Welcome to the Bridal Beauty Buzz Blog!

'A must read' says BRIDES magazine's Beauty Editor, Alice du Parcq.

As an award winning makeup artist, I am often asked by brides to give them tips on how they can achieve a perfect makeup look on their wedding day and what skincare products I can recommend for them to use at home, so their skin looks flawless on their wedding day. I have applied the makeup for 100's of brides on their wedding day - some of these brides are beauty editors and experts in the wedding industry, so I have many tips and tricks to share! I also regularly work as a makeup artist for Brides magazine, a makeup expert for Wedding TV and I am the Director of Makeup Artistry for celebrity makeup artist Daniel Sandler.

In my blog, I will reveal the beauty products that I have used and know give fabulous results, I will try and test the latest products on the market and keep you posted on the latest product launches. I will also give you fabulous tips on applying your wedding makeup, so you can look your best on your wedding day.
To visit my website, go to: www.sarahbmakeup.co.uk. Sarah x

Watch behind the scenes – Madeline Isaac James Candlelit Collection 2011

August 31st, 2010

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In April, I spent two days on location at the Elvetham Hotel in Hampshire (www.elvethamhotel.co.uk) creating makeup looks for the fabulous Natalie Gladman, who is the designer of the Madeline Isaac-James Bridal Collection.

With 30 dresses to shoot over two days, it was a very intense 2 days – but with the beautiful weather (which enabled us to use the breathtaking gardens to get some amazing shots, as well as inside the main house) and with the fabulous team that I worked with, it resulted in the most divine shots for the Madeline Isaac-James 2011 Campaign.

The team that I had the pleasure of working with were: Astrid Joss (the most amazing stylist), photographer Jonathan & assistant Maike weddingsbyryan.com , hairstylist Inanch, assisted by Vessy (& Joe) from www.inanch.com, model Cristyn, PR Nicola & Craig from www.catwalkcreations.com/

 As the 2011 campaign has 2 different looks, we worked on each on 2 separate days. The Candlelit Collection is very 1950’s inspired with gorgeous, full skirts and the Starlet Collection more 1920’s and 1930’s – think Hollywood glamour, slinky and elegant. The makeup and hair was very different for each collection, but the makeup look I am going to talk about first of all is the Candlelit Collection.

Watch the behind the scenes video of myself and the team creating the shoot:

As the dresses were very romantic, I created a look with flawless skin, softly defined eyes and a dewy pink cheek and lip.

Here is a list of the products that I used – so you can use the same products as I did to re-create the look for yourself. All of the products I used on this shoot are by Daniel Sandler Cosmetics (www.danielsandler.com):

Re-texturising Face Primer, all over face
Catwalk Compact Foundation, applied using Base Brush
Hide It Under Eye Concealer
Invisible Blotting Powder, applied using Contour/Powder Brush
Watercolour Blushers in shades Cherub and Lover (mixed together)
Eyeshadows in Opal (on browbone), Rosy Tan (on lid) and Charcoal Plum in the socket line. 
I defined the eyes using the Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Grey Velvet.
On the eyelashes, I used Jumbo Jet Mascara on the top lashes and Baby Jet Mascara on the bottom lashes.
On the lips, I patted on Luxury Lipstick in shade Joy and to complete the look, applied a small amount of Super Gloss in shade Super Clear.

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To see more dresses from the Candlelit Collection, visit the Madaline Isaac-James Collection at: www.madelineisaacjames.com

Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex

August 28th, 2010

If you are looking for a gorgeous lip treatment which doubles up as a fantastic lip primer, I highly recommend the Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex.

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Part of the Dermalogica AGE Smart range, the Renewal Lip Complex is a sophisticated daily lip treatment which restores delicate tissue, minimizes contour lines and helps prevent the signs of ageing.

Vitamin E fights damaging free radicals, while a moisturising blend of Avocado Oil, combined with Shea and Cocoa Seed butters, quickly smooth rough uneven lips.

The superior conditioning lasts for hours beyond application and leaves your lips feeling like silk. I’ve used this product for months and not only do I love the way it leaves your lips feeling, it really is a fabulous lip primer.

Use it regularly in the run up to your wedding to improve the condition of your lips and then use it on your wedding day as a primer, to prevent your lip colour ‘bleeding’ on your wedding day.

Find out more at www.dermalogica.com/uk/

Bigger, brighter eyes in an instant from Clinique – fall trend 2010

August 23rd, 2010

Clinique

Clinique brings the eyes into focus with it’s ‘Bigger, brighter Eyes in an instant’ Fall 2010 Colour Collection, proven to brighten and intensify eyes whatever your shade or shape. It is available at Clinique Counters nationwide now.

As most brides request that I enhance their eyes on their wedding day when I ask them about the style of makeup that they would like, I thought I would tell you about this new collection.

untitledIf you are applying your own wedding makeup, this is an easy way to achieve pretty eyes. The Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo colours are in ultra-flattering colour duos which can be used together to shade, highlight, line and contour, creating a multitude of looks.

