Blog

Clare Flint – Makeup Artist

Finding the perfect bridal makeup artist – 14/03/21

After a recent flurry of wedding bookings for 2021-22, I thought I would write a blog post on tips for finding the perfect makeup artist for your wedding, where ever you are in the world!

1. Search online for makeup artists in your area. Google searches and social media are always a good starting point. Look at their portfolio or photographs of their work and choose an artist where you feel you connect with their makeup style. For example, if their portfolio is full of super glam and full coverage looks then this might not be the artist for you if you don’t usually wear a lot of makeup.

2. Always choose a makeup artist that is insured. It is really important that your makeup artist has the correct insurance, if you can’t see it mentioned anywhere on their website or info, then ask them to confirm that they have it.

3. Check Google & Facebook reviews; any good makeup artist should have a good selection of reviews that will give you an insight into their personality, reliability and working style.

4. Ensure that you choose a makeup artist that requires you to pay a deposit. This is standard practice amongst professional makeup artists and ensures that your booking is secure in their diary.

5. Speak to the makeup artist on the telephone or by chat/email. Do you get a good feeling talking to them and do you feel like you connect with one another? For some, this can be a very important aspect to booking somebody. I always want my brides to feel like they have another friend present on their wedding morning, as this helps everyone to feel relaxed and enjoy the pampering.

6. Make sure that the makeup artist has information on how they clean and sanitize their equipment. It is so important that your chosen artist follows strict hygiene guidelines. For example, a clean set of brushes for each face they are working on, a tidy and clean set up, lots of disposables to use products like mascara and lip gloss.  They may have this information on their website, but if not, don’t be afraid to ask.

7. When contacting your makeup artist for the first time, provide as much information as possible so they can quickly give you a quote for the full cost, information about timings on the day and what to expect from your bridal trial. At the same time, don’t be shy in asking any questions or raising any worries you may have.

8. Is your bridal trial included in the price? Some makeup artists offer separate bridal trials so you can decide whether you want to choose them for your wedding day after you have tried the makeup look, while other artists include the bridal trial in the full wedding package. In my opinion a good makeup artist will always make you feel at ease about booking them for your big day.

9. Look for someone that falls inline with your budget. Remember that when you are paying for a professional makeup artist for your wedding day you aren’t simply paying for them to apply makeup, you are paying for their knowledge, experience, professionalism, insurance, their travel, hygiene & cleaning of products, and time spent chatting by telephone, email or message.

10. A good makeup artist should have a wide range of products in their kit. They should be ready for all eventualities and be able to cater to global skintones (from the fairest to the deepest) and all skin types (products for dry, oily, sensitive, dehydrated and normal/combo skin), as well as all ages. Most makeup artists are super proud of their pro kits and will always be happy to tell you what products/brands they carry.

I hope you have found that helpful if you need to look for a makeup artist in the future.

My favourite affordable makeup products (and a Happy New Year to all!) – 01/01/21

I would like to wish all of my clients, friends, industry colleagues, makeup lovers and blog readers a Happy New Year! Lets hope that 2021 is a more positive year for everybody, and that we start to get back some normality as the year progresses!

I wanted to do a blog post about affordable makeup. As a freelance makeup artist I need professional and premium products in my kit, that will look great in person, on camera and will last the whole day and night.

A lot of the time these amazing products come at a high cost and I am aware of this when people ask me for recommendations, as not everyone wants to spend a fortune on makeup.

Even though I am a premium makeup lover at heart, there are some more affordable brands that do amazing products, that I go back to time and time again. If you follow my Instagram account, I am sure you will have seen some of  them mentioned…

NYX Professional Makeup – Micro Brow Pencil

Price = £9.00

Shades = 8

This is such a great brow pencil and (in my eyes) a good dupe for the much more expensive Kevyn Aucoin version.

It comes in a range of eight shades, so there should hopefully be a shade for most. However, I do feel like they are lacking some shades in the range. For example, if you are a true redhead you will struggle to get a great match, which I always find seems to be a problem with brow products.

There is a super fine pencil on one end (which allows you to draw on hair strokes very easily) and a spoolie on the other end to brush through your brows to give a softer effect. The product lasts well once applied and it is really quite smudge proof too.

NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil Brunette | Superdrug

E.L.F Cosmetics – Bite Size Eyeshadows

Price = £3.00

Shades = 8

Amount = 3.5g

Okay, so these mini palettes are great! In all honesty I wasn’t expecting much when I ordered these, but when I tried them I thought they were really nice.

In these palettes you are getting four complimentary shadows, some soft matte and some more satin/ shimmery.

I feel like these would be a great option if you fancy dipping your toe into trying different colours and don’t want to spend a fortune or need something small and easy to carry for travel.

The shadows go on smoothly and blend nicely on the eyes but some need building up a little more as they aren’t quite as pigmented as other shadows i have used.

I would recommending using a good eye base to really grab on to the shadows, which takes me to the next product.

e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadows Truffles 3.5g | Make Up | Superdrug

Plouise – Eye base

Price = £10.00

Shades = 11

Amount = 15ml

I was introduced to this eye base over summer and I have used it for every makeup look I have done since!

The shade range is great for global skintones and even comes in white for when you want your eyeshadow to look really vibrant.

It has quite a concealer like texture to it but that is what I like about it (it was inspired by a MAC concealer that P Louise used to use for all her eye looks)

It stays a little tacky once you have applied it as it isn’t self setting but if you use it sparingly this isn’t a problem. I usually apply with a fluffy brush and then pat it out with my ring finger. A dusting of powder or flesh toned shadow will stop any shadows grabbing to it and not blending well.

I also use this around my eyes as a concealer.

It comes in a range of sizes which is great for both consumers and pro artists.

P.Louise Base Vault Archives – Plouise Makeup Academy

Maybelline – SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

Price = £9.99

Shades = 32

Let me begin by saying I am not a liquid lipstick lover, i don’t enjoy the dry feeling on my lips but i really like these!

The shade range is fantastic and I am sure you would find what you are looking for (unless you wanted blue, green, black etc). There are some great nudes, soft pinks and classic reds.

There is a doe foot applicator which has a nice shape to it, so making outlining your lips easy.

I also reach for this as a long lasting cream blusher, it is surprisingly wearable and great under a mask!

Once this lipstick is on and set, it isn’t going anywhere but it is still surprisingly comfortable. I tend to apply a dab of gloss or balm on top but that is just my preference.

Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Lipstick 165 Successful | Superdrug

Loreal – True Match Foundation

Price = £9.99

Shades = 40

Amount = 30ml

I have repurchased this foundation time and time again and it is definitely one of my favourites in this price range.

At 40 shades, the range is great. The shades go from the fairest to the deepest and come in cool, neutral and warm tones. It doesn’t carry the wide range of undertones like say, Fenty or NARS but it is still pretty damn good!

The coverage is a good medium and it can be built up or sheered down depending on if you are having a good skin day or not.

I feel like it has a great skin like finish, not too matte but not too radiant either.

It lasts well on my normal/combo skin and a small dusting of translucent powder on my T-zone stops any oiliness coming through too quickly. I usually get a good 8 hours wear from it.

L’Oreal Paris True Match Foundation 1.N Ivory 30ml | Superdrug

RIMMEL – Scandaleyes Precision Micro Eyeliner

Price = £5.99

Shades = 1

Amount = 1.1ml

As a 44 year old, liquid eye liners aren’t something that I tend to reach for. I find personally that pencils, powders and gel liners are more forgiving on my more mature eyelids but I saw great reviews of this product online and decided to give it a go!

It has a fine, felt tip applicator that is neither too flexible, or too stiff and so allows the product to glide onto skin smoothly and create a great winged liner look. There is no bleeding or smudging once it is on skin and i find it has great staying power too.

It dries to a flattering matte finish and doesn’t draw any attention to fine lines. I highly recommend!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Micro Eye Liner | Make Up | Superdrug

Gorgeous glitter for all budgets – 06/12/20

Let me tell you, I love glitter! As a makeup artist, I get a little flutter of excitement thinking about Christmas party makeovers and lots of requests for glitter eye looks.

This year will be different due to the pandemic. With very few Christmas get togethers happening in the UK, my glitter fix will not be satisfied (sad face).

As a lot of people will have festive togethers with family and friends over zoom or video call, I thought I would give you my recommendations for a great glitter eye look. Whether you fancy a subtle, no mess sparkle (or something a bit more disco ball!) you can guarantee one of these will get you through the festive season.

