1920/30s inspired look taken nearly four years ago

Secret Santa gifts

                                      Secret Santa Gifts.

Secret Santa can be quite a challenging time. You have been given a budget. You barely know the person you have to buy for from work! Sometimes you spend more time looking for a secret Santa gift with your budget than your nearest and dearest! Here are a few small ideas to hopefully give you a little inspiration for the dreaded Secret Santa gift,also for extra little Christmas treats hanging from the Christmas tree,Stocking fillers and don't forget Host of the Dinner party gift.....

Eve Lom Kiss Mix balm for your lips to keep them beautifully moisturised. £16

This Works all natural Shimmer Balm £12

Gorgeously  hydrating bath and shower oil that smell just Devine. Three baths or showers from this little bottle of delight. £10

Caudalie hand cream trio £12s

CAUDALIE  TRIO HANDCREAM SET 

What a lovely and value for money hand cream gift set from French skincare company Caudalie. Using mainly natural ingredients in there products. You get three 30ml tubes, each with a different scent and beautifully packaged for £12s. Great size to pop in your bag, car and kitchen cupboard!! Keep your hands beautifully soft. I know my hands get particularly dry in the winter months..

Make up Scotland photographer Paul Barclay

Dec 7th Party Eyes Workshop

I'm Leading a 'Party Eyes workshop on Sat 7th Dec 10-12 at The Embankment Hotel £15s includes refreshment and fabulous makeup by Kevyn Aucoin, Laura Mercier, Mac,Nars to name but a few. Learn tips and techniques on how to achieve gorgeous Party Eyes in a friendly setting. Two spaces left. Pm or Email me at Alison.kynoch@btinternet.com

Nars Promiscuous Lip Pencil Coffret for Christmas

NARS PROMISCUOUS LIP PENCIL COFFRET FOR CHRISTMAS

This limited addition set is a nod from Francois Nars to the cinematic realm of lust and glamour.

You will find five of Nars best selling shades in their Lipstick pencil range housed in a satin and patent bright lip smacking blue embellished pouch. So stylish I wouldn't want to hide it in my bag. I would want to use it as a mini clutch on a evening out. Great price at £30s. Exclusive to Space NK and selling fast.....

Mini velvet mattes

Cruella

Sex Machine

Never say Never

(iconic) Dolce Vita

Mini Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil

New Lover

Makeup: A touch of luxury Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope

Makeup: A touch of luxury Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope: A touch of luxury this Christmas Lipstick Queens Velvet Rope Collection. I wrote a post back in September when I first tried Entourage an ...

A touch of luxury Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope

A touch of luxury this Christmas Lipstick Queens Velvet Rope Collection.

I wrote a post back in September when I first tried Entourage an intense dark Berry shade,one of the five shades in this fantastic collection. Since then I have tried Black Tie a Perfect Red which is great for this time of year. For a perfect nude shade try Star System.
The formula is amazing with a luxurious rich intense pigment yet light weight and glides on with effortless ease. You get the Drama of  intense colour without compromising on comfort and moisture.
Vitamin e and Apricot oil ensure lips remain supple and moisturised and a peppermint oil adds a clean and subtle scent. This lipstick is long lasting making it tick all the boxes and one of my favorites. Wearing an intense shade you need a lipstick that is going to stay looking clean, fresh and longwearing. Incased in an elegant gold metal lipstick case with a magnetic base so lid and base stay firmly in place. Very chic and design is reminiscent of 30s glamour and elegance. Making this a truly desirable Christmas gift. Pricey at £35s but I have to say as far as I'm concerned worth it.  The Velvet Rope range is now one of my favourite lipsticks. If you would like to try for yourself then go to a stockist and try one on. Space NK 

Christmas Stilla Sets

Now that Christmas is just around the corner......eek!  It is a great time to take advantage of some amazing offers for Presents or for yourself. STILA have some fantastic affordable sets on offer for Christmas. I also think that they would make great presents for Teenagers who are first starting to explore the makeup world and blossoming into big Makeup Lovers! 

Stila have brought out two sets of  lipglosses called Cool and Warm. Each set has three gorgeous sheer coloured  lipglosses for £12s worth £25. They also have a bigger set of eight wearable lipgloss shades for £16s worth £60! 

Vintage Bridesmaid

Did the makeup for this lovely bridesmaid with a 40s style makeup to suit her style. Which of course this look must have the bright red lipstick.

