Showing posts with label Make-Up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Make-Up. Show all posts

Monday, 21 September 2015

Red Lipstick on Your Wedding Day: Do or Don't?

While I was in London over the summer, I stumbled out of the rain into the nearest shop I could find, which happened to be MAC. Browsing the lipsticks, I decided to pass the time trying on red lipstick - a shade I've never worn. It looked fab, and it got me thinking - would you wear red lippy on your big day? Or do you think it's too bold? It's a look Sarah Meredith Wedding Make-up could easily re-create for you on your wedding day. Here are a few brides who are completely owning the look!





Sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

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Friday, 14 February 2014

My Top 4 Valentine's Day Beauty Buys

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Make-up Expert} You've made it through January detox, given up booze, done the 5:2 diet, and now it's time to eat chocolate, drink red, get romantic and treat yourself! Maybe he'll pop the question tonight - you never know!? So what better time to pull out all the stops and slap on some bright show stopping lip colour. All the catwalk trends for 2014 are swaying towards kaleidoscopic bright lips - a great look for a vintage-style wedding. My advice? Go easy on the eyes when wearing bright lips, and complete your look with a swish of black liquid liner and mascara at the most. Check out my fab 4 faves...


{I want this} Clockwise from Top Left

1. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square, £17.50

2. Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera, £23

3.  MAC in Russian Red, £15

4. By Poppy Lipstick in Hot Rose, £20

Enjoy and Happy Valentines Day! xJB

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Monday, 18 November 2013

My Top 5 Beauty Products For Your Wedding Day

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Make-up Expert} As a professional make-up artist, I'm always getting asked 'what is the best beauty brand?'. Sadly it's not that simple, because while one brand will make the best lipstick ever, their foundation won't rock my world. You have to pick and choose. Luckily for you, I'm the original product junkie, on a constant quest to find new and exciting lotions and potions. So while I do the testing, you can reap the rewards, and only buy the best for your wedding day. In my wedding beauty features for Before the Big Day I'll be keeping you up-to-date with all the latest hair and beauty innovations, so you can look your best on your wedding day. Follow me on Twitter for all the latest updates or email me here.


{Photo Credit} Julia Bowden's Wedding Hair & Make-up Work

To kick things off this time round, I just wanted to fill you in on the beauty products I can't shake. No matter how hard I try to innovate, I keep coming back to those old faithfuls. Georgia told me to come up with my Top 5 but I’ve got 7 {whoops…sorry Georgia}! Remember, this isn't just about your bridal make-up bag. In my view the following products are staple make-up investments for every girl. Not just for your wedding day, but for life!


1: Laura Mercier foundation Primer – smoothes your skin ready for foundation and makes it last all day {I promise}! I can't wear a full face of make-up without it. I'm officially addicted.
2: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation - light and sheer, looks like real skin but fabulously light reflective with great natural coverage
3: Bobbi Brown: Pot Rouge in Pale Pink - for the original blushing bride look, very natural, lasts all day and breaths life into your face.
4: By Terry Touch Expert Advanced Under Eye Pen - From the lady who designed the famous Touch Eclat for YSL, this is similar in that it’s light reflective, but it also covers dark circles and plumps the skin around the eyes. An all-in-one dark-circle destroyer.
5: Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara – Instant false lash effect, no clogs and great longevity – can't argue with that!
6: Mac Blankety Lip Stick – A lovely nude lip colour that's so flattering and natural – it suits almost everyone.
7: Urban Decay Naked Eye Shadow Palette – A lovely range of shades for creating dramatic or subtle looks – a great all rounder palette you'll use time and time again.

I hope you enjoy them! Till next time xJB

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Thursday, 24 October 2013

The Best Products for a Natural Make-up Look on Your Wedding Day

It's been a while since we had a posting from our Hair & Beauty Expert, but Julia Bowden's been ridiculously busy working at weddings all summer {and before that, a film!}, so we're very excited she's finally had time to write us a feature! Don't miss her other blog posts for Before the Big Day, and enjoy her latest offering, after this picture.....