Urban Decay – Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner

Price = £17.00

Shades = 19

Amount = 7.5ml

Vegan

This is at the top of my list because it is an all time favourite glitter product of mine. The glitter is suspended in a gel which makes the application quick, easy and mess free.

As it is sold as a glitter eyeliner, the applicator is a precise, fine tipped brush. Use it alone as a cool liner or dab it on with your finger as a topper for a more full on sparkle. The glitter is very fine and has never caused any irritation.

The shade range is fantastic too, from subtle pink to emerald green to fiery copper, there will be a colour for everyone. Long lasting and comfortable, this product is highly recommended.

Heavy Metal Liquid Glitter Eyeliner | Glitter Eye Makeup | Urban Decay UK

Karla Cosmetics – Loose Glitter

Price = £12.50

Shades = 40+

Amount = 2g

Vegan

Whether you’re a lover of bright/bold looks or something a little more subtle, I am confident you will find what you need from this brilliant brand. Karla is a makeup artist and knows how to make an amazing glitter!

Hand made in the UK, these crystalline glitters come in a great selection of colours. The variety of colours within the collections come in different finishes, ranging from Holographic, Duo-Chrome, Multi-Chrome, Multi-Tone, One-Tone and Two-Tone.  Add all the colours into that mix, it is a glitter lovers dream!

Karla also sells a product called fix potion that will help the glitter adhere to the skin and also give them an even more vinyl finish.

Can you tell I love these?  Well I do and I love this amazing company too!

All Glitters – Hand Made- Cruelty Free | Karla Cosmetics (karlastore.co.uk)

Collection – Glam Crystals Glitter Gel Eyeliner

Price = £2.99

Shades = 3

Amount = 6g

This is another easy to use glitter liner in a gel formular. The shade range is very minimal but if you just want classic gold or silver this might be worth a try. For the price point, I think this would be a great option for someone who just wants a bit of extra sparkle as a one off look.

It applies nicely, dries well and I didn’t notice any movement of eyeshadow under it after it was applied.

https://www.superdrug.com/Make-Up/Glitter-Makeup/Glitter-Eyeliner/Collection-Glam-Crystals-Glitter-Gel-Eyeline

NYX – Professional face and body glitter

Price = £6.00

Shades = 11

Amount = 0.8oz

Vegan

I love this affordable loose glitter and i always carry it my kit for Christmas makeup looks! This is a loose glitter that comes in a pot.

It can be applied to face and body but you will need a glitter glue to help it adhere to your skin (i highly recommend the NYX glitter glue which retails for £9.00).

The shade range is so good, ranging from holographic pink to sapphire blue to shimmering gold, any look is possible with this product. The glitter is comfortable to wear and I have never had any irritation from using it.

https://www.superdrug.com/Make-Up/Face/Face-Paint-%26-Body-Glitter/NYX-Professional-Makeup-Face-%26-Bo

Hourglass – Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow

Price = £28.00

Shades = 10

Amount = 3.5g

Vegan

If you are looking for a product that is from a luxury brand, has a more subtle shade range and is a little more age appropriate of a more mature person, then Scattered Light shadows will be worth checking out.

The product comes in a little glass pot and is best applied by tapping it on with your ring finger. There is a little fall down when applied but this is minimal and a glitter glue or eye primer applied before would help with this.

All the shades are pretty and very easy wear as a wash of colour all over the lid or patted over a stronger eye look to take you from office to party!

Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow | Space NK

So there you have it, my favourite glitter products for any budget. Happy shopping!

Top tips for choosing a makeup artist for your wedding – 22/11/20

After a flurry of wedding bookings today for 2021-22, I thought I would write a blog post on tips for finding the perfect makeup artist for your wedding in your area:

1. Search online for makeup artists in your area. Google searches and social media are always a good starting point. Look at their portfolio or photographs of their work and choose an artist where you feel you connect with their makeup style. For example, if their portfolio is full of super glam and full coverage looks, then this might not be the artist for you if you don’t usually wear a lot of makeup.

2. Always choose a makeup artist that is insured. It is really important that your makeup artist has the correct insurance. If you can’t see it mentioned anywhere on their website or social media page, then ask them to confirm that they have it.

3. Check Google & Facebook reviews; any good makeup artist should have a good selection of reviews that will give you an insight into their personality, reliability and working style.

4. Ensure that you choose a makeup artist that requires you to pay a deposit. This is standard practice amongst professional makeup artists and ensures that your booking is secure in their diary.

