Keep Hydrated

…but don’t let your skin suffer by following these simple steps
GET YOUR SLEEP:

It  is essential for glowing skin, so if you have a few late nights planned; try to get to bed earlier on the nights you are not out or even take a nap during the day with cold cucumber or chamomile tea bags on your eyes.  Or try using a lavender eye mask to fully relax your mind and body.

Sleeping with an extra pillow can help reduce fluid build up round the eyes which causes puffiness and bags. (And silk pillows are excellent for stopping creases on your face that over time could lead to increased wrinkles).

Wake yourself up in the morning by splashing cold water on your face a few times to brighten and tighten your skin.  And when you are in the shower, turn the temperature to cold for one minute before you finish.  This will help boost circulation and give you an instant wake-up.

ALWAYS TAKE YOUR MAKEUP OFF:

Get into the habit of always taking your makeup off before going to bed regardless of how big a night you’ve had, as your skin will suffer over the next few days if it’s been left on.

KEEP HYDRATED:

Remember to drink water throughout the night’s partying as this will lessen the after effects the next day.  Hangover headaches are caused from the cells in the brain being excessively dehydrated.  Drink as much water as you can before bed and also when you wake up.  Try to avoid coffee the morning after a big night out, despite the temptation, as caffeine is also a diuretic so will dehydrate the body further.  Although it may feel like a quick pick-me-up, you will feel worse when the effects wear off.  If you really need to have caffeine fix, try green tea instead as it is packed with antioxidants.

Keep your skin well moisturised – spraying rosewater mist onto your face throughout the day will keep your skin hydrated.

BE KIND TO YOUR INSIDES:

During this hectic party season, take a multivitamin to supplement your diet.  Also, taking Echinacea or olive leaf extract will help keep your immune system topped up.  Another herb to assist your body through endless parties is Milk Thistle.  It helps with cleansing the liver, the organ which clears out toxins from the body, particularly alcohol.

Replenish lost nutrients from partying by having some fruit as part of your breakfast and avoiding fry ups and caffeine.

FACE THE DAY:

Less is more when it comes to makeup. Curling your eyelashes before applying mascara will instantly open up your eyes.  Apply a light reflecting concealor under the eyes to fake how awake you really are! And lilac on the eyelids works well to brighten the whole eye area and suits all skin tones.

Nikki Yazxhi - BellaMUMMA

Nikki is a beauty and lifestyle writer who has a gorgeous hubbie and two spunky little boys. Her background is magazines and her freelance stories have featured in COSMOPOLITAN, MARIE CLAIRE and SHOP TIL YOU DROP. She loves {in no particular order} hanging out with her boys, blogging, the beach, dark chocolate, coffee, red wine, clean sheets and snuggling on the couch on Friday nights!

Visit her gorgeous blog today http://www.bellamumma.com

Thanks Nikki for taking the time out of your very busy week to answers a few questions.

Blogging:

Q: What do you love about blogging?

A: I love the fact that it’s all about me – LOL!!! When you freelance you work to a brief or write to the tone of the magazine – with bellaMUMMA it’s what I like and in my own words!

Q: Where do you get your daily inspiration from?

A: Everywhere… I’m always checking out blogs, magazines + I get a lot of info/pix/products sent to me from PR’s!

Beauty:

Q: What is your no.1 beauty ‘must-have’ product?

A: At the moment Moroccanoil – it’s THE BEST product for your hair! It moisturises, repairs and stops the frizzies – {a god-send for my chemically challenged hair!}

Q: What is your essential makeup product(s)?

A: Chanel Lumiere foundation, Maybelline Colossal Mascara and Lanolips lip balm {which you can also dab on your cheeks}!

Q: What is the best makeup tip you’ve been given?

A: When you’re applying mascara, don’t forget to coat the very inner lashes and the top of your lashes, too. Makeup artists do, and they always make us look just terrific, so let’s copy them.

Q: What is the one thing that you religiously do when it comes to your skincare routine?

A: {Try to} take cooler showers… it’s so SO much better for your skin and hair! Hot water dries out your skin and can cause flare-ups! Cooler water also makes your hair look shiner!

Style:

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Pretty casual – maybe a little a little boho!?!

Q: Do you follow trends?

A: Bits and pieces of trends! I’m really conscious of becoming ‘mutton dressed as lamb’!