Last week I had lots of fun! As you know, Before the Big Day won the Editor's Pick prize at The Wedding Blogger Awards, and Georgia invited me along as her date. We were hoping Before the Big Day would win, so beforehand I did Georgia's hair and make-up to make sure she was at her glamorous best. The look I was going for was natural, but photo ready - perfect for your big day! So this week I'm turning the tables, and instead of writing about Real Life brides, this blog post is all about Georgia, and how I made her up for the night {sorry Georgia!}.


Georgia isn’t the biggest make-up wearer {I'm trying to change this of course!}, so I wanted to show her, and you, that if you're a little scared of make-up, there are plenty of products that won't feel heavy or look caked-on. If you use a little application know-how, all these goodies can be used on your wedding day, to make you look naturally fab in photos - just like Georgia on the night of the awards. In fact, she looked so fab, that Mark Francis from Made In Chelsea had to grab us for a picture!! Afterwards he said that he’s obsessed with weddings {just like us} …so Mark, if you're reading…we love you!!

If you're looking to do your own make-up on your wedding day, give these products a test run, and ask the girls on the make-up counters to give you a lesson in applying natural-looking make-up. Or you could always get in touch with me!

P.S. On the night I got an amazing beauty goody bag from The Ritz - reviews of my faves to come!




The Look - Blushing Blogger / Bride!

1. Mix wonderfully sheer, natural and corrective Clinique CC cream with a touch of By Terry Or De Rose Elixir Extreme {tinted primer enriched with pink gold}, to give that extra all-over glow, doubled with nourishing staying power

2. Use Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit under the eyes for some correction where it's needed most. This clever duo has a brightening setting powder included.

3. Lightly dab the apples of your cheeks a touch of Stila Cream Blush in Petunia for a dewy hue. I recommend the Mac Duo Fibre 187 brush.

4. On the T-zone only - brush on a very light touch of blot powder. My favourite is Make-up Store’s Blotting Powder.

5. Slick on Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner at the base of the lashes, and smudge with a cotton-bud for a soft definition, that will hint to a thicker lash line. Then pop a touch of any neutral shade over the lids. I like Chanel Stylo Eye Shadow in Pink Lagoon, for a bit of a warm glow to the lids. Then slick on some Eyeko Brow Gel to neaten those brows.

6. Time to put the all-important mascara on your lashes. I love Benefit's 'They're Real' Mascara. Just one lick will be enough, but you can build it up to look more dramatic – two mascaras in one!

7. I love individual false lashes, but for an even more natural look, try curling those beauties with Ted Baker’s Eyelash Curlers.

8. Last but not least, a nice peachy nude lip. I’m obsessed with Hour-Glass’ new Nude Lip Stylos range. I love Nude No.5 and their packaging is to die for!



Hair

9. We were pushed for time - so I sprayed some Percy & Reed Heat Protect Styling Mist on Georgia's hair, and popped in some Nicky Clarke Heated travel rollers. It takes practice, but once mastered this is the best way to add a bit of quick glam, and boost your locks.

10. Smooth over with some Percy & Reed No Oil Oil - which is light and non greasy, and finish up with a puff of classic L'Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray to hold in place.

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Thursday, 8 November 2012

Wedding Hair Tutorials

On our wedding day, ideally we'd all like to have our hair styled by a professional. But if you can't afford a hair and make-up artist to come to your house, or your normal hairdresser doesn't do chignons, help is at hand! Thanks to the wonders of the wedding blogging world, and Pinterest, I've discovered dozens of amazing hair-styling tutorials. They all look reasonably easy, and with a bit of practice, plus a couple of handy bridesmaids, I'm sure you could DIY-Your-Do. Why not invite your girlfriends over for a bottle of champagne and a trial? Check out my favourite tutorials. P.S. If you're looking for a fabulous hair and makeup expert, I hugely recommend our Blog Beauty Expert, Julia Bowden. Take a look at her Beauty Blog Posts.



