Some of my recent work

Some of my recent work...

Sorry I havent blogged in a while...Ive been mega busy organising events for The London Makeup School and my freelance makeup jobs. We have a big event coming up at the end of May which i will blog about soon! :)

Just a quick visual update with some of my most recent fashion hair and makeup work.

           

 

www.makeupbyhena.co.uk

Vitality show - Earls Court 2013...plus haul

Last week I was at The Vitality Show in Earls Court representing The London Hair Academy. For those who follow my social media, may know I am now part of the Marketing and Events with the Academy and am organising all external activities. So last week I was given 7days to organise a team of hairdressers to represent the school in the shows' official salon. The team I got were absolutely fabulous and worked amazingly. The show was a great success and we cut an styled over 150 people in 4 days!

So in my breaks I couldn't help but shop. There were so many great little exhibitors. I went to 'The Bomb' which is like lush and stocked up in some goodies.
I got 2 scented candles, 2 gift boxes full if bath bombs and body scrub plus body butter. They all smell divine!

I also had my teeth whitened with 'Megawhite'. They use a blue light and guarantee your teeth to get 2-6 shades lighter. They usually charge £250 but at the show it was £79.99....but as I was working at the show I paid just £50! The results weren't that great to be honest but I did go about 2 shades whiter if even that. There's no pain just a little uncomfortable with the mouth guard.

I also bought a furry Russian style hat. Again I got a discount and I love them. They are so snuggly and glad I got them cos the next morning it was snowing here in London....gotta love English spring :(

I also got a few other beauty bits including makeup brushes from 'the vintage cosmetic company' which are a cute 40's style makeup line.
Finally got lots if samples of beauty, health and food goodies!

Keep posted for my next blog!

Feb glossybox uk 2013

Just got my box and I'm happy again!

Finally a box that made me smile :)

Like you all know I haven't really been feeling the glossybox recently and was contemplating whether I should cancel my subscription. This month I was happy with all my products.

What I got in my box...

Helen E lipstick (Caribbean) - full size
Me me me fat cat mascara - full size
Narcisco Rodriquez l'eau - 0.02 fl oz
Voulez vous mojito body oil - 10ml
Mica mineral blush (terracotta) - 0.8g
Glossybox heart lollipop

Also got a 40% discount code for stylist pick which is an amazing discount!

Happy me :)

Nail colours I'm loving

I love painting my nails! I have my little routine once a week when I sit down and give my hands a tlc treatment but filing my nails and tidying my cuticles. As a makeup artist I always believe appearance matters when working, this applies to hands too.
Recently I have become quite experimental with colours and styles. Last season I only wore the usual berry shades and darker autumnal colours but this year I'm trying all sorts.

I love nudes as they are classics that suit any occasion. My fave nudes are Nails inc and Sally Hanson. My favourite darker shade is by Seche and is the colour I received in my glossybox a couple months back. Right now I'm wearing my tangerine colour by Rommel which I love...feels like a little bit of summer on my hands in this gloomy weather.

New year purchases!

Happy new year guys!!

Once Christmas was over my next highlight was the sales! I am the biggest online shopper and hate walking around in shops especially sale time. To my surprise i actually did it this year. The shops were a complete mess and I was getting pushed around but other than that it was quite aright.
I got a few bits online and in the shops which I'm happy about.

I bought a gorgeous pair of spiked boots (originally £70) which I got for £15! I love them.

Also I got a pair of studded court shoes which were another bargain. They would look great with a pair of skinny jeans.

My final shoes were a pair of basic suede booties that can be worn for comfortable walking. I got these at a snippet at just £15 (originally £49.99) which is a great price for real leather shoes.

Clothes wise I bought quite a few bits. Firstly I got a very cute little cropped bomber jacket from Lipsy. This was originally £59.99 and I got it for £27.00. Worn with jeans or a little dress I think this is such a cute item.
My next item was also from Lipsy and was a knitted mini-dress. The blue/black combo gives it a sporty feel but the fit is a little more trendy so it looks great on.

My next item is from Miss Sixty and is a pair of fab skinny jeans. I love the way Miss Sixty jeans fit...they are so comfortable and fit like a glove. The pair I got are blue with a distressed gold trim on the top. Originally £150 but I got for £85.

