Tuesday 3 March 2015

Winter Skin, Dry Skin

For some people, Winter changes everything about how their skin looks and feels but for others there are no signs of any changes.
Flushed cheeks, chapped lips and tauter skin can develop. Hibernation won't work, like it does for some of our friends in the animal kingdom, so brave it we must!

But why do some people escape the cold with no signs of dry, itchy, or dull skin?

Well it’s simply because  their skin has the ability to retain healthy water levels which keep the top layers soft, smooth and with that natural glow.

And as Makeup Artists what do we do?

When prepping a client’s skin before make-up application (one of the most fundamental parts of your ritual) this is your time to observe the skin type and its current condition, and where your valuable advice will come into play.

This is often where you can and will differentiate yourself!

My clients have zero outbreaks and will always comment on how great their skin felt after prep and another of course make-up application.

So water, water, water! What goes on your  skin is as important as what goes into your body!
Dehydration is the cause of many problem skin reports at this time of year.

If their skin is calling for help what you really ought to use are products containing skin-repairing ingredients that prevent moisture loss and enhance skin's natural ability to stay smooth, glowing, and soft.


I particularly love to use Gentle Cleanse and Make-up Remover by the Green People when it comes to make-up removal and cleansing, an all-in-one pump action bottle. It removes water proof mascara and eye liner in a few wipes. Genius!

Your clients will seek your advice and opinion on all manner of things – so take time to visit the various department stores and ask the counter staff for leaflets and product information. What are their best sellers? What's coming soon?

I am also a huge fan of organic where possible and an all time favourite classic of mine for a great moisture surge to the skin is a combination of mashed avocado and Manuka hone. Add a fair amount firstly like a face cream and really massage into the skin. This will start to dry. Once it does add a thicker layer onto the face, even eye area, and leave for 10 minutes before washing off. Your skin will feel glowing and have a wonderful natural moisturiser feel due to the avocado oil.

If you're looking for a bottled version and that little extra to help the skin on colder days try: 'Babaria Twenty' - Avocado and Aloe Vera face cream! It's amazing....

So what do you use? and more importantly why? Let me know and continue this discussion in the comments below!

Claire XXX

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Kristin Scott Thomas - 'Salmon Fishing In the Yemen'



Tomorrow's job in London is with the remarkable Kristin Scott Thomas, known for her films such as 'Four Weddings and A Funeral', 'Unforgettable Summer,' 'The Horse Whisperer', 'Mission Impossible', 'Gosford Park', the remarkable 'I've loved You A Long Time' and many more that are in pre production .
Tomorrow's interview will be with Sir David Frost for her film 'Salmon Fishing In The Yemen'.

My new products from Dr Hauschka: Rose day Cream, Concealer, and Mascara and from Terre D'Oc: Japanese Beauty Secrets Foundation and eye liner in Brun Fiji will all be set out in prep for Kristin's look.

Thursday 15 March 2012

LIONEL RICHIE - EUROPEAN PROMO TRIP














From London - Paris - Sweden - Denmark to Holland...

A 2 week tour of Europe to major TV's, press days, radio and photo shoots was in store for us as we were promoting Mr Richie's new album 'Tuskegee', before an end of year 2 month European tour...

Saturday 25 February 2012

THE BRIT AWARD EVENT - THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, LONDON AT PARK LANE



M.A.C.H team Left - Right in the Sky Suite at The Four Seasons Hotel, London
Bekki, Amy, Ashleigh, Mahreen, Amber, Holly, Claire, Anna, Mel, Sarah, Becky, Charlie, Cherie.



The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel, London at Park Lane

'Sleek, contemporary and glass-walled, our dazzling urban spa crowns the building with a 10th-floor rooftop retreat, offering panoramic views over the parks and historic cityscape'. Quote from 'The Four Seasons' Web Site.

http://www.fourseasons.com/london/spa/


Having an incredible team with me, enables all our skills to come together on days like this.
The M.A.C.H team provided first class makeup & hair for our fabulous event for 30 business ladies from all parts of the world on Tuesday 21st February for The Brit Awards.

The ladies had 3 hrs to enjoy their luxury afternoon, with fruit smoothies, juices, canapes, fruit platters & delicate miniature cakes upon arrival, before settling into their hour each of grooming...
Conversation, laughter and music courtesy of 'Cafe del Mare' enveloped the room creating a beautiful environment for all.
The event took place at the sensational Spa on the 10th floor of 'The Four Seasons Hotel' on London's infamous Park Lane. With views to die for, it truly is the leading location for any spa day, ladies day, or week/weekend away in style & luxury. You will be in the caring hands of Spa manager Livia Reddington and her fabulous team here.
With a birds eye view of the city of London you can enjoy the Spa cafe for a healthy light refreshment, a cocktail of pure juices and to revel in the elixir of life - but today the Spa cafe was transformed into any girls dream of the perfect Makeup & Hair boutique and we all look forward to many more events here...

