Try a Pre-Tox...

You heard right, a Pre-tox.  This is my getting ready for the festive season.  I am not talking about a fad juice session, more an extra boost to support the immune system.  Save the detox for after the chrimbo/NYE damage!

I'd been asking myself why my complexion was dull and tired, my energy low.  I merely put it down to my early starts, and the fact winter is coming.  However, that did not explain my rubbish nails situation, they were literally breaking off at the drop of a hat.  Meaning in my line of work, they stood no chance, my hands are constantly in use and constantly being washed.

Now I love fruit and veg, and therefore try to incorporate it within most, if not all meals.  So why are those powerful nutrients, not finding there way to the required places in my body?

Then I remembered my juice diet fad, which worked wonders for my complexion, nails and immune system.  My energy was good, it may not have lost me the pounds I was hoping for, but i certainly looked well, inside and out.

So this time I am using a morning Nutri-bullet/Green juice, as an addition to my diet accompanied by a hot water and lemon.  I am not talking a mass pint of juice,  I have a small juice mostly made up of green leafy veg, such as Kale or spinach, half an apple or Pear, add herbs such as parsley, Ginger etc and slice of avocado for some good fats.   Make up whatever combination you want, but maybe read up on your needs and choose mixes that lean to aid these issues.

My advice is if you have a special event and you want that glowing clear complexion, start that juicing asap.  Alongside this follow a good facial cleansing routine, down the water to keep yourself hydrated, if you can't bear cold water in the current climate I sip on hot lemon water throughout the day.  By doing this you are on the road to that long overdue glow.  Since juicing I have had many the compliment on my skin

.

No filter, although a lil disheveled. 

Although not massively long, this is a record for me!

My nails have grown and remained strong.  Many of my friends and family have been hit with the dreaded lurgy, which I also have been threatened with those tell tell sick signs...however,  come the next day they have been kept at bay and my energy is back to normal.  Stop with excuses, it takes no time at all even at 5am i have time to whizz one of these up, they don't have to be expensive as really what do some apples and a bag of spinach cost.  

Give it a go and thank me later!

Lx

Something away from the "norm"....

We have all seen what can be done in terms of wedding Hair and Make-up, beautiful arrays of style emerge.  However, I am starting to feel that brides sometimes feel, as soon as the word wedding is let out of the box, everything becomes,  well a little too "weddingy".  Requests for wedding make-up/ hair seem to always have to be, well just that, Wedding hair and makeup.  I get a good mixture...the bride that wants to be all out weddingy and then the bride who doesn't want to be weddingy.  Neither are bad at all, but sometimes there is this pressure that just because you happen to be getting married and will be a bride, everything gets very bridal!  

But, what does bridal actually mean?  

We all seem to still have this stigma of very traditional, overdone hair (don't forget that toxic hairspray lacquer) with very traditional, very done makeup to go with it.  

Well, if you are anything like me and think you don't quite fit the bride consensus, rest assured you can still look very much like a bride that suits both your persona and your day.  Being a bride, much like your big day is as much about injecting a bit of you in to every part.  

So here are a few looks I have picked, that may not be the norm as far as wedding looks go, but are very much beautiful in their own right for all occasions.

Subtle 60's

Whatever the occasion the 60's classic Beehive, can be vamped up, relaxed or kept trad.  I particularly like the below image as it's subtle, but still just as much of a statement as its original predecessor.

Grecian Crown
Looking for something a little more styled...but not too much.  What drew me to this style, was the hair accessory originally, I didn't want anything too overly greek goddess.  I found this image and both style and accessory worked perfectly together, creating an elegantly styled undo.

Ethereal dream
Love the idea of romantic, dreamy hair.  The whole idea of this style gives off a naturally swept up style, when we all know behind the scenes a little more work has gone into creating this.  Using floral accessories gives the style a more fairytale feel, but these can be swapped with any accessory pearls, or a draped headdress.

Autumnal floral Hippy
Floral sometimes associated with more with that free love, hippy vibe.  Flowers bring any style together, if the style is looking to formal, flowers lighten it up or if a style just needs a touch of something something, just adding eva some petals of your favourite bloom can make any style come to life.  I chose the image below, as I have found not many brides like to wear there hair down, as doesn't look "weddingy" enough, but add a beautiful floral headdress like the one below and I think you'll pass the bride criteria!