5. Speak to the makeup artist on the telephone or via message/email. Do you get a good feeling talking to them? Do you feel like you connect with one another? For some, this can be a very important aspect to booking somebody. I always want my brides to feel like they have another friend present on their wedding morning, as this helps everyone to feel relaxed and enjoy the pampering!

6. Make sure that the makeup artist has information on how they clean and sanitize their equipment. It is so important that your chosen artist follows strict hygiene guidelines (even before Covid-19). For example; a clean set of brushes for each face they are working on, a tidy & clean set up and lots of disposables (to use products like mascara and lip gloss).  They may have this information on their website, but if not, don’t be afraid to ask.

7. When contacting your makeup artist for the first time, provide as much information as possible. That way they can quickly give you a quote for the full cost, information about timings on the day and what to expect from your bridal trial. At the same time, don’t be shy in asking any questions or raising any worries you may have.

8. Is your bridal trial included in the price? Some makeup artists offer separate bridal trials so you can decide whether you want to choose them for your wedding day after you have tried the makeup look, while other artists include the bridal trial in the full wedding package. In my opinion a good makeup artist will always make you feel at ease about booking them for your big day.

9. Look for someone that falls inline with your budget. But remember, when booking a professional makeup artist for your wedding day, you are paying for their knowledge, experience, insurance and professionalism, as well as time spent chatting on the phone or by email to make sure everything is perfect for you. Also things like mood boards (for makeup ideas tailored to you) as well as their time and travel.

10. A good makeup artist should have a wide range of products in their kit. They should be ready for all eventualities and be able to cater to global skintones (from the fairest to the deepest) all skin types (products for dry, oily, sensitive, dehydrated and normal/combo skin) plus all ages. Most makeup artists are super proud of their pro kits and will always be happy to tell you what products/brands they carry.

I hope you have found that helpful and it helps you find your perfect makeup artist.

Thanks

Clare

GLOW UP: Makeup products to brighten up your skin – 08/11/20

We all know that a great skincare routine can help your skin feel fresh, smooth and radiant. Using targeted products plus a good application of a hydrating moisturiser will be your foundation to getting great looking skin but if you are looking for an extra glow then one of these products might be for you.

As a makeup artist I love to build up liquids and creams to get a gorgeous finish to the skin and I reach for my favourite liquid highlighters/ illuminators a lot as they really can be so versatile. I have even added a radiance primer on here too as it a cult product and really is as lovely as all the great reviews suggest!

These products can be mixed with your moisturiser and foundation, they can be applied all over your face for an ethereal glow and worn on their own or under foundation, they can be patted over foundation on your cheek bones to add a stronger glow.

No matter what your budget, you too can get on the glow train!

Product used: Benefit Watts Up highlighter

Here is a list of my favourite go to products:

Charlotte Tilbury – Hollywood Flawless Filter

Shades: 1-7

Amount: 30ml

Price: £34.00

This is at the top of my list because, quite frankly, it is a great product. It comes in 7 shades from fair to dark and works for the majority of skin tones. It has the versatility of a primer, the intense glow of a highlighter and gives your skin a filtered finish.

It comes in quite a thick formula and can be applied by the doe foot applicator it comes with, a brush or your fingers.

My favourite way to use this product is to mix it in with my longer lasting, matte foundations and this means i still get the long wear but also the glow I crave. I also find that it doesn’t draw attention to my pores or fine lines which is great.

https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/products/makeup/face/complexion-booster

MAC – Strobe cream

Shades: 1-4

Amount: 50ml

Price: £26.00

This is a great product to add a subtle glow to your skin and is a firm favourite in my kit.

This is a real quick fix for your skin as it hydrates, refreshes and brightens your skin. It comes in four shades which are all equally subtle and work well with different skin tones. It contains iridescent particles that adds luminosity to dull skin.

Strobe cream definitely has a more moisturiser feel to it and can be applied with your fingers or a brush.

Mix it with more matte foundations to a soft glow or apply straight to your skin before foundation. I tend to gravitate to this product on the days I’m not wearing makeup as it has not glitter or metallic sheen to it.

https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13824/364/products/skincare/moisturisers/strobe-cream

Glossier – Futuredew

Shades: 1

Amount: 30ml

Price: £23.00

I really enjoy the minimalism of Glossier products and this was a hit on a recent order I received.