To create your personal eye makeup look using the Clinique Fall 2010 Colour Collection, follow these steps:

Blend Quick Eyes Cream Shadow all over lids, from lashline to brow bone. Apply the light shade of Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo on lower lids only, from inner to outer corner of eyes. Use the dark shade to contour along the crease, from midpoint to outer corner.

Line your eyes using the Limited Edition Quickliner for Eyes Intense - the extra creamy new formulation glides on smooth and intensifies the eyes for up to 12 hours.

Next, curl your lashes and apply the Limited Edition High Impact Mascara – this deep black shade creates the necessary contrast against the whites of the eyes to create a youthful, vibrant look.

To buy online, visit www.clinique.co.uk

Natura Bisse Diamond Body Cream – a luxurious anti-ageing body treatment

August 19th, 2010

If you are looking for the ultimate anti-ageing body cream to get your skin in amazing condition for your wedding day, then treat yourself to the Natura Bisse Diamond Body Cream.

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Diamond Body Cream is a treatment that combines firming results with an intensive moisturising action. This luxurious body cream restructures and redensifies the skin, enhances firmness and elasticity, while protecting against dryness and loss of moisture.

It is really easy to use – apply daily all over the body, focusing on dry areas (legs, elbows and knees) or on skin lacking elasticity and firmness.

This product has the most divine fragrance and immediately when I applied it, my skin looked younger. The fragrance is beautiful It has the most subtle shimmer – not only is it an amazing product to get your skin in great condition for your wedding – what a beautiful body product for a bride to use on her wedding day.

Read more about Natura Bisse at www.naturabisse.es

Get the look – Wedding TV bride Sam Truby

August 14th, 2010

Get the look

Last year, I created a makeup look for the beautiful Sam Truby (above), whose wedding appeared on Wedding TV. If you love this look and would like to create it yourself, you can watch and follow all of the steps in my step-by-step video which also lists the products that I used.

Get the look (2)

Go to the ‘Sarah on TV’ link on the right hand side of this blog and click on ‘Wedding TV clip 2′ to see how you can re-create Sam’s stunning bridal makeup look.

Photography by Simone Germaine

New Tattoo Secret Tattoo Camouflage Kit

August 10th, 2010

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At last! For brides who have a tattoo that they want to cover on their wedding day, there is now a solution – the Tattoo Secret Tattoo Camouflage Kit.

There are many products on the market to cover tattoos, but often I have had comments from brides who have used them and said that they are heavy, thick products which are difficult for them to apply. This has meant brides often relying on a professional to do this for them.

I was so excited when I heard about this kit, as it sounded the perfect solution. If you have a tattoo for example at the base of your back, your wedding dress will cover it, but there are brides who have tattoos on their chest/ upper back/ arm and whilst they may love the look of their tattoo day-to-day, they want to cover it on their wedding day.

At £25, I think that this product is fabulous value.

The Tattoo Secret Kit comes with simple to follow step by step instructions. The makeup offers superb, natural coverage which is long-lasting, easy to apply and water resistant. With powder coatings in between the layers of camouflage creams, the coverage holds tight, even when touched or wet allowing coverage to last all day.

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Tattoo Secret contains stacks of base and top coat shades to ensure a good colour match, plus all the tools to help you achieve a perfect finish. The kit is available in two colour ways, Light and Medium. I have personally tested this kit and the coverage I achieved with this kit is fantastic. 

My top tip: make sure you practise covering your tattoo before the big day, do a couple of trials first. Your wedding day is not the time to try covering your tattoo for the very first time!

The website www.tattoosecret.co.uk has great information, plus photographs and instructions.

Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Cream SPF15

August 7th, 2010

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Many of you may associate lifting and firming products with richer, thicker anti-ageing creams – these creams are perfect for someone whose skin needs firming and lifting along with rich moisturisation, but what if you want lifting/ firming results in a cream which isn’t greasy as you have more of a combination skin type?

Estée Lauder have the created the perfect solution – the Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Cream SPF15 for Normal/ Combination skin was created for those of us who have more of a normal/ combination skin type, but still want lifting/ firming results without having to use a thicker, heavier cream.

I fall into this category, so I was really keen to try this product. The texture of this cream is light – not heavy at all and has the most beautiful fragrance, which makes it a pleasure to use. This highly effective formula with Estée Lauder’s exclusive ExtremeLift3Complex empowers your skin to look more lifted and more contoured – faster than ever and the exclusive formula also boosts natural collagen production.

After using the product regularly, day and night my skins appears more lifted, more contoured, luminous and definitely younger – it’s the perfect hydration for mid-life skin!

It is also the perfect base for your makeup – not only does your skin glow after you have applied this product, makeup ‘glides’ on top and looks perfect all day. It has become a personal favourite of mine, that I can’t be without!

RRP £50, go to www.esteelauder.co.uk

Blinc eye brow mousse – for perfect brows that won’t rub off……

August 3rd, 2010

Many ladies tell me that they don’t use an eyebrow colour through their brows, as in the past they have experienced products which ‘rub off’ throughout the day (being left with half a brow never looks great)! I think this is a real shame, as I really am passionate about women having good shape brows, as the brows frame your eyes.

