Make up

I was shocken when I heard that the Lancome ad campaign had been banned in the UK as a result of the advertising watchdog recieving complaints by Liberal Democrat Mp Jo Swinson that the images were overly air brushed.

“On the basis of the evidence we had received we could not conclude that the ad image accurately illustrated what effect the product could achieve, and that the image had not been exaggerated by digital post-production techniques,” the ASA said.

Julia Roberts is beautiful and always appears to have amazing skin. I wouldn’t like to comment on whether or not the images have been air brushed. However I know the skills of a professional make up artist and an expert photographer would have enhanced her natural beauty making her appear more youthful.

As a make up artist in Manchester I love looking at new product launches in magazines and trying out new products before I buy, I’d recommend that you do the same. Most make up counters are happy to offer complimentary make overs so you won’t feel obligated to making a purchase if you don’t like it.

Thanks to LooknBe for a really fun interview last week. It was great to chat to Kate and offer her readers make up tips on creating a gorgeous look in 5 minutes as well as my top beauty secrets for beautiful skin. It’s definitely worth checking out the website as it’s full of useful style advice or just have a peak at the full interview: http://www.looknbe.com/en_GB/interviews/

If your out this weekend and fancy trying out a new make up technique, why not try a glamorous vintage look? As a Vintage Make Up Artist in Manchester I absolutely love the 1920′s style. Here’s a few hints and tips on how you can create a stunning 1920′s vintage look. Also I thought it would help to have a visual aid so here’s one that I prepared earlier!

Fabulous Flapper Girl Style – 1920′s

1. Start by applying your eye makeup with a primer to even out the tone on your eyelid, it will also help to keep your eye shadow in place. Many of the girls in this era wore dark smokey eyes, it’s important to begin with your eyes to avoid spoiling your make up base
2. Apply a black eyeliner around your upper and lower lid and finish with a lengthening mascara or false lashes if you prefer a more dramatic effect. Eyebrows were thin and well defined with an eyeliner
3. Create a flawless make up base using a liquid foundation with a brush to give you even coverage, dot a under eye concealor in the corner of your eye (the darkest part). Dust translucent powder over the top to set it, allowing your foundation to stay in place for the whole evening
4. Your nearly there now, add a pink blusher to add a wash of colour to your face, if your not sure where to place it smile at yourself in the mirror and apply it to the apples of your cheeks
5. Finish with a lip liner to emphasis your cupid bow and a lipstick. Deep reds, plums and raspberry shades were popular choices in the mid to late 1920′s

Let me know If you are interested in any other vintage inspired make up looks or if you would like to book a vintage make up and hair event check out Le Keux Events.

A family member forwarded an email to me at the weekend which said it was from a Dr. Nahid Neman who works in the Breast Cancer unit at the Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto. The email claimed that some cosmetic brands are selling lipsticks containing lead and it can cause cancer. As a Make up artist in Manchester I thought it was really important to share the information with you as I was shocked at what I read, the email circulating is a prank. There are always rumours that spread claiming deodorant and ingredients in make up can cause cancer and it simple isn’t true.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“The UK has strict laws about the production of cosmetic products. Manufacturers cannot sell a new product to the public before it has been safety tested. An organisation called The Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) provides information about regulation of cosmetics in the UK. Lead is banned from all cosmetics, apart from hair dyes” (Cancer Research Uk)

Next time you go shopping for make up and you see an ingredient on a label that concerns you, check out CTPA cosmetic regulations here. x

Some great news for all of you who wanted to take part in a Jemma Kidd Masterclass@Home but couldn’t get your group of friends together on one night. We’re now doing Masterclass@Home makeup lesson in Manchester for individuals. Come down on your own or with a friend and join three to nine other ladies also taking part as individuals, the lessons are identical to the group sessions as is the equipment and tuition.

You’ll be using official Jemma Kidd products and receive 10% off Jemma Kidd products ordered on the night – it must be said the lesson is about learning not buying, but the discount’s there if you want it!

The venue is in South Manchester with plenty of room for parking, for more information on current courses or to book your place on one of the upcoming events, check out the Jemma Kidd Masterclass@Home page.

Speak soon and… Enjoy Make up!