70's Disco/flapper Glamour
Now, I know you think I've gone crazy.  I saw this look and felt it was studio 54/flapper, and why not!  The hair starts sleeked down, going into almost finger waves but then bursts into curls.  I happen to think it would look gorgeous, whether worn retro 70's style alone, or vintage it up, by emphasising the finger waved style, add in a vintage accessory and your flapper style is good to go.

Screen siren
Always loved the sleek, flowing locks seen in hollywood glamour?  Well, why not transfer that look into your special occasion look book.  The long finger waves through the hair look styled, but again in a hassle free way.  This look screams sophistication and elegance.

Styles to suit all occasions.

Lx

I've been shopping..

As a Make-up Artist you'd think my personal make-up bag would be brimming with the next best thing.  Not sure I should admit this but  it's not, I have to say when it comes to my own grooming, lets just say I have a more relaxed approach!  Now, I am not saying I am not clean, I am a 2 shower a day kinder girl don't you know.  When it comes to skin care, my routine is spot on. cleanse, tone, moisturise, done!  Come Friday it is a full on home facial, to me there is nothing better than the feeling of a hot flannel steaming my face and the subtle scent of instance in the background. I just also happen to be a big fan of the bed head hair chic and well my make-up is maybe a little on the simpler side..primer..on a good day, tinted moisturiser, blush and mascara a must...when i have more time signature flicks are added.

This is not the case when looking after my clients, that I have time for.  I take pride in my work and it makes me happy to both create a great looks, whilst boosting someones confidence, and when my work is done and that shines though, my job is done.  That's not to say I turn up looking like a scraggly mess, I like to think my appearance is professional, just not overpowering.  As it is as important to look the part, as it is to be able to do the job.  I don't feel the need to wear the contents of my kit, I sometimes find in most cases that can be intimidating and a little off putting to a client.  I have certainly felt this way upon visiting some big brand make-up counters/stores, and I'm a professional myself, so what must is be like for a customer, sometimes less is more.

Anyway, having had a couple of hours to spare, I took myself make-up shopping...I might also add I am not really a fan of shopping, I know what kind of excuse of a girl am I,  it just usually ends in tantrums, which I could do without.  I gave it a go on this occasion, the make-up bag has been crying out for a refresh and I had a few select items I had been putting off purchasing for a while now.

I needed a new primer, and as far as base went a number of people had been steering me towards Becca.  So, I was pretty sure I was on to a winner.  Not only are Becca's products well presented, they are not over packaged, so much that you lose out on product.  Some brands you get little amounts of the actual product and a mass of unnecessary packaging.  I also vouched for a setting powder, I love a setting powder, just nothing too overbearing I like light, but that does the job.

                         Becca Backlight Priming Filter 

                   Becca Perfect skin mineral foundation-Shell

Finally, I needed to try the Nars concealer.  I am a tinted moisturiser girl.  Therefore concealer is a must especially for that odd blemish and if I am looking a little worse for wear under the eyes..which with my 5am starts, is more often than not...humph.

Great little concealer this is!  A little goes a long way, the texture is creamy but easily covers, without creating that overly made up look, the finish is very natural.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer-Custard

Let me just say...the proof was in the pudding my little splurge paid off.  After a day of working, and not one to usually wear makeup to the gym.  On this occasion I had remnants on.  I was stopped my my PT, post work out, I might add. To be told how great my skin looked, I was chuffed with that.  So if that was not enough to make you join me by adding these beauties to your kit I don't know what will.

Lx

Life as a makeup artist!

So, I have been inspired of late.  This is not to bitch about my job. I love my job, when I do it... "When you do it?" I hear you ask.

Well I'd like to set a few things straight when it comes being a Freelancer.  Especially in this case a Freelance Hair and Make-up Artist.  Because apparently I have the best, most glamourous and easy job ever.  I mean what can be better than being your own boss, picking your hours willy nilly, schmoozing with all the right fancy people, getting chauffeured from job to job, Tonnes of freebies and sipping on champagne cocktails when I am not actually being "Bussssyyy" working.  Wow! your right that job sounds amazing.... Where can I get it, cause trust me it is not mine.  

There is a hell of a lot of competition out there and jobs are snapped up, artists are fighting for work.  It is tough to get out there and make a success of yourself, whilst remaining afloat financially.  For years, too many years!  I worked a full time job that almost paid for me, to do my freelance job.  I then grew a pair and quit my soul destroying office job, to take the plunge to go fully freelance.  Scary?  Yes scary.  Did I know when my next pay day would be?...No!  Did I make the right choice?..Definitely, my mental health and stress levels are much happier.  Everything in life takes time, you just have to be persistent and not give up.  I am still telling myself, and that's coming from someone with the patience of a nat!

First things first "The Kit". Yes that massive case you can often see me, on a good day sashaying down the street rolling it effortlessly beside me.  Oh, but on a bad day dragging it like i'm hauling a case of rocks and stopping in intervals to shout/kick at it.

So anyway the contents of the kit, this has been collected over time.  You don't just buy a kit, time goes in to selecting/ hoarding products that work best in your eyes, as a professional and some that aren't always needed, but you swear that, on a rainy day it will be needed so hold on to, just in case.  So to clarify, no the kit has not been given to me, I pay for everything that goes into it.

Ever thought, on purchasing that Dior foundation, wow that's a bit pricey?  Yeah try purchasing 5 or more, to cater to the nation.  Kits take time to build, and everything is hand selected personally.  So, if you were thinking about plucking my Cosmetic A La Carte lipgloss out of it, please refrain.  As, no!  I won't be getting 5 free ones thrown at me to replace it.  Borrow anything from the kit, but pleas put it back after.

There are many a day I feel like letting my kit roll on to the tracks, never to be seen again, at the same time I wouldn't be without it.  That case holds my livelihood, tools of the trade, without it I would be pretty stumped in terms of work.

On the plus side, one silver lining is the case does come in handy when there is no free seats on the train at the end of a loonnning day.

Speaking of long days!  The hours tend to sometimes be absolutely fine, sometimes really long and beginning in the early hours.  While your still tucked up in bed I am en route to where I need to be, when your finishing at 5 and heading home.  I am still perfecting a look, heading off to do a trial or generally on hand set.  Work can be very anti-social at times, both with the hours and with the fact you can tend to work solo a lot of the time, no christmas parties for me, on the other hand I can be working within a really great creative team, where we all know we are doing what we love, making it even more enjoyable  and apparent how lucky we are to be doing what we are, both good at and loving!

Do I miss my weekends?  Yes sometimes. A lot of my work happens on the weekend, as well as within the week.  Gone are the days where I am "living for the weekend".  In fact i'm not really sure where to place my weekend, days off happen sporadically.  Sometimes never to be seen in weeks, but then can be so quiet your almost willing to be working again.  Besides, sometimes weekends just get frittered away, so it makes sense to work if I can and then I appreciate the time off I do get.

"In the office"

Even my days off turn into working days, as usually this time will allow me to catchup on invoicing, accounts, blogging, emailing....It goes on.  Perks of my office life, when the suns out the office becomes much more fun, it almost makes you feel guilty for being able to work in such free conditions.

  That's why when the work is rolling in I may be busy, tired and wanting a break.  I will never knock it, when you are self employed it is a blessing and a great feeling to be working, no matter how much you want a break, when those quiet times hit, along with it comes panic.  I instantly panic that all work has dried up and I am doomed.  Then before you know it another busy period comes around and the whole cycle repeats itself.

Now about those "Freebies".  Everything has a price, I do get the odd freebie.  This usually goes straight in my kit and to have received this "freebie" in the first place I would've had to have done something to warrant it.  Usually in the form of a review.  Which is absolutely fine by me, however involves time and research, as I don't like giving great reviews to just anyone or anything, unless it really warrants it.  You then sometimes have to ensure you get the right contact to even make the review and even then your request to review can be completely ignores.  Everyone is a blogger/ critic these days, so even in a profession such as mine, I still have to stand in line with the rest of the mere mortals.

Discount cards and subscriptions.  Yeah I am lucky enough to have a few, however bear in mind I did the time and worked the job to gain that invoice, that proves I'm a pro.  I spent 3 years working my socks of to get my degree that shows I earned my stripes.  Oh!  No, silly, you don't just walk into a brand and get handed a discount card, you need various copies of paperwork stating you are actually working in the industry and actually be worthy of it, not to mention your do have to pay a subscription fee for it too!

