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Interview: Perfect Silhouette Hairdressing
I'm bringing back my recommended supplier interviews! There's still a few on my recommended list that I haven't interviewed, so I figured I'd catch a few more for 2023. Starting with the lovely Robyn aka Perfect Silhouette Hairdressing. I wrote about her for International Women's Day too as she's making great waves both in a hairstyling way, winning National awards, and for the LGBTQ+ community in setting up All In Love; an inclusive wedding fair in Lincolnshire. Here's a bit more about her and her business!
READ MORE »Perfect Silhouette shoot
It was an absolute honour to be asked by Robyn to be part of her 2024 Signature Collection photoshoot, showcasing some of her most requested hair styles. She organised three models, choosing Alexis Blake, and Kennedy and Meg from zebedeetalent. We took over the gorgeous Stubton Hall for the day back in January and photographed these beautiful looks below!
READ MORE »International Womens Day - Wedding Suppliers
Next week is International Women's Day (it's 8th March) and I'm here to celebrate all the incredible women in my area of the wedding industry who drive forward and lift others up. With the theme of #EmbraceEquity here's some of the my personal favourites within my industry that I want to sing about, and are doing things that should be shouted about.
READ MORE »Wedding Make Up Interview with: Lottie and Emma
Lottie and Emma got married at the lovely Cockliffe Country House in July 2023. They'd originally planned for 2020, but then EVERYTHING happened and they postponed to 2021. Seeing how things we're in early 2021, they decided to postpone their wedding reception to 2023 so that COVID could absolutely chuff off and they would be safe in the knowledge their wedding celebrations would be as full throttle as they initially planned!
And it absolutely was, but they had damn good reason to celebrate. Not only had they dealt with the pandemic, they relocated back to Nottingham after living in London for 10 years. Lottie also underwent emergency urgent spinal surgery the week of her legal ceremony. A rough couple of years, but these two were ready to let their hair down...!
Lottie and Emma both answered these questions seperately by email so don't know what the other answered, haha!
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Summer Skincare
I apply SPF to my face each day; so much so that I probably remember to do it more than I do brush my hair!
READ MORE »Amber's review
I have a lot of transgender clients, providing monthly makeovers for nights out to my one-to-one makeup lessons in order to learn how to apply make-up. There's not much I love more than hearing back from clients and getting photos of their make-up and practice runs.
READ MORE »Christmas Present Ideas 2024
Following my Christmas Beauty Gift List last week, here's my regular gift list! Lots of great small businesses, and other recommendations from me from over the course of the year that I think you'll enjoy!
READ MORE »Christmas Beauty Gift Ideas 2024
We are all feeling the cost of living the last 18-24 months, and no more so than at Christmas! So I'm back again with my Christmas Gift guide for all beauty lovers, but breaking it down into price guides and aiming more at the great stocking fillers.
READ MORE »Trial advice
Wedding make-up is about making you look the very best version of yourself possible. Getting to know each other will help us come up with an absolutely perfect plan for your wedding make-up, ensuring you look and feel the very best you can on your big day. When you come for your bridal trial with me, it's our time to get to know each other; you can ask me all your questions about make-up as you'd like! I get a lot of questions about what to bring to a trial, so here are a few pointers.
READ MORE »Cleaning your make-up brushes
Cleaning brushes is a make-up artists never-ending task. It just goes on and on and on – and when you’ve got weddings back to back, it sometimes feels like you’re in a never-ending cycle of cleaning them. I’ve often dreamt about cleaning them or having not cleaned them and then panicking, and then I’ve woken up exhausted!
READ MORE »Cruelty-free and Vegan Make Up
I've been providing a vegan bridal service for over five years now, and it's been so great to hear from clients that they've booked me specifically because of this service. I've always been staunchly cruelty-free in my makeup kit for nearly 10 years, and I won't use brands that test on animals.
So what does it mean, cruelty-free or vegan?
READ MORE »Wedding Make Up Interview with: Caitlin
Caitlin & Kelsea got married in October 2023 in the most gorgeous autumnal styled wedding I've ever seen. Ever! Marrying at the wonderful Hodsock Priory, the trees and leaves surrounding the venue were just the most perfect colour ever, coupled with the stunning jewel toned bouquet, matching Caitlin's bridesmaids dresses, AND Kelsea's tailored wedding suit in the most sumptuous deep dark velvet. LUUUUSH. Read more here...