Fashion:

Q: What is your worst fashion mistake?

A: Hmmm, I made a few when I was younger… hopefully I don’t anymore!!!!!

Q: Do you have a favourite item in your wardrobe?

A: My jeans – can’t live without them!

Q: Who are your favourite designers?

A:Sass & Bide, Morrison, Bassike and May.

Celebrities:

Q: Which celebrity do you admire in terms of beauty & style?

A: Alexa Chung and Sienna MIller – both gorgeous, original and stylish!

Naturally Beautiful

It comes to us all… the inevitable ageing process – it’s only ‘natural’!

There are millions of products and procedures out there specifically targeting our insecurities of the natural ageing process.  There are the obvious and well publicised anti-ageing treatments, such as face lifts, Botox and the increasingly popular Microdermabrasion and Intense Light Pulse Therapy  – not to mention all the ‘chemical laden’ beauty products that promise ‘miracles’.

I believe that there is an alternative ‘natural way’ when is comes to age defense – it might not give the immediate results or provide the dramatic change you are instantly after; but by investing the time needed to naturally look after your body, you will achieve a glowing complexion and a healthy body. After all, Mother Nature didn’t intend for skincare to be hard – so keep it pure and simple and your body will thank you for it.

Eat ‘Green’ – Natures Super Foods
Antioxidants – vitamins and minerals, mainly found in fruit and vegetables, prevent a damaging process called oxidative stress, caused by pollution, anxiety, ultraviolet light and smoking.  Good sources are: prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, garlic, kales, strawberries, spinach, raspberries, brussel sprouts, plums, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beetroot, and avocado. Other great ‘green food’ – Green tea, honey, nuts, oats, oily fish, quinoa, seaweed, spices & herbs and olive oil.

Water, water, water – drink at least eight large glasses of still water a day between meals for skin, brain, digestion and more… (And kick start your day with cooled boiled water and freshly squeezed lemon).

TLC of your skin daily – adopt the right skincare routine for mature skins. This should include a gentle rejuvenating and hydrating cleanser and scrub, an intense nourishing but delicate eye cream/gel, a ‘liquid gold’ serum, a protective moisturiser, a natural lip balm, body moisturiser and a hand cream.  You don’t want anything too drying or too harsh for your skin and use of luke warm to cool water is beneficial for your skin, as hot water can lead to red blotches and broken capillaries.

Regular Facials – that are tailored to meet your skins specific needs.  Look for facials that are rejuvenating, hydrating and balancing to stimulate your skins vitality and radiance. A facial massage with calming essential oils is a beautiful and relaxing way to finish.

Chemical Free Makeup – switch to natural, mineral or organic makeup which is less harsh for your skin.  Instead of all the nasty chemicals, preservatives and added fragrances and colours which in the long term are damaging to your skin – natural makeup includes ingredients which are actively good for your skin which you will benefit from in the long term.

Sun protection is essential – apply sunscreen SPF 30+ daily to all exposed areas (ensure you choose a natural or specifically formulated sunscreen to be gentle to your skin), wear a wide brimmed hat and a pair of huge wraparound glasses.  Think like a Victorian woman and try to stay elegantly covered up when in the sun and out of the sun when it’s at its full strength.

Fragrance Free – look for beauty products which are not loaded with fragrance as it will dehydrate your skin which can lead to increased fine lines. (And this should include your perfume too – so switch to an organic perfume – the aroma comes from pure essential oils and plant extracts and not from synthetic fragrances).

Keep Active – staying fit is a great way to get your blood circulating, which amongst other great health benefits, leads to that healthy glowing skin that we are all after! (I also love meditation and yoga to help with stress – as stress can be one of the ageing factors too).

And to finish, below are some of my favourite quotes which I remind myself of when I think about age and they always make me SMILE (and that’s much better than frowning as that can lead to more wrinkles!!)

“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty” Coco Chanel
“Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter” Mark Twain
“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been” MarkTwain
“Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty – they merely move it from their faces into their hearts” Martin Buxbaum

If you require any information with regards to organic, natural and mineral makeup and skincare products – please visit my online store or email me.

