Eyelash Lift and Tint Before and After

A lash "lift and tint" gives you longer, fuller looking lashes without the need for curlers and mascara. The must have semi-permanent solution, it lasts 8-10 weeks! Far less damaging than lash extensions and far less expensive!

 Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup

www.vicky-brown.co.uk

Eyebrow Sculpting Before and After

Eyebrow sculpting using wax, threading and tinting is the only way to smooth, balanced and beautiful looking eyebrows...

Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup

www.vicky-brown.co.uk

Under-eye Concealer...a Celebrity's Enemy!

Poor Rose Byrne... attending the 23rd Glamour Woman of the Year Awards in New York, it appears the Australian actress was trying to hide any dark circles beneath her eyes but either herself or her make-up artist made a big mistake and used one of the many under- eye correctors that contain these "Magic illuminating particles" and far too much titanium dioxide.
There are many offenders on the market but I suspect this culprit is YSL Touche Eclat; a fantastic day-to-day product but just make sure you don't go anywhere near a photography flash!
You can see very clearly from the images below that Rose looks like she's wearing a white eye mask.
Try using Illamasqua's Cream Pigment in Emerge which neutralises dark circles rather than trying to bounce light off them.
Sophie Ellis Bextor also had a makeup blunder this week, the likely culprit being HD Forever Powder.

Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup Artist

www.vicky-brown.co.uk

Makeup; Where to Save Your Pennies and Where to Spend

Not everyone can afford high-end makeup products and sometimes you really don’t need them! My own makeup box is incredibly small and simple so I thought I’d put together a little guide on where you can save your pennies and what you should be spending them on. I rely on my makeup lasting all day as I’m up early in the morning and don’t get a chance to reapply so I’ve tried and tested a lot!

There are so many different products out there and it’s really what works best for you. I often get asked why I don’t use a certain brand in my kit; firstly there are so many brands on the market, I can’t have them all in my kit and secondly; I may not find they work that well on clients but that doesn’t mean its bad if it works for you, that’s fine!

The Important Ones

Foundation primer

If I were to forget to put my primer on, I would honestly take my makeup off and start again… In fact I’ve actually done this!

A primer smooth’s out pores and wrinkles creating a smooth base for your foundation; most importantly it forms a barrier between your foundation and skin which stops it sinking into the skin throughout the day and therefore helps it last longer.

My favorites:

For Normal Skin: MAC Prep + Prime Skin.

For Oily Skin: Lancôme La Base Pro 

For Dry or Older Skin: Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

Foundation

If you get your base right, then you’re onto a winner. I really don’t recommend buying foundations off the shelf as it’s so important to get your colour matched up correctly by a professional and for them to check the foundation is right for your skin…otherwise you’re just wasting your money!

Whenever I do somebody’s foundation, I will colour match first and after application, if I’m not happy with the foundation and skin type compatibility, then I’ll remove it.

It really is so important to get the right foundation for your skin type and to try it before you buy it!

My favorites:

Normal Skin: Illamasqua Skin Base. Creates a beautiful matte coverage without being too heavy

Oily Skin: MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Powder. Can be used on it’s own but for increased coverage, press on top of foundation to help absorb oil.

Dry or Older Skin: Lancome Teint Vissonnaire. Creates a beautiful dewy finish that helps brighten skin, also comes with a concealer on the lid for areas that require more coverage.

Under-Eye Corrector

Don’t use foundation or concealer under your eyes, it’s just too heavy and can make the area look worse. It’s important to neutralize the dark areas under your eye rather than just covering them up. YSL Touche Eclat is nice yes but with it's "illuminating particles" it doesn't work in photography and also doesn't really get rid of the problem as it's not high enough coverage.

My favorites:

Illamasqua Crème Pigment in Emerge…I won’t use anything else…ever

Eye primer

If you wear eyeshadow then a primer is a must, without a nice eye primer, you won't get the most out of your eyeshadows.  A primer enhances the appearance of eyeshadow and also stops it creasing or moving.

My favourites:

MAC Paint Pot

Where to Save

Mascara

As long as it stays put, use whichever Mascara you like, after all it’s more about the brush that comes with it. If you really want to save pennies and time applying mascara, then why not get your eyelashes tinted and lifted? I do and I don’t have to wear mascara anymore!

