Photoshoot: Maria @ Boss

So, I've been keeping busy with lots of fantastic test shoots recently! The first came a few weeks ago with The Full Frame Photography. We had been wanting to shoot for a while and finally got together to shoot the beautiful Maria at his studio in Birmingham.

 

Maria needed some lingerie shots for her book and we had the opportunity to get a few beauty portraits too. The Photographer wanted to keep the makeup quite clean and natural, so I kept the colours neutral and let her beautiful skin and freckles shine through. Maria has such big, doe-like eyes so I left her lids clean, with just a little contour in the crease, and smoked an inky black liner underneath her lashes for definition. Her plump lips were prepped well and left free of liner to keep the look fresh, pressing a little Creme Cup by MAC onto the lips and highlighting the cupid's bow. Body make-up was also applied for the lingerie shots to perfect the skintone and add a natural glow.

My hero products for this shoot:

• Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Zero
• Nars The Multiple in Copacabana
• Benefit Bathina Body Balm

Maria has the perfect face for make-up with the most incredible features and was a total dream to work with. I think these shots are beautiful and hope to work with the fantastic team again.

Credits:

Photographer: The Full Frame

Model: Maria @Boss Model Management @Alan Sharman

Make-up and Hair: Laura Walton
 

Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura

An exciting new collaboration has just been announced between Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld and make-up giant Shu Uemura. After launching his make-up line with Sephora last Christmas, Lagerfeld is now working on a special holiday make-up collection with the Japanese beauty brand.

The designer has used Shu Uemura products for more than 20 years - albeit to bring colour to his fashion illustrations, rather than their traditional use. Why? “Because other manufacturers do not offer such beautiful colours,” he tells WWD.

'I love sketching in the morning,' Karl says. 'When I go to sleep I always put my pens and papers next to my bed. I use Shu Uemura shadows to sketch, since they are such fantastic colours.'

Lagerfeld himself selected the colours and packaging for the new collection and has already photographed the accompanying campaign. Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura will launch internationally in November; while the president of Karl Lagerfeld, Pier Paolo Righi, hints that the collection will reflect the designer's 'iconic, ironic style.' As a big fan of both Lagerfeld and the beautiful Shu Uemura line, I for one cannot wait to see the finished collection. 

Jubilee Beauty Buys

Some of Britain's best beauty brands have launched limited-edition products to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee this weekend. Get into the party spirit with products emblazoned with Union Jacks, London landmarks and Crown Jewels.

 

 

 

Shu Uemura

The Queen of lashes, Shu Uemura, have released their show-stopping Union Jack eyelashes. Stand out at that Jubilee street party with these red, white and blue Jewelled Lashes.

Union Jack Eyelashes - £50 exclusive to Selfridges

Chapstick

Combining a mix of carnauba wax, beeswax and camphor, this stick is formulated to soothe and nourish lips while preventing moisture evaporation. It also contains SPF 10 to keep lips soft and hydrated.

Union Jack Chapstick - £1.22 Available in Supermarkets and Pharmacies Nationwide

Vaseline

This Limited Edition Lip Pouch contains Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips and a handy mirror for those garden party touch-ups.

Union Jack Pouch - £3.99 from Superdrug

Harrods

New York perfume house Bond No. 9 has created a limited-edition Jubilee scent exclusively for Harrods. Harrods Jubilee features a beautiful base of Amber, Musk and Sandalwood to leave you smelling like a Queen. You'll need her bank balance too for this buy!

Bond No.9 - £290 for 100ml from Harrods

Nail Rock

The Nail Wrap trend continues with the release of these Union Jack Nail Wraps. Adorn your nails with the British flag and party in style.

Union Jack Designer Nail Wraps - £6.65 from Nail Rock

Batiste

My favourite dry shampoo has had a make-over in honour of the Jubilee. This fabulous product revitalises greasy and lifeless hair between washes, instantly leaving hair feeling clean and smelling beautiful.

Dry Shampoo in Brit - £1.45 from Superdrug

Neal's Yard Remedies

This luxurious organic Garden Mint & Bergamot Hand Lotion contains nourishing shea nut butter, jojoba and evening primrose oils.

Jubilee Hand Lotion £12.00 from Neal's Yard Remedies (Jubilee Hand Wash also Available)

Nails Inc.

'Jubilee' is a full coverage glitter polish with red, blue and silver particles. It features a crystal cap and is packaged in a patriotic British themed gift box.

Jubilee Crystal Colour - £15 from Nails Inc

Tangle Teezer

The innovative Tangle Teezer now comes in a Union Jack emblazoned cover. The Compact Styler is 100% British and a handbag favourite.

Cool Britannia Compact Styler - £13.99 from Tangle Teezer

Jane Iredale

In keeping with the 'Keep Calm' slogan craze, this exclusive refillable compact also features a hand-painted bold Union Jack design. The PurePressed base compact contains a water-resistant pressed mineral foundation and SPF 20. 

'Keep Calm and Powder On' Refillable Compact - £29.95 from Jane Iredale

Will you be getting into the Jubilee spirit and looking like a stylish royal this Bank Holiday Weekend?

First Blog Post

So, I thought it was about time I joined the blogging world! I hope to document not only my work and photoshoots, but products and techniques that I personally use and love. I would also like to share my endless inspiration for my work from photographers, magazine covers and editorials, catwalk trends, TV/film, books and fellow inspirational make-up artists.

I hope you enjoy reading and please feel free to share your thoughts and comments.

"Love of beauty is Taste. The creation of beauty is Art.” - Ralph Waldo

 Laura

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