This product comes under the skincare category and is a oil/serum hybrid that give a glass like finish to the skin. I find applying with my fingers works really well.

If you are looking for a product to make your skin look dewy, this could be the product for you.

Even though this contains really nourishing oils, my skin doesn’t feel at all greasy and I was pleasantly surprised at how long it lasted on my skin. This product is great for a no makeup or minimal makeup day, heavy makeup would just cancel out that gorgeous glow!

https://www.glossier.com/products/futuredew

Danessa Myricks – Illuminating Veil

Shades: 1-12

Price: £21.00

Amount: 30ml

If you follow me on instagram you will know that I love Danessa Myricks products. As a working makeup artist she knows what is good and what is amazing, this product is the latter!

Illuminating Veils are a long wearing creamy highlighter that can be used on face and body. Apply straight to skin, mix with foundation for an ethereal glow or tap on the high points of your face for an added sheen. The colour range is fantastic (I would expect nothing else from Danessa) and will suit global complexions.

Sweep on the product with a flat brush onto targeted areas or all over if you want a full face glow. This wears really well and isn’t greasy/oily at all.

https://www.love-makeup.co.uk/danessa-myricks-illuminating-veil-p-7254.html

Laura Mercier – Pure Canvas Primer- illuminating

Shades: 1

Price: £32.00

Amount: 50ml

The Laura Mercier Illuminating primer is a go too for a lot of people as it imparts a healthy glow onto the skin. It contains Micronized pearls that help to reflect light and refreshed dull, tired looking skin.

This is a great primer for people that want a healthy glow but want to keep their skin low key and healthy looking. It just comes in one shade but as it is a primer it should suit most skintones, although for people with a deeper skintones you may want to test it first.

I have used this for a long time in my personal kit and it wears well under the majority of my foundations. I apply this product with my fingers on to clean, well moisturised skin.

 It always feels comfortable and hydrating on my skin.

https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/laura-mercier-pure-canvas-primer-illuminating.html

Benefit – Watts Up Cream to powder highlighter

Shades: 1

Amount: 9.4g

Price: £27.00

This a a gorgeous soft focus cream to powder highlighter. It comes in stick form that twists up to apply. It does come with a little applicator on one end but I find tapping on the product with my fingers gets the best application as the product has chance to warm up slightly.

Apply to the high points of the face for a subtle glow.

It comes in a delicate champagne shade that is great for fair, light and light/ medium skintones. I feel like this product would not work well on deeper skintones (if they released more shades i would carry it in my kit as it really is so pretty)

https://www.boots.com/benefit-watts-up-highlighter-10131635

Mac – Cream Colour Base

Shades: 5

Amount: 3.2g

Price: £20.00

Cream Colour Base is a fantastic product that I always carry in my pro kit. It comes in five shades and imparts a sheer, dewy effect on the skin. It is a cream formula that can be used to create different effects on the skin.

I carry three shades in my kit- Shell, Hush and Improper Copper. I feel like there would be a shade to suit most skintones.

This product works well patted on with fingers and leaves a beautiful sheen to the skin, i like to layer it over my cream blushers to add an extra glow. The innovative formula allows it to be applied onto bare skin and some of the shades can be added to eyelids and lips.

This is a much loved product in my kit and I feel it works well on all skin types.

https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13840/316/products/makeup/eyes/eyeshadow/cream-colour-base#!/shade/Hush

Product used: Mac cream colour base in ‘Improper Copper’

Have you tried any of these products? What glow products do you like? I would love to know .

Clare x

Reviewed: Charlotte Tilbury ‘Bejewelled Eyes To Hypnotise’ eye palette – 25/10/20

After spending the last few years using Charlotte Tilbury products I was yet to purchase and try her eyeshadow formula. Charlotte Tilbury adverts always give the idea of being your own, glowing supermodel and quite frankly, I felt it was time to unleash mine!

https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/instant-eye-palette-bejewelled-eyes-to-hypnotise

The Bejewelled Eyes To Hypnotise palette is part of her holiday 2020 product drop and is limited edition. It retails for £60.00 for 9.5g of product.

It’s made in Italy.

Recommended use by 18 months

It contains twelve brand new shades that are inspired by the worlds most beautiful gems, including: 3 mattes, 7 metallic shades and 2 (all new) wet look metallic shades that give a crystal glow effect.

