A Year On...

You can suddenly feel in the air this week that Autumn is arriving. The weather is much cooler, there are leaves on the ground and I have been reaching for my blanket most evenings. 

This years season change brings around some difficult and distressing memories for me for the first time ever, as Thursday 29th September marks the 1 year anniversary of my beautiful mum's passing.

Yes, I cannot quite believe it but it has almost been a whole year. I'm writing this post to keep myself busy to be totally honest, but also because I find it rather cathartic to pen down my feelings. 

This past week my mind has been unwillingly reliving each day last year in the run up to the 29th. It has been incredibly upsetting and quite frankly annoying. I wish I could stop it but unfortunately I guess it is my mind's way of processing the event again. For anyone who is lucky enough to never have dealt with death this may sound strange, but I still feel as though a lot of the time I am in denial. Of course I have grown used to my mum not being around and I am fully aware that it happened.....heck I think about it every day....but I still can't quite believe it. 

I have had a huge amount of ups and downs this year and still have days where I feel very depressed and lack any motivation whatsoever, however generally I can live my life. I get up, go to a shoot, work from home, laugh, chat, love and smile. I am aware on these days however that I can't allow myself to 'think'. I can't let my thoughts flood in because I have to carry on and get things done.

This is something you become very good at.....compartmentalising your feelings. 

Some days when it is all too much, I allow myself to think and reminisce. Other times, when I'm trying to sleep and have to get up early or have to work, then I tell myself 'not today'. I put those memories to one side in order to cope. This can make me feel guilty too, but I have learnt that it is a healthy way of dealing with grief. It's nice to find out that you are normal at least!

My life will never be the same again, and this makes me incredibly sad. It pains me that she won't know about my life from now on and that I can't chat to her for advice or go shopping together. 

I never pictured my life going this way and I don't want this to be part of my story. I would give anything for it to be different. However I am doing my absolute best to try to move forwards whilst still keeping her with me. 

This has undoubtably been the hardest year of my life and I'm frightened that is has been that long already since I saw my best friend. What helps me is that despite all the heartache there have also been good times and good memories too. Some lovely holidays, days out and also the beginning of my new journey to create my own beauty brand. There will be hard days to come still, I am aware, but also hopefully exciting ones. 

For anyone who may be going through a similar journey I want to say this.....you will survive and be able to carry on. Stay strong and allow yourself both the good and bad days. Keep smiling and don't be afraid to ask for help. You are never alone in this xx

Instagram Makeup Vs Real Life

I was really excited a few weeks back to be contacted by my secondary school and was asked if I wanted to come back in to talk to the year 10 students during their activity week. They wanted to know about my own journey since leaving the school and my path to my career as a hair and makeup artist. I of course jumped at the chance...partly because I wanted to be totally nosey and step back in time to see what it looks like inside nowadays (I left 11 years ago).. but also because I thought it was a really great idea for young girls to meet an older version of themselves and learn about a career that they may potentially be interested in pursuing.
I did have an enjoyable afternoon, and even got a sneaky sentimental tour too, however I was mostly left surprised by the view of beauty that these teenage girls had.

I adore Instagram and YouTube and spend far more time than I should, watching and scrolling through some amazing inspirational accounts everyday. However...I do feel that it can be quite damaging to some young women and it really gives a very unrealistic view on the world of beauty and makeup artists. Anyone who has a passion for beauty can become a 'beauty blogger' nowadays, which is fantastic, and a lot of girls have created wonderful channels and look pretty incredible each day in their pictures. My issue is this...the blog and Instagram world has created a makeup style that everyone has adopted and young girls aspire to look like. It consists of a heavy base, super strong contouring and highlighting, very dark sharp eyebrows, thick winged liner and very over-drawn lips coated with a liquid matte lipstick. It mirrors the style of the Kardashian's and aims to make you look like you are walking around with a permanent filter over your face.

Now don't get me wrong-I love a winged liner, it is my signature go-to look and for an evening out I am all about the glamour and a smokey eye. Makeup is definitely fun and something to be played with, however as a professional makeup artist, this Instagram look just doesn't appeal and doesn't sit right with me.

Whilst chatting with the year 10 girls about the life of a makeup artist, I was amazed that none of them had heard of actual artists such as Lisa Eldridge, and only thought about the well-known bloggers, who despite creating a great following, are not actually trained at all.
They believed that my day must entail of re-creating this look every day, as this is how to 'do makeup'.

