Wedding Photographs

One of the massive perks of my job is meeting some amazing people and one of those is photographer Claudia Rose Carter. We did Modern Mummy Katy Dial's wedding and it was so relaxed and fun and the photographs look just stunning... more on my updated website coming soon

Autumn/Winter Wedding Guest Make-up - Friday Video

I've had to refilm this three times due to camera teething problems and it's still not great but you get the general idea. I love doing my make-up when I'm off to an autumn/winter wedding as I feel I can go a bit more full-on than I would in summer. I also got to use my Clarins face powder, the smell of which reminds me of being young - I love it.

Products used:

Praeme Harmony Balm
Nars Sheer Glow in Santa Fey
Chanel Vitalumier Aqua in 10 Beige
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Skinny Jeans
Urban Decay Naked Palette
Inglot Gel Liner in 77
Avon Supershock Gel Liner in Black
Benefit Bad Gal Lash
L'Oreal Brow Artist in 03 Brunette
Illmasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow
Benefit Sugabomb
MAC Pro-Wear Lip Pencil in Dynamo
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in All Fired Up
MAC Lipstick in Impassioned
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Clarins Face Powder
Real Techniques Brushes

Subtle Contour for Jo - Friday Video

My friend Jo is getting married and although she is doing her own make-up on the day I've been helping her chose what products to use. One of the products I recommended is Hollow by Illamasqua as a contour. I wasn't able to see her to show her how to use it beforehand so I did a video. Because it's so specific and I needed to film it and get it posted as soon as possible it's a bit longer than normal but hopefully helpful!

Laura Mercier Moisturising Foundation
MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
MAC Pigment in Aurura
L'Oreal Perfect Slim liner
Laura Mercier Caviar Liner
Eyeko Fat Brush Mascara
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
Cover FX Setting Powder
Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow
Sugarbomb by Benefit
Real Techniques Brushes

Spring Wedding Guest Make-up - Friday Video

This is a summer wedding guest makeup look that I did on my sister recently when she was off to a daytime wedding in typically English summer weather. She doesn't like being filmed so it was very nice of her to agree to do it. I used a mixture of what was in her makeup bag and what was in mine as we were both staying with my mother for the weekend and I wasn't planning to film a video. I found everything I needed which made me wonder slightly why I heave my heavy kit around everywhere!

• Origins Youthtopia Moisturiser
• No 7 Airbrush primer
• Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid foundation
• MAC eye kohl in Powersurge
• Barry M Eye trio eyeshadow in Tes 1
• No 7 Stay Perfect Eye Shadow in Truffle
• MAC eye kohl in Teddy
• Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque
• Clinique All About Eyes Concealer in 01
• Sleek Makeup Contour Kit in Light
• Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Innocent Peach
• Natural Collections Powder in Warm
• Maybelline The Falsies Volume Mascara
• Revlon Lustre Lipgloss in Nearly Nude
• L'Oreal Lip Pencil in Rosewood
• Nails - Boudoir by Ciate

Two Weeks to Go

Right - the count down is officially on. We've got two weeks until the wedding. Got the dress, got the shoes, got the manicure and pedicure booked (thanks to Miss F the wondrous maid of honour). Having make-up practise with Miss M tonight (and using 27 Dresses and pizza as bribery for spending a sunny Wednesday evening doing my face! I cannot believe it's so close. My main fear is that it will be all over so quickly. I am however, incredibly excited at the prospect of a three week honeymoon in the sun. I have a stack of books ready to go into my suitcase, I've bought some Nicky Clarke heated travel rollers (yes I say it again Mr J is a lucky man) and my rather expensive new Tom Ford sunglasses. Now I just have to cram three weeks worth of work into the next two weeks to make sure I can have a guilt and worry free honeymoon. Wish me luck!! xx

p.s very successful jeans expedition in Topshop Westfield on Monday (yes went through the thighs of yet another pair of expensive jeans after five months which I just can't afford to replace). Accidentally bought some shoes and tops too. Whoops. Please let me know of any sturdy thighed jeans makers xx

Snow

Hurrah - for once the weather was on my side... well sort of. Although I trudged my way to work through the snow I did get to go home early so I went to the lovely Miss M's to get my jeans taken up (she's a sewing machine whizz). Perfect. We spent the afternoon pinning trousers and watching crap TV whilst marvelling at the snow. This made me a little less cross that everyone else in the world seemed to have stayed home all day to play in the snow and I'd hauled ass to Hammersmith. Still, wearing my new perfectly fitting jeans makes it a lot better!

