**GIVEAWAY**

To celebrate the re-vamping of MDR Make Up, I've decided to do a giveaway. All you need to do is like my page on Facebook for the chance to win!


www.facebook.com/mdrmakeup


 

Prize 1 - Free occasion make up application. Includes lashes. (Please see terms and conditions.)

Prize 2 - Tanya Burr Lipgloss in 'Picnic in the park'. Tanya is a youtube sensation from Norwich and has recently released a lipgloss and nail varnish collection. https://www.youtube.com/user/pixi2woo


 

 

 

 

Giveaway will close at 24:00 on 1/07/2014 and the winners will be announced shortly after. Good luck!!



Terms and conditions
Occasion booking must be redeemed within 12 months and cannot be bridal. Prize includes travel to a destination within 15 miles of Norwich. Anything over that and a small fee will apply.

My skincare battle

Skincare is something that I will talk about at every single opportunity. I've already instilled in my 4 year old Stepdaughter how important it is to cleanse, tone and moisturise daily when she's older. (I'm already looking forward to our first trip to John Lewis' beauty department together!) Both me and my brother managed to get through our teenage years with nothing more than an occasional breakout.


Of course I get the occasional spot but since hitting 24, I've noticed my biggest issue is redness! My cheeks look constantly flushed! One of the biggest challenges when it came to my skin was pregnancy!


Now, anyone who knows me knows that I had a very difficult pregnancy and therefore the last thing on my mind for 9 months was skincare. And my goodness did I pay the price. It became dry, blotchy, red and sensitive. Before pregnancy I would describe my skin as normal/combination/oily whereas now it's dry and sensitive. I know a huge reason for this was a massive and sudden surge in hormones!


A few weeks after Darcy was born (and I was settled into motherhood) I decided it was time to look after me again. I purchased some Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser, Liz Earle Skin Tonic and Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour cream for face (with added SPF 50.)






Literally within days, my skin had got it's glow back. Now, that doesn't mean I'm suddenly roaming around bare faced! It just means that make up goes on better. It's something I always emphasis when it comes to meeting clients. If the base isn't right, then the make up won't look flawless. Saying that, there are skin conditions that cannot be helped and I will work with my clients to get the right look for them.




I will be doing further posts on skincare as well as trying some new products so please do keep checking back for those posts :-)




MDR Make Up


(For some reason my dashboard won't let me add photos so will do later on!)

Tutorial - Smokey gold eye with a nude lip.

I'm all about a smokey eye. The typical smokey eye tends to be a lot darker but since I was only going for a pub lunch after this tutorial, I thought a really dark smokey eye might not be appropriate. 

I looked through my kit and found a gorgeous Copper pigment that I received in my last Glossybox. Now, historically I tend to avoid pigments. They can transfer all over your face if not applied with extreme precision. However, I was up for the challenge. I've included a step by step tutorial which is rather lengthy! Please don't be too offended by my bare face! :-)

MDR Make Up

1) Ensure your face is clean. I cleansed mine with Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser, toned with Liz Earle Tonic and moistoirized with Elizabeth Arden SPF 50 8 hour cream for face.

And this, is my face! Since pregnancy, my skin has been a lot more sensitive and despite being acne free, it has a lot of redness to it. I also have one eye larger than the other which is actually something Darcy has also inherited too....

 2) To ensure a smooth foundation, it's always best to use a primer. I applied MAC Prep and Prime with a Real Techniques pointed foundation brush and then applied Too Faced Shadow Insurance to my eyelids and under my eyebrows with my ring finger.

3) Once that dried, it was time for foundation. I love Revlon 24hr Colorstay foundation and I use the shade 'Buff'. It's great for gradually building up coverage and lasts at least all day. I used the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to really buff in the foundation. You basically move in small circles all over your skin until the product has settled in. This can be slightly time consuming but it's worth it, trust me! 

Excuse the expression but as you can see, the majority of the redness has disappeared and my skin tone is looking a lot more even.

4) Now it's time for concealer. Without a doubt, this is one of my essential make up products. I used Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in shade 1 Fair. I then used a MAC 217 brush to really buff the product in. Now, as I was going for quite a full on look, I applied concealer slightly different then I do on a day to day basis. On this occasion, I used the triangle technique. This is something I do when professionally contouring and as you can see, really can transform the look of your skin.

The triangle technique

Ensuring all the blemishes are covered

5) I then use the Real Techniques detailer brush for any blemishes and also for the bridge of my nose. To ensure my foundation stays in place, I use the Real Techniques Buffing Brush and Collection 2000 Sheer Loose Powder.

Starting to look a little more presentable!

6) I recently purchased the MAC Bronzer in Golden from their recent Alluring Aquatics collection and wanted to test it out. As I expected, I love it! It's completely matt which is very flattering and is perfect for contouring. I applied this using the Real Techniques Contour Brush. 

I applied the bronzer to my cheeks, the top left and right of my forehead, chin, jawline and slightly on my nose.

7) At this point, I always prep my lips. I used the Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub followed by my trusty Carmex! This ensures my lips are soft and smooth which results in a perfect lipstick application.