St Albans Fashion Show

St Albans Fashion Show I was evolved in as a MUA a few weeks ago.

Wow hair colour!

Wow really is the word for this amazing quick fix product! It's a cover up powder which does an excellent job at covering regrowth or grey roots yes even grey ones as i shall show you in not so great photos as they were taken by myself from phone but you will get the idea!. It's easy to apply as it comes with a two sided brush for application. The powder has light particles in it so you don't get the dullness from sprays. It also stays on between washes too. It comes in a choice of six colours and I do recommend you try the colours out before purchasing on line as I bought a shade lighter than I would of thought. You get upto 60 applications.

It is £28.50 which is cheaper than going to hairdressers as you will be able to stretch an extra week or two till your next appointment. Also cheaper than buying home colourants too. If you get caught out and haven't got time to fit hairdressers before an evening out it will just take a few mins to touch up!

Nov workshop

Well my Flawless Skin and Contouring workshop on the 8th Nov was a success! Met a lovely group of like minded makeup lovers. It was lovely to see new faces as well as lovely ladies from my last workshop. Have had some lovely feedback comments too. Loved using the fab products and learning useful tips and techniques. So thankyou. 

My next workshop is on Sat 7th Dec 10-12pm once again at the Embankment Hotel Bedford focusing on Party Eyes!! Tickets are £17.50 and includes a refreshment. Come along and get your party look for your Christmas Party nights out and more! X

Christmas candles Shimmering Spice Space NK

Oh how I love burning a candle in my cosy house on a winters night. My favourite candles to burn are Dyptique but it has to be said that Space NKs Shimmering Spice Candle that they bring out only at Christmas is so lovely. Cinnamon and spice are intermingled with orange and mandarin with a warm and cosy cedar base mixed with a hint of sweet vanilla. The standard size is 175grams £30s. Burns up to 60hrs and comes beautifully gift wrapped. Would make a lovely gift. They also do a smaller one at £15s 

Dyptique Candles Nov

One of my many favourite things in life is burning a candle......and more than ever in the Autumn/Winter months. My favourite all time candles to burn is Diptyque as they tick all the boxes....I have become abit of a candle expert!! A few weeks ago I was very fortunate to receive a fantastic goody bag containing all things lovely from Space NK. One of the items I received was a Mimosa Diptyque scented candle. I will saviour it until the Spring/summer time as the fragrance for me suits the mood of those seasons.
However what I do like burning in the colder months are more warmer, creamy,spicy and smokey fragrances. Feu De Bois is one of my favourites to burn at this time of year as it has a smokey burning ember scent to it which makes you feel warm and cosy at home when it's cold and dark outside. Diptyque candles standard candles 190grams retail for £40s and burn for upto 60hrs. They burn cleanly and evenly and providing you snip wick before you re-lite. You truly won't be disappointed with your fragranced filled room.
My ultimate all time burn all year round candle has to be Dyptiques Figuier (fig) They use every part of the Fig Tree when creating the Fig fragrance. I have tried to get a candle that is just as good and abit cheaper. I have really struggled until recently when I discovered True Grace Fig candle £24s for the same size. (John Lewis) Really good however Dyptique if I'm truthful is still my favourite.

Space NK Goody Bag!

Look at all these lovely products I recieved from Space NK. Can't wait to try! Love a Dyptique candle such a treat. Will let you know how I get on....

St Albans Fashion week at St Albans Cathedral 1st Nov

Had such a great experience taking part in SAFW13. It was exciting to be involved in the first one and judging by its popularity and success it should be the first of many. Well done Ellana and her team. You can follow Ellana on her blog Styleinmycity. Here is a photo of one of the models I did makeup for.

Makeup Workshop Flawless Skin and Contouring Nov 8th

I'm looking forward to meeting up with all my lovely ladies who are attending my workshop on Flawless Skin and Contouring tomorrow at The Embankment Hotel in Bedford. There is still two spaces left if anyone is interested. It's £15s a ticket from 1-3pm refreshment included.

Halloween Gothic Wedding

Happy Halloween! This Halloween is extra special as it has kick started this morning with a Halloween Gothic Wedding makeover I did at the Barns Hotel in Bedford.