I went into Miss selfridge and got a gorgeous leather jacket. I was eying this jacket up a while ago when it first came in season but wasn't to sure on paying£150 in another leather jacket as I have soooo many already. When I saw this marked as £70 I couldn't refuse. It fits perfectly and looks great on. I got a size 8 and its perfect (true to size)

Next I went to boots and I love going after xmas when all the gift sets are half price. I went straight to the Soap and glory section as I absolutely live the bodycare products. I usually religiously purchase the body butter and hand food hand cream. I wanted to try the sugar crush scrub as I have seen so many gurus raving about how great it is. I found a great set with everything!

The last item was a present for myself!...I think I deserve it :)
I got myself a new handbag. I needed a new black leather back which was a good size to carry for work. I usually put a lot in my bag so this was a great size for me.
It is the Marc Jacobs baby Aidan bag in black leather. I got it from Harrods for £395 and I love it!

Glossybox November 2012 UK

Got my November box today! Just a quick blog about what's in mine.

This is what I got

• Olay 3 point treatment face cream 7ml

• Wei beauty age control serum 4ml

• Alison Claire mango body butter 50ml

• Nails inc Kensington caviar top coat 4ml

• Dermalogica daily microfoliant 13g

Okay box I suppose but I was hoping for a makeup or hair product...but too skin care for me. Oh well lets see what next month has to offer!

Made in Chelsea...more blusher darling!

Hey guys...

So I got to do hair an makeup on the gorgeous little Louise Thompson from Made in Chelsea. The look was for the season finale episode (to be aired in around 6weeks) and was based on the 1950's. The Chelsea cast always have such extravagant parties I just know this will be full of drama, tears and a huge climax!
I absolutely love 50's hair, makeup and style...so elegant and classy. The women really did put effort in how they look with their perfect pouts and immaculate curled hair.
When I saw Louise, first thing I thought was how cute and petite she was. She came trailing into the makeup room with a suitcase larger than her...walking up 3 flights of stairs! To be honest I don't know how she did it, cos Im usually out of breath even when I'm empty handed doing that walk!

I sat her down on the chair and discussed various looks and styles that would complement her.
We decided on the look and we got started.

For a full blog about how I achieved Louise's look check out www.thelondonmakeupschool.com/blog. You can find out a step by step guide on how to get the look and the products I use. (Will be up in couple days)

So now for the gossip!
To be honest I'm not a watcher of Made in Chelsea but I kinda know what's going on cos there's never a day that goes past without the Mailonline dishing up some dirt on the guys.
So this week in MIC the one thing I keep hearing about is 'that shower scene'! Louise got quite a lot of stick about the scene about how the show doesn't seem that real if they have a crew filming in the shower. Well I kinda agree but what do you expect with reality tv. I asked her about it and she did say the show obviously wasn't totally real and a lot of scenes are created by the producers for ratings. If you don't have stories...you don't get airtime. It makes sense cos I'm sure people don't want to watch people sitting around doing nothing.
So the shower scene...Louise was wearing underwear! She mthat was obviously meant to be naked for the scene but she did hide her modesty with some nude underwear.
I also asked her about Spencer and whether they are actually together. The answer is yes. She first met Spencer when she was 18 and he kept 'pestering her' for a date. The relationship has been on, off, on, off but is now defiantly on. I had to ask about Spencer appearing on 'The Batchelor' and how she felt about it. She actually told Spencer to go for it as it was a good paid opportunity and apparently he was I the need of money to pay debts.
I thought it was strange that on the bachelor Spencer chose the blonde ditsy one as the winner...but apparently that was Louise's choice as she knew that the relationship wouldn't go past the show.

That's most of the info I got...thanks guys who send me questions to ask Louise.
Anyway make sure u check out the school blog for the full look!
Xx

Seasonal hairstyles...long hair!

I love long hair. It just makes you feel more girly and you can do so much more with it when it comes to styling.

In summer I tend do keep hair quite soft and natural looking. I don't really use too many heat products and concentrate on keeping the hair hydrated and conditioned. Soft beach hair is what I aim for myself and my clients so I tend to go for loose braids or waves. I always prefer a lighter shade in summer too, I think highlights with warmer tones just give you a more glowy look. Think of the gorgeous supermodel Gisele...we may not be blessed with her amazing figure but we can recreate that sexy beach hair! The best way to achieve this look without using heat is to set the hair in large rollers and leave for a while. When released softly brush through the hair and apply some finishing creme