8) I'm not using a blusher for this look so instead, to add a bit of contrast to my cheeks, I used a highlighter. This adds shimmer and is great at reflecting light which is very flattering. My favourite highlighter is one from Tophop. I used a light buffing brush from Freuline.

9) Now it's time for the eyes. Once you've got your skin base sorted, it's easy to figure out the density of your eyeshadow. I have the joy of one eye that is slightly smaller than the other which results in lots of adjusting with my eyeshadown. Because of this fact, I have to apply it slight differently to each eye so it they end up both looking the same.

I start by using a neautral base colour. The one I chose for this look is from the MUA neautral pallette. It doesn't have a name but it's a pearly/gold. I apply this all over my lid, the tear ducts and the bottom corner of my eye.

10) I then add the Copper pigment over the middle part of my lid. I use a very small, detailed brush for this to ensure that it doesn't transfer onto my face.

Using a fluffy brush, I then start to blend in the two eyeshadow products together.

The copper pigment was actually a lot less shimmery than I expected and didn't transfer under my eyes.

11) Now it's time to create the smokiness to the eye. This can occasionally mean a make up disaster. If you add too much eyeshadow at once, it becomes very difficult to blend it all in. For a while (until it's all blended) you will look a bit strange. Just build up the eyeshadow until it's all blended in. I'm using my trusty MAC pointed brush to add the colour. The eyeshadow I'm using is MAC Tempting. I apply it the orbital bone and at the corner of my eye then blend blend blend using a fluffier brush.

 This took me a good 10 minutes to get right. Lots of adding small amounts then buffing in and repeating.

12) Now for the eyebrows. Many years over overplucking has resulted in my eyebrows not having a very nice natural shape. They're uneven and even after doing eyebrows professionally for 5 years, they are still something I struggle to rectify. For my brows, I used a mix of eyeshadow (MUA) and pencil (AVON). First I line the brow to create shape, then use the eyeshadow to fill in. 

With one eyebrow done, you can already see the difference that a good brow makes!









13) Now it's time for eyeliner. This is without a doubt the most technical point of make up application. It's something I practice constantly. My best advice is to use a very good angled brush and good quality gel liner. I use Bobbi Brown. I have to say, it's not my favourite product. It's quite dry and so I have to add a small amount of water to the pot to get the right texture. I always work outside in, so start at the flick and trace along your lash line. I continue until the middle of my eye normally, unless I'm going for a really intense lined eye.

This is with eyeliner complete on both eyes














14) I then worked on my eyelashes. On an everyday basis, I apply a light coat of mascara then off I go. For this look, I used a mix of mascara and individual lashes. I will do a separate tutorial for lash application. I used my eyelash curler, applied a small amount of mascara and then added individual lashes for a more dramatic look.

15) To complete my look, I then added lipstick and lipgloss. Normally I like to use a lip liner, however I haven't found a nude lipliner I really like. I'm tempted to try MAC Oak as all the other ones I've tried have a very orange tone to them. Anyways, I applied MAC liptick in Honey Love with a MAC lip brush (the retractable one) and applied MUA lipgloss in Buff over the top.

I dried my hair and attempted some victory rolls!

Here is my complete look!

The rare luxury

Nowadays, wearing make up has become a rare luxury. Between my 10 week old daughter and 4 year old stepdaughter, alone time doesn't happen often.  When I find an occasion to wear make up, trust me I will! I love make up and I always have.

I'm sure my Mum will recall the time I stole all her make up, hid in the bathroom and refused to come out unless she agreed for me to keep something. (Note: Mum, I'm pretty sure I still have your Avon eyeshadow!) Friends like to remind me of the fact at sleepovers whilst most teenage girls talked about boys, fashion or S Club 7, there I was curling my eyelashes. I just find it therapeutic.

That being said, I'm all for those make up free days. Letting your skin breathe is so important for good skin. I cleanse, tone and moisturize daily and it's something that I will instill in my girls. I try to explain to my stepdaughter that make up isn't something that makes you beautiful and in fact, it's something fun to sometimes make yourself look different and feel that extra bit confident. However, after seeing me throughout my whole pregnancy bare faced, her reply was ''But you look better with make up on.'' There it is, from the words of a little girl, the truth. I wear make up because in reality, I look better. It gives me the confidence to face the world. 

Make up isn't about impressing anyone or hiding your true self, it's about feeling as beautiful outside as you do inside. I truly believe that every woman deserves to have that WOW moment and if I can give one woman that, then I will be proud.

MDR Make Up

Return from maternity leave!

Hello,

Welcome to MDR Make Up!

I'm Marissa and I'm a professional freelance make up artist based in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. 

My specialty is bridal and I have worked on various weddings across Norfolk and Suffolk. I am also available to cater to all you make up needs; whether it be for your wedding, prom or a certain special occasion that requires you to look and feel your best.

I love meeting with my clients and finding out exactly the look they desire for their event. I use a range of brands such as MAC and Chanel as well as drugstore brands to ensure that every look is suited to you. Every trial will be at your home or choice of location. I am able to book a studio but this would require notice so please do get in touch.

I have recently returned from maternