It’s been such beautiful weather recently which has been brilliant for my last two brides who both have had their wedding celebrations at Dodmoor House, Northants. Sarah married there on Saturday and Jo got married there yesterday.
I absolutely love Dodmoor. The staff are always friendly and helpful, and it seems like such a relaxed venue. It’s one of my favourite venues to do bridal make-up in too because there is so much space to work. There’s plenty of room for everyone… bridesmaids, mum, photographer, hairdresser! And the added bonus for me is that it’s only 15 minutes down the road!
Tomorrow I’ll be in Barford, Warwickshire for Jenny’s wedding and then at Moxhull Hall for Anne on Sunday. I’ve got my fingers crossed that the weather stays beautiful for them both.
The other day I finally took the plunge and ordered the pro bag of Beautyblenders from www.camerareadycosmetics.com. I’d read so many good things about the sponge so I thought it was worth a try…
… and I love them! I’ve been using them for over a week now and I think they’ve definitely earned a permanent place in my kit.
Applying foundation is quick and easy, it blends the foundation onto the skin perfectly. It’s also great at applying and blending concealer and cream blushers. Apparently you can also apply dry powder products with it, but I’ve not yet tried that. If you’re devoted to your foundation brush you can still apply your foundation with the brush and then blend over with the sponge to create a seamless finish.
The Beautyblender has a gorgeous feel to it and it’s a great shape to get around the nose snd eyes etc. So far the majority of people that I’ve used it on have commented on how nice it feels on their skin.
It’s different to ordinary sponges in that it can be used many times before you need a new one (less waste and so much better for the environment!), which is why they have made a special cleanser for it.
They are as easy to clean as what you see in the video and you definitely need to buy the Blendercleanser with your sponge. In the UK you can order the sponge and cleanser from www.justbeautydirect.co.uk - Just Beauty Direct are a fantastic company where I get all my Smashbox Cosmetics - quick shipping and always brilliantly packaged.
Yesterday I went up to Chasewater in Cannock for a test shoot… and it was very, very hot! I’m now a little sun burned - my hands especially! - but it’s a beautiful location and we had a fantastic day.
Here’s a little taster of what went on…
Photographer: Hannah-Beth
Model: Cymone Astella
I’ll hopefully update my portfolio with some of the images over the next few weeks.
One of my brides has been featured in April 2008’s Wedding Ideas Magazine! Have a look at pages 172-175 for Joanne & Neil.
Joanne’s beauty tip;
“If you’re not used to wearing very much make-up day-to-day then I would definitely recommend having it done professionally on the day. Not only will it look better than you could have done yourself, but it will also take the strain away when you’re getting ready.”
It has been a mad few weeks with lessons, consultations, bridal makeup and shoots. Plus, we saw some fantastic sunshine which meant that I could do Fiona’s bridal make-up in her parent’s back garden!
Most recently I was at Brownsover Hall for Sarah’s wedding who seemed to be having a fantastic girly morning getting ready with lots of friends.
Congratulations Sarah and Fiona!
On my shopping trip yesterday I decided to treat myself to one of the few luxuries that I enjoy… candles! I was in SpaceNK in Leamington Spa where they introduced me to DayNa Decker candles. The candles are in fantastic green glass jars, are eco friendly and have a wooden wick that crackles as it burns. I bought ‘Violetta’ and it’s gorgeous! I also bought a new Laura Mercier lip gloss that I’m yet to try.
Kit wise, I’m back to lugging a suitcase about as my Make Up For Ever bag broke and has had to be sent back to them… so any new customers if you see a woman with a suitcase approaching your front door it will probably be me!
In other news, my laptop is being sent for repair tomorrow so my internet access will be limited. I will do my best to reply to emails as soon as possible using my husband’s computer.
I would just like to apologise to anyone who has sent me an email over the past 10 days and has not received a response. I was unaware that problems with my website hosting had prevented my emails coming through to me. It is resolved now and I have received all the emails this morning so I will respond to them all by the end of the day.
I am so sorry for the delay in replying to your enquiries, but I hope everyone has been enjoying the glorious sunshine!
On Saturday I did the wedding makeup for Caroline, her mum and two bridesmaids at Plum Park Hotel near Towcester. It was a lovely relaxed morning for the girls - lots of pampering, Haribo eating and champagne drinking! Congratulations Caroline!
It was the first time I’d visited Plum Park and it seems like such a lovely wedding venue. It’s set away from the main road surrounded by fields, and the view from the bedroom that the girls were getting ready in was fantastic.
In other news, I’ve started using the Boots No7 Protect and Pefect serum, so I’ll let you know how I get on!
I just want to say a massive thank you to the Hair Gallery in Rugby for hosting an amazing Wedding Open Day on Sunday. The day was a great success and it was lovely to meet the team at the Hair Gallery and all the brides that came to make the most of the advice and free booze that was on offer!
For more information about the Hair Gallery, please visit their website.
Don’t forget, I’ll also be exhibiting tomorrow evening (Thursday, 4th April) from 4pm until 10pm at the Granville @ Barford, Warwickshire. It will be the perfect opportunity to meet me for a chat about your wedding and your requirements if you’re thinking about booking me.
I might also treat you to some marshmallows if you show up