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Thursday, 5 July 2012

Making It Last - The Best Primers For Your Wedding Day

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Beauty Expert} I'm willing to bet that nearly all the brides reading this are working super-hard at the moment to make sure every detail of their wedding day looks perfect. But whatever you do, don't forget your make-up. After all, you're going to be in nearly all of your wedding photographs, so it's worth investing in some A star beauty products. As a professional make-up artist, my biggest tip is to make sure you use the correct primer as part of your wedding morning beauty regime. These fantastic products will ensure your make-up stays put all day - as you'll never know when that photographer is going to snap you! Primers smooth imperfections, and give something for the make-up to stick to so that it lasts and lasts. The best primers will also make your skin glow. Scroll on down for my favourites at the moment.



{Photo Credit} Jen Huang Photography

Skin Primer

Chanel Blanc {£30, Selfridges} - This is a clever multi-tasking primer. It adds contours and radiance, and uses a special blend of powders to reduce the appearance of lines, resulting in a flawless finish that makes foundation last all day. A must-have for your wedding day.

Eye Primer
Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base {£18, John Lewis} - With its paste-like consistency, this clever little primer smooths on clear, and makes eyeshadows look more intense. It'll also ensure your eye make-up lasts all day without creasing.

Lip Primer
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Lip Fix {£19, Boots} - This brilliant beauty product smooths vertical lines and prevents lipstick from bleeding. It'll seal in moisture and plump up dry lips - making you lipstick ready for the 'You May Now Kiss The Bride' moment. Can be worn alone, or under lipstick to make it last all day.

Enjoy! JB x

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Wednesday, 30 May 2012

The Best Cry-Proof Mascaras For Your Wedding Day

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Make-up Expert} Weddings are emotional affairs. I bet the thought of you walking down the aisle this summer, surrounded by all your nearest and dearest is making you well up right this minute!? Ok, ok sorry, I'll quit that right now! I can't stop you blubbing on your wedding day but I can save you from looking like a panda bride {check with Georgia but I think pandas are off trend this season!?}. I've been mascara shopping and dunked my face in a lot of water, to find what is this season's Holy Grail of weep-proof mascaras. The latest cutting-edge mascara technology creates a coating that covers your lashes with little waterproof tubes - yes tubes! Genius! Scroll down for my Top 3 Cry-Proof Mascaras for your wedding day.


{Photo Credit} Jackie Wonders

Kevyn Aucoin Curling Mascara £20 from Space NK
It doesn't hugely curl the lashes but it's brilliant.  It never rubs off, it's completely waterproof and removal is easy too. Warm water will easily loosen the mascara tubes as you gently rub them off. Score: 5/5.

Blinc Mascara £15 free P&P
It defines and separates, and doesn't ever smudge or run thanks to the clever tube technology. It goes on easily and dries quickly, and it doesn't come off until you remove it with water and apply some pressure with your finger tips. It's not totally waterproof, so not for swimming. It also doesn't give as much volume as it claims but it's definite cry proof! Score: 4/5

L'Oreal Paris Double Extension Beauty Tubes Mascara £11.29 from Boots
A slightly cheaper high street version of the above which works a treat! It doesn't extend quite as well as I hoped, but was brilliantly cry-proof! Score: 4/5 but the cheapest!

Enjoy JB x

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Wednesday, 9 May 2012

Spring / Summer 2012 Wedding Beauty Trends

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Make-up Expert} This week I’ve mostly had my beady eye on the latest spring summer wedding beauty trends. Louis Vuitton and Marc by Marc Jacobs took it down a notch in the make-up stakes and went for doll-like faces, and pastel shades with fluttery lashes – perfect for brides! Here’s a list of the wedding beauty goodies that you'll need to achieve these flattering bridal looks. Make sure you practice before the big day!