When applying makeup for a bride on her wedding day, I will always define her eyebrows as it looks stunning in the wedding photographs.

If using pencils/ powder with a brush doesn’t appeal to you, then try blinc eye brow mousse (RRP £16.50) which was invented to to give enhancing, water-resistant and moisturising colour to your brows with anti-ageing benefits to the underlying skin.

Brow Mousse 4 HR

Once applied, blinc eyebrow mousse fills in sparse areas to create the perfect brow line that cannot fade, run, or smudge, even if you sweat or wear it in harsh weather conditions (perfect for long lasting brows on your wedding day).

For face-framing brow colour that lasts all day long, use the product on clean, dry eyebrows. Using the applicator (which looks like a mascara wand) gently sweep across the browline in short strokes, adding colour to existing brow hairs and fill in sparse areas using the brush to give the appearance of brow hairs.

In my opinion, this is the perfect product for a bride who maybe hasn’t used a brow product before, or has used a heavy product in the past which resulted in unatural results. This product is easy to use, looks natural and you can add more product if you wish to.

It is available in 6 shades, there are details on all of the shades on the blinc website.

Go to www.blincuk.co.uk

Makeup tip – how to apply face powder correctly

July 27th, 2010

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I have lost count of the amount of times when I am giving a bride-to-be a makeup lesson and after applying the primer, foundation and concealer, I pull out the face powder and she has a look of fear on her face! There are so many women who do not use face powder at all, as they are frightened that it is going to make their makeup appear heavy or that using powder will make them look older.

Years ago, face powders were chalky and heavy – technology has moved on since then. It is essential that you use a little powder where needed on your wedding day to set your makeup – especially if your skin has the tendency to go shiny and you need to powder your eyelids – this is essential to create the perfect base for your eyeshadow and to stop your eyeshadow creasing.

To apply face powder correctly, you first need to find the right powder for you. A fine, loose powder is great if you have an oily skin - CHANEL Natural Finish Loose Powder has a fine texture (£30, www.boots.com)

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If you do not have a greasy skin and loose powder is not for you, then my favourite compact powder is the Daniel Sandler Invisible Blotting Powder (RRP £19.00, www.danielsandler.com) suitable for any skin tone, this powder has the most beautiful, fine texture and gives a beautiful, matte finish to the skin which sets your makeup without giving a heavy, dry look to the skin. It is also great to carry with you on your wedding day for any makeup touch ups.

Applying face powder (1)

After you have chosen the powder you wish to use, the next step is to apply it correctly. You can choose the best face powder, but if you apply ridiculous amounts to your face, it is going to look ‘cakey’ and heavy.

Here are my top tips on applying face powder:

So, you have a great face powder, now you need the correct tool to apply it with. The sponges that come with face powders are great for touch ups during the day, but first thing in the morning, when you are applying your wedding makeup, use a brush to apply the product.

Don’t use a massive brush to apply face powder- remember, less is more so the bigger the brush, the more you are going to apply. I prefer a smaller brush as you have more control as to where the powder goes.

My favourite brush to apply face powder is the Daniel Sandler Contour/ Powder Brush (RRP £15.00, www.danielsandler.com)

Applying face powder (2)

This brush delivers just the right powder where you need it and because of the shorter handle, it is really easy to control.

Apply a small amount of product to the brush and gently ‘press’ the product into the skin. You don’t need to rub the face, gently pressing the powder onto the skin will give a beautiful finish to the skin and remember – don’t forget your eyelids! It’s really important to apply powder there to stop your eyeshadow creasing.

Apply a little more to any areas which are prone to shine and your skin will look gorgeous and ’shine free’ throughout your wedding day.

Photography by www.rosieparsons.com, makeup by Sarah Brock

[comfort zone] glorious skin – visible lifting tensor serum

July 22nd, 2010

GLORIOUS SKIN MASK & IMAGE 1This product is amazing!

There are many fabulous products on the market that give an ‘instant lift’ to the skin (which is temporary), but this product is definitely one of my favourites and is the product that I use on my skin (after my moisturiser) when I have a special occasion and I want my face to appear more lifted and youthful.

I have tried several products in the past that give the ‘lifted look’ to the skin, but the problem with some of these as that as you apply them, you can feel your face lifting so much and tightening too – it’s good to feel ‘lifted’ but if the product dries to a ‘tight’ finish, it can feel uncomfortable and like you are wearing a mask.

Not at all with the [comfort zone] glorious skin visible lifting tensor serum- it smoothes onto the skin, has a light texture (not at all greasy) and as you are applying the product, wrinkles/ expression lines appear less visible and your skin looks more lifted, without the uncomfortable feeling of wearing a ‘lifting mask’.

It is the perfect makeup base – you get a lifting effect and primer in one (and you only need to use a small amount). It has a velvety but matte texture on the skin, foundation ‘floats’ on top of the product and your foundation appears smoother and more flawless.

To read more about this range and the other fabulous products by [comfort zone] , go to www.comfortzone.it and to find your nearest [comfort zone] salon/spa, call 01827 280 080.