MAKEUPAUFAIT ON THE MOVE TO WORDPRESS!

Please follow me on makeupaufait at Wordpress from March 2012!

IN THE BAG - TOP SHOP'S BRIGHTON ROCK LIPSTICK

This has been my favourite lipstick for months.  I've always been a bit of a pink lipstick girl...I get it from my Mum!  Brighton Rock is a bright, vivid pink with a creamy matte texture, which has excellent staying power.  To prepare the lips, I do tend to use a touch of lip balm, which I then blot before applying the lipstick.  Matte lipsticks have a reputation for drying out the lips, however, this formulation bucks the trend.

USE YOUR HEAD - PHYTO INTELLIGENT SHAMPOO

If you feel like you want to give your hair a good cleanse, perhaps after a day in the city or after a swim, I've found this to be an excellent shampoo.  It's gentle enough to use daily though...just a little bit goes a long way and your hair feels good as new!

PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS - NATALIE IMBRUGLIA

Natalie Imbruglia
Phr - Polly Borland
National Portrait Gallery - Australians Exhibition

This shot, for the National Portrait Gallery Exhibition, was taken in Natalie's house in London.  I went for a very natural look, which suited the relaxed set up of the day.  She is a dream to make up, as she takes great care of her skin and is incredibly photogenic.

NEW YORKER CAMPAIGN - THE MOVIE!

Here's the filmed version of the New Yorker fashion campaign I worked on last year, in London's Portobello Road and Brick Lane.
Look out for Jesse Wood...currently Fearne Cotton's other half!  

BODY TREAT - COWSHED JUNIPER BERRY DETOXIFYING BODY CREAM

This jar of delights is a big treat for the skin and the senses.  It rich, creamy texture absorbs effortlessly and the beautiful scent is delicate yet aromatic.  A beautiful gift for a pal and even better for your own boudoir!

MY FAVOURITES' - NAIL POLISH - MAVALA "RIGA"

If you like a paler, yet colourful nail colour I highly recommend Riga. It's a subtle pink that makes a statement!  You do need a few coats, however, if you use the Mavala Colorfix Top Coat to finish the job, it gives the colour great durability.

NEW EDITORIAL - SPORTSWEAR INTERNATIONAL SHOOT

Sportswear International Magazine - Issue #241
Phr - Sylvain Homo

The recently published Winter Issue of Sportswear International, features a fashion editorial shoot I worked on in December.  The shoot was inspired by 'This is England".  For more images from the session clink on this link to my agency's website: Skinny Dip

THE MEN'S ROOM - KIEHL'S BLUE ASTRINGENT

Kiehls's Blue Astringent Lotion is a must have for the male bathroom cabinet.  It's great post-shave, especially if there have been a few nicks.  It helps to take the redness down of angry blemishes too.  Use a cotton bud or a tissue soaked in the lotion to the affected area.  

ANY QUESTIONS?

I thought it might be interesting to see if you have any make up queries, that I might be able to help you with?  Perhaps you would like tips on application or advice regarding which products might be best for you?  I can then feature them on make up au fait!  You can send me your questions at fay@makeupaufait.com or on Twitter @fayjwl

IN THE BAG - MAYBELLINE WATERPROOF GREAT LASH MASCARA

This is an essential component in my personal make up bag.  I wear waterproof mascara everyday and this one is a winner.  I wear contact lenses and the formulation is comfortable for my eyes.  You can build up volume with a few coats, although best not to let dry between applying them.  If you like sports and don't like to be seen bare faced, this is ideal too...no pandas in the gym!
Available in Very Black and Dark Brown.

TOP MARKS - ATHERTON COX SALON, MARYLEBONE

Atherton Cox Salon - New Cavendish Street, London W1

This week, I paid a long overdue visit to a real gem in world of London hairdressing.  Its friendly, non-intimidating atmosphere was a real tonic.  I haven't been to the salon for a few years, yet it has retained its buzz and rosta of top professionals.  My stylist, Mariko Kinto, gave my hair a well needed update and I left feeling I had my hair back again!  The massaging chairs at the backwashes and head massage courtesy of James, initiated the start of a relaxing and enjoyable barnet pampering session!

RED CARPET REPORT - THE BAFTAS 2012

The BAFTAS has become the most prestigious date in the award season in the UK.  Doing make up for the red carpet is always a thrill. This year, I was excited to be working for a private client, whose husband was nominated for an award.  Here are a few of my favourite, red carpet essentials:

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, Cover FX Serum, Foundation & Powder for blemishes and body, MAC Blot Powder, Smashbox Brow Tech Wax, Ardell Individual Lashes, Duo Eyelash Glue - Dark Tone, Burts Bees Radiance Body Lotion.

My favourite star of the evening was Michelle Williams.  I loved the fact she chose to wear H&M and give Marilyn a nod with those lips!

THE BLACK KEYS

The Black Keys - Phr Nick Dorey
Clash Magazine photo session
Grooming by Fay Leith @ Skinny Dip

The Black Keys truly are one of the bands of the moment.  It's been great working with the guys while they've been over.  I saw them live for the first time a few days ago.  They were incredible...nearly two hours of relentless rock 'n' roll.  Look out for the Rankin shoot I did with them in the coming weeks on make up au fait!

THE CHECKOUT - LAURA MERCIER - CAVIAR STICK EYE COLOUR

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Khaki

This Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Khaki, created a beautiful, smokey eye effect on the shoot for Grazia last weekend.  I applied it with the stick over the lid and a little under the bottom lashes first, then used a brush to blend it into the eyelid crease and under the eye, to give a smouldering look.  After this time, the colour sets, so it stays in place for the rest of the day! Watch out for more chat about the Laura Mercier and Smashbox products I used on the shoot in future posts.

BRING IT BACK - L'OREAL HYDRA RENEWAL

Here's a product that I will go to lengths to find.  It used to be widely available in the UK, then it gradually disappeared about seven years ago.  It's such a good moisturizer, if you have dry, sensitive skin.  In the past, I've had it shipped over from the US in bulk,  where it's still available.  If you know anyone heading that way, get them to bring you a pot or two back!

PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS - TIM ROBBINS

Tim Robbins for Esquire - Phr Dan Burn Forti
Grooming by Fay Leith@ Skinny Dip

This was a great session for Esquire, during a promotional visit to the UK.   I felt privileged to be asked to work with him.  He was a true gent... I remember we had a good chat about hockey too... of the ice variety!

WELCOME!

New Yorker A/W 2011/12 - Phr Timothy Barnes

Hello and welcome to my blog!  I've been talking about doing this for ages.  It's taken a while to get out of the blocks, but here I am.  I've been on the make up scene since the early nineties, so I've got lots to share with you.  It's been a busy few weeks: one of the highlights included working with The Black Keys on their shoot with Rankin and at the weekend, I'm doing a shoot for Grazia with Kevin Foord.


Above is a shot from the current campaign for the New Yorker store in Germany.  I created the make up looks for their instore, online and billboard images.  On our model, Abi Fox from Models One, I used some of my make up favourites: Chanel Mat Lumiere foundation, Shiseido Shimmer Eye Cream in Sable, Elizabeth Arden Smoky Eyes Powder Pencil in Espresso and Top Shop Lip Stick in Enamoured.


To see more of my work, you can visit my agency's website: www.skinnydip.co.uk

COMING SOON!

Roisin Murphy, Phr Ram Shergill

Make up by Fay Leith @ Skinny Dip