I wouldn’t say that I’m loyal when it comes to lipstick as a Make Up Artist in Manchester my make up kit contains tons from Jemma Kidd, No7, Bare Minerals, Chanel to L’oreal. Then theres Tom Ford Lipsticks, I recently picked ‘Pure Pink’ from the Blend Lip Color Collection, £35. I haven’t put it down this weekend, the packaging is beautiful, the shade is very flattering and an added bonus it’s long lasting, hooray!

Tom Ford designed his full colour collection with top British make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury. The advertising campaign features Lara Stone, who wears seventies inspired bold shades of eyeshadow, blusher and nail varnish. Here’s a sneaky pic to tempt you if you haven’t seen it already.

The look is going to be a key autumn trend to follow when the collection launches in September, form an orderly queue ladies! x

Ladies and make up artists in Manchester are about to get a brand new treat right on their door step, with the arrival of an exciting new spa and make up Boutique at John Lewis Cheadle…

“With sales of beauty products at John Lewis achieving a 14 per cent increase on last year, the nation’s favourite department store has announced plans to launch a new in-store beauty spa concept.” John Lewis

The boutique is part of a planned £17.5 million overhaul, all sorts of pampering treatments will be available such as facials, manicures, pedicures, eyebrow/eyelash tinting, threading and waxing from a range of brands including Clarins, Elemis, Liz Earle, Decleor and Blink.

Head of beauty and accessories, Amanda Scott, said: ‘We’re really excited to be launching this new concept, which will give our customers the opportunity to experience our beauty products in a more in-depth way. By offering a wide range of brands and treatments, for both women and men.”

I can’t wait to check it out! x

I just read an article in InStyle Magazine that ‘Desperate Housewives’ actress, Eva Longoria has had creative talents with make up since she was little. Her parents wouldn’t allow her to wear it so to get round that she said ‘I would melt crayons and try to put them on my lips and I would use watercolours for eye shadow’ She then went on to say if she was on a dessert island her must have beauty products would be mascara, lip balm and bronzor.

As a Make up artist in Manchester I would pack my clients, a concealor, mascara and lipgloss. I think I was destined to be a make up artist as when I was young my mum said the only time I was quiet was when I was raiding her make up bag, there’s lots of photos of me smeared in mascara and lipstick. Thankfully my skills have improved since then!

There are some fantastic make up special offers this month, as a make up artist in Manchester I love a bargain if you do too here are a few of the best deals online and on the high street.

• Pick up a copy of Red magazine and you get a free Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Silk Touch Lipgloss, there are 3 shades to choose from. The one I have in my kit is Tea Rose, my clients love the texture and the grapefruit flavour
• Spend £5 in Boots and get a £5 voucher off No7 make up which can also be used with their 3 for 2 offer
• Order £50 of Bobbi Brown products online and recieve 2 deluxe samples of their Cleansing Oil and Crystal Lip Gloss
• When you sign up for the Bodyshop email updates you recieve 25% off your next online order and get entered into a competition for a chance to win their Honey Bronze make up collection
• To celebrate the launch of Bare Minerals ‘Pretty Amazing Lipgloss’  pop into Selfridges Exchange Square for a free lip colour consultation
• Purchase 2 Lancome products with one to be Skincare and recieve a gift worth £50 which contains 8 products

If I’ve missed out any great offers please let me know and I’ll add them to the list. thanks! x

Winged Eyeliner looks stunning and is perfect if you want to recreate a fifties or sixties look. It does take a little bit of practise to get the ticks symmetrical and create a straight line. As a make up artist in Manchester i know all you need is a steady hand and a few top tips to help you get started;

1. Firstly start with your eye make and an eyebase to ensure you have a smooth eyelid
2. Go for a good quality eyeliner such as No7 ‘Stay Perfect Liquid Eyeliner’ (£8.75) which has an ultra-fine brush, isn’t watery and is hypoallergenic so shouldn’t irritate your eyes
3. Brush the eyeliner on the back of your hand to remove any clumps
4. Pull your eyelid tight, this allows you to be more precise with your application
5. Steady your hand by leaning your elbow on a flat service and apply the eyeliner along your lash line as close to your lashes as possible in one sweeping motion. Stop at the end and to create the wing draw a curved line, you can go over it for a more dramatic effect
6. Pull up your lid to make sure there are no gaps and step away from the mirror to see your handy work. If you have made a mistake wipe it away with a cotton bud

Check out Marilyn Monroe, she always pulled off amazing black winged eyeliner and the illusion of luscious thick lashes! x