First off, the packaging is gorgeous. It’s slimline and weighty with a magnetic snap fastening. It’s a super pretty silver design and contain a nice size mirror – everything you want a holiday palette to be!

On the back of the palette it shows you the three steps for each colour section (prime, enhance and smoke). This just gives you the option to follow the steps that Charlotte likes to follow to get the glowy, smoked out eye looks she is so famous for, but you can mix and match the palette to create what you like. The palette is broken down into four sections each with prime, enhance and smoke shades.

Happy Glow is great for a bit of day time glamour and contains glowing, golden topaz shades. All of these shades are warm in tone.

Prime – Copper Rose Metallic

Enhance – Warm peach matte

Smoke – Warm copper shimmer (new wet look formula)

Love Glow contains rose and ruby shades and it will make a great alternative to a classic smokey eye look. These shades will look great on deeper skin tones.

Prime – Rose Gold shimmer

Enhance – Deep Rose metallic (new formula)

Smoke – Deep Ruby matte

Dream Glow contains warm violet hues. It can be used for a subtle wash of colour across the lids or can make a really pretty, cool toned smokey eye look.

Prime – Violet Champagne shimmer

Enhance – Warm Violet shimmer

Smoke – Metallic Amethyst

Seduce Glow contains chocolate brown and bronze to create deep, molten smokey quartz looks. These shades will work well on all skin tones and build up well together

Prime – Golden bronze metallic

Enhance – Chocolate brown matte

Smoke – Smokey Bronze metallic

So what are my thoughts?

This palette is stunning! In all honesty, I was blown away by the quality of the shadows. The mattes are smooth, easy to blend and easy to build up for more intensity, and are a great formula for makeup beginners. The metallics are again, smooth and creamy feeling (even though they are a powder formula). They apply easily with a flat brush and blend out beautifully, you can also apply with your finger for a smooth application. The pigment is fantastic and the tones are all beautiful. The wet look metallic formula is outstanding. It has the most stunning finish to it and I found that patting it on with your finger gets the best result.

All of shadows wore really well throughout the day with minimal creasing (the eye base I used was Plouise in shade 2) and the colour stayed vibrant.

From both a consumer and pro makeup artist point of view I would highly recommend this palette for its high quality formula. In my opinion the high price point really does reflect the high quality of the shadows.

The only shade I didn’t enjoy using is the prime shade in the Dream Glow section, I felt it didn’t apply as nicely as the other metallics.

I think the shades will suit most complexions and while the ruby shades might seem scary for fairer complexions, it really is very pretty. It will look stunning on medium/deep skin tones.

If you don’t like a metallic sheen on your eyes this may not be the palette for you as it is all about the glow!

I have to say, if this is a indication of what other Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow palettes are like, I will be keeping my eyes peeled for more releases.

Clare x

Lets chat Red lipstick, shall we? – 18/10/20

I firmly believe that a good red lipstick really can brighten your day and lift your mood when you wear it. It is a makeup piece that most women have in their makeup bags (although it may not get worn much) but usually comes out for a special occasion to help us feel extra special.

Above: MAC Lady Danger Lipstick

Think of it like a little black dress that goes with everything, it’s great to mix and match and can be worn in a number of ways. A bold, true red is often worn with a crisp black eye liner for a 50’s vibe and just makes everyone look so glam. Team with bold prints, leopard print or polka spots for extra points!

A wash of red in an ultra modern, demi matte texture teamed with glowing skin and lashings of mascara always looks so cool. The less effort it looks like it took, the better! This look always reminds me of hanging out in Camden whilst visiting my brother and swooning over how cool all the girls looked on their way to see all the rock bands!

For a more editorial look, I always love pairing a stained red lip with a wash of colour on the eyes. For myself, I tend to gravitate towards a bright pink on the lids and a touch of red patted on to the lips using my ring finger. This type of look always makes me feel confident and it is a lot more wearable than it sounds!

A red lipstick can come in so many shades and I think that is what scares a lot of people when trying to buy one. There are a few tried and true ways to determine what shade of lipstick might suit you and this is my favourite;

If you are unsure of your skin tone, have a look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear to be greenish in colour, you will typically have a warm skin tone. Warm skin tones look great in reds that contain coral, orange, gold, brown or copper in them.