St Albans First Fashion Week

I am so excited to be involved in St Albans first Fashion Week. I will be involved on the 1st Nov (as a makeup artist of course!) when they hold an amazing catwalk fashion show in St Albans Cathedral making it one of the longest catwalks! Show casing wonderful local and chain businesses.There will be upto 700 guests attending with over 40 models.Grazia Magazine are coming along too. Tickets are still available if St. Albans isn't to far a journey.....worth a visit! Contact Vicky at Styleinmycity blog.

Drama Lips! Illamasqua Style!

I couldn't wait to get playing with my Illamasqua goodies and being inspired by Halloween descending on us. Even some of us adults like a Halloween party! I decided to try out a dramatic Lip using Illamasquas Black Pristine lipstick and Illamasquas Sheer Lipgloss in Violate a deep dark green. 

First I applied Illamasqua concealer in a pale shade cc105 over my lips and blending it into a pale foundation. Then applied a Black eye liner as a lip liner to get a clean sharp shape. This also helps stop bleeding and as I am 40+ this is a must for me!! Then applied Pristine lipstick, blot then re-apply using a lip brush to get a clean edge. Finally applied Violate gloss avoiding the lip line. Taking by myself from mobile!!

 

Illamasqua Makeup

Look at what Mr Postman delivered.......Illamasqua!

I was fortunate to get most of these products in the Illamasqua Secret Sale. All you need to do is sign up to get notified of this truly great sale. They had a £5s and £7.50 sale section. I am truly a self confessed makeup addict!

November Make up Masterclass Flawless Skin and Contouring Workshop

My next Make up Masterclass Workshop is on Friday 8th November at The Embankment Hotel held in there lovely private room from 1pm to 3pm. This workshop is focusing on how to achieve Flawless Skin and Contouring. I supply all skincare and makeup. Giving you hands on advice on the importance of  using the correct skincare products catered for your skins needs to achieve greater results from your makeup creating a Flawless healthy radiant skin. Showing you step by step techniques on how to create amazing results from Contouring and Highlighting. The fun part is when you get let loose to play and practise on yourself with all the gorgeous products. If your not sure don't  fear i will be there to help and advise!
£15s refreshment included. Contact Ali on 07718387552

Dr Colbert Skin Care Products

Last week i was excited to hear all about Dr Colberts Skincare range from one of his Reps as im always eager to hear about new products,New patented ingredients, background, how they were developed and of course more interestingly how they work and perform on the skin. Dr Colbert MD is a recognised leader in skin care. He is founder and Head Physician of New York Dermatological Group. Rep instantly had my attention!! Found his products thoroughly interesting and eager to try. I was kindly given Nourish Eye Cream, Stimulate Serum and Illumino facial oil.

I will start off with my personal favourite from the three I've tried.

STIMULATE SERUM Instantly boosts collagen production by working deep within the Dermis to restore skins vibrancy and radiance.

How It Works. Promotes new cellular growth beneath the surface with a powerful complex of plant actives and nutrients. The serum is infused with Dr Colberts Patented formula Qusome technology to facilitate regeneration to supple healthy skin. Key Ingredients, Glycolic Acid helps to diminish pigmentation as new skin is revealed. Gotu Kola a healing herb acts as a building block for collagen and anti-inflammatory. Coffee Arabic seed extract is a potent antioxidant, helps to reverse free-radical damage. 30ml £115s.

 I have to say I saw immediate results from first application as texture of skin appeared smoother and my makeup performed better. I've used it every day for two weeks now and my skin feels smoother and abit brighter also works well with my moisturiser probably the Glycolic working its magic as my skin feels more hydrated with the same moisturiser I've been using for a couple of months now! so with this in mind I feel Stimulate Serum will be a great one to use over the winter months along with a good moisturiser. One to two pumps is all I need as its very light weight and skin absorbs it well. My skin isn't dry or oily so one for most skin types too. Would advise if you feel your skin is sensitive try and get a sample from stockists first as there is Glycolic in there, however my skin has liked it.

Laura Mercier Black Eyeliner Extreme.

This limited edition creamy eye liner is so easy to apply. Glide on application, highly pigmented. Great to use on waterline also great to use for an intense Smokey eye giving more depth. You can also use an eyeshadow over it to give more depth and intensity. I used it to create the on trend bolder flick and then finished with outlining flick with a gel liner for more definition. £18.50 at selected stores and Space NK while stocks last.

Bedford Film Festival

What a fantastic weekend at Bedfords First(of many!) Film Festival. I did my Workshop talk on Sat28th to students and young people thinking of having a career as a Makeup Artist. Sharing my experiences and Giving them an insite into what is expected from them as a makeup artist. Hopefully they have walked away inspired and with a better understanding of the Industry. 