More than a makeup artist
As a make-up artist, it's my job to ensure that your face is picture-perfect on your wedding day.
What you probably won't see on your wedding morning is me watching your face and your body language. I'll watch your expressions and what your face is saying when you're not speaking, see how you're breathing and if you're doing a panic. What you say, how you say it, and what you don't say are all really important to me to make sure that you're ok.
READ MORE »Choosing your wedding makeup artist
Weddings are a big experience as well as a big expense; you’re in a place you probably won't know that well, wearing a dress and some crazy supportive/restrictive underwear! You probably won’t see your partner until you’re at the aisle, your family may cry, you’ll worry about the flowers/catering/table decorations. Being the centre of attention, everyone is watching you while you’re dancing, eating, crying and speaking. It’s one hell of an experience and can be a stressful one at that!
READ MORE »Wedding Make Up Interview with: Becca
I've had a lovely response to some of these Wedding Make Up Interviews, so today's is with Becca! She married in September 2021 at Hazel Gap Barn.
READ MORE »Christmas Gifts For Make Up Lovers
Here we are; the Christmas season is upon us and it's time for some of my top makeup picks of the year! Perfect for any makeup lover in your life, or if you're looking to update your own makeup bag for a festive party. Feel free to ask in my Facebook group if you've any questions about products, or you can contact me directly.
READ MORE »Becca and Matt at Hazel Gap Barn
I can't believe that Becca and Matt had their day a year ago today! Becca had to reschedule their wedding a stonking four times; from April 2020 to September 2020, then to March 2021 and finally September 2021! When they got married there were thankfully no restrictions in place at all and they could have the day they'd always wanted.
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Jen and Josh at Oxton Village Hall
Jen and Josh's amazing wedding day was my penultimate wedding of 2019 but boy, what a wedding!
I'm in love with the colours Jen and Josh chose, and I always know there's going to be amazing photos from Emily & Katy Photography. I think Julia from Curious Magpie must have had the time of her life, styling the Oxton Village Hall for the big day. Jen had assembled a beautiful team around her for the day; check them all out at the bottom of this very blog :)
READ MORE »Wedding Make Up Interview with: Hannah
Welcome to the first in an ongoing series of little Q&A-type interviews with my previous wedding clients! I figured these would be useful for future brides-to-be. First up today is Hannah, who married in July 2019 at her home in Lady Bay, Nottingham.
READ MORE »My eyebrows and me
Sutherland and Barnett - Part One
You know when you get a phone call that just stuns you and you don’t know what to say? That was me when I had a phone call from Andrew Sutherland, Director and one of the head stylists at Sutherland and Barnett; a hairdressing and colour salon. I’d entered a Facebook competition to celebrate the salon’s 10th birthday, and I won £1000 of hairdressing!
READ MORE »Zoe and Dan at Rufford Park
Zoe & Dan got married at The Mill at Rufford Abbey back in May 2021. There were still a couple of restrictions in place, like me having to wear a mask still while working, but as most photos of me at weddings just show the side of my head it didn't really matter!
It's a gorgeous venue, and I was pleased to be back at The Maypole at Wellow to get her and the rest of the wedding party ready before headed over to The Mill for the big 'I do!' and party.
READ MORE »Eyeliner Recommendations
It's just a flick... one little, tiny eyeliner flick...
SO WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO MAKE THEM EVEN AND POINT THE SAME WAY?!
(photo by Ed Godden Photography, one of my recommended suppliers)
READ MORE »Non Make Up Items In My Kit
The most used things in my makeup kit are often not items of makeup, or even skincare. Here's a little run down of all the bits and pieces I keep in my travelling makeup kit for a wedding day. You never know when something might come in handy!
READ MORE »Burton Town Hall Wedding
Leigh got in touch with me super early, in October 2018 for her February 2020 wedding. Have I said how I love it when people book me in advance because they want to make sure they can have me for their wedding day?!
READ MORE »MAC and me
"Do you use MAC make-up?"
It’s a question I get asked a lot as to what make-up brands I keep in my kit. When a potential client enquires, I go through a few names (the big brands and the smaller ones) but there’s noticeably one missing which would often be in other make-up artists’ kits. As I then say that I don't use their products before I've had a chance to explain I feel it sometimes goes against me as I then have to justify why I don’t.
