Make over!

Well what a treat I had this week with Lydia Jane Styling! I had always wanted to have a make up lesson as quite frankly my make up collection is embarrassingly small and my knowledge of application smaller! At best I grab a few minutes in the morning to apply some mascara and blusher between getting the children to school and starting work. On a Saturday night I might go ‘crazy’ and  apply some gloss, bronzer and shadow! But as I turned 40 last year (eek did I say that out loud?!) I thought it was about time to grow up, understand a bit more about my skincare routine and learn a thing or two about much needed make up application to enhance my natural features 😉 or more realistically hide the wrinkles and dark bags!

So I headed over to Lydia’s on Wednesday morning with a certain amount of apprehension and excitement! I first met Lydia as a Client; I photographed her gorgeous family in 2013. Now, 2 years on, she’s a lovely friend and someone I enjoy spending time with. Six months ago she launched her own business as a personal stylist and make-up artist, offering a high quality and professional service advising both men and women on what to wear and how to develop their own unique style to enhance their individuality and appearance. She has done an amazing job with her website, building her client base and already winning awards!

Lydia wanted some help with tips on photographing her Clients on shopping consultation and before/after make up lessons so I helped with this aspect and in return she helped me with some much needed make up tips!

I couldn’t have been happier with the results. Firstly Lydia put me at ease straight away, I felt relaxed and excited to have the chance to focus on me for two hours – I am sure all busy Mums can relate to this! We talked about what my routine was currently, and the products I was using (we both were in fits of giggles as I admitted my lipstick was bought for my wedding day….ummm 7 years ago!), then we took the lesson stage by stage, in an easy to understand, fun and enjoyable way. Lydia really listened to my needs right from the start. She understood that as a busy Mum I didn’t have an hour in the morning to apply my make up, so we had a couple of options for a 10 minute everyday look and a longer evening look. Lydia was so encouraging and patient I felt like I could ask questions to make sure that I understood and that when I was home I could replicate what she taught me! I had a go at every stage so it was very hands on, which was perfect for reinforcing the different techniques. I was so pleased with what I learnt and the end result. I didn’t want to look too ‘made up’ but make the most of what mother nature gave me! So thanks Lydia I had a terrific time, you are very talented and I would recommend you to anyone for a 1-2-1 make up lesson or getting a few girlfriends together for a fun make up lesson!

In summary, during Lydia’s Jane Styling’s make up lessons you will:

–  Review your current skincare regime and make-up bag
–  Update and learn make-up techniques to achieve different looks and re-create current trends for daytime and evening
–  Learn how to use make-up brushes for a flawless finish
–  Understand how to enhance your face shape and best features in a time frame that suits your lifestyle
–  Learn how to select colours to suit your natural colouring and personality
–  Receive impartial and invaluable advice and tips on the best products to suit you
–  Resolve all your make-up queries

Here’s my ‘before’ and ‘after’ as photographed (very well!) by Lydia.