Bedford film Festival'makeup for film'

Saturday the 28th I am leading a workshop talking about the real life experiences of working in this industry. Whether it's Working on set in a film production, to makeup for models in a fashion show, and bridal makeup. What do you do when work isn't forth coming? Networking, Set etiquette and more. Contact bedfordfilmfestival.org for more details on films and workshops that are running from 27th-29th sept.

Makeup Masterclass workshop 8th Nov 13

Looking forward to doing another Two hour Makeup Masterclass Tutorial Event focusing on Flawless Skin and Contouring at The Embankment hotel on Fri 8th Nov in there lovely Private room. Relaxing

and having fun, learning tips and techniques giving you the opportunity and time to play around with the great products I supply. refreshments included too.

Shu Uemura feather lashes

These beautiful lashes I used on one of the models at The Sharnbrook hotel wedding fashion show. Pic below. They are pretty cool and you can use then a good eight to ten times if you look after them. Just pop them back in there case I would recommend that you use Shu Uemura glue as i find it very reliable.

Wedding Fashion Show at the Sharnbrook Hotel

What a fantastic and very busy day I had on Sunday 22nd at The Sharnbrook Hotel. Working with lovely talented people. Zulika from Golden Poppy Events, Dan Burgess Photographer, Lisa Bilotti wedding gowns, hair Bdazzled and the gorgeous models.

Illamasqua Secret Sale.

Wow I have just ordered gorgeous goodies from Illamasquas secret sale. Ordered three lipsticks, two eyeshadows, three nail polishes, two foundations, one concealer. Would've cost a small fortune £70s!! If you register on there website you will get these amazing offers including 10% off after 3rd order.

Sharnbrook Hotel wedding fashion show

Looking forward to doing makeup for the lovely models including Miss Bedfordshire 2013 this Sunday 22nd at the Sharnbrook Hotel wedding fair and bridal fashion show. Organized by the lovely Zulika. Couture wedding gowns by Lisa Bilotti.

Pop and Lock by Wow

If you want healthy,vibrant shiny hair, uv protection, and cuticles sealed for your locks then look no further Crystalite Shellac Pop and Lock by Wow is the one for you. Non greasy. Two to three pumps on dry hair then of you go! £14s

Make over before and after

Before and after makeover....

Laura mercier primer

By Terry cover expert foundation 5

Laura Mercier eye shadows

Kevyn Aucoin curling mascara black

By Terry Touché Velouté concealer 1

Kevyn Aucoin celestial powder highlighter

Nars blush Orgasm

Hourglass lipstick Nude Sinner

By Terry hyluronic transparent powder

Wedding makeup

Autumn winter Rococo Nail colour

Love Rococos new selection of nail colours from there Autumn/Winter Lady of the Manor collection.
London's homegrown sister act duo certainly know there colours. I have already tried Thompson Blue and Pony club creme, a lovely warm beige grey

which is the one I'm currently wearing. Apply two coats then there topcoat. There formula has no Formaldahide in them too. Comes in four shades. £12s from Space NK

By Terry Eyebrow Mascara

  Brows are big and bold this season according to the catwalk world however catwalk isn't real life but is great to take the look and custom fit it into your lifestyle to keep you bang Up to date on trend!

By Terry have launched an eyebrow Mascara that comes in a light weight powdery gel formula. It adds colour,filling in gaps for a natural long lasting result and tames eyebrows without any buildup.

I found this quick and easy to use giving great effortless results. Comb eyebrows from the inner to outer corner. 4 shades £26s.

Autumn/ winter 13 lips and brows

This seasons looks is all about Lips and Brows. Inspired by the Autumn/Winter catwalks. Lips are velvety matte in Neutral shades and intense Reds and Berry shades.

I was excited when I heard Lipstick Queen was bringing her new Luxury Velvet Rope range of intense velvety matte lipsticks. She hasn't disappointed my expectations! Glides on with ease, long lasting and moisturising. What more does a girl need from her lipstick! I tried Black Tie a rich matte berry red shade. First I applied Lipstick Queens Invisible Liner (£18) to keep lipstick from bleeding then applied Black Tie, blotted lips then re-applied. You can re-apply with a lighter red for more depth (£35) at Space NK. Available in 5 shades. A touch of luxury.

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