I think the snow made everyone behave like it was a national holiday. There were snowmen everywhere (I saw Bill Bailey's... it was pretty good) and some semi-naked men were having some sort of flat party at 9am as I waded past (the snow going over the top of my wellies... where are my Hunters when I need them?). Is it wrong that I wish it had carried on for two days? yes I know the country seemed to grind to a halt even though we knew the snow was on its way but a day of nesting warmly in my basement in front of the tele is something I think I've earned. I need to practise being more serene for next weekend...

Next weekend we go to spend the day with the vicar and other to-be-married couples. We have lunch and I think the vicar talks to us but we also have to talk to a Relate councillor. Is it irrational that this makes me APOPLECTIC WITH RAGE? I can understand talking to the vicar, we are after all getting married in his church and using the good old vows but frankly a Relate councillor is a step to far. I'm sure they want us to be as prepared as possible for marriage and the issues it will bring but I would rather deal with those issues as and when they arise (and I know they will I'm not stupid) rather than someone else making the assumption for me that I need to speak to someone to be made aware of the possible problems. Leave it alone, if it ain't broke don't try to fix it.

This week will involve a lot of practise smiling and looking interested... starting now xx

Wedding Make-up

Slightly annoying that I can't announce some of the wedding progress on here in case Mr J looks at this - which he does sometimes out of loyalty (Hello!) but... well things are progressing. Last week however whilst going crazy with the scanner in John Lewis for our wedding list I decided I was feeling strong enough to go up to a make-up counter and announce that I was getting married. Well, I wasn't that blunt. I wanted to try out the new Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser and one thing led to another, I mentioned the wedding and the next thing I knew I was trying out primers, foundations and bronzers (with the ever vigilant Mumma B overseeing and giving approval on all three which I promptly purchased but more on that in a bit).

I'm going in for a full make-up trial next week with Sophie - the reason I got lured into this was that Sophie who will be doing my make-up looked fantastic. Here foundation was the perfect shade and I'm afraid that quite often you get accosted at make-up counters by rather terrifying orange people. I ended up spending quite a lot of money there (probably encouraged by my afternoon of scanning barcodes which feels like shopping without spending any money!) and I'm assuming I'll spend some more when I go back but these purchases really have worked. I think this will be my first stop for make-up from now on.

I bought the Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer which you apply after your moisturiser and before your foundation. It's incredibly light (I worry about suffocating my skin after applying foundation, pore minimiser, primer foundation...) and hydrating and you really notice the even application of foundation after using it. The foundation itself was quite a find. I have pale skin with light brown freckles. This means that pale foundations leave me looking washed out with patches where the freckles are hiding and darker foundations make me look at bit fake tan. I've been using lighter foundations with a touch of Benefit's Talk to the Tan but Laura Mercier's Moisturising Foundation in Warm Ivory really does match my skin colour (we did colour tests) and stays on all day! To give me a touch of colour I bought the Pressed Powder in Golden Bronze. I usually use Benefit's Hula in the summer but it really is too brown for winter. I've been applying this after foundation rather than after complete make-up application so that I can mould it in whilst I go. I love it.

I'm really looking forward to my make-over. I'll let you know how it goes. But if your doing your Christmas shopping and you fancy treating yourself speak to the girls at Laura Mercier and I'm sure they can tempt you into a Christmas present just for you. If you want to buy online go to Space NK xx

Pictures

The now Mrs H has very kindly sent me some photo's of the wedding so you can see the finished product from my months of discussion on what make-up we should do. There are not close close close ups yet but her are a couple in which I think you'll agree she looks fabulous (that sounds like I'm blowing my own trumpet... lets face it she'd look amazing in a in bag) xx

Hangover from Hell?

I had a sudden realisation on the 6 hour (so not that sudden) train journey from King's Cross to Perth that having written about parties, Ibiza and now weddings I have yet to come with any tips for a crashing hangover. Needless to say I was suffering with one at the time. It all started on Thursday lunchtime and I am not responsible. Thinking it was Friday (I had Friday off to get up to Scotland) I agreed to a boozy lunch involving me and a three or four pints of San Miguel. Having realised my error I was left to suffer at my desk until 5.30 with impending doom in my sinuses. Obviously to get over this lunchtime drinking hangover I had to continue - demanding Proseco and Champagne from Mr J when I turned up tiddled for supper and getting increasingly in the 'holiday' mood by being alternately mouthy and sleepy.

Danger. Woke up grumpy and sore-headed on Friday with a train to catch and a Boots shop to accomplish. Having downed some painkillers I started thinking about what we can do to get over self-induced punishments whilst still looking fabulous (well... trying to). It's always tempting to go for the hair of the dog option but why prolong the agony? Unless its a Prairie Oyster I say stay away. So here are my rules for making the day after the night before as bearable as possible.