Mollie & Ben at Hazel Gap Barn
Mollie and Ben had to reschedule their wedding from March 2021 to May 2021, but they sure partied hard anyway. They could only have restricted numbers allowed at their wedding, but they were determined to get married - and got married they did! And today is their first wedding anniversary so I'm here blogging about their wedding to celebrate - congratulations Mr and Mrs Douglas!
READ MORE »Jo's wedding
I've known Jo probably about 9 years now through work, and she's always been a joy to be around. She's so kind and caring, her personality is just infectious and you can't help but feel good around her. I've done her make-up a couple of times for special occasions but when her and long-time boyfriend Damien got engaged, she booked Lucille's Locks and myself ASAP for her wedding makeover team.
READ MORE »Ms Moo's Sales Shopping List
I decided early on this year not to do Christmas presents with friends or family, but to donate to some charities close to my heart. I'm going to donate what I would've spent on presents (Framework, CALM, Heads Together and MOAS) and instead of going to be booking in some mates' dates! Exchanging time is far more valuable to me when I'm this busy so I'm looking forward to planning some of them in for the coming months.
READ MORE »Wedding Make Up Interview with: Melanie
Mel and Gawin finally got to say their "I dos!" in January 2022, having had to reschedule from October 2020 and February 2021. She married her beau Gawin at Morley Hayes, in Derbyshire.
READ MORE »My illamasqua must haves
Illamasqua is a makeup artists best friend. I constantly bang on about them in my 1-2-1 lessons and at my bridal trials when clients ask who they are or why have they heard of them in stores. As they've announced a 20% off sale over Easter, I thought I'd guide you through some of my all-time favourite products that will enhance any makeup kit tenfold. Strap in!
Elvaston Castle wedding
Back in August 2018, I did a promo shoot for alternative wedding fair Tying the Nott - the next one is on 25 October 2020! It was a fabulous collaborative shoot with wedding suppliers from all over the East Midlands that were wonderful to meet and a joy to work with. Louise was one of the models for the day, despite having never modelled before and did a great job!
Louise mentioned she was planning her own wedding for 2019, and it was lovely when she got in touch to book me for her big day.
(Louise by Dave Fuller Photography for Tying the Nott)
READ MORE »Hayley's wedding
Hayley and Lisa got married a year ago today! Congratulations my lovelies! I've not blogged about it yet but it's up their for one of my most memorable weddings ever.
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Wedding Make Up Interview with: Emily
Emily and Mitch had their wedding at Inkersall Grange Farm back in August 2021. They'd postponed twice due to the pandemic but we're determined to have all their family and friends around them for their festival-themed wedding! They had their legal paperwork done secretly the year before so as not to spoil their big music festival themed day, and then absolutely smashed out a weekends worth of partying in one night!
READ MORE »Eyeshadow magic trick
On a night out or important occasion, I bet each of you have done this...
READ MORE »Five must have products for a tenner or under
Someone asked me at a make-up lesson recently what my favourite budget product was. In my make-up kit, I have got a whole range of products and brands and I'll always try to find a high street version of a premium brand. Not always easy but I do try! However, here's 5 products that are all £10.00 or under that I wholly recommend you get for your kit.
READ MORE »2015 - that's a wrap!
2015 has been incredible for Ms Moo and for me personally. I've tried to tot up my top 5 moments/achievements of the year for both!
READ MORE »Interview: Pin Up Curl
Sarah from Pin-Up Curl is my work-wife! We work on loads of vintage weddings together, and I know that any wedding morning I'm with her, we'll have an absolute blast. I'm gutted that it's now over a year since I've seen her and worked with her, and can't chuffing wait to see her! Here's a little catch-up with her about the last 12 months and her future plans...
(by Shot by Amy)
READ MORE »Interview: Helen Sutcliffe
Helen Sutcliffe is a wedding hairstylist with over 10 years experience of being a freelance wedding stylist. Being a cruelty-free wedding makeup artist, I flippin' love that she's so staunchly cruelty-free - beauty products don't need to be tested on animals! Helen's got such a lovely calming presence on a wedding morning - she's the quieter version of me, watching everything that's going on, and looks after her bride in such a gentle and loving way. I love that she always (ALWAYS) has a half way treat of a can of Diet Coke!