From all at The M.A.C.H team & Management-many thanks Livia, Dora, Genevieve and team.

Monday 13 February 2012

BAFTA AWARDS - LONDON 2012



A fabulously glamorous day was had by all at this years 65th British Academy Film Awards in London.
Held at the iconic Royal Opera House, in Covent Garden, London, the red carpet arrivals, being the first glimpse of the stars of the years hit films, always draws in a huge audience, and yesterday was no exception, as Mr Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Colin Firth and Best Male Actor Jean Dujardin (from Best Film Winner 'The Artist) graced the carpet.

This year I looked after Mr Martin Scorsese's daughter Catherine, who's Father was presented with The BAFTA Fellowship Award, and was by his side all evening, went for a very sophisticated look with focus on eyes, and large full bodied hair.

Key makeup bag essential for the look I created: Nars Duo concealer in Custard/Ginger, Nars sheer Matt fluid Foundation in Fiji, Emani Pressed Blush in South Beach, MAC eye shadow in Patina & Vex, Bobbie Brown eye gel black, Japonesque lashes, Emani sheer lip gloss in Social Climber.

Wednesday 8 February 2012

Spring Summer 2012 Harlequin Fashion Shoot







Today's gorgeous seasonal shoot for Spring Summer fashion trends...that I've been doing with Erin and the team from The Harlequin for the past 3 seasons...
Laura The face of The Harlequin was her usual charming vivacious self, and lit up the room with her smile - ready for MAC's 'So Chaud' this season's key colour TANGERINE...


MAC 'SO CHAUD'

We had 5 changes to do from this seasons key tones of Tangerine, naval stripes, pastel, and floral print, from ZARA to TED BAKER! So tempted to have a little shopping spree!!!

Makeup and hair started out fresh with a girl next door feel, the only vibrant shade was MAC 's Lustreglass in 'Flashmode to Shop'...really sets off a clean flawless skin, great lashes, brows, nude cheeks...just a POP of pink!

From girl next door we moved the look up a notch or two to navy stripes, with the killer red through - moving on to some floral prints and a top we all wanted teamed with a hot coral shade jacket...a shopping list item 'must have'.

Hair got slightly bigger with a 'Stepford Wife' feel - big, bouncy and fun!

Great shoot! Full images to come....

TOWIE'S ARG - JAMES ARGENT does 'The Full Monty' - T-Mobile




James Argent, or 'Arg' as he's known to the avid viewers of 'TOWIE' bared all with his partners in crime Tommy Smith, 19, Dan Fisher, 26, Tim Langer, 29, and Mark Wright's cousin Georgie Wright, 26 for the performance of the day to mark the launch of T-Mobile's new 'The Full Monty' price plan.

Well, if like me you loved the movie, then Arg's recreation of the hilarious scene will make you smile for sure!
The guys had a great day, and what sports and true friends he has! Baring all with modesty 'in the hat' literally...!

In Becky's words...
'On the 20th January, I went along to Brixton with Claire to assist her for a photo shoot for the launch of T-Mobile's new tariff 'The Full Monty'. We did male make up for James 'Arg' Argent from the ITV2 show 'The Only Way is Essex' or 'TOWIE' and 4 of his friends to re-create The Full Monty. I did two of the boys whilst Claire made up Arg and the others. I used MAC's spf 35 concealer to conceal any blemishes or redness, as well as some lip balm for dry lips. A dusting of Emani pressed powder for any shine on camera and they were good to go. Whilst on set we did touch ups throughout the day and were also helping the boys with their ties and trousers (they were velcro'ed so had to be ripped off and put back on again!). All good experience for me and had a really good day!'




Thanks to Becky Sutton from my M.A.C.H team for assisting me - you were a marvel with the powder in all the right places, and thanks to Sam Holden photographer and colleague for the booking - great production!

Male grooming can sometimes be more of an art than usual makeup for women, as it really does have to 'not be seen' and hid any shaving spots/blemishes, and to be non mask like, so for James, I used:
*Shu Uemura UV Under Base Mousse in Beige - I've been using this for 16 years on all my clients, its THE most amazing prep for any skin type, and for male grooming works a treat! They feel comfy too as its mousse, maybe reminds them of a shaving product!
*MAC Studio Fix Concealer in NC 30 & NC 35 for areas that needed a flawless tone and shading.
*Followed by The Green People Mineral Foundation Powder in 'Maple' & 'Honey' - sheer and provides a flawless makeup free feel to any skin type...blendable excellence in a compact!

CLICK LINK BELOW TO SEE THE 'FULL MONTY' SHOOT DAY

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/video/tv-biz/4102317/TOWIE-do-the-Full-Monty.html#ooid=k3ZnZlMzq6FCjDxgkoPUalIqpUNG_Xid