1. The first and most important rule is take your make-up off before you go to bed. I know this sounds obvious but I know that we've all been in the position of too drunk to get undressed let alone remove make-up. I keep some face wipes and a small tin of Vaseline next to my bed for those times when standing is just a little too much (if you can't make it to the shops you can get it here Vaseline Petroleum Jelly No. 3 - 225g or you can get the small tin like mine here). You know its true!! Waking up with last nights make up down your face and mostly on your pillow is a recipe for hangover disaster.

2. Take a Vitamin C before bed. Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant which helps the liver recover from the alcohol and minimizes tissue damage. It also bumps up the immune system making you less susceptible to a post-hangover cold. It's pretty easy to track down but also available here Goldshield Vitamin C Orange Effervescent 1000mg 20 tablets.

3. Drink 1/2 litre of water before bed. One of the reasons you feel so bad is the dehydration caused by the alcohol so drinking water before bed will make it less of a shock to the system when you wake up. If you are not a fan of water a 'sports' drink will do just as good - in fact sometimes these are better as they are made to rehydrate you.

4. I know how tempting it is to reach for the coffee or the comforting tea in the morning but in fact caffeine will actually make you feel worse and add to the dehydration. Herbal tea is a much better option - one of my favourites is Jackson's Green Tea or House Japanese Green, 50 Teabags.

5. Aspirin - sounds obvious but they really do help. Having lived with Mr J aka Mr Hangover for sometime I have witnessed first hand the wonders of Alka Seltzer (Alka-Seltzer XS - 20)... they work they really work. Stock up and feel the relief (unless you are like me and throw-up on the first sip - we weaklings have to stick to pill forms of pain relief - I choose Nurofen Plus).

6. Food is good. If you can't face it then go for toast but egg is great for dealing with toxins. If you are feeling really nauseous then Coke is great - the sugar perks you up and the fizz helps the sickness.

7. So we know that your insides get dehydrated hence the gasping need for water. But your outside is also affected. Have a hot bath which will help you sweat out some of the toxins and have a good moisturise afterwards. A moisturising face mask will make you feel better on the outside and give you a chance to put your feet up for ten minutes. I recommend Drink Up! by Origins.

8. If the skin on your face is looking tired scrub your face vigorously to get the circulation going and then use lots of moisturiser to plump. Now I know this sounds like madness but for make-up in this situation less is more.

9. I know this sounds like most booze victims worst nightmare but exercise and fresh air (I sound like Mumma B) is really good. Just go for a walk and take some deep breaths if that's all you can face - it will make you feel better.

10. Not for the faint hearted. The Prairie Oyster. Now, there are many different ways of making this but in it's true form as a hangover cure it really should contain just a little vodka. Here's my recipe for the perfect Prairie Oyster although you should adjust the recipe to suit you!

• 25mls Vodka (some people use Brandy)
• 10ml Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Tomato Juice (I recommend Clamato Juice which I think is available in Tesco's now but unfortunately their site is too rubbish to find out)
• Dash of Tabasco
• Dash of celery salt
• Dash of Pepper (starting to feel like Jamie Oliver)
• 1 Egg Yolk
  
  
• Rinse a Martini glass with olive oil.
• Mix together the Vodka and tomato juice and pour into the glass.
• Next slid in the egg yolk - do not break it!!
• Season with the Tabasco, Worcestershire Sauce, Celery Salt and Pepper.
• DOWN IT... there is no point doing this half-heartedly. Down it and I guarantee you it will make you feel better. xxx

W-Day

The big day for Miss E-soon-to-be-Mrs-H is upon us and I spent most of this morning counting make-up products into my bag. Have been having nightmares of arriving in Perth without the chosen eyeshadow or necessary implements. Think I must have remembered anything and to be honest I'm not sure anything else will squeeze into my bag and from the look on Mr J's face when I reminded him of the necessary excess of make-up, I'm not sure he's willing to carry much more! I've opted for my cream summer dress from Joy with massive flowers an birds outlined in gold thread with gold suede stilettos. Not sure that this is the best choice of outfit for Perth (Scotland not Australia) wedding but have got fingers crossed that the heat wave will descend any moment.

Will let you know how it goes... fingers crossed!! xx

The Look of Love

Ok at the risk of sounding incredibly melodramatic I have Repetitive Strain Injury so am feeling a bit wet about the whole typing thing at the moment. I am, in fact, being a bit wet about most things as I have both wrists in splints whenever I’m doing anything which looks weird and not hugely trendy. They do seem to be working though so fingers crossed (I wish) they won’t be on for long. But they make typing a nightmare and what with the newly acquired bunion I’m feeling slightly like I’m morphing into Forrest Gump (pre the running).

