1. Can you give us a brief overview of your background/qualifications and what attracted you to the beauty industry?

• I started off in the industry as a commercial model and I always felt so much more confident when my makeup had been done that I often thought how nice it would be to do the same for other women.  You really don’t need a lot of makeup to make a huge difference, not only aesthetically, but also to a woman’s confidence.  It was making this small difference to someone’s day that I found appealing, so I acquired a VTCT Level 3 in Makeup Artistry and the rest, as they say, is history

2. What is it that you enjoy in particular about bridal beauty and do you have a signature style or certain style of look that you love to create?

• Even though I am trained in all areas of makeup, I specifically love Bridal because you get to play a huge role in the most important day of a woman’s life and see some really precious moments.  My signature style has always been ‘less is more’ so an ‘enhanced natural’ or ‘understated glam’ is what excites me rather than full-on glamour.

3. In addition to bridal what other types of work do you do (i.e. editorial, fashion, etc?) and can you give us some examples of places you have worked/brands/publications you have worked for?

• I have worked with various brands over the years and have been lucky enough to travel extensively for work, most recently being Antibes working alongside Nicky Clarke for an exclusive wedding. I am also involved in a lot of commercial shoots for the likes of Sainsbury's, AMEX, and the BBC, and have recently been involved with London Fashion Week.

4. How do you translate fashion looks from catwalks to brides for the aisle and what would you say are the key fashion looks that are filtering into bridal makeup currently?

• I always like to keep up to date with what is hot from the catwalks and would translate this with a gentle nod to what is going on, rather than replicate it directly.  I always give my brides exactly what they want and if that happens to be a look hot from the catwalks then that is what she can have, but I do like to remind my brides that timeless and elegant is usually the best way forwards.

5. You are also a qualified hair stylist specializing in bridal hair – again, do you have a signature style or certain looks that you love to create?

• I love to create up styles and find it very therapeutic to do so. I guess my favorite looks are the ‘done but undone’ variety, so not too structured and strict.

6. What hair trends do you predict being big in bridal for the year ahead?

• Trends in wedding hair are really quite broad and tend to come and go, having said that, they are usually dictated by the dress. The ‘less is more’ look is becoming more popular and with less emphasis on structured styles.

7. In your opinion what should brides look for in a makeup artist/hair stylist for their big day and where should they look for inspiration for their bridal hair and makeup?

In my opinion, it is important to look for someone who not only has great artistry talents, but also someone you gel with on a personal level.  MUA’s are spending the most important day of your life with you in a very intimate setting, and there has to be a level of trust and rapport there for you to feel totally comfortable.  Pinterest and Instagram are my main resources for any bridal inspiration or anything else for that matter!

8. Are there any key brands that you tend to use and, if so, which are they and why do you favor these?

I love Bobbi Brown as it just does what it says on the tin (so to speak) and I just love the company ethos that goes along with it. Having said that, every brand out there has products that work wonders and that I like for different reasons.  For me, the most important thing is that it delivers what is promised and lasts as long as you do!

9. You also offer makeup lessons for brides and bridesmaids – please could you tell us a little about these – what’s involved, who they would appeal to in particular, where they are held?

The master classes have been designed specifically for women who want to do their own makeup for their wedding, as they might be getting married abroad or want something fun to do as part of a hen party package.  Our next master class will be held at The Wedding Gallery on December 12^th

To date what would you say is the proudest moment of your career and do you have any further goals that you are keen to achieve?

Providing a team of Makeup Artists for Nicky Clarke in Antibes was a proud moment and I now represent him for weddings as a result, so if you would like to get involved ladies, let me know!  One day, I would really like the opportunity to interview Bobbi Brown.

10. How do you keep abreast of the latest hair and beauty looks – where do you look for inspiration and do you have any role models?

Instagram and Pinterest are where it’s at for inspiration, and attending Bridal Fashion Week in London and Barcelona.  In terms of role model Makeup Artists, clearly Bobbi Brown herself, Hannah Martin, and Lisa Eldridge.

11. What would be your top five makeup/hair beauty tips for brides-to-be:
12. Pay attention to your skincare at least 3-6 months in advance
13. Always have a hair and makeup trial, and take a white or ivory top with you
14. Take reference shots with you and be clear in the look you want to achieve
15. Be realistic with your chosen hairstyle, taking into consideration your hair type
16. Don’t even think about hair and makeup until you have your dress!
17. Can you tell us about your professional makeup courses/academy – why you wanted to offer this? Who is this aimed at? What does it involve? How long is the course and how often do they run? Where are the courses held? What qualification/accreditation do participants achieve?

• At The Bridal Makeup Academy, we predominantly work with people who want to start a new career in bridal makeup, who may currently be frustrated and unfulfilled, and want to do something rewarding and lucrative on their own terms.  We offer both an online and a fully accredited face-to-face course that gives students everything needed to start a bridal makeup business.  What makes us unique is the fact we specialize in bridal, running small groups of no more than 6 people at a time with the added benefit of aftercare and support, and with the option for ongoing portfolio development.

Courses are held at The Wedding Gallery in London with additional locations being launched from March 2020.  Dates and availability can be found on the website www.thebridalmakeupacademy.com