When autumn/winter comes along its a different look altogether. Along with the whole winter style being darker and richer, I would bring this in hair colour too. Hair can be darker and a little more heavy looking in this season.
Style wise there is a lot we can do. I use more moisturising styling products as hair can get dried out with the cold weather.
When winter comes it usually starts with the strong windy weather. For the wind I suggest a simple ponytail. This is a timeless classic look that's can be accessorised with different hair ties or combined with a hair band. I usually go for a pony with a little height on top. I like the ponytail to look like you just tied it up in a second rather than smoothing with a comb for ages. The celeb i mostly think of who has a looser pony is the beautiful Jessica Alba. Her hair is amazing and effortless looking. When she has a simple ponytail, its usually backcombed on top to create a soft height.
Another style that I do a lot for my clients is a cute ballerina bun. This bun in in the crown of your head and very tight and clean looking. Using a spongy donut pull the ponytail through and start wrapping the hair around securing with pins. The final result will look like a clean bun. This look is perfect for the windy weather as you don't need to worry about you hair getting caught in your lipgloss!

The end of the year is more if a festive time so hair and makeup is more party orientated. I will blog a little nearer the time on how to achieve the perfect party looks!

Products I recommend-
Cleansing-
Kerastase moisturising shampoo
Aveda pure fume brilliant shampoo
Batiste dry shampoo (for those lazy days)

Conditioner/masque -
Aveda Clove conditioner
Lush r&b revival hair moisturiser
L'anza leave in conditioner
Kerastase oleo masque

Styling -
Redken heat protector
Paul Mitchell hairspray
Ellnett hairspray
Lee Stafford argon oil serum (apply on soaking wet hair and to add shine to styled hair)

Donut hair piece can be bought from most high street shops/drugstores.

Pretty pink lips

I absolutely love pink lipsticks and am always in the lookout for new ones. My makeup kit consists of around 100 pink toned shades.

Here are my reviews on a few of my face pink lipsticks by Mac.
(Swatches from left to right)

• Mac - Gladiola. This lip colour is a purple toned fushia pink. It is a matte finish and very bold in colour. I love this shade but it is very strong especially on a more tanned skin. I am a mac nc30-35 and this colour looks nice but if you are more towards nc42 or darker I think this colour can be a little overwhelming on your skin tone.

• Mac - Pink Nouveau. This lipstick is a satin finish which means it has no shimmer or gloss. Again like the Gladiola this is overwhelming on a darker skin tone unless you are comfortable with strong lips. If you like the Nicki Minaj pink lip then you will love this. Very pretty colour but really should be worn with a simple eye. Just a little tip...apply lip conditioner before as this does dry the lips a little.

• Mac - Chatterbox. This is an amplified creme finish. I love wearing this colour when I am tanned (nc42) as it really suits a warmer skin tone. It is a very soft baby pink which has warm undertones rather than blue therefore it is a little easier to wear. I definatly recommend this on tanned skin tones.

• Mac - Pink plaid. A matte finish lipstick with a blue undertone. This again is a cold pink which can be a little harsh to begin with but I usually blot this colour as it is matte anyway. This softens the colour and makes it a little more wearable. The plus side to blue toned pink is that it makes teeth look whiter!

• Mac - Snob. Satin finish lipstick. This is a very pale pink. It can look a little too pastel on darker skin tones but is very pretty on light to medium skins. This colour is a very girly pretty pink and teamed with a winged eyeliner and pink blush can look very cute.
Also this shade has a matching lipgloss and nail varnish...all gorgeous!

The final pinks I love from Mac haven't swatched as I just can't find them in my kit :(

Mac Angel - gorgeous soft warm pink
Mac lovelorn - soft rose pink
Mac creme cup - soft baby pink
Mac Girl About Town - bright fushia

Stay tuned for my next blog! Xx

Teaching at the London Makeup School...and my bridals!

Hey guys, a lot of you already know this but I'm teaching some courses at the London makeup school now. I specialise in the Asian Bridal courses but also teach most of the makeup courses held at the school.
If any of you guys are interested in learning makeup or hair I strongly recommend it. The classes are small (a lot of them are one to one) so you can really have some intensive training.
If you are interested in me teaching you, just ask for me!

http://www.thelondonmakeupschool.com

Also I've been doing alot of weddings recently which is a great surprise. This time of the year is always quiet on the wedding scene but to my surprise people are opting for a winter wedding!
I love the idea of winter weddings...so nice to go more autumnal with shades and stronger with overall looks. Here's a quick snap of my bride I did a couple days ago...the rich vibrancy of colour really made her stand out in contrast with the grey miserable London weather.