However, in the lives of the stars things seem to finally be on the up. Britney is back, divorce agreed and blue contact lenses purchased. Colleen and Wayne are planning their nuptials, Mel B has had a bouncing baby girl and Posh and Becks’ stuff has arrived in L.A. Ok, so Paris may go to prison and David Beckham’s new ‘do’ is horrific but it did seem that for the last five months nothing good was happening to anyone. But now the sun is out, love is in the air and things are on the up.

Wayne and Colleen are not the only ones with a wedding to plan. The lovely Miss E is getting married in July and asked me to help her with her try out some make-up. I hadn’t really thought a lot about wedding make-up as it’s not really something I need to worry about at the moment but was intrigued as to what I would want and then tried to put those ideas into something she would like and that would suit the occasion. I cannot reveal any info about the dress here in case Mr H bizarrely feels the need to get some beauty tips from me and looks at the website. However, I can tell you that the ceremony will be at 6 o’clock in a garden with dinner afterwards. So we need to get the balance between demure wedding make-up and slinky evening glamour. I think we finally found the perfect solution so for all of you out there who are need a little help here’s what we’ve decide on.

The thing to remember about wedding make-up is that you will have your photograph taken a lot during the whole event so you need to be confident that you will look defined. Obviously this is less scary if you are planning an evening ceremony as the light won’t be quite so bright and it is more acceptable to trowel it on for an evening do.7

Once you’ve done the usual preparations (cleansed, toned, moisturised etc) its time for the eye shadow. As always I put a base of Lemon Aid by Benefit on the lids before the colour and Boi-ing underneath to cover my dark circles. Now, colour will depend on the dress and skin tone but Miss E and I went for a really gentle light gold. I’m afraid the one we’re using is an old Elizabeth Arden one of my grandmothers which I'm pretty sure you can't get anymore. But help is at hand. Prestige cosmetics Let Loose in Jump works just as well and the sponge-tip applicator is fantastic at building up colour with smooth application. Both these colours are really subtle but for something more dramatic Nars Glitter Pencil in Danceteria looks amazing. This is also great for using on the lower lashes over the top of some light dusted brown kohl – I love Clinique’s Quickliner in Roast Coffee.

Eyeliner here is very important. If, like me, you are a slave to the black lines you have to play it carefully with someone else’s wedding make-up. I stuck with black, however, using my favourite L’Oreal Liner Intense Felt-tip liner but I made sure the line was really thin. It is vital that you don't make the line to thick as this can make the eyes look piggy and over the top. You can always go over it with some brown kohl afterwards to soften the line but you really do just want to make sure the eye is defined and liquid liner is best for this. 

A trusted volumising mascara is a must on the big day. A mascara crisis is hard to rectify. I’d recommend either Max Factor’s Masterpiece or Benefit’s Bad Gal but remember to use the curlers before hand. I finally found my favourite eyelash curlers again the other day after nine months of looking so I can now reveal that they are by Girl2Go a great range of beauty essentials made to fit in your bag or desk drawer. This are so much easier to use than the usual metal ones so although the plastic may not have as much curling power you can actually curl more accurately and without pinching your skin and poking yourself in the eye.

Now getting your foundation right is a tricky thing. It’s amazing how many women can get it wrong and I spend quite a lot of my mornings peering at myself in loo mirrors checking for the tell-tale foundation line at the jaw and hairline. You MUST get this right. Not much can look worse than poorly applied foundation and everyone can notice it. I love mousse foundations because they spread really evenly and you can really blend them in. Rimmel’s Cool Matte Mousse is still my favourite but for a stronger colour You Rebel by Benefit suites any skin tone and can be mixed with moisturiser to give smooth but noticeable colour. For photographs and lasting effect you will need to put on quite a lot of this. There would be nothing worse that looking washed out in your wedding photo’s, well except looking like you’ve been tango’d so make sure caution is exercised there as well. I really advise having someone to tell you when you’re foundation is right on the big day because, as the name implies, this is the base for your whole ‘look’.

Lipstick is, again, a personal choice. I’m constantly using Clinique’s Sugared Maple Long Last Lipstick at the moment which can be made as light or as dark as you like and has shimmer which helps add some pout. To keep re-application to a minimum use a matching lip-liner (Clinique do a Quickliner for Lips) to keep the colour strong and the line firm. To finish off and for a bit of added shimmer all round Bare Escentuals Sexy Sheen Glimmer Duo comes in Vanilla Sugar and Bare Skin and for the whole face MAC’s Iridescent Loose Powder gives a beautiful finish.

This make-up is not only great for the big day but with the rapidly approaching summer and the recent sunny weekends adds a bit of sparkle to your spring look. xx