{Credits} Louis Vuitton Paris S/S 2012. Makeup by Pat-McGrath. Photo by Makeup4all

1. Cell Food - Kick start the flawless look by slipping this serum into the beauty regime in the run-up to your wedding day, to get your skin in tip-top condition. On the big day, pop some on under your moisturiser before applying your wedding foundation.

2. Liquid Airbrush Foundation by Kevyn Aucoin - I absolutely love this new line by Kevyn Aucoin at Space NK. This foundation is turning out to be one of my faves. Brilliant coverage without being heavy and gives skin a fabulous glow. Check out their brilliant primer too.

3. Butterfly Ball Lipstick {Float} - A luminous nude colour for your on trend pout

4. Jodie Kidd Skin Perfection Kit - This brilliant little palette has everything you need – skin corrector, highlighter and a fresh tint for your cheeks

5. Eylure Eyelashes - An old brand but the best as far as I’m concerned. If you struggle with the glue, get the pre-glued range.

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Friday, 13 April 2012

Wedding Beauty Advice - The Best Bridal Brows

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Make-up Expert} It's surprising how the smallest things can make the biggest difference to your wedding day beauty...that's why this post is devoted to getting the best bridal brows. How are yours looking? Mine were a serious bugbear as a teenager, thick and bushy - so I proceeded to pluck the living hell out the poor things! Thankfully mine grew back, but in my work as a professional make-up artist I see all sorts, including some seriously patchy brows. Either way don’t worry - help is at hand to make the very best of what you’ve got for your wedding day. This is a 2-step process. First, call in the experts, and second, make some simple purchases – I promise you won’t look back. It's really worth concentrating on your brows - the right look will give definition to your face, and shave years off your age – a MUST for your wedding day!


{Photo Credit} Chloé Browne of Caught the Light's pictures of Before the Big Day editor Georgia doing her own blusher for her wedding day. {Georgia - As you can see, I should have gone to a brow bar & asked Julia to do my wedding hair and make-up!}.

For fine, patchy or very blonde brows:
* Dying – visit an expert beautician because they'll create the perfect shape for you {you may need to have a patch test 24hrs before}. If you have little or no brows, a beautician can dye the micro-hairs on the skin, with very natural and believable results. The treatment will last a few weeks and you can always top up with a pencil or palette in between. Blink at Selfridges in London offer an excellent service.
* Pencils and eye brow palettes – if you’re a little more confident with DIY-shaping, you can use palettes and pencils to fill in patches and define your arches. For example,  No7 Eyebrow pencils {No. 1} or Smashbox Brow Tech To Go {No. 2} are very good.
**Top tip – drop a little toner into a brown eye shadow and use this wet to colour in the brows. Don’t use a solid line technique, instead paint on the hairs in an upward brushing motion for a more natural look.**


For thick, bushy or shapeless brows which need definition:
* Threading – this ancient Indian art uses twisted cotton to pluck and shape the brow. I can’t recommend this enough! Glow is a brilliant eyebrow bar - fast and professional.
**Top tip: Once you've had it done and you're happy with the result, take a picture and you can show the beautician in future so you get the exact shape that you want. Better still, take the beautician's name. I find getting your brows done is a little bit like having a hair cut!**
* Waxing – this is much quicker, and better if you have sensitive brows that feel the pinch of plucking! It's been around forever and is the more traditional way of shaping eyebrows. Visit any local beautician and enquire within.

My Must-Have Pre-Wedding Purchases
* Clear mascara gel to groom your brows. You don’t have to spend a fortune - Boots Natural Collection {No. 3} do a very good one that comes in a non see-through tube {I prefer this as once you’ve used clear mascara a few times it tends to discolour in the tube and look dirty!}. Start by brushing the brow upwards and then skimming across the top and down to neaten them up – this really makes a difference and makes you look perfectly groomed!
* A decent pair of tweezers – I recommend Tweezerman Slant Tweezers {No.4} to get those strays in between waxing or threading.

Enjoy !
JB x
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