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Apart from make-up ! My other big love in life are cats. I have been brought up with cats over my lifetime and had a mixture of moggies and this is the first pedigree cat for me and the first female.  The superb breeders of this gorgeous little lady are South Lakes Bengals I am so excited to have another cat wandering around my home and, of course, causing distraction from my work, in particular, the days at the computer catching up with my admin.!!! How will I get my work done??? Welcome to my own little mini leopard Queen Arabella Beatrice known as Queen Bea:     Why a Bengal?...


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A couple of weeks ago I met a pure talented photographer called Brett Harkness. I was asked to create a look for his training course for a group of photographers who were learning the concept of Wedding Day Daylight and Flash Photography. I wanted to share with you the two images that Brett himself took of the day including all the skills you need for this type of photography.     During the many years in this industry I have met numerous photographers and understand a small amount of the skill of photography. Believe it or not make-up can look so different on different types of camera...


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Since seeing the recent images of wedding of Amal Alamuddin wedding to George Clooney.  The inspiration of wearing lipstick has certainly come back in "vogue" again.  The look is so chic and timeless and can change the way you feel and add  a "red carpet " look to something you are wearing. I just love the simplicity of how a red lipstick can look and the images I have included below for you I think say it all!!!!  This look is perfect for the autumnal season ahead to add a boost of colour to your face. This look was created using Rimmel Kate Moss number 22 lipstick How to achieve...


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September is quickly upon us and we are trying to keep hold of our last bit of our summer suntan. The jumpers and cardigans are on with button up blouses but I hear you all say 'I want to have that summer time glow…how can we create it without looking orange and streaky!!?' I came across this superb brand which was sent to me to trial for the company.  The range is so easy to use and wonderful for the skin with no horrible residue left from the old tanning products from the past. HE-SHI EXPRESS LIQUID TAN HE-SHI EXPRESS LIQUID TAN This lightweight liquid tanning lotion gradually...


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I wanted to have a “healthy look” on the skin during the lead up to the autumnal months ahead. I created this look for some of my latest work with photographer Rebecca Elizabeth Tate and hairdresser James Reid        Make-up used Firstly I covered the skin in a superb night time oil called Superskin Concentrate by Liz Earle to create this overall healthy look and glow. Foundation Sheer Skin Tint Concealer Light Reflecting Concealer Blusher Healthy Glow Cream Blusher in Shade 03 Eyeshadow Signature Eye Colour Golden Sand 09 Mascara Lash Care Intensify Base in Black Lipstick Signature...


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People that know me are aware that I am a huge fan and supporter of those furry black and white striped insect bodies called bees. You may be shouting out as you are reading this not bees, bees sting, I am allergic to them, they are annoying why Bees.? Bees are essential to our planet and our lives on a daily basis. A 3rd of our food comes from the pollination of bees and these furry insects are a critical part to the food, plants and herbs on our planet. 30 years' ago in 1984 Burt’s Bees was founded in Maine Canada by Roxanne Quimby and Burt Shavitz. Humble beginnings from selling beeswax...


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Over the year I exhibit in numerous locations all over the North East to showcase my work as a bridal make-up specialist. I thought I would list below the autumn 2014 dates and venues and would be delighted if you are in the area for you to come along and say hello: 14th September – Redworth Hall Redworth 21st September – Bannatyne Hotel Darlington 12th October – Middleton Lodge Middleton Tyas Richmond 26th October – Bowes Museum Barnard Castle If you need any further information please contact me on jo@makeupbyjo.co.uk


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I am thrilled to be Beauty Expert for Unveiled Magazine which has just been launched for the wedding season this month. As well as my work being showcased on the front cover of the magazine I have also written an article for the first edition outlining a step by step guide on how to create the look using Charlotte Tilbury make-up.   You can get your hands on a copy at all major wedding fayres throughout the North East or contact them direct on www.darlingtonweddings.co.uk for information of wedding fayres. Credit to Make-up used on the shoot: Charlotte Tilbury Photographer : Fyzal...


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I am a huge fan of the Estee Lauder Double Wear range from the foundations, concealers, powders, eyeliners to the lipsticks but during these warm summer weeks the Double Wear Foundation even Double Wear Foundation Light can be too much for the skin. Estee Lauder Double Wear have, however, brought out their All-Day Glow BB Moisture make-up which is fabulous for these hot summer times. What is a BB cream - this is what is quoted by Wikipedia “BB Cream stands for blemish blam, blemish base, beblesh balm ( apparently because of the trademark in Korea on the word “ blemish” ) and in Western...


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A couple of weeks' ago I had the opportunity to work with a photographer, Tracy Kidd Photography, and really wanted to try out my Liz Earle Sheer Lip Gloss. I normally find that lip glosses can usually leave a sticky feel on the lips and even can get stuck in long hair!!! During the studio shoot I wanted to create a “wet look” on the lips with inspiration taken from the days of 70s disco, the famous Studio 54 to disco diva Donna Summer. In this shoot I used the Liz Earle Sheer Lip Gloss in Water Lily number 12 and I must say this is a “must have” lip gloss to purchase to wear...


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