Welcome to the Bridal Beauty Buzz Blog!

'A must read' says BRIDES magazine's Beauty Editor, Alice du Parcq.

As an award winning makeup artist, I am often asked by brides to give them tips on how they can achieve a perfect makeup look on their wedding day and what skincare products I can recommend for them to use at home, so their skin looks flawless on their wedding day. I have applied the makeup for 100's of brides on their wedding day - some of these brides are beauty editors and experts in the wedding industry, so I have many tips and tricks to share! I also regularly work as a makeup artist for Brides magazine, a makeup expert for Wedding TV and I am the Director of Makeup Artistry for celebrity makeup artist Daniel Sandler.

In my blog, I will reveal the beauty products that I have used and know give fabulous results, I will try and test the latest products on the market and keep you posted on the latest product launches. I will also give you fabulous tips on applying your wedding makeup, so you can look your best on your wedding day.
To visit my website, go to: www.sarahbmakeup.co.uk. Sarah x

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 »

My secret to revealing fresher, clearer, younger-looking skin

November 5th, 2009

Anyone who has been lucky enough to visit a salon for a micro-dermabrasion treatment, will tell you how amazingly smooth and radiant their skin feels after!

This is a treatment that most skin types can benefit from (apart from extremely sensitive skin) – micro crystals sweep away dull/ dead skin cells (on a deeper level than a daily exfoliator can). Oily skins love this treatment as it clears blocked pores and reveals a clearer, fresher skin and it is great for speeding up the healing process of any acne scarring. For ageing skins the results are equally satisfying as the youthful glow the skin is left with is beautiful.

Since having a treatment myself a few years ago and seeing the results, I have been a huge fan of micro-dermabrasion. As someone who does not have a lot of time for salon treatments, I wanted a product that could deliver results at home. Whilst a home micro-dermabrasion product may not deliver the exact same results as a salon treatment, I have found a product which helps me to keep my skin so smooth and only takes a few minutes once a week!

I have been using the No7 Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator for many, many months and have recommended it to so many brides at their makeup rehearsal. I can actually see a difference 4-6 weeks later when I then see them on their wedding day. This is a product that you can ’slot’ into any skincare regime that you have, it doesn’t matter which skincare brand you use either. Once a week after cleansing, massage this product on to your face (not the eye area) and rinse off. Your skin will feel and look so much smoother and your makeup also glide on easier to your skin.

When you exfoliate your skin, the other skincare products that you use will be more effective – as if you are putting creams/ serums on skin which has a lot of dead skin cells, the products will not absorb into your skin as easily.

Clients have also been delighted who suffer with blemishes as they have noticed that this has improved – exfoliating the skin in this way will help to avoid your pores getting blocked, which can help to encourage blemishes.

No7 Total Renewal also make a Micro-Dermabrasion Body Exfoliator – again, this is an amazing product that exfoliates on a slightly deeper level than most gentle body scrubs, so you can glow from head to toe!

The No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator retails at £10.50 and the No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Body Exfoliator is £10.00. www.boots.com

Posted in Anti-ageing, Body care, Exfoliator, No7, Oily skin, Radiance and Brightening | No Comments »

How do I achieve a natural looking wedding makeup?

November 5th, 2009

Question: I don’t usually wear a lot of makeup, but I understand that I will need to wear more on my wedding day – can you please tell me how to achieve a natural look?

Answer: Keep it simple – after applying a makeup primer apply a sheer silicone based foundation with a base brush for an even coverage. Follow with a light reflecting concealer where needed and a light dusting of loose powder on your t-zone (don’t forget your eyelids, as this creates a ‘base’ for your eyeshadows).

Keep cheeks fresh and dewy with a liquid blush in a pretty rose/ peach tone.

For a natural look, keep the eyes soft with a soft tone of beige/ taupe or light pink on the eyelid. Define your eyes with a small amount of eyeliner in dark brown (if you are wearing a beige/ taupe colour) or charcoal grey (if you are wearing a pink tone). Apply this to the top lashline, as near to the root of the lashes as possible.

Curl your lashes and apply a few coats of black mascara.

To finish the look, apply a pretty lipstick (just one shade darker than your own lip colour) and then apply a small amount of gloss on top.

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

Posted in Blusher, Eye makeup, Face powder, Foundation, Lipstick/ gloss, Makeup, Makeup Q&A, Makeup hints and tips | No Comments »

Daniel Sandler Super Mineral Makeup wins BRIDES Beauty Award for best foundation

November 5th, 2009

Daniel Sandler Super Mineral Makeup won the 2009 BRIDES magazine beauty awards for best foundation – this is the foundation that I personally use for most of my brides on their wedding day and many brides have purchased to use themselves after coming to see me for a bridal makeup lesson, as this foundation leaves the skin looking flawless, natural and youthful.

Its innovative formula, fortified with exclusive Multi-Mineral Complex, glides on velvety smooth. For the best result I apply this foundation in a light, even layer with a base brush and blend well.

This foundation is hypoallergenic and is fortified with clinical-grade nutrients and vitamins that nourish skin while offering antioxidant protection. This is a foundation, sunscreen and anti-oxidant all in one. Light diffusing mineral pigments help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Oil free, fragrance free, talc free and water resistant.

Super Mineral Makeup also has SPF15 protection and is suitable for all skin types.

RRP is £21.00, go to www.danielsandler.com

 

Posted in Daniel Sandler, Foundation, Makeup | No Comments »

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