Getting around town, I am not chauffeured anywhere!  I either drive, which can sometimes involve a temperamental sat nav, taking me right to my destination or leading to on set road rage, when it takes me off the grid.  The other option, would be London Transport.  Which yes, I like the millions know TFL has its moments.  However, when it's me and the Kit you suddenly realise how many stairs there are on the underground and how much a day of work for me also turns into a day of working out.  I definitely get my steps in on the plus side.

 Travelling allows you to take in the sites, and become a little more familiar with your home turf.  Also you get very good at eating on the go....

Hills! this.......with "The Kit".  Thank god it was a lovely, sunny, cool day!

Come rain or shine!  It has been particularly hot of late, after my case workout here, there and everywhere, on hot days the trick is to always position yourself behind a window, so the air blows in your face as the train moves forward...instant cooling.  On rainy days there is just no helping yourself, as I found out last week when it poured.  On trying to find a clients venue, I had case in one hand, google maps in the other, the result no hands for umbrella = soggy me and a soggy I-phone.  I would merely settle for an in between temperature, where by I can arrive at my clients looking normal instead of  a sweaty mess or wet weekend.

Advertising and all those extra costs.  Of course to get your name out there you need to invest in yourself, unless you are particularly lucky and word of mouth has done wonders.  Any artist in the know, will be sensible enough to have a good business card, a place where by people can see examples of your work, background and contact details.  Everyone loves a recommendation, people like to know you are reliable and good at what you do.  Even if you get that word of mouth, potential clients still want to visualise what you can do.  Get a site set up, make yourself stand out, be professional.  I recently refreshed everything, new business cards, new site and even added advertising to my car!

       

Other perks of this job s variety.  No day is really the same, venues are ever changing.  One day you visiting someones house, the next a studio and the day after that your in the country in the middle of nowhere.  I get easily bored so constantly need to be on the go, busy.  On the other side I can be a creature of habit and I still like to moan about it, this doesn't mean I don't enjoy what I do.  I am only human.  Great clients!  If you want to meet people of all walks of life this jobs allows this.  I am rarely surprised by anything anymore, you learn in this industry quite quickly nothing is that shocking.  Obviously the downside is there are often a lot of really dogs body jobs we have to do.  For Fashion shows for example some of the male models might need to have moisturiser rubbed into there washboard skin....It is a really tough job at times.  I mean the below pic is a prime example of the sort've shoddy jobs we have to do.  In a field, in the sunshine with a half naked not bad looking actor.  It gets tough, but we are professionals and we just plough on for the love of our art!

You may be able to talk the talk, but when the going gets tough, and in this industry it gets really tough.  People want to therefore know you can walk the walk.  I have been doing this for nearly 10 years and in all honesty I still have moments of doubt, you are constantly criticised, challenged, someone dislikes what you've done even dislikes you, you get bad feedback.  At times I have wanted to give up, questioning is it all worth it?  Not everyone is always going to like you, you can't please everyone either, just dust yourself off and keep moving forward.  It is swings and round abouts, one bad week can create a moment of weakness, and then before you know it the following week your back at the top of your game, everyone loves you, your confidence is back up, you receive some amazing praise.  Which is exactly what i got the other week with the thank you note I recently got below.  Just a lovely gesture like this restores your faith that you can both totally do your job and you are most definitely appreciated.

So if this helps convince you that, whilst my job is a massive challenging rollercoaster ride.  I wouldn't be doing anything else!

Lx

The colour Wheel....

Hello hello,

So I know it has been a while, but I have been busy busy what with networking and of course working.  Hear I am though, and what better way to kick start a post then with a spot of retail therapy.

So a while ago I was flukily given some freebies and amongst them was a Gel liner pot, not really thinking much about it as it was a brand I wasn't familiar with, lets just say I am now.  If you need a Gel eyeliner pot that is easy to use, goes on like a dream and stays put for hours on end this is it.  Once this bad boy is on it's on.

I am now aware there is a massive Kiko store based in Oxford circus, however if you don't want to head into town hit it up online.  Which is what I have, keen to see what else they have to offer I went ahead and ordered Luxurious lashes waterproof mascara, Colour corrector Wheel, Smart Lipstick and of course a top up of that Eye liner, which is now a staple for my kit.  So far with all I have been pleasantly surprised.

So who are Kiko?  Kiko Milano, are an Italian brand established and founded in 1997, with the motto of "Be who you want to be" and a line of products to cater any make-up fanatics needs.