During my training I was told, and remember very clearly, that you want someone to say 'You look beautiful' not 'Your makeup looks beautiful'. This is something that has always stuck with me and I really believe in. I personally think it's sad that young girls don't hear this enough, and are always presented with images of super contoured and heavily made up girls.
This also isn't what I do everyday as a makeup artist...in fact quite the opposite. If you look through the pages of Vogue and look at the fashion stories, or even look at celebrities often on the red carpet, you will see that the beauty of the person shines through. It is often about just creating a perfect, dewy skin...and that's it! Or focusing on brows and lips...maybe just blush. Brows are often left natural and combed to show the hairs, not filled in and drawn to create a harsh block.
I love seeing the beauty in individual faces and complimenting it through colour and texture. Being a makeup artist is all about this, and not just creating one rather 'fake' look for everyone. Everyone is different, one look certainly doesn't suit all...and women don't have to look like this everyday. It just isn't real life.


Recently I have found myself talking more and more about millennials and the affects that growing up in a generation immersed in social media must have, and this is definitely one of the down sides that I notice. I mean using flour to 'bake' your makeup?! Who made people actually do this? Perhaps this is just my opinion but I for sure am happy to have grown up without such a pressure to conform to one 'perfect look'.
Let me know your thoughts on the world of beauty online...

A Weekend of Inspiration is Coming: Stylist Live 2016

So it will be a year in October since I met Lisa Eldridge (fangirl moment) and had my copy of FacePaint signed. As one of my main idols from the makeup world, this was a pretty amazing day as I am sure you can imagine! You can read more about this day here, as well as some more information and pictures from my day at Stylist Live. This was the magazines first live event, which they call A Festival of Inspiration.....and I for sure left feeling inspired last year.

The new website is now up with details on this year's festival and I have been checking out whats on offer incase anyone is interested in going this year...heads up it's looking good!

This year the official hair partner is Dyson and they will be showcasing their new Supersonic hairdryer and giving demonstrations all day over the 4 day event. I have been intrigued to see this in action since it launched and see whether it lives up to the hype, so for me, this was a great partner that they have secured and something I would love to go and watch. Being freelance I am always lugging around a heavy kit, so a lighter, faster alternative that is less damaging would be great...if it works.

Another thing that I was excited to see was the return of the Crosstown Doughnuts to the farmers market section. I spotted these delicious looking treats last year-however after walking past and thinking I would wait until the end to pick some up, to my horror they had sold out! So I will be headed there first thing without a doubt....there flavours look insanely tasty...think Sea Salt Caramel Banana and Chilli Chocolate!

The main source of inspiration however is the talks and workshops and there are over 150 to choose from. They range from beauty, food, business, fashion, crafts and lifestyle and I am very impressed by the line up. I have my eye on the workshops held by notonthehighstreet.com where you can be taught by the Partners to craft different things to take home and also talks from Pixiwoo and advice on how to fund your dream business.

If, like me, you love beauty events and the chance to hear your idols talk and be inspired, then check
out the website here: http://po.st/outStylistLive

I personally have struggled with motivation recently, I think we all do, but getting out the house and seeking advice always helps...especially when there is a free cocktail involved too!

Let me know if anyone gets a ticket or decides to go so we can meet up..I am hoping that I can learn some much needed knowledge about starting a business to help me on my current journey.

A Chanel Love Story

I have always been quite partial to watching a documentary in my time. I love real life stories and delving deep into subjects and personalities. However, I got out of the habit of tuning in and got sucked into regular TV shows and especially reality shows lately. Now don't get me wrong, I still look forward to Made in Chelsea on a Monday night (much to my boyfriend's dismay!) but I have also been putting my Amazon Prime to good use and finding some documentaries to watch again.
Two nights ago I found Coco Before Chanel. Now, I am aware this is a film, but it documents and tells the story of Coco Chanel prior to creating her hugely famous brand.

Firstly, if you love fashion, beauty, period dramas or romance then I urge you to check this film out if you haven't already. It is a French production so it does have English subtitles, but this wasn't an issue to me and you become accustomed very quickly.
As a fashion lover, I have always loved Chanel and the elegance of the brand. My ultimate measure of success will be when I can afford a Chanel bag; the most classic black bag to me.
I am especially a fan of the Boy bag....but I have never known much about Coco herself, or Gabrielle as she was born.

