ASK KELLI…

Have you got a beauty question?

The first issue of BLUSH magazine is out – it is a relaunch and rebrand of a title that supports cancer care charities… this first issue is in support of Look Good feel Better and CoppaFeel! – and I am currently taking questions all things beauty related for the ASK KELLI column of the magazine…

Do you have a question about your make-up? Or hair? Skin care routine? The latest products? Best lippy? Or want a quick-how to on a look?

Please email me via the contact page or comment under this blog post.

You never know your question may be included in the next issue of Blush.

Thanks, Kelli x

Bridal Beauty Inspiration…

Here is some inspiration for a bridal beauty look on a recent bride Sam. Check out these photos by Tony Gameiro… love this romantic look.

Use lip brush for even coverage.

Pout and apply.

Sucked in cheeks for high cheek application.

Bride’s best friend.

Bronzer.

Retouching eye make-up.

Happy bridal party.

Kiss the bride.

Always there for a touch-up.

Mascara.

Room full of make-up.

Mascara on bottom lashes.

Stunning finished look.

Romantic bride.

Best day ever.

I just wanna get married!

Bride Sam is delighted with her make-up.

A selfie of final look.

Photographer: Tony Gameiro.

Valentine’s Look

Achieve this look for Valentine’s Day:

This is a lovely look for Valentine brides, but you can adapt this sexy look, by simply adding just one simple flower in the hair… remember to have an un-done hair look and leave strands out to frame the face.

Here is a simple step-by-step for the make-up:

Step 1:

Ensure the face is clean and moisturised with a non-greasy light product… if the product is greasy then the make-up will not stay on.

Step 2:

Apply a primer to the skin and allow it to soak into the skin… be patient as this may take a couple of minutes.

Step 3:

Apply the correct blend of Airbase Airbrushing foundation with a medium to full coverage. I do love this foundation product, but i also love Bare Minerals – as you can build up to the right coverage too.

Step 4:

Prime the eyes separately – I like P.Louise primer… It is thick, but not heavy. And then apply natural matte shadow, before adding black liner to the inside lower lid and beneath the upper lid.

Step 5:

Apply a layer of mascara, before applying the strip lashes close to the root of the natural lashes. Remember to add a couple of coats to the lower lashes… they will look lost otherwise. When applying lashes, ensure you push them down fully over the natural lashes closing in the gap and avoiding showing skin, you can correct with liner after application if needed, but prevention is better than cure.

Step 6:

After lashes are dry, apply the black liner – either liquid or kohl (I like Benefit, Mac and Bobbi Brown), across the upper lid, do not go to the inside corner.

Step 7:

Apply a pink-rose shade of blusher to suit your skin tone. Ensure application goes from the apple of the cheeks up the cheekbones and lightly over the areas that would naturally be touched by sunlight. Try not to go across the cheekbone.

Step 8:

Define eyebrows but not with an outline… use an eyebrow mascara to get some definition of singular hairs as opposed to blocking the brow shape with a gel or shadow.

Step 9:

Use a deep pink-red lip liner to outline the shape of your lips and then fill in with a low sheen gloss, but avoid using a matte lipstick to finish the look. Glossy is very kissable for Valentine’s Day.

Creatives:

Photographer:http://www.dreamphotography2012.co.uk 

Make-up: http://www.kelliwaldock.co.uk

Hair: http://www.one4hairdressing.com

Dresses: https://www.yourdressforless.co.uk

 

 

Christmas Beauty Traditions and Trends 2018

Christmas is a busy time for beauty therapists, makeup artists and hairstylists… And I for one, absolutely love it!

These are traditional looks that always get attention:

• Glitter on the lips or eyes – go with twinkling silver or sparkly gold as opposed to greens, purples or reds as these colours can look a little halloween like.
• Metallic shadows look festive.
• Shimmer on the cheekbone is a winner.
• Bride red lips are a fav too – a bright ruby red that Santa would approve of… but deep berry reds look great too.

These are some trends that you may want to try this coming Christmas fora  party or family celebration:

• Two-tone lipstick is a great party look. Choose colours that pop and mix well together, such as burnt orange and shimmering gold or bright pink with mauve.
• Feather lashes are fab – but keep the rest of the look plain and simple so it doesn’t have a fancy dress vibe.
• Nude lips and dewy skin is a trend for 2018 with doll-like lashes top and bottom – think Twiggy in the 1960s.
• Pink shadows look fab – keeping it darker on the inner nose and lighter towards the outer eye.

I have some great links to festive looks for brides on my Press page.

When it comes to hair trends this Christmas 2018…

• Smooth fringes with crimped long hair left loose is a trend for 2018… Where big earrings and a simple slide to pin the hair away from the face. A side parting works better than a centre parting on this trend as it is less seventies and more modern. Crimped hair can bounce too much with a centre parting too. Use a hair shine or even sparkle spray to finish the look.
• Smooth around the face but messy on the top is also a trend seen on the runway… go for a top not that almost looks like you have scooped your hair up before a shower. use spray to keep everything smooth and in place and wear big odd earrings for a really on-trend party look.
• If you want to go with a centre parting then keep the hair straightened and smooth with slides at each side or even delicate or ornate headbands.
• For extra sass and glamour at a party opt for a vintage s-curve hairstyle.
• If you are wearing big lashes or strong makeup then a high sleek ponytail is practical and striking and always a winner on a runway and at a party.

Don’t forget your nails!

Mix and Match

• Reds and golds are popular at Christmas… but be bold and dare to go a little unique too.
• Add designs or gems to your ring finger or index fingernails.
• If you have really long nails you can have a nail ring added especially for Christmas.
• Metallic nails look great as do classic French manicure.
• Coral was a trend in summer, but also works for Christmas.

Metallic

The feature image is Snow Queen Bridal makeup and you can get the look if you click here: Your Kent Wedding.

Snow Queen Makeup

Bridal Beauty Makeovers in Kent, Whitstable, Maidstone and Greater London

All brides are different when it comes their beauty makeover… but there are four distinct ‘types’ that I find most brides fall into…

Here are more details – which one do you think you are?

Type one:

The bride that knows what she wants for her beauty makeover…

This bride will arrive at a consultation with fixed ideas for hair and makeup. She will know shades and tones and even request certain product types – a favourite being the airbase airbrushing foundation.

This bride is so confident in what she wants that the trial and consultation is about confirming to the bride that I, as the professional makeup artist and bridal hairstylist, can materialise her vision.

Tip for bride-to-be: Be open to ideas too as you may not have thought of everything… this could be as subtle as the shape of eyelashes.

Tip for hair and make-up artists: Understand that it is our job to make the bride’s vision happen, even if this isn’t the look we would always recommend, but also offer your expert advice respectfully as the bride may not have considered everything.

Type two:

The bride that has no clue of what she wants for her beauty makeover…

This bride is completely different to the first type and literally has no idea what she wants – that is until I give her my professional hair and makeup advice and then she gets some ideal of what would suit her theme, her facial features, hair texture, the skin tone and so on.

Brides that don’t really wear make-up do find they need a trial and consultation for that added reassurance and initial advice and it is delightful to see how confident they come across after they have their bridal beauty makeover.

Tip for bride-to-be: Do lots of looking around at photos of what you may like to try, but don’t go too much out of your comfort zone – you will have lots of photos remember and you want to look back knowing you were happy with your choice.

Tip for hair and make-up artists: Consider every element to support the bride with her choices, such as her theme, her personality, her skin tone, her dress shape… because this will really create an overall image of what would be perfect for her perfect day.

Type three:

The bride that wants the full works for her beauty makeover…

Some brides want to have nails, lashes, a detailed hairstyle and full-on make-up. This maybe because they wear lots of make-up usually, and they are comfortable with a full coverage, or it maybe because they hardly wear make-up and really want to ‘wow’ their husband-to-be and their future guests with a beauty transformation.

Tip for bride-to-be: Just because there is a trend on youtube or with celebrities doesn’t necessarily mean it will suit your wedding day – so be inspired, but be careful not to go overboard.

Tip for hair and make-up artists: Build the look up gradually at the trial because it shows your bride the in-between possibilities too… and you can decide between the pair of you if going stronger on the ski, lips or cheeks etc with work.

Type Four

The bride that wants a beauty make-under for her wedding day…

It may surprise some people to discover that many brides, even those that usually wear a full coverage and styled hair, often opt for a very classic, natural bridal look. This can stun guests as much as a full make-over, because it is unexpected.

This entails bringing out the natural facial features and enhancing them in a very classic way. The hair is usually very simple too, with cascading curls or a classic bun.

Tip for bride-to-be: Even if you want really natural, remember that cameras will pick up everything and that you need enough coverage for the whole day.

Tip for hair and make-up artists: Don’t apply lashes or too much contour, this instantly keeps the look natural.

Sometimes it can simply be a photograph, or even a memory that can inspire your overall beauty for your wedding day. So look at photos, go for walks to your favourite places, try on dresses and be inspired by other brides too, even famous ones, like the royal family, or celebrities…

For more bridal inspiration check out my portfolio.

Brides to be visit my bridal make-up packages.

#BANGS Fringe or no Fringe, that is the question!

Fringe Benefits

I love a fringe! A good fringe frames the eyes and makes you look styled, even when you’ve had no time to style your hair and barely managed to pull it into a topknot or ponytail! It is also a great way of making long hair feel more interesting, or for when you’re trying to grow your hair long again. This fringe is a clip on used by Vicki Lord at a shot we did together… there are loads available from Balmain.

Photo by Samantha Jones

Not convinced but it’s too late?

Don’t worry! Fringes grow out really fast – ask anyone with a fringe! And in the meantime, take a leaf from Kate Middleton’s book… she had a fringe for a very short time before blow-drying it to the side and styling it back into her hair so it no longer fell into her face. Then she had some clever layers cut in and styled back so you could barely tell she’d had a fringe cut in at all!

So why not give it a try and before you know it you can tuck it behind your ears and we’re none the wiser!

