Since the transition from peri to full blown menopause has taken my life by storm, I've really come to notice the full force of the mental symptoms. As my body is adjusting to my new normal, it's my brain that really needs to play catch up. There's no denying I've always been one for living life like I'm up floating around with the clouds, but I've always been able to take the trip back to reality when I needed too. These days however the focus to do much at all really eludes me.
So how am I managing it? Well, extensive googling of course so I can try all the produts that promise you the world....
It's a short list of makeup products today, because this bride was all about natural beauty and that meant keeping things simple. It was the perfect way to kick off the summer in style as June rolled around for Victoria and James' wedding at Halton Grove, Northumberland. This fun couple know how to throw a party and Victoria's makeup was a celebration in itself of her afforementioned natural beauty.
Her eyes were a dazzling shade of green that when paired with the warm-russet and metallic copper tones of Charlotte Tilbury's Copper Charge eyeliner, shone like emeralds. Bringing that same...
Have you noticed how humid it's been feeling lately? The summers here in the UK seem to be getting hotter every year, and I've been doing my research on exactly what's needed to keep you looking and feeling fresh all season long.
British summertime is notrious for its heat being unlike others, the moisture in our air can really feel clammy and oppressive, a recipe for disaster for those of us wearing makeup. I've been spending decades refining my kit to make sure clients don't feel these effects, and this year I've been extra lucky travelling to work in even hotter climates and really putting...
Hot off the plane from Ethiopia, I arrived in Newcastle for what I'm dubbing as the wedding of the year so far!
After working around the clock on a photoshoot in the swealtering heat of Addis Ababa, it was a quick turn around to get back to the UK and into wedding mode but wow was it worth it. I'm not sure words can really describe how beautiful Isabella and Dom's wedding was. A true representation of their love for one and other, their superstar team of suppliers transformed Newcastle Cathedral into an etheral, magical and cosy space to host their celebrations.
Having secretly got married the day before...
A letter from Jo
The Summer Solstice has arrived! As of the 21st of June, the Northern Hemisphere has officially entered the glorious season of sunshine and freedom.
As we pass the half way point of 2023 it's a great time to reflect on the year so far, and a great time to induldge in a moment with us here at Untitled №1 as we embrace the months to come.
What evokes an emotion for you during Summer time? The extra daylight hours bring with them a boost of serotonin, the renowned happy hormone, with it comes an abundance of feelings that arise as we pass the longest day of the year.
Celebrate...
The Hepburn vibes are back! This time it's for QP Jewellers and their amazing summer campaign, ready to showcase 2023's delicate gemstone pieces that bring a summery elegance to any look. You could say I'm on a bit of a roll with my Audrey inspiration right now after my work for the Belle Bridal Issue 26 cover, she truly honed and defined the perfect classy makeup look that had the perfect little touch of attitude. That's why of course this look had to keep the pop of drama in the cat eye eyliner flick, using Stila's Stay All Day Eyeliner for that sharp definition.
Taking a slightly different...
After multiple decades working in the wedding industry creating bridal makeup all across the North East, I find myself asking, what is it that every bride needs? How can I create the tools to empower them to enjoy their wedding day without fuss?
Using my years of expertise I always ensure I'm working with my brides to use the best products for them, products that leave a beautiful finish but are also going to stay looking fresh from AM to PM. However no makeup is ever bulletproof, and no wedding day is without its unforseen circumstances. Be it a typical British change of weather, an extra passionate...
Floating free, this photoshoot for Sunday Girl Magazine issue 11 is capturing an unrestrained attitude, a sense of freedom. With an edgy modern punk makeup style to boot, I'll leave you with these words to reflect on, a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley that the magazine aptly paired with these images.
Higher still and higher
From the earth thou springest
Like a cloud of fire;
The blue deep thou wingest,
And singing still dost soar, and
soaring ever singest
In the golden lightning
Of the sunken sun,
O'er which clouds are
bright'ning,
Thou dost float and run;
Like an unbodied joy whose
race...
Viva Magenta is all the rage for 2023 according to the official Pantone Colour institute and this shoot for Ruby & Oscar's hasn't shied away from leaning into the pink craze. As colour of the year, it's here to embody a fearless empowerment that's unconventional yet captivating. The makeup on this shoot had to be on par with the bold statement these summer gemstones were making, that's where my latest obession with Lisa Eldridge's range comes in.
The True Velvet Lip combo of Lipstick and Gloss in Carnival was exactly the striking pink I was looking for to represent the adventurous spirit of Pantone's...
Spring, spring, spring! That's what comes to mind when I think of the delicate floral fantasy created for Belle Bridal Magazine's Issue 26 Cover shoot. You've seen the magic between the glossy pages that we created for the editoral shoot I worked on showcasing all things glowing and bronzed, now it's time for the breath of fresh bridal air that is the front page!
The awesome team set the studio up with an unreal fresh floral arch by Wild and Wonderful Flowers that was paralleled in beauty by the Badgley Mischka gowns carrying through the same hues of ivory and baby blues that adorned the arrangement....