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There are so many concealers on the market and we walk around the department stores and look bemused at which ones to choose….  they are either too white and chalky or too dark for the skin tone which leave the skin feeling clogged up with the make-up. I came across a concealer by Ariane Poole whom I met many years' ago and had the good fortune that our paths crossed…. she offered to re-train me back into the industry after I left the fashion industry and has been my mentor. You may ask who is Ariane Poole?…. Ariane is an international celebrity make-up artist who has worked with some...


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I have been trying out a new cream blusher over the last couple of weeks on myself and my clients. I can hear you all say 'cream blusher they fade away in the skin, don’t last, feel sticky and tacky on the skin, you never get the colour you want'. Not this product. The Charlotte Tilbury Beach Sticks are a revelation. This cream turned balm mix of smoothing ingredients, glowing pigments of colour and light reflecting particles are so easy to use on the cheeks and an added bonus is the sticks can be used on the lips as well. The five glorious shades just remind you of summertime: Formentera...


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In my previous weekly blogs I have talked about my one to one make-up lessons that I offer to clients. I really wanted to share with you my experience with a client whom I met for a one to one make-up lesson recently. When I met this lovely lady she was so nervous and shy as she explained she didn’t bring her make-up bag with her as she didn’t own one and had never worn make-up ever…. my client is 58! So my first question was why now? What has changed? How do you want the make-up to look and feel? She replied “it is my daughter's wedding this year and also I feel that now at...


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I get asked all the time how do I keep my make-up on? what primer should I use? In my make-up kit I do have a varied range of primers for different skin types but recently I came across a wonderful new cosmetic range from California in United States of America. Hourglass are renowned for their superb product range with exceptional staying power and when searching through all their amazing products I discovered Hourglass Veil Mineral Powder SPF 15 Primer. This primer is pure luxury which makes the skin feel divine. The reason I am writing about Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is the main key factor...


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In my make-up kit I always carry a make-up camouflage range called Dermacolor Camouflage by Kryolan. As a make-up artist you meet so many people with different skin types and concerns with their skins from scars, pimples, rosacea, acne, dark pigmentation and tattoos. In some situations my clients require these concerns or even tattoos to be covered up for a special occasion. Over the years I have helped my clients with unfortunate black eyes from a severe accident, operation scars from surgery, pigmentation marks, rosacea and tattoo coverage.             This is where...


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I was contacted a couple of weeks ago by a new bridal make-up brand who have initially launched 5 lipstick shades in their collection. Love, Honour and Be True was launched in early 2014 by two sisters Helen and Kitty. Each year I can meet up to over 60 brides who are getting married in all different venues/locations/inspirational weddings and lipsticks are one of the critical choices for brides.  A bride should always purchase a good lipstick for their 'big day' so they can re-touch their lips throughout the wedding day and keep their lips looking luscious.  In my experience I usually...


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Quoted by the famous Irish novalist James Joyce from Ullysses “ I’d love to have the whole place swimming in roses” Spring is leaving us and early summer time is nearly upon us which can only mean the sweet scent of roses which I adore. Rose has an age old history with the Greeks mythology with the love goddess of Venus. The Romans crowning their martial partners with rose wreathes and showering rose petals at the feet of heros. Every time I apply Jurlique Rose Hand Cream it sends my memory back to rose gardens of the damask roses. Jurlique farm their own ingredients in Australia. Rose...


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Lipstick Queen as a lipstick brand is superb. I love the fun aspect of the brand, clever use of words and description by designer Poppy King plus her clever use of lipstick colours in matt, gloss and sheer textures. This season it is all about “strong lipsticks” whether it be in a bright orange, cerise pink, deep crimson reds. You may ask how can I wear such strong colours? Welcome to Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencils. The packaging is inspired by Roman Polanski’s Chinatown movie. The pencils come in an array of shades with a jumbo sized pencil sharpener. My favourite colour...


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What a wonderful surprise I received the other day in the post ….. the brand new Aromatherapy Associates De Stress Massage and Body Oil. As a make-up artist I am standing on my feet for long hours, lugging my large make-up kit on locations shoots, lifting, bending and usually have aching muscles by the end of the day. In my spare time I like to practice Tai Chi and Pilates and I knew this oil was going to be perfect to unwind those aching muscles. I was eager to start trying this product and wanted to write this blog to let you know of all the benefits to the De Stress Massage and Body...


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I have been following Charlotte Tilbury for many years in the world of make-up and was so thrilled to see her bring out her own make-up range last year at Selfridges London. A quick dash to London to make some purchases (I prefer to buy direct so I can try the make-up on rather than order online).  Although Charlotte Tilbury website is so easy to use plus the website is full of brilliant ideas and advice throughout. Today my blog is on the Luxury Quad Eye Shadow Palette  Sumptuous, so easy to use with 8 palettes to choose from. The difficulty will be trying to decide which one you like...


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