I caught up with her for my first recommended supplier interview of 2024...
READ MORE »Interview: Rock N Roller Hair
Sarah from Rock n Roller Hair is a font of all knowledge relating to wedding hair. She's also the absolute go to person for all things hair extensions, as she's trained in ten different methods. Who know there were 10 methods to even know about?! She's super calm to work with on a wedding morning, and we always have a giggle together. I asked her about her experience in the wedding industry and how she's finding lockdowns and not being able to work...
READ MORE »Retouching
I shared this Beyonce retouch photo on my Facebook a couple of weeks ago. I've felt this blog post brewing for a little while, so decided to get my thoughts out after having spoken about it with other industry professionals.
READ MORE »Christmas Present Ideas
Welcome to the season of sparkle and joy! As the festive spirit takes over, what better way to celebrate than by giving the gift of glamour? This Christmas, immerse your loved ones in a world of beauty with my carefully curated makeup gift guide.
Whether you're shopping for a makeup enthusiast or someone just starting their beauty journey, we've got the perfect picks to make their holiday season merry and bright.
READ MORE »Skincare Resolutions
Hope you've all had a cracking Christmas! If you're anything like me, I'm full to the brim with amazing food (roast duck, wow!) and too many bottles of prosecco to count...! Did you get any skincare goodies under your tree for Christmas? This lucky Sali got no7's Ultimate Collection gift set; yay! It's got the no7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Day AND Night Cream, oodles of bath goodies and both the Beautiful Skin Cleansing Lotion and Beautiful Skin Dry Skin Rescue; both staples in my kit at work and at home.
READ MORE »Treatment Tuesday with Nickie Devolution
I've known Nickie through the alt online scene for a fair few years now (Facebook says 5 years, but I reckon longer with the age of Myspace!) she is the owner and founder of Devolution Magazine and The Alt Collective, a fashion and art charity event that started in 2009. She's a one-woman machine with a dedicated contributing team working on the only alternative independent print magazine out there covering fashion, music, art, tattoos, lifestyle culture and photography; Devolution recently released Issue 40 of the magazine signifying 10 years of actual print! A decade of independent publishing is an incredible feat.
READ MORE »Wedding make-up review
Morning lovelies! I'm currently on holiday in Malta so I'm not around right now so here's a review from one of my lovely brides in 2014/2015. I don't know who it was as it was an anonymous review from a bride who voted me to win Best Make-Up Artist in the East Midlands at the Wedding Industry Awards!
READ MORE »Interview: Moira Borg
Moira has been working as a hairstylist for over 15 years, but specialised in bridal hairstyling for around half of that time. It's always a joy to work with Moira on a wedding morning, knowing what a calming prescence she has and cheeky sense of humour like me.
As she's a recommended supplier of mine, I wanted to interview her so you know more about her!
READ MORE »Interview: Mon Amie
Where have the last five months gone, does anyone know?! There have been so many tier shifts, restrictions, and lockdowns that I haven't known if I'm coming or going. I know I'm not the only one in the wedding industry (or beauty industry, for that matter) who feels like this. The months have felt never-ending, especially when waiting to hear when we can return to work. I miss being a wedding makeup artist so much! I miss my clients. I got to see some in the latter part of 2020 which filled me with such joy!
One such wedding was with one of my recommended suppliers and super wonderful wedding besties, Mon Amie. We caught up at that wedding and despite not being able to hug as we always do, the warmth from being in her company again gave me such hope. She's a wonderful hairstylist and a wonderful human. Find out more about her, her lockdown, and her wishes for the future below!
(by Twig and Vine Photography)
READ MORE »Lizzie's wedding day
I've known Lizzie for quite a while as I work for the same company as her, and I'd done her make-up a few times for Flashes and Lashes' shoots. She emailed me in September 2014 to ask about wedding availability for August 2015 as she wanted to check if some of her favourite suppliers were available before she booked the venue... how honoured am I?!
