minutes

Going by the above times, I would suggest to the bride that she schedules an hour to do her makeup (again, you do not want to be rushing) and I would advise that she applies her makeup 12.30pm – 1.30pm.

I also advise the bride to take herself away from all the excitement  for a quiet hour while she applies her makeup. I also suggest that the bride asks the rest of the bridal party (bridesmaids/ mother of the bride etc) to be dressed and ready for when she has finished applying her makeup – that then avoids a last minute rush of everyone getting dressed at the same time! If everyone is dressed and ready for when the bride has finished her makeup, the only thing left to do is for everyone to help the bride into her dress and make sure that she looks perfect for her groom.

(Above photograph is of Sarah Brock applying makeup for a bride on her wedding day)

Posted in Makeup, Makeup hints and tips | No Comments »

Professional strength skin care from Medik8

Friday, November 13th, 2009

If you love serious skin care products, you will love this range of professional strength skin care products. Medik8 is a British 100% professional and cosmeceutical skincare line, perfect for even the most sensitive of skins. Medik8 are innovators in the use of peptide and antioxidant technologies as well as high doses of multiple vector botanical extracts. A firm believer in results driven products without the fads and false claims, Medik8 only use proven technologies that provide real skin benefits and that are backed by scientific reason and clinical research. Lines include products for the face, body and anti-ageing as well as the ground-breaking line of antioxidants and Pretox, a viable alternative to anyone not wanting to take the steps of injectables and muscle-relaxants.

I have been lucky enough to sample a few products from this line and not only do the products deliver the results that they promise, they are incredibly easy to use. I know that most brides, when they ask me for skincare advice want results, but do not want to spend too much time on complicated routines which take too much time. These products are easy to use, do not take a lot of time at all and best of all give great results! I also think that the price of these products is excellent for the quality of the ingredients used.

Medik8 Hydr8 Pro-Collagen Hydrator SPF 25  

Hydr8 Pro-Collagen Hydrator SPF 25 (£49.00) is the Medik8  flagship total hydration formula containing advanced, clinically tested ingredients in proven concentrations designed to provide cellular protection and hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reducing the visible signs of ageing.

The ingredients and benefits: All Hydr8 products contain the enzyme superoxide dismutase which is a powerful antioxidant; plus Pre-SPF® Ectoin® and Vitamin A Palmitate.

The skin’s own cellular DNA and Langerhans cells are protected from ultraviolet radiation induced damage and consequent premature ageing.

Also containing powerful anti-oxidation, anti-ageing and general moisturisation ingredients, but priced for daily use.

How to use: Apply twice daily to clean dry skin – if you are using the Hydr8 B5 Skin Rehydration Serum (see below), apply the serum first and then this product on top.

The above moisturiser is fantastic but if you want to increase the results even more, than layering a serum under your moisturiser will help you to achieve this. We all need to use a moisturiser suitable for our own skin type, but serums are amazing to use under your moisturiser as a serum will work on a deeper level within the layers of your skin.

The Hydr8 B5 Skin Rehydration Serum(with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5) is brilliant as all skin types can use this product – for anti-ageing results, use this before your moisturiser and for oily or acneic skins, you could use this as a standalone product at night, as it is oil-free gel which will help to re-balance your skin.

The ingredients and benefits: Hydr8 B5 has been designed to improve moisture levels within the skin. Contains skin-softening vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and moisture-enhancing hyaluronic acid to quench your skin and provide 24 hours of nonstop hydration.

Light-weight and non-greasy gel formulation to effectively hydrate, relieve and restore moisture balance in both dry and oily skin types.

Contains Pantothenic Acid, also known as vitamin B5, which effectively enhances the skin’s moisture-retention capacity as well as promoting skin rejuvenation and wound healing. Pantothenic Acid is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and an anti-itching active, helping to soothe stressed irritated skin.

Hydr8 B5 also utilises the power of Hyaluronic Acid, which is capable of holding up to 1000x its own weight in water and hence helps to restore critical moisture to dehydrated skin, increase skin’s suppleness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This clear, oil-free gel transforms your skin by re-balancing its moisture levels and maintaining hydration for up to 24 hours. Hydr8 B5 absorbs immediately, leaving skin feeling silky smooth and entirely quenched with moisture. Can be used day and/or night to soften and smooth the skin or for optimal renewal and protection of the skin – price £34.00.

Read more about these products at: www.medik8.co.uk or www.skinbrands.co.uk

Posted in Anti-ageing, Medik8, Moisturiser, Oily skin | No Comments »

Get the look – Ritva Westenius

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Ritva Westenius has been making stunning couture wedding gowns since 1977 and has many celebrity clients – I have visited the Ritva Westenius Boutique in Connaught Street, London and have had the privilege to work alongside Ritva Westenius and her daughter Chenca Williams who is also a very talented dress designer. 

Her designs are absolutely stunning and I was incredibly excited when I opened Brides Magazine and saw the latest advertising campaign, which was shot in LA by photographer Guiliano Bekor.

Not only does it showcase the latest fabulous dress designs, the hair and makeup was amazing and was a breath of fresh air – the elaborate hair design was stunning, but was I was most excited about the dramatic makeup look!

More and more brides are requesting a stronger makeup look on their wedding day – gone are the days when every bride walked down the aisle in the same ‘peachy’ makeup tones! There are some brides who wear more makeup on a daily basis, so the groom is used to seeing them ‘made up’ and for these brides, they would feel ‘naked’ without a stronger makeup look. Then I have brides who do not wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis, but want to achieve the ‘wow’ factor on this special day and ask me to create something dramatic for them.

If you love this makeup design, here are some top tips to re-create it for your wedding day:

Make sure that you select a matte foundation for this look, with at least medium coverage – this look requires the most flawless finish to the skin. Ensure that any imperfections are covered and set your base with loose powder.

Blusher should be subtle – with this much drama on the eyes, along with a strong tone to the lips, stick to a taupe/ nude shade and use only a small amount (think more about subtle contour than lots of blusher).

The eyes are such a key part of this look – and I recommend using matte shadows – use a cream coloured shadow as a base, from the upper lashline to the brow. Apply a dark brown shadow (choose one with an ash tone to it, rather than a warm brown) and apply this to the contour. Using a charcoal grey, apply this to the eyelid and finish with a matte black shadow used as an eyeliner to define the upper and lower lashline and ‘wing’ the shadow out slightly at the outer corner for more drama. It is important to use the correct eyeshadow brushes – this look will require a little more skill than a natural look and using the correct tools will help you.

The lips in this photograph are of a plum tone and complete the look – if the strong eyes and lips are too much for you, then go for a more natural shade on the lips, which will look slightly less dramatic.

Line your lips first (all over the lip area), apply your lipstick with a brush and if you wish, apply a small amount of gloss on top.

 www.ritvawestenius.co.uk  (Images kindly provided by Ritva Westenius)

Posted in Blusher, Concealer, Eye makeup, Face powder, Foundation, Get the look, Lipstick/ gloss, Makeup, Makeup brushes, Makeup hints and tips | No Comments »

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