After watching her story, I now feel such a connection to her and her journey. She had a difficult upbringing and was in a convent orphanage from the age of 12 when her mother died and her father sent her there. I won't spoil the story for anyone who may want to watch, but the part that touched me the most was the ending.
Coco fell in love with a man whose nickname was 'Boy' and she was his mistress for many years, in fact he funded her first venture into the world of fashion making hats. He died tragically in a car accident, and it broke Coco. However she used her passion and let it drive her into creating what we know today. The beauty in this tragedy is that her love story is within the brand and they live on through Chanel today. If you haven't realised already, the Boy bag is named after that very man, Boy Capel, and the name is still used today. He helped to shape the identity of the brand, believing in Coco and a lot of her designs are based around him and their relationship.
Boy had given Coco a camellia flower as a gift once, which began her love affair with this flower. Anyone who is familiar with the brand will know that the camellia makes a regular appearance still to this day. It evens adorns the beautifully packaged boxes when you buy something.

To me, this story proves that something incredible can be born out of tragedy and that love can live on forever. I think this a beautiful message and one that I hope to carry with me and inspire me on my next venture. I have exciting plans in the pipeline, in which I want to share mine and my mum's journey and keep her alive through my own brand. Stay tuned for more details, but in the meantime check out Coco Before Chanel and believe in the power of love and what it can help us create.

My Favourite Feel Good Films

You know those days where all you want to do is sit on the sofa and eat chocolate? Perhaps you are feeling hormonal, or just had a rough day at work...we all have them, especially us girls! 

When I am feeling this way I love to watch a great feel good film and just give in to my emotions. I make a hot chocolate, grab a blanket and cosy up in front of the TV with my dogs around me.

I have compiled my Top 7 (random number I know!) feel good films that I always reach for, in the hope that you may get some inspiration and check out one of these classics too when you are in need:

SEX AND THE CITY

What is not to love about these 4 women?! They are super funny, empowering and watching them allows me to feel as though I am in their friendship group and living in New York for an hour and a half....which I really wish I was!

GREASE

This has always been one of my favourite films. It is a complete classic, and no one can feel sad when you are listening to these songs.

LOVE ACTUALLY

I think this is Richard Curtis at his best. A fantastic cast of amazing actors, who you can totally relate to, and you get all the feels from so much love in one film. 

BRIDESMAIDS

This film never fails to make me laugh out loud, with so many perfectly silly moments. I can really relate with Annie's breakdown and think Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy are hi-larious....'Help me I'm poor' LOL

HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS

First things first...I love Kate Hudson, she is beautiful. Secondly, I just love how embarassing and crazy she acts to put Matthew McConaughey off. Lots of laugh out loud moments again.

DEVIL WEARS PRADA

For anyone who loves fashion or works in the industry, this film is brilliant. Meryl Streep is a genius as we already know, but this is also very inspiring and teaches the importance of hard work but also working for something you believe in and being true to yourself.

EAT PRAY LOVE

When I am feeling a little lost, this film really picks me up and teaches that there is always a new path and time to rediscover yourself. The world is a beautiful place to be explored and it's important to appreciate the little things.

Please let me know what your favourite feel good films are too, so that I can add to my list, and hopefully one of these may cheer you up too one day :)

An Amazing Charity...Look Good Feel Better

Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while, or know me personally, will know how passionately I feel about being charitable. I even wrote a blog post on my thoughts recently which I will link here.
I mentioned at the end that I would talk about some charities that I work with and that is what I would like to do today.

I recently became a volunteer with a wonderful charity called Look Good Feel Better. For those of you who haven't heard of them, they hold workshops throughout the world for women who are currently undergoing cancer treatments. Their mission is to help these women with their confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing through amazing skincare and makeup lessons. During the 2 hour sessions, which are complimentary to attend, they meet new friends who are going through similar treatments, learn tips and techniques in beauty from professional beauty therapists and makeup artists and go home with a wonderful goodie bag of products.
It gives these women who may be struggling with the physical side effects of treatments, such a chemotherapy, the chance to feel pampered and learn how to make themselves look like 'them' again. We all know that when we are happy with our appearance we feel like we can take on the world, and are so much more positive. This is what Look Good Feel Better does for these ladies.
I have experienced first hand that they leave feeling transformed, with a new found strength and confidence to be themselves, which is just wonderful to see.
The charity are always on the look out for new beauticians and makeup artists to sign up to volunteer, as without them the workshops simply cannot run.