How to look your best on your wedding day

Top 5 Bridal Hair Tips from Klaire Clark

Klaire has over 20 years experience in the hairdressing industry; initially trained with Robert Fielding’s of Regent Street and Vidal Sassoon, London; she now lives in Sydney where she continues her love of hairdressing and styling.  I regularly work with and highly recommend Klaire for wedding and formal hairstyling.  Just some of Klaire’s creative flair includes braids, up-styles with flowers, beaded clips, feathers, jewels etc. and she also creates smart, contemporary looks too.

Be realistic when choosing your bridal hairstyle:
o       Choose a style that reflects your personality and your overall wedding day look.  And you don’t need to stick to the ‘typical’ bridal hairstyles as there are so many different and modern styles to choose from now.
o       Remember that the hairstyles in magazines have been created for a photoshoot and not styled to last the entire day – but just for that one particular shot.  And when you look at the photos you usually only see it from one angle and can’t get the complete picture of the style.  And of course there is a lot of post production too on these shots!
o       Take into consideration the length of your hair, if your hair is thick or thin, if it will hold a curl etc.  And beware of styles that might give you a headache as you’ll be wearing the hairstyle for a long time. Note that hair pieces can give you a headache after a few hours.

Veil
Decide on a veil that will suit your face shape, hairstyle and wedding gown.
Once the veil is removed on the day – think about where the focus will be i.e. will you have flowers or clips in your hair to still create some interest?

Where’s the focus?
Most styles look great from the back, but you need to have some focus looking from the front too.  This can be achieved by a side flower, clip, fascinator etc.

Flowers
o       Choose flowers that compliment your colour theme and dress and ones that sit flat close to the head – lisianthus is a good flower for this.
o       If you are allergic to flowers or getting married on a hot day – choose synthetic flowers.
o       And remember to order your flowers specifically to be used in your hair and for them to arrive in time to be fitted into your hair by your stylist.

Hair maintenance
o       Leading up to your wedding be sure to go to a trusted hairdresser and don’t try anything too radical in colour or cutting prior to your wedding day.
o       Wash you hair the day before you wedding as you’ll find it will style more easily, hold the style and sit better.
o       Don’t use a leave in conditioner as can make your hair limp.

Hayley is an old school friend who became a successful fashion model at a young age before returning to education in her 30′s to acquire a Bsc degree in nutritional therapy. Hayley now has her own nutrition practice in London called Pure Nourishment (Facebook Link here) that is devoted to empowering clients to realise their full potential. Her experience in motivating clients to change their approach to food has inspired a holistic approach that incorporates a greater appreciation of psychological influences and aims to help people achieve improvements through ‘feeding the soul’.

There is no stopping Hayley’s motivation and drive, as she is currently studying a Msc degree in applied sports & exercise nutrition, which has also inspired a fresh approach to her own fitness and exercise program, which is such a valuable aspect of her life as “exercise keeps ‘her’ sane”!

I’m delighted and grateful that Hayley took time out of her very busy schedule to share her thoughts on beauty, health, nutrition and more…

What is your all-time beauty “must have” product?
• I believe in exfoliation, and use a mild, non-abrasive product daily. I don’t however like the idea of anything too harsh like micro-dermabrasion techniques; preferring to work with my body rather than against it.

What is your top 3 makeup essentials that you cant live without?
• Mascara, (often it’s all I bother with); just seems to ‘wake-up’ my face and draws attention to the ‘windows of my soul’.
• An eye shadow base, such as Laura Mercier’s eye basics in ‘wheat’, or id bare minerals ‘well rested’. Usually without eye shadow, just to brighten my eye lids and open up my face a bit. Subtle, but effective. Of course if I do wear eye-shadow, it stays put much better with a base.
• Lip balm, I have stacks of them in every handbag, jacket pocket, in my car and scattered round the house! My favourite is Eve Lom’s ‘Kiss mix’ but I also like Kheil’s tinted balms. Just a quick slick improves my smile instantly.

What has been your best bit of beauty advice given to you along the way?
• Get enough sleep & drink enough water… simple but absolutely essential.