If they appear more blueish in colour, you will typically have a cool skin tone. Cool skin tones look great in reds that contain pink, blue or plum in them, plus these shades are great at making your teeth appear brighter and whiter!

If they seem to have a mixture of green and blue you may be a neutral skin tone. A neutral skin tone can get away with most shades, it just depends on how brave you are feeling!

It is also really important to think about the depth of colour you choose for your lipstick. For example a lipstick that is quite light in colour and sheer in texture will look great on someone with fair skin and cool undertones but that same lipstick wouldn’t show up as much on someone with deep skin and golden undertones, they would need a richer shade with more depth to have the same impact.

We all can feel like popping on a bright lipstick can be scary and finding your perfect tone can be tricky, the best thing to do is to try some on when you are wearing either very little or more neutral makeup.

 I truly believe that the right lipstick will brighten your whole face and instantly make you feel happy. Most people will instantly know that they love a lipstick when they put it on.

Here is a list of my current favourite red lipsticks that I grab for time and time again:

Charlotte Tilbury – Hot lips Lipstick

Shade: Carina’s Love

Price: £25.00

It is a matte formula that is very comfortable on my lips. It is a medium toned, bright red.

https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/hot-lips-lipstick-carinas-love

MAC Cosmetics – Matte Lipstick

Shade:  Russian Red

Price: £17.50

This is a really great shade. It is blue toned and very intense when applied straight from the bullet. If you aren’t feeling quite so brave, why not try patting a little on with your ring finger and wearing it as a stain until you get used to it. It is a matte formula.

https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13854/310/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/matte-lipstick#!/shade/Russian_Red

Revlon – Super Lustrous Lipstick

Shade: Fire and Ice

Price: £7.49

This is such an iconic shade. Originally made in 1952, it is still a best seller. It has a creamy formulation, with orange/coral undertones.

https://www.boots.com/beauty/makeup/lips/all-lips/revlon-super-lustrous-lipstick-10058469

Lisa Eldridge – True Velvet Lipstick

Shade: Velvet Ribbon

Price: £26.00

Lisa’s lipsticks have quickly gained a cult following. They come in wearable, modern shades and Velvet Ribbon is a must have. This formulation is gorgeous; matte but creamy and hydrating on the lips. It is a neutral/blue red and suits everyone!

NARS Cosmetics – Velvet Matte Lipstick

Shade: Dragon Girl

Price: £22.00

This velvet matte lipstick is like a chubby liner. It’s easy to apply, long lasting and is a vivid red. Great for all skin tones

https://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/en/dragon-girl-velvet-matte-lip-pencil/0607845024576.html?cgid=lipstick

Maybelline – Super Stay Matte Ink

Shade: Pioneer (20)

Price: £9.99 (currently 2 for £12 at Superdrug)

These liquid lipsticks are my favourite formula, long lasting but still hydrating. Never dry looking, with a great shade range they are well worth checking out. Pioneer is a classic, bright red and I love it!

https://www.superdrug.com/Make-Up/Lips/Liquid-Lipsticks/Maybelline-Superstay-Matte-Ink-Liquid-20-Pioneer/p/739769

Have you got a favourite Red lipstick? Let me know what it is!

Have a great week!

Clare x

New Eye Liners For Autumn – 11/10/20

The weather is getting chilly, the nights are drawing in and the leaves are starting to fall off the trees. Here is a big hooray for Autumn!

I usually manage to get to July time before I start thinking about doing autumn makeup looks. However, as most of the glossy magazines are usually a month ahead (think ELLE, Marie Clare, Vogue) I always head to the beauty sections to discover the new trends that are filtering down to the consumers. Pinterest is also a great way to find fresh makeup trends you love and want to try for the new season.

There is no doubting that a subtle black winged liner teamed with a true red lip will always be a classic look for a lot of people, but why not use this time of year to switch things up a bit? With new releases now dropping constantly (all pointing towards the warmer autumn tones) now is a great time to think about trying a new autumnal shade on your eyes.

What colours am I talking about? Burgundy, plum, copper, burnt orange, bronze and warm toned browns. They all give a nod to the recent change in season and quite frankly, they just look beautiful on all complexions and eye colours. A new pencil eyeliner in a fresh colour can fit nicely into your makeup bag if you usually wear neutrals. A lot of the new formulations around are softer and more gel like, this is great as it gives you some play time if you want to soften and smudge but then once they are set, they stay put!