The lipsticks are easily applied, go on the colour they are meant to and moisturise your lips while giving off a subtle candy sweet smell, better than that plastic scent.

The mascara has a fibered chunky brush, which both grips lashes to lengthen and adds volume all in one, with that added waterproof protection.

I needed a colour corrector palette as I was all out.  I was sceptical, what with prices as good as these.  I had been impressed with Kiko so far, done my homework and read reviews on this palette.  However, you cannot afford to have a bad colour correcting palette.  I am pleased to say, this is both a neat palette kept in a convenient compact and it does what it says.  For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, when I refer to colour correct, please see below.  I have given a brief breakdown into what colour correcting is and what tones do what.

Kiko Milano Colour corrector wheel shades- Highlighter, Salmon, Green, Neutral and Purple tones as they show on the skin

Just a heads up!

Neutral- For when there is no particular issue and you really only need straight forward concealing.

White-  You need something to stand out use white to highlight.



Orange-  Great for darker skin tones and really dark circles.

Purple- Counteracts any sallow, yellow, dull skin.

Green- Tames redness, great for skin conditions such as Rosacea or that angry pimple.

Yellow- Good for counteracting purplish hues, bruising, or dark circles.

Peach/salmon- Creates radiance and reduces dark circles under the eyes.

Hopefully now before you go caking on that neutral concealer, wondering why those dark rings aren't shifting, as well as they should.  You can take a step back and assess whether their may be more too it.  Another alternative, drink plenty of water, get those zzzz's in and ensure you take on a thorough cleansing routine.

For more on Kiko Milano go to

www.kikocosmetics.co.uk

Lx

Spring beauty cleaning!

It was lovely to see such spring shades in Topshop, in the make-up stakes.  Their range of nail varnishes are a lovely array of nudes and pastels, perfect for any spring time occasion.

I was only saying the other week, it would be nice if they brought some more nudey, softer colours out, especially with weddings being a pretty popular spring time occasion.  

 And low and behold!  Check out the selection they have, the shades range from very subtle soft colourings of nudes and soft pinks to the rosier, berry pinks.  I am a big fan of Nevada and Lovestruck, and all of these will be featuring in my kit.

I have selected some spring time trends that have been hitting the scenes at present, I have particularly honed in on the trends that tend to lean to a fresher, yet still very pretty and easily achieved looks.  

Glowing sun kissed skin, is what Michael Kors was showing off.  Fan of contouring or a bit of bronze?  Bronzed, highlighted faces, with very little else is what you will find. Showing that it is very much all about that base.

Soft smudgy browns were being worn for Gucci (below)

Paul &Joe (left) and Donna Karan (Right)

 

These came in a mixture or soft Taupes, smudgy light bronzes, highlighting both the eye socket and under eye.   All are light and subtle yet still making the eyes pop,the variations allow you to remain light and minimal or move towards more of a sultry look.  Skin is again is kept bare and fresh.

In Victoria Beckhams show (below left), like Michael Kors and many more have leaned towards, skin was the main focus.  Instead of adding a sunny glow, skin was fresh and glowing in a minimalistic clean way.  Brows were preened lips were neutral and contouring was subtle and natural.  Bare Minimals was the theme and natural beauty could definitely be seen here.

To create fresh faced looks, such as these requires that skin needs to be well prepped.  It is crucial to start with an effective cleansing routine, ensuring skin is well hydrated inside and out.  That means a good moisturiser, lots of water and quality sleep.  A tell tell sign you are not hydrated enough, will be dryness, this can show on your lips with cracked dry lips.  Skin with soak up anything you put on it if it is dehydrated and that includes your make-up.  This can be seen when your make-up begins to crack up, and that is a very big sign you have thirsty skin.

Experiment with these beautiful looks and treat yourself to some springtime treats!

Lx

Searching for that inner glow.

I have lost my glow!  

Having upheld my nutri-blasts, well most mornings.  From which I had noticed my skin had improved.  How do I explain?  well it's consistency was just nicer, less blemished, less wrinkled....I mean not that I look like a leather handbag or anything, but that sleepy crinkled look was taking a bit longer to be banished from my face.  It was just all round easier to manage.  So I looked to the blast bible, for a mix that focused on a decent beauty blend.  This would ensure my inner glow would certainly reappear, by mixing key blends to bring not only that glow back, but glowing teeth, eyes, hair.