What are your top 3 nutritional tips?
• Warm water with lemon/lime juice to start the day. Lemons and limes contain Limonene, a phytochemical that stimulates detoxification and therefore enhances metabolism. Adding cool water to the juice before adding hot water protects the vitamin C content, for a healthy start to the day. Even better add to green tea for a cup full of antioxidant goodness.
• Add cinnamon to fruit dishes, in baking, to cereals, anything sweet! Cinnamon has been found to potentiate insulin, this means that it improves insulin sensitivity and therefore aids blood glucose balance. This makes it a useful nutrient for treatment and prevention of diabetes and glucose intolerance, and can help improve energy levels and may aid weight loss. Furthermore cinnamon has long been heralded for its anti-spasmodic, anti-flatulent, anti-microbial, anti-diarrheal properties, and is commonly included in treatments for the common cold, influenza, dysmenorrheal and gastrointestinal upset.
• Treat treats as treats!! This means that the occasional treat is fine, as long as it is occasional and it’s something you really enjoy. I don’t believe in depriving yourself of something you love, like chocolate or cake or the odd glass of wine; as this can set up a disordered eating cycle of resistance, rebellion, gorging and guilt followed by renewed resistance. Acknowledging your treat as something you want enough to delay your health/weight loss goal may give it the gravitas it deserves, and might help prevent unconsciously plowing through a whole packet of biscuits. I’m a treat snob, and will only have the best; otherwise it’s not a treat and a waste. If I’m going to enjoy something that’s not good for my body; then it has to be amazingly good for my soul. I don’t drink much alcohol, but if I do its champagne, I don’t eat much chocolate, but if I do it’s a rich dark treat, and if they have run out of my favourite (bounty) ice cream, I will do without!

What is your secret to looking & staying so fit & healthy?
• I enjoy it! I choose to eat ‘clean’ avoiding sugars and additives, both because I prefer the taste and because of the way I feel. I simply feel better when my body is not driven by sugar/salt/caffeine cravings, so I respect it by eating healthily. Similarly I love exercise, and lead an active life, in addition to the gym. I often walk rather than drive, or take the tube into central London. I think if we pay attention to the little things we do, we can make big changes; such as the little bits of accumulative activity incorporated into our lifestyle by taking the stairs or walking to the shops. In much the same way as a Starbucks coffee everyday can add up to 1400 extra calories a week, or 20 lbs weight gain per year; an increase in daily activity can have overall beneficial effects.

What is your top anti-ageing tip?
• Reduce stress wherever, whenever, however you can! Actually it’s not stress, but our reaction to stress that is so detrimental. A great lesson is learning the difference between important and urgent. I find that the appreciation of what I can control and acceptance of things I can’t, gives me a greater sense of perspective on life’s stressors. I am currently reviewing areas of life that I can simplify, which involves a great big clear out of clutter…both material and mental!
• My top stress buster is exercise, but relaxation is a very necessary part of my life! I like yoga, long walks on Hampstead heath, and listening to classical music in the bath, yet nothing, but nothing beats laughing with friends! Making time to relax can be a challenge, I have recently set an evening alarm on my phone to initiate a computer curfew after 9pm, and allow for some down-time before bed. It doesn’t always happen that way, but the intention is there, and it’s worth it for the times I do manage to comply. I’m hoping that perseverance will pay off and become a habit!

The best thing about ageing?
• Becoming more tolerant about things that don’t matter; and less tolerant about things that do!

The worst thing about ageing?
• The days, weeks, years seem to be flying by!

Who inspires you the most? (and who has effected you throughout your career?)
• When I started modeling I met a couple of really great older girls whose beautiful souls were reflected in their gorgeous faces. They were warm, generous, kind, and compassionate; being both nurturing and supportive towards younger models in what could be a very competitive industry. They showed me that beauty really is more than skin deep, and I tried to emulate them once I became an older more experienced model too.
• Madonna is an amazing woman whether you love or loathe her. I remember seeing her narcissistic documentary film ‘In bed with Madonna’ when I was 20 yrs and being impressed by her discipline and dedication to achieving her physique and other goals. This had a great effect, and inspired me to apply a similar all out focus attitude to areas in my life where I am determined to exceed. I also think she has played a key role in continually shifting the age barriers for women of our generation. I love that as I approach 40 yrs that women like Madonna are still ‘rocking’ life in their 50’s; if that’s an option I’m not worried about middle age. ..bring it on!!
• People that have tried to tell me I couldn’t be/achieve have certainly also had a great effect in driving my success. Sad, but they created a good opportunity to turn a negative around into a positive; and motivated me to differentiate from them to become a more encouraging, inspiring, positive, person… and I’m still working on it.

What do you carry in your handbag?
• Blackberry, purse, keys, sunglasses, nuts, water, notepad, pen & pencil, perfume, hand cream and a lip balm.

What is your favourite way to relax?
• Laughing with friends, but I also enjoy yoga, walking in the park, and making jewellery. I also read voraciously (I haven’t owned a TV for over a decade), and I love luxuriating in the bath whilst listening to classical music or opera.

What is your favourite motivational quote?
• So difficult to just choose one…
• I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.” ~Marilyn Monroe. Because I think this is true of all strong (insert the word ‘difficult’) women; because we are human, we’re not perfect and part of our strength comes from recognizing this and valuing our positive attributes despite our weaknesses.
• Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside of them was superior to circumstance. ~Bruce Barton. Because we often forget what amazing creatures we are, and how we have the potential to achieve great things if we apply ourselves. This quote never fails to motivate me when I need a little extra push.
• Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent. ~Eleanor Roosevelt. Because this is such an empowering concept, and a cornerstone of self-esteem. I believe when we take responsibility for our feelings we can focus on our own ability to make a difference rather than credit or blame others. It helps me to respond rather than react.

1. When and why did you turn to ‘all things natural’?

Hard to say…probably seriously when I became pregnant although I was interested in it before. I wanted to know what I was ingesting into my body and started to read the back of product labels and learning about the chemicals in them.

2. And what was your first step towards going natural?

I think it was my switch to using natural face and body products after I learnt that 60% of what we put on our skin is ingested into our bodies.

3. What is the your ‘beauty must have’?

Organic Lip balm (We ingest a lot of product through our mouths so I don’t want my lip balm to be chemical laden!)

4. What is the best beauty advice you’ve been given?

Apart from plenty of sleep and water, start from within and work out and keep it ‘natural’.

5. What is your daily beauty routine include?

Wash face with a natural cleanser, tone/condition and mositurise – every morning and night.

6. If you had to wear only one makeup product – what would it be?

Eyeliner

7. How do you teach and encourage your children to be positive and happy within themselves?

I think it is something as parents we learn to do as we go along. I try to ‘validate’, that is acknowledge my children and how they are feeling (even if it may appear trivial to us). I also believe that if they see their parents taking care of themselves, self nurturing, that they will unconsciously imitate (as children do) which gives them the idea of self worth etc. And I believe the Steiner education works on growing individuals who are nurtured on every level.

8. How do you involve your children in your daily routines?

I have recently doled out some jobs to Lily and Leo to try and give them a sense of family responsibility. These are very simple like laying the table and closing curtains. It is working really well and I will increase them as they get older and more able.

9. What is your favourite inspirational quote?

This is not so much of a quote but a useful question to pose at certain times; “What would love do?” It came out of ‘Conversations with God’. For example if my child spills a drink, an immediate reaction for me would be to get cross and scold the child. But ‘love’ would probably forgive, clean it up and move on, with kindness.

10. Who do you most admire & why?

I admire Rudolph Steiner for his amazing insights and people who I meet these days who can explain it to me, but I also admire Lily and Leo’s teachers and all teachers – what a responsibility; I admire people who care for the sick, disabled and elderly because I could not do that job; I admire my friends for all that they overcome and carry on, stronger; I admire writers and artists for their creativity and resulting beauty; I could go on and on!

All- over:
Rosewater Mist is my ultimate beauty ‘must-have’ for its uplifting aroma and multitude of uses.  A great balancing and hydrating toner can also freshen up your makeup throughout the day too. Also great to spritz over your entire body on damp skin just out of the shower.
Improve your circulation and texture of your skin and help eliminate toxins by dry body brushing in circular upward movements before you shower and finishing your shower with cold water.

Eyes:
o       Eyelash and eyebrow tinting is a great way to give your eyes definition and to frame your face. (Particularly good for blondes)

Cheeks:
A light dab of cream blush (or your fav. lippie) applied with your fingers to where your cheeks naturally flush, really adds some life to our face and gives you a dewy, fresh look.

Lips:
To prevent lips chapping & cracking, use a baby toothbrush with almond oil to lightly brush your lips and then apply a nourishing lip balm or Vaseline.