I’d love to hear what you think – Fringe or no fringe?

Brides to be visit my bridal make-up packages.

3 Top Tips for #Bronzer to keep your summer glow

I love a bit of bronzer in the summer – it just makes you feel like you’re s till on holiday! It looks amazing for a natural glow if it’s applied the right way. Here are my top three bronzer tips to help you and your clients feel that summer sun long into autumn:

Less is more so don’t go over the top!

It’s easier to add more bronzer and build up the glow than it is to take it off once you’ve already applied it! So, add a dab to your bronzing brush and dust off any excess before you get started. It’s also a good idea to wear a cream or peach coloured dressing gown when you are applying bronzer – not only will you protect your clothes from getting covered in bronzer but you are less likely to put too much on because you think you look pale!

Three is the magic number…

It definitely is when it comes to bronzing your face! Imagine drawing a big number three starting from the hairline on your forehead, then to your cheekbone, finishing under your jawline. These are the places where the sun naturally tans you, so it will give you a more naturally bronzed look. Repeat on the other side of your face. Try this with an unloaded brush to get a feel for the right sweeping motion.

Don’t forget your sun-kissed shoulders…

For a more natural bronzed look you’ll want to add a dusting of bronzer along the collar bone and shoulders – basically anywhere you are likely to catch the sun! Be careful to blend with a clean brush if you have to so you don’t get any bronzer collecting in big brown dots on your shoulders! And remember to extend your skin cleansing routine to include your shoulders and collar bone if you extended your bronzing!

This photo is a different type of bronzing – focusing on the eyelids and cheek bones… it looks really stunning for a summer wedding.

Let me know how you get on with your bronzing!

Brides to be visit my bridal make-up packages.

Mum’s #make-up for the school run

Before we get started you probably look fabulous without any make-up and can get away with a beanie hat and a pair of sunglasses! But for those days when you feel a little pale or just want to just look a little more polished without getting up at 4 am; here are my five winning tips for early-morning make-up:

1. Wash your face, tone and moisturise, then once you’ve let your moisturiser settle, take a look in the mirror to see if you even need a base or foundation…
2. If you’re skin is looking bright, then even out your complexion with some well-matched concealer or a CC or BB cream.
3. Conceal any under-eye shadows with a light-reflecting concealer that is easy to blend and has a slightly yellow tone.
4. Brush your brows and add a lick of mascara to your top lash line only
5. Finish up with a dab of blusher and a lip balm or gloss.

Top Tip:

Check your face in a full mirror in daylight before you leave the house – sometimes early starts can mean we forget to blend in properly along the jawline or cheekbones!

Perfect and ready to go!

Brides to be visit my bridal make-up packages.

Back to School #Hair for Kids

I hear it all the time – kids wanting French plaits and frills and mum’s in the middle of making lunch boxes and breakfast and barely has time to put on her face before doing the school run! Here are some easy morning time-savers for stylish back-to-school hair…

Fight with the hairbrush

Get madam to brush her own hair before you get styling! Try a ‘tangle-teezer’-style hair brush to make it easier to get started and then you’ll have knot-free hair to work with.

Wash and condition

Using a detangling conditioner and then combing hair is a great help, so you don’t fight with brushing in the morning.

The night before

Long hair easily gets tangled overnight, so do the centre parting and two Pippi Longstocking- style plaits for bed and hair will be tangle-free in the morning.

French plaits made easy

There’s no way round a French plait – you just have to practice a few times to get it right! Start right at the top as bringing in the three sections of the plait from where the fringe would be and weave in hair from the sides, as you continue to plait down the length of the hair. It will take a while so you might want to opt for a pony tail or a topknot if you’re strapped for time!

Accessories…

Ribbons, JoJo bows, Alice bands, clips (depending on the school rules, of course) – make the simplest hairstyle into something special! It’s definitely best to choose the night before so you have more time to get your make-up done in the morning😉

If you’re feeling more adventurous and you are all early risers in your household you can try your hand at this windy-hair-day braids:

https://kelliwaldock.co.uk/2017/08/08/best-hair-for-kids-on-a-windy-day-out/

Let me know how it goes!

What tips and tricks do you have for easy back to school hair?

Brides to be visit my bridal make-up packages.

Golden Eyes #makeup

Gold base for party eyes: When I finished this look, I absolutely had to show you all! It’s just the perfect eye make-up look for any occasion – be it a wedding, a party or a prom. I’ve used a shimmery white and pale golden shadow across the entire eyelid then shaded ever so slightly darker with gold at the outer edges and blending gently into the sockets. It almost looks like I’ve just used one colour.

Precision liner: Then I’ve applied a thick line of precision liner along the top lash line and smudged kohl along the lower lash line, leaving the inside of the lash line free to widen the eyes even further. And left the inside corner of the eyes completely free. A coat of mascara to the lower lashes and some extra thick lashes along the top and you get this amazing look. I’ve kept the complexion soft and flawless with light peachy pink blush and pink lips.

Brides to be visit my bridal make-up packages.