So for example with mixes such as Glow profile- which mixes swiss chard, pineapple, strawberries, goji berries, cashews, top off with water and blend.

So far, I am feeling better and my skin seems to be re-appearing with that brighter look.  I have also ensured I allow a little more time for my cleansing ritual of an evening and morning.  If unlike me, you are too lazy..I mean busy!  to do a morning smoothie.  Here are a few alternatives:

There are thousands of kits out there, and having delved in to the at home micro-derm facials, gentle peels and so on.  I am keen to give Ole Henriksen a go.  I only here all good feedback, on all his products, so look forward to being able to do the same.

 The enLighten me kit, promises to reveal brighter and more glowing skin, by using products that work together to balance skin.

Quick fix:

If like me you need to banish your crinkled pillow face, give Benefits Puff off a go.  Quick and easy to use, the applicator allows you to work round awkward areas of the eyes to release a cooling under eye gel.

Skin care over haul:

 Bliss have released a range that focus's on skin energising products.  Where the skin lacks in Oxygen, Bliss's products aims to fuel the skin with a much needed oxygen hit to bring that glow back.

Try their triple oxygen instant energising cleansing foam, and for an extra oomph the triple oxygen instant energizing mask.

 For a little more of a luxurious treat, Korres have released  a Wild Rose range. Wild Rose oil is known to be rich in vitamin C.  The range aims to work on skin discolouration issues, to reveal clearer and more radiant skin.  A good exfoliator is always needed to cleanse, whilst removing impurities and dead skin cells, it is a great way to release that glowing complexion.  limit this to twice a week for a good scrub and ensure you tone and moisturise after.

Natural alternatives:

Sun cream:

 It protects from damaging rays, the sun is one of the biggest cause of wrinkles, and sun damage is harder to reverse, then if you were to prevent it with an SPF, both in summer and in winter. If you don't like old school suncream, try to find products with an SPF in them.

Clean all tools:

be it your make-up brushes, flannels/muslim cloths and even your phone.  It's amazing how often people forget to clean these tools, that can be the biggest bacteria carrying culprits.

Snack on nuts, drink that water down:

Nuts are packed full of skin friendly nutrients, try to select the nuts you eat wisely.  Brazil nuts contain selenium, great for increasing skin elasticity.  Walnuts for omega-3-fatty acids, with lower inflammation and reduce breakouts, finally Macadamia nuts also full of fatty acids and quality oils, great for repair and rejuvenation of the skin.  Remember, although good to snack on, a handful a day is enough. For obvious reasons water is a great way to hydrate your body, whilst flushing out toxins.  Your body is made up of 60% water so it makes sense thats it needs to be replenished.

Go Green:

Now sitting here supping on green tea with a hint of lemon, another known treat for the body mind and soul.  I am ever hopeful that what is said about green tea, rings true.  Apparently loaded with anti oxidants, which help brain function, lowers risks of cancer, fat loss and many more benefits.  Some of these I am still waiting on...ok most.  at present I seem in good health though and in my mind it doesn't taste all that great, so it must be good for you right?!

Hopefully, the above lil gems, may have given you a new lease of life to get that glow back, just in time for summer.

Lx

Anna Sui goodies for me, feedback for you!

More treats sent my way this week, in the shape of Anna Sui lipgloss and Mascaras.  Not only do these products have a an exciting packaging, which almost feel like elaborate chess pieces, they are definitely something to have in your make-up bag

The gloss is small enough to fit nicely in any clutch, whilst being an ideal tool to add a slick of glamour when on the move to spice up that day time look, alternatively layer it up to create glossy lips to turn that day look to an evening  look.  Sticky enough to remain in place for a good while...not so sticky that half the hair on your head, will feel to attach itself to your face in one swish of the head.

Both mascaras are an ideal tool to have, whilst one lengthens and separates, the other thickens and adds curl.  I appreciate you probably would not purchase both, however I am a two mascara girl...no one mascara does everything, so having both of these will ensure you cover all bases.

Whilst I lean towards a more chunky brush, these are a bit dainty for my liking.  Needless to say they pleasantly surprised me.  Even the curved brush of the lengthening and separating version did as it said.

Although not waterproof, so if you think tears maybe on the agenda, this may not be right for that occasion.  Having said that, it stays locked on and getting any accidental specs off the skin, requires a fair rub off.