Pimples:
Tea Tree Oil is natural and has anti-bacterial and anti inflammatory properties which is great to apply to spots.
Take a crushed aspirin with a little water to form a paste thick enough to cover the pimple. Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid, which is actually used in anti-acne treatments.

Nutrition:
Begin your day with a cup of cooled boiled water and a freshly squeezed lemon.
Drink Green Tea is a great antioxidant.

De-stress yourself:
Stress impacts on your body in many negative ways, not least of which is your complexion.
o       Chamomile is a very relaxing drink to have before bed
o       Meditation and yoga are great way to relax you
o       A hot bath, to soothing music and candlelight, will also reduce your stress levels
o       A relaxing massage

Sleep:
o       Try to sleep on your back as much as possible – sleeping on your side and stomach can cause wrinkles. Either way, think about getting yourself an anti-wrinkle pillow. Silk and satin are better than cotton. They are smoother and cause fewer of the sleep-lines that will eventually turn into wrinkles.

Home-Made:
o       Keep your skin youthful and bright by mixing two teaspoons of sugar with your cleanser, and using it as a scrub. You can actually add sugar, salt, or oatmeal to your cleanser – they are abrasive enough to gently exfoliate without irritating the skin. You can also try making your own cleansing paste, by mixing 2 teaspoons of oatmeal and 1 teaspoon of baking soda

o       To maintain flawless skin, once a week apply an aspirin facial mask with honey:
Aspirin and Honey Facemask: crush the aspirin (it has to be aspirin) on a plate with a fork. Then add a few drops on water to make it into a paste. Add a few tablespoons of honey and mix it all together with your hand. Then put it on your face, leave it for 15 minutes, and you should notice a difference to your skin right away.
o       Coconut oil has antioxidant properties to help combat premature ageing, it absorbs well into the skin and it doesn’t leave any residue. Coconut oil is also amazing to keep your hair healthy, shiny and strong! The oil increases circulation on the scalp, supplying nutrients to the hair follicles. Just apply it, starting from the scalp and working it out through to the ends. Massage the head for a few minutes to work the oil well into the follicles. Leave it for 1 hour, then shampoo well and condition.  Another great use for coconut oil is as a delicious, gentle exfoliate – just mix it with a little sugar and rub into your body and face.

Very much encouraged by my mother and grandmother; I adopted a good daily skincare routine from my early years.  I learnt about natural skincare and how to apply makeup by watching, researching, experimenting and practicing. From a baby, my mother added rosewater to our baths and taught me about the importance of taking care of myself using natures help.

Top beauty tip:  Remember what you do now will effect the way your skin looks in ten years time – so give your skin the TLC its needs today to see the results tomorrow.  (Oh, and drink plenty of water daily!)

My Top 5 Beauty Must Haves:

(Some of these ‘must haves’ have stayed constant favourites, but there are a few that are relatively new, due to my skin changes as I approach 40).

Pure Organic Rosewater Mist: for it’s multitude of purposes and its exquisite aroma.  I use it as a balancing and hydrating toner, to set my makeup for a ‘dewy’ look, to keep my skin hydrated throughout the day and when I’m travelling. And it gives me a fleeing of calmness and serenity.
The Liz Earle Muslin Cloth acts as a gentle exfoliator to help slough away dead skin cells that can make complexions appear dull. I use it to wash off my cleanser and scrub.
Decleor Experience De L’Age Eye and Lip Cream – a delicate anti-ageing cream specially formulated for the delicate eye and lip areas. (I keep it in the fridge – lovely applied in the morning cold to reduce any puffiness instantly)
Burts Bees Lip Shimmer conditions, nourishes and highlights your lips. Comes in 7 flattering shades and it’s 100% natural.
Lavender eye pillow is always by my bed to calm and relax my facial muscles before I drift off to sleep.  It can help to release stress and tension, sooth headaches and tired eyes.

My Top 5 Makeup Tips:

Less is more – especially as you get older
Know your skintone and colouring – this is essential when buying makeup, in particular foundation.
Invest in good set of brushes and wash them weekly to keep them longer and bacteria free
Like clothes – don’t follow fashion a trend to the letter if ‘the latest makeup look’ just doesn’t suit you – adapt the look to you or ignore it to the next trend comes.
Carry a handy touch up kit in your bag to stay looking fresh all day

My inspiration comes from some really amazing woman, some I have met, some I have been fortunate to train with and the others, well I just totally admire & learn from them from a far.  And I continue to meet and be inspired by great women as I follow my belief of using my skills to enhance people’s natural beauty.