My favorites:

Rimmel Scandaleye

Maybeline Colossal Lash

Powder

Crucial in makeup application as it sets your foundation, but it really doesn’t need to be pricey. I use MAC Mineralize Skin  Finish in my kit as it comes in a large sized compact. I love the finish but at £22, it’s quite pricey for a powder.

My favorites:

Maxfactor Facefinity Compact

Lip color, Eyeshadows and Blush

The lip colours you can buy on the high street are just as good as high end products. As long as you use a lip liner first as an all over lip base, it will last much longer.

Eyeshadows from the high street are great too, you may find the pigment isn’t quite as bold as it looks in the pot though.

As long as you’ve got your base right and used that all important primer, any blusher will sit perfectly on the skin.

Brushes

Professional brushes are built to last and to withstand daily washing and sterilizing. Nice brushes are a lovely thing to have but not a necessity, cheap brushes will get the job done for every day makeup application.

My favorites:

Topshop Brushes

Ecotools from Boots

Eyebrows

I tint, thread and wax my own eyebrows so I no longer have to do these on a daily basis, hurrah! Eyebrow shape is so important as they frame your face and can really change your appearance, Be sure to get a professional to shape them for you so you have a good start shape. However, I use eyeshadow in my kit to shape eyebrows and a clear mascara to fix them with if they’re slightly unruly. The more expensive kits you can buy for eyebrows don't make much difference to an eyeshadow, you may find that they have a slightly more waxy texture.

Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup Artist

Based in Hertfordshire

www.vicky-brown.co.uk

SARAH AND RICKY’S WEDDING AT GAYNES PARK

It was lovely to be part of Sarah and Ricky's wedding a few weeks ago at GAYNES PARK.

Take a peek at all the beautiful decor that Sarah’s company made ’a little bit rustic’. Their wedding is featured in this issue of Perfect wedding magazine.

Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup

Based in Hertfordshire

www.vicky-brown.co.uk

I'm off for a rainy holiday in Dorset until Friday 27th September and may not be able to reply to your emails as promptly as usual.

If it is urgent, please call me otherwise I will get back to you on my return!

Shendish Manor Wedding Fayre

Come along to Shendish Manor Wedding Fayre on Sunday 29th September, it really is a great one to meet lovely local suppliers!

Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup Artist

Based in Hertfordshire

www.vicky-brown.co.uk

Whimsical Wonderland Blog

It was so lovely to help Helen and her Bridesmaids earlier this year and lovely to see the wedding featured on the Whimsical Wonderland Blog!http://whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com/2013/08/a-pretty-intimate-wedding.html

Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup Artist

Based in Hertfordshirewww.vicky-brown.co.uk

Circus Photoshoot with CTI Photography

It's lovely to have a close relationship with many photographers in Hertfordshire and it's therefore great fun getting to shoot with them.
Check out this incredible photoshoot Clare at CTI Photography arranged when the Circus came to town...

Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup Artist

Based in Hertfordshire

www.vicky-brown.co.uk

Wednesday Roses Wedding Dresses

It was lovely to be invited by Joanna Hehir and her daughter Fianna to help them shoot for the launch of their new bridal range and website Wednesday Roses.

Wednesday Roses is available exclusively online, so you can shop whenever and wherever is convenient for you. Offering affordable and personalised dresses.

Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup Artist

Based in Hertfordshire

www.vicky-brown.co.uk

Satin Bow Bridal at St Michaels Manor

I was delighted to be invited back by Victoria at Satin Bow Bridal to help shoot their new collection.
Take a look at these stunning dresses, now available in store at Satin Bow Bridal, Hollywell Hill, St Albans...

Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup Artist

Based in Hertfordshire

www.vicky-brown.co.uk

Holiday

Wedding Hair and Makeup Pictures

Lots of new photo's coming to my Gallery soon, please take a look! In the meantime, don't forget you can follow me on Facebook.