READ MORE »Sutherland and Barnett - Part Two
What is this, another blog? I've got other blogs lined up to see out the rest of 2016, but I couldn't leave the year without another instalment from my hair adventures with Sutherland and Barnett. To re-cap (no pun intended!), I won £1000.00 of hairdressing services from them to use over 12 months! Hayley was tasked with colouring my hair and telling me what was achievable and suitable for me. Good honest advice is always welcomed! At my consultation, she took a strand of my hair to test how well it would lighten and told me to book out a good 6 hours for my transformation...
READ MORE »DIY SOS - Save our Skin!
Okay, so now it's reeeeally pretty cold and we need to do something about the effects it's having on us. The cold mornings are biting at your nose and toes, your lips are chapped and your skin is drier than a desert. Central heating and air conditioning are awful for your skin. Before this winter really takes hold, take 30 minutes out of your evening to do this and Save Our Skin! If you’re like me, you’re skint in prepping for Christmas so I want to keep this cheap as chips and you can use a lot of ingredients from your kitchen and store cupboard to look after your face. Free beauty treatments? Woo! Maybe you can get your partner or a mate to help or even join in :)
(by Luna Photography aka Flashes and Lashes)
READ MORE »Top ten under £10.00
Here's my list of year-round goodies that you absolutely MUST have in your make-up bag or on your dressing table.
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Wedding Make Up Interview with: Stephanie
Steph and Sam got legally wed in November 2020, but decided to postpone their big wedding to 2021 so that they could celebrate with all their family and friends freely. They did their legal bit in their local registry office and then held their wedding reception and informal ceremony at The Old Vicarage, just a few days shy of their legal anniversary. Getting to be a part of both of their days was an utter honour, especially as I've known Steph for over 10 years.
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Top 6 picks for the Illamasqua sale
As you know if you're a reader of my blog or have ever had a 1-2-1 make-up lesson with me, I adore Illamasqua products. They are cruelty-free, have a background in stage make-up (so their stuff stays put!), they have an extensive vegan collection and they actively encourage individuality - you want a deep sea blue and green lipstick? They've got it! Every year, Illamasqua have a January sale and I held out as long as I can because now I know that they'll keep adding things as the month goes on. I hopped over on Friday to have a browse through... Go. Go now. There are some AMAZING bargains!
READ MORE »Interview: Pear and Bear Photography
Anna from Pear and Bear Photography asked me to do makeup for a styled wedding photoshoot back in September 2017. I couldn't attend the photoshoot so I was super excited to see the photos and all the efforts the team had put together for the shoot, and I fell in love with them. The images were so soft and beautiful, and I adored the colours. This is still the most epic bouquet shot I've ever seen! She's a lovely human being and coupled with being a photographer, she's a self-belief business coach. I caught up with her about her photography work, and how COVID has been for her...
READ MORE »Favourite make-up brush
Man, I have so many brushes. I bought a few single ones when I started getting into makeup then my lovely friends bought me a whole roll of makeup brushes and I didn’t know what many of them did; so many new and exciting things, I was gobsmacked! I now have two brush 'kits' (my personal one and my professional one), and I’ve changed many around when I’ve found better quality ones. That said, I don't spend loads on my brushes; there are a few specialist brushes that I've splurged on and some have been fabulous, some have been atrocious but it's one of my mid-range brushes that's my favourite make-up brush.
READ MORE »Interview: Everyone's Looking Rosie
I've brought back my interview series! I did them a few years ago, but I'm going to bring them back and let you all find out for yourselves about some of my favourite wedding suppliers. First up in the list is Rosie, from Everyone's Looking Rosie.
READ MORE »Kara and Thomas
Kara's face has been shown to me by so many brides-to-be this year for how they would love their wedding makeup to look, so I had to blog with a few more images from her wedding! It was the first time I'd worked with Emily and Katy Photography, and I was blown away by them. Both are an amazing double act, and you can see the cogs going behind their eyes, searching for their next shot. They are both really lovely too!
Here is Kara and her Mum's trial makeup. Lynne doesn't wear a lot of makeup and didn't want to look or feel fake. I reassured her and let her check through each stage of the makeup to make sure she felt good about her face.
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Becky's Wedding
Becky contacted me through a mutual friend, hairdresser extraordinaire QueenB's Hair. She'd been nervous about booking a make-up artist, and told me deciding on someone to do her make up was a very scary prospect, as she'd been having the most nightmares about her make-up going wrong for some reason!
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