As you are aware, I know how living through a cancer diagnosis and treatment with my mum, can affect a person and their family. Any positivity and help is a welcome blessing, and every woman receives the opportunity to attend one these sessions. My mum actually never took up the place, as she was an absolute pro with her skincare and makeup routine already, and also with a makeup artist for a daughter she could ask away at me anytime. However so many ladies jump at the chance and it can be a revolutionary experience for them, as well as a welcome distraction. It gives them the confidence to face the next day, and the next round of treatment, with a smile and not to let it define them.

I was also very excited to see that Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup and Lily Pebbles, are taking place in this years sponsored walk to raise money for LGFB. It will be a lovely event for all the family in Dorking, Surrey, with a beauty goodie bag at the end for everyone who has taken part. It's amazing that they are now Digital Ambassadors for the charity, and being a dedicated viewer and reader of them both myself, I know that they will do a fab job with getting people involved and letting the younger generations know the importance of these great causes. Well done girls!

I will leave a link to the charity website below, but if anyone with any beauty or makeup experience is looking to get involved with any charity work, then I urge you to please get in touch. It is a hugely rewarding experience and the best way to use your skills.

Let me know if you would like any more information and check out all the links below...

Look Good Feel Better
LGFB SWALK
Lily Pebbles
Vivianna Does Makeup

Tips For Creating Volume in Fine Hair

One of the most common things that I get asked as a hairstylist is how to achieve volume in fine hair. As a race, we are never happy with our appearance, and are always trying to seek out the opposite of what we have. With hair in particular, the curly-haired girls want straight sleek hair, and equally the straight-haired ladies just want voluminous curls!
One thing I love about my job is being able to transform people and create characters in my photoshoots. I think it is wonderful nowadays that we have the technology available to allow us to play around and look completely different one day to the next. That's the exciting part; with the right tools and knowledge almost anything is achievable.....until you next wash it anyway!

Here are my top tips for creating volume if you have fine hair:

Use Products....But Just a Little

There are so many products out there that guarantee to give you volume, however it is so important to not overload the hair. If you coat your hair, in the hope that more equates to more volume, then you are doing it wrong. You will weigh your hair down, so the product will end up having the opposite effect. I would recommend a root lift spray, and also perhaps a little mousse through the mid lengths and ends as well.

Dry Your Hair UpSide Down

This may be an obvious one to some of you, but use gravity to your advantage! You want your hair to dry with your roots standing up, so tipping your head upside down will keep those hairs in the right direction whilst they dry.

Do Not Use a Nozzle

A nozzle attachment on the end of a hairdryer is designed to direct heat intensely into one area. This is perfect if you are blowdrying frizzy hair into a straight look, however if you have fine hair, it will smooth your hair cuticle down too much and take away the texture that you need. Take the nozzle off, so that the heat is distributed more evenly and you won't over-heat any areas.

Velcro Rollers

This old school technique really does work, trust me. The velcro version is better than the heated kind for adding volume, rather than a curl. Once your hair is dry, pop a few into your hair around your hairline and on top of your head, working back to the crown. Hold them in place with a section clip, so that they stay tightly in there, and then give them a little spritz with hairspray.
Then, with your hairdryer, just give the rollers a quick blast of heat again each, and then allow them to cool and set for as long as possible.

Backcombing

To add in extra oomph at the roots, then backcombing is a handy thing to know. Again, this technique has been around for years, but done well, it does work. You can even backcomb the roots slightly before putting your rollers in for added hold.
The trick here is to keep the backcombing disguised as much as possible, and not looking like a birds nest! When you have combed away, then lightly brush over the top of the section of hair, so that this looks smooth.

Pin Curling

If you are wanting to use tongs to create curls or waves in fine hair, then a great tip is to pin curl.
It is the process of cooling down in a shape that allows our hair to set that way. So you don't want to spend hours curling little sections of your hair and then letting them hang down whilst they cool. Once you take a section out of the tong, re-curl it towards the root and then pin it there. Again, you can spray them and re-heat, just like with the rollers, and then leave them pinned up for as long as possible. Before you go out, simply release the pins and then shake your hair upside down, softening the curls. It is always good to create tighter curls, if you are wanting them to last all day.

Scrunch Your Hair Up Overnight

If you have been lucky enough to keep the volume or curls all day, then sleeping on them will be a sure way to flatten them straight away. Tip your head upside down and gather all of your hair at the top of your head and loosely tie it there in a messy bun. This will keep your roots upwards and the curls should last within the bun, as they are twisted and not being dragged down.

I hope these tips can be helpful to some of you. Please let me know if you try any or would like advice on a different topic soon...