Vicky Brown

Hair and Makeup Artist

07835265556

www.vicky-brown.co.uk

Please follow me at:www.facebook.com/VickyBrownHairandMakeup

@VBhairandmakeup

South Farm Wedding

So delighted to work with a host of wonderful suppliers on this photoshoot at South Farm organised by Claire at CTI Photography.

http://www.soyouregettingmarried.com/2013/06/03/a-vintage-inspired-country-styled-shoot-uk-wedding-blog/

Photographer – CTI Photography www.ctiphotography.co.uk

Dresses: Johanna Hehir www.johanna-hehir.com/

Hair accessories: Kelly Spence www.kellyspence.com

Flowers: Traditional Vintage Flower Company www.tradvintflower.co.uk

Cakes: Pretty Gorgeous Cake Company www.prettygorgeouscakecompany.co.uk

Styling: Revival Rooms www.revivalrooms.com

Chairs: Couchi Couchi Chairs www.couchi-couchichairs.com

Dessert table: Ania’s Sweet Boutique www.aniasweetboutique.com/

Hair and make up: Vicky Brown www.vicky-brown.co.uk/

Stationery: By Elinor Rose www.elinorrose.co.uk

Jewellery: Stella & Dot http://www.stelladot.co.uk/sites/michelleallen

Models: Sarah, Fran, Nehha

Venue: South Farm www.south-farm.co.uk

Getting the Most of your Bridal Hair and Makeup Trial

Brides to be, this is a little guide on how to get the most out of your Bridal Trial based on my experience. As with all other aspects of the lead up to your wedding, It really shouldn’t be stressful, it should be enjoyable!

Set-up and time of day

I don’t need much! I’m used to working in all situations but for your trial, it is important you are somewhere you feel relaxed:

Low backed chair or stool

Table/work surface space

Electrical Point (for hair)

A nice light room

We do not need a mirror set up as I bring a hand held mirror

A kitchen or dining room table near a window is ideal. I tend to turn most lights off and just work with the natural light where possible. Artificial lighting casts a warm tone over the skin and can change colours and cast shadows. This is also a factor when booking the trial in the winter months, by 3.30pm the daylight is almost gone.

What to wear

“Really?” you’re thinking, but it’s true. If you are wearing an old jumper, your hair and makeup will not look glamorous! To get an accurate feel for how it will all look on the day either:

Wear something you feel good in

Something white

If you have a strapless dress, try wearing something without straps or a vest top you can pull the straps down on.

Prepare images

It’s all about preparation. Gather information and have it all ready to be looked at, whether that’s on a laptop or scrap-book, it is all helpful.

When it comes to hair and makeup looks, this is really essential. The difference between verbalising your ideas and showing is what will make your make-up work.

Your idea of a soft smokey eye can be totally different to another’s. Your idea of natural is another brides over-done. Try taking a look at Pinterest, I have also set up some boards which may help you http://pinterest.com/vbhairandmakeup/

Tell me what you like and dislike

Another important step in creating your look is describing your own everyday hair and makeup. If you have a signature look or style that makes you who you are, it’s so important that I know otherwise you will not feel yourself when you see the final look. No matter if it is a perfect bridal, glowing look; if you are used to wearing pencil liner on the inner rim of your eye or mascara on your bottom lashes, you will not like it without. Please come to your trial wearing your day to day makeup.

Please remember, I’m not here to recreate your usual make-up look, all the while guessing what you usually do, it can be really hard to feel like you’re being tested if you haven’t told me what you like and dislike! The purpose of having a hair and makeup artist for your wedding day is to ensure you have a look using professional products and styling that will last all day. Again, please come to your trial wearing your day to day makeup.

Second opinions

Is it important to you to have a second opinion? If yes, bring a bridesmaid or your friend along. Mums and sisters are ok too, as long as you are ok with having them there.  Many brides will orgainse a trial for the afternoon so they can wear hair and/or makeup out in the evening rather than having to take it off.

The big reveal

If you don’t like it….please say. Say it now whilst I’m still there with kit out and brushes to hand! The trial is there for exactly this reason. As a hair and makeup artist, it is my job to make you feel good and ensure that you look your very best. If you’re not sure about something, we can change it, it’s really not a problem. This is why the trials are scheduled to take longer, than the actual day.

Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup Artist

Based in Hertfordshire

www.vicky-brown.co.uk

I'm really looking forward to helping at The Kings Arms charity fashion show next month for the Pepper Foundation. Make sure to book your tickets early!

Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup Artist

Based in Hertfordshire

www.vicky-brown.co.uk

Bridal Hair and Makeup Trial

It's been an incredibly busy start to the Wedding season! Here's a sneak peak at some of the Bridal Hair and Makeup Trials I've done recently:

Vicky Brown Hair and Makeup Artist

Based in Hertfordshire

www.vicky-brown.co.uk