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I am always slightly skeptical about eyelash primers as they can make your eyelashes look clumpy with spidery looking legs! How can this primer claim to offer three uses. ? So for a week I tried the primer in the three formats and I am honestly say I was shocked at how good the Little Black Primer is. Tint Amplify Set   Tint On days when you want that “no makeup look” or want to follow the trend of a smoky eye and not to have the eyelashes too extended. The Tint option makes the eyelashes look glossy and natural. Amplify It really does amplify my eyelashes. One coat...


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I started in the industry many years ago working for Lancome where I had an intense training course in London Head Office. My 10 year career with Lancome took me to large accounts in Edinburgh, Manchester, York and my final position before I left the company was in House of Fraser in Darlington. Looking back at my career with Lancome I wanted to write an article about how to create the Valentine look using make-up products you can purchase from House of Fraser. I wanted to have a cross section of make-up brands which, of course, included Lancome! but from other top companies from Clarins, Guerlain...


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On a recent visit to Paris I was thrilled to receive a hand delivered Guerlain parcel to my hotel with their latest make-up range which is launching in January, 2015. Some of these products are top secret until January but I was given the honour to try the range for this beauty look, plus write a review on these beautiful products. I eagerly opened the parcel with a huge grin and was immediately drawn to the packaging and the quality of Guerlain, which has been enchancing beauty since 1892. With Spring time nearly upon us it’s time to put aside the heavier make-up from the winter months...


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Over the year I have been really fortunate to get the chance to try some superb make-up products and skin care ranges that are available on the market. I wanted to write about a small skin care brand Priori which I have been trialing over the last 4 months. When I have time out of my busy schedule of running Make-up by Jo Ltd, I try to have regular facials with a beautician I have known for over 10 years. She introduced me to Priori. I was suffering from white milia spots on my skin, in particular, under my eyes and ontop of my cheeks. Obviously being in the beauty industry I have tried...


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I always have to pinch myself when I get to see my latest work in New magazine and also in large print which I have proudly framed and on display. Over the last couple of years I have worked alongside an amazing team and love creating the looks for Rock N Rose campaign/editorial and social media images. How did I create this look using Daniel Sandler make-up? The key is to focus the look on the blusher. To create a soft focus on the skin I applied the foundation with a foundation brush. For those “killer cheekbones” I used the highlighter shimmer on top of the cheeks to make the cheeks...


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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 2015 dates and venues and would be delighted if you are in the area for you to come along and say hello: 25th January 2015 Solberge Hall, Northallerton between 11am to 2pm with Darlington Weddings 1st February 2015 Middleton Lodge, Richmond between  Midday to 4pm Open day by appointment only with Middleton Lodge 8th February 2015 Bannatyne Hotel, Darlington between Midday to 3pm with Darlington Weddings 22nd February 2015 Redworth...


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Are you looking to give your special loved one a special New Year treat?      Why not buy a 2 hour one to one make-up lesson to learn how to apply your own make-up by a professional make-up artist.     The lessons I hold are friendly, informal and interactive with plenty of hints and tips to take away with you. During your make-up lesson we will discuss your existing regime and look at new ideas on the application of your make-up from perfect day time to night time looks.             As a New Year offer to YOU, if you purchase a lesson before...


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A huge part of my business is offering my services as a make-up artist for brides on their Wedding Day. Here is a montage of images from a selection of weddings over the course of 2014 and a list of the photographers I have worked with at these weddings. Weddings bring me joy, laughter and it is always superb meeting some wonderful people during the journey. Happy New Year to everyone and welcome 2015.          Credit to the following photographers Brett Harkness Richard Leng Fyzal Stan Seaton Photography Sally Thurrell Photography Michael Cartwright...


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I have used Jurlique for the last year and I have written a few blogs on the range in the past due to my love of “roses”… did you know they can use up to 8000 hand picked roses from their farm in South Australia for some of their 100ml bottles. The cold weather setting in and seeing the first few flurries of snow here can play havoc with our skins which can make it feel dry, sore, red or even worse rosacea can flare up during this time. Over the last couple of weeks I have asked a client, who suffers from rosacea, to try the Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Spray Mist morning and night....


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Stuck what beauty book to buy for your friend, daughter or to hint for your Christmas Wish List!  I can highly recommend 'Pretty Honest' a fabulous new book by by the Beauty Guru Sali Hughes. Pretty Honest is a beauty bible full of top tips and honest advice from Sali Hughes where her sharp wit and humour comes through the book. If you want a book full of honesty about the industry this is the perfect buy. Sali started her career as a make-up assistant and became a journalist for many top magazines from Red, Grazia, Elle, Glamour and many more. Her recent move is Guardian Weekend Beauty...


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