Here is a list of my current favourite autumn eye liner shades (all different price points, but all are fantastic):

Charlotte Tilbury – Eye Liner

Shade: Walk of No Shame

Price: £19.00

This a warm berry-russet shade that is smooth and long lasting.

https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/walk-of-no-shame-berry-eyeliner

Rimmel – Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner

Shade: Deep wine

Price: £4.99

A beautiful burgundy shade that looks great with green eyes. For the price point, all the shades in this range are fantastic and are staples in my pro kit.

https://www.rimmellondon.com/en-gb/eyes/eye-liners-and-eye-pencils/scandaleyes-waterproof-kohl-kajal

MAC – Eye kohl

Shade: Teddy

Price: £16.00

This is an gorgeous intense bronze shade that is great as an eyeliner or smudged on the eyelid as a base for a shimmering bronze smokey eye look.

https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13838/323/products/makeup/eyes/eyeliner/eye-kohl#!/shade/Teddy

Urban Decay – Glide On Pencil

Shade: Lucky

Price: £16.00

A metallic burnt orange shade that is surprisingly wearable and great for when you fancy a change. This liner is vegan too, which is a huge plus.

https://www.urbandecay.co.uk/en_GB/eyes/eyeliner/24-7/122.html#start=4&cgid=1_500

Glossier – Colourslide Technogel Eye Pencil

Shade: Disaster Class

Price: £13.00

This is a deep red wine shade that makes me think about mulled wine, roast chestnuts and open log fires. Bliss!

This is a great product to use for any kind of eye look you want, plus i just love the minimalist approach to fresh makeup that Glossier has.

This liner is cruelty free.

https://www.glossier.com/products/colorslide

Marc Jacobs – Highliner Gel Crayon

Shade: Sunset

Price: £21.00

Here we have a very warm toned, medium copper with a metallic finish.

These again, have great staying power and a super creamy.   https://www.harveynichols.com/brand/marc-jacobs-beauty/707589-highliner-gel-eye-crayon-eyeliner/p3273692/

That’s it, my favourite autumn liner shades!

Happy shopping!

Clare

My first ever blog post – 04/10/20

For those that don’t know me, let me take a minute to introduce myself…

My name is Clare and I’m a 44 year old professional makeup artist, working mainly in the wedding makeup industry. I’ve been freelance for almost 5 years, and have recently set myself the goal of writing a blog! So here is my first ever blog post…

I think we would all agree that Covid-19 has hit us all hard and a lot of people (like myself) are finding it increasingly hard to do what we love. After starting the New Year with the busiest wedding season for me to date, it all came crashing down. Weddings were sadly postponed until 2021 and I have patiently waited for the beauty and wedding industry to get up and running again.

I will be honest, it has been hard. Relying on creating makeup looks on myself for social media can be both time consuming and expensive (especially when you wash it straight off, so you can do another one before it gets dark!).

No matter who I do makeup on, I always make it my mission to understand their makeup needs. I ensure that I listen carefully to their requirements, and my goal is to make them look and feel amazing, whatever the occasion.

Likewise, when I post on social media (I post mainly on my Facebook business page and Instagram) I love to share a good mixture of work. I always ensure that all my tips are easy to follow and helpful to people that aren’t makeup obsessed like myself!

If you follow my Instagram page you will know I’m a little makeup magpie, collecting all of the products that twinkle and catch my eye! I simply love trying new products, new textures, new brands and recommending great products to my lovely followers.

So this brings me to what you can expect from my blog. I will be trying out and recommending products first and foremost. I will be giving an honest opinion and will let you know if I think they are worth parting with your hard earned cash for! I’ll also tell you the best way to apply them to get a pro finish, and I will be giving you tips to help makeup work for you.

Do you have a favourite mascara but it smudges all the time? No, problem, I have a product that will sort that.

Does your makeup always end up looking cakey and dry after lunch? I can help!

Do you fancy trying some false lashes, but don’t know where to start? I have favourites that I purchase again and again for both myself and my pro kit, so can advise.

Do you struggle with what brushes are best to use with particular products? I have tried a lot and have some great recommendations!

I would love it if you joined me on my makeup loving journey, but more importantly, I hope it helps someone fall in love with makeup.

I am super excited to get started!

Clare

Follow me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/clareflintmakeup

Follow me on Instagram: @clareflintmakeupyork