Your Special Day Needs a Special Look

As a professional makeup artist who has been specialising in wedding makeup for over 15 years; I thought I’d share with you some of my top tips for wedding day makeup.

It continues to surprise me when brides leave choosing a makeup artist and/or a makeup look to the last minute.  Quite understandably, photographers tend to be one of the first things that brides book, but can you imagine if the photos were ruined as the makeup looked bad?

Wedding day makeup is one of the hardest makeup looks to get right as there are so many variable factors involved.  The makeup has to look good and last a long time – sometimes for over 12 hours – which is a feat in itself.  The makeup needs to look natural in so many different lights – indoor, outdoor, day time and night time.  The makeup should compliment the brides overall look, the bridal party and the groom, flowers etc.  The makeup can’t look too artificial and heavy yet at the same time has to look great in flash photography and close ups.

So as you can see to achieve the picture perfect, flawless glowing, natural, glamorous makeup that so many brides desire – is not an easy task at all! And that’s why I would highly recommend using the skills of a makeup artist who is trained in this area and has the experience to help you achieve your wedding day makeup look.  Or if you would like to do your makeup yourself – follow expert tips very closely and practice, practice, practice. As you will want to feel confident and relaxed getting ready for your wedding day.

Bridal Makeup Tips:

1. Beauty Regime before the big day

• To achieve glowing skin that is ideal for makeup application – adopting a good skincare routine leading up to your wedding day is essential

2. Relax

• Skin breakouts can be very common leading up to your wedding day due to stress and over tiredness – so try having a regular relaxing massage,  burning essential oils at home,  getting regular good nights sleep (invest in a lavender eye pillow) and doing some gentle exercise too

3. Makeup Trial

• Choose a makeup artist by looking at their portfolio of work and consider their personality as remember you will have them with you on your wedding day – so you want to feel totally comfortable with them. A trial should take place approximately 12 weeks before your wedding date

• Collect pictures from magazines / internet to show the makeup artist various looks that you like and your makeup artist can advise which looks will suit you and bring out your best features etc.

• A good makeup artist will ask you if you have any skin problems or allergies and your makeup likes and dislikes

• It’s a good idea to organise your trial for around the same time as when you’d be having it applied on your wedding day, as gives you a good idea of how it will look & feel and last

• Photos of your wedding dress (and bridesmaids dresses), colours of your flowers and if you have an overall colour theme is all helpful information for a makeup artist

4. Your Makeup Look

• This is not the time to try out a completely new look or follow the catwalk trends

• But remember your make up should be a little more dramatic than your everyday make-up as you can tend to look pale and washed out in photos if your makeup doesn’t stand out and it needs to last for a long time too

5.     Makeup Tips:

• Flash photography emphasizes pink tones, so even out your skin tone with a yellow-based foundation.

• Set concealer and foundation with loose powder to make them longer lasting and to ensure that skin looks matte in pictures

• If your dress has an open neckline, warm up your neck and chest with a dusting of Bronzing Powder (also nice to dust on exposed shoulders too)

• Blending and layering (carefully) is the key to natural looking, long lasting makeup

• Remember to use a waterproof mascara – not only incase of tears but longer lasting for the day/night too

• After applying all your eye makeup, finish with a highlighter shade on the brow bone making eyes pop. Use a light matte shade and pat lightly on the outer corner of the brow bone

• For a pretty flush that lasts, use two shades of blush. First, apply a neutral shade on the apples of cheeks, blending up into the hairline, then downwards to soften. Then apply a brighter shade just on the apples of cheeks

• Neutral and pale lip colors look too washed out in photographs, so choose a lipstick that’s one to two shades brighter than what you’d normally wear. Warm pinks, roses and plums are great choices for brides

• To make lip colour last longer, line and fill in lips with a neutral colour (closest to your natural lip colour) lip pencil before applying your lipstick, blot with tissue and then reapply a 2nd coat of lipstick

• Carry a touch up kit with concealer, pressed powder blotting tissues, lipstick or gloss and tissues