Enjoy, and by all means invest!

Lx

@annsui
@paul_and_joe

The Richmond Wedding show

Another Sunday, another wedding fair.  Whilst a wee bit breezy it was a lovely day for it and I was excited/nervous!

Off I headed to the lovely Richmond Hill Hotel, to set up for a day filled of brides and the odd groom, eager to set the ball rolling for their wedding.  This was also Story's debut, I would be showcasing the new site and getting the word out on the street, that Story are fully open for business. 

What to expect?

Well for me, I have to just await welcoming whoever may come my way, anyone and everyone are happily received.  However, I have found the usual response to anyone visiting a wedding fair,  is usually couples/brides with that look of a dear caught in headlights.  They all know where they are spending their day, after all they signed up to it, they know they are planning an wedding.  But for some odd reason actually walking into the wedding fair, is like they suddenly have made a terrible mistake.  Hey what's the worst that can happen? you get to have some chit chat, a few flyers thrusted in your face and maybe even some freebies thrown in.  I'd say that's a win win.

On the other hand, if it makes you feel better, sometimes we as stall vendor, the one trying to coax you over.  We get a little baffled and intimidated, as much as you do at times.  It just takes a bit of warming up all round, when we see that fear in your eyes, it can throw us right off.   My approach is not to try and sell, sell, sell.  More give you a bit of info and allow you to feel free to ask me more if you need it, or merely recommend you just visit my site in your own time.  I can imagine the last thing anyone wants is to be pounced on.  We are here to help at the end of the day, so use the day as a chance to soak up as much info as possible.  

On the flip side, for me a fair allows me to show case what I can do for any prospective brides big day, a Hair and Make-up  package or just Hair or Make-up.  I can accommodate additions, Mother of the bride (MOB) and Mother of Groom (MOG), that bridesmaid entourage you may have in toe, or just a treat to yourself for your big day.  Whatever your needs, I will do my utmost to meet them and make your planning/Big day easier.

Why would I have and Hair and Make-up artist?  i'll just do it myself....right?

Funny, I actually have this question in my mind, only because I get asked who would help me out on my big day (hypothetical big day at present)?  I just said, well I'd do my own.  

Then the cogs are set in motion...

Do you really want to be faffing with your own Hair and make-up on the day?  Well I guess not, most of us probably hadn't even got that far in the planning.

Wouldn't it be a nice treat?

One less stress to worry about i guess, while you just sit back and guzzle champers.  Having an artist travel to wherever you please, to do a trial prior to your day, to go through those ideas you have always wanted to see on yourself, but never had the guts to actually try out.

Your could make a really girly day of it, have your bridesmaids, mum, mum in-law to be over, they could even have a trial too?  Whilst giving you that honest opinion, that we all love so much.

Hair and Make-up artists aren't just for weddings, I do all occasions, be it your hen doo make-up, a hen doo party, where all of you would get spruced up, special events and even lessons.

You might want to do your make-up on your special day, but just need a few pointers.  I'd always be happy to do a trial/make-up lesson, along with recommendations of products you should have as staples and those pricey treats that are well worth the money.

All in all I would atlas recommend having a trial, just for peace of mind.

Why a fair?

Well sometimes you just can't do and see everything online, and when you hit a fair you actually see things in the flesh.   From rings, cake and yes you get to try cake...yum,  Photographers, music, it is all going on.

Sometimes you may not have even set the date, you might not be quite in that "lets plan and wedding" zone, so going to a fair might just make it a bit more real.

you can gain so much inspiration, see the do's and the don'ts, make a day of it with your bridesmaids, mum or even just you and the fiancee.  I would definitely recommend trying one atleast.

The Hotel was closely set near a lovely view of the Thames, which would be a heavenly scene for those wedding snaps.  I have found, just from working with weddings, not only do I see some amazing venues, it saves me a massive job of venue hunting for my "oh so" important hypothetical wedding I am planning, wedding Tbc, along with engagement and so on!

All in all the day was smooth running, there was a consistent flow of groups of ladies, couples and even a family day out vibe.  I was actually positioned as you walked in to the fair, so basically greeted and sent people off as they came and went.

Planning an occasion, check out Story if in need of a Hair and Make-up treat.

www.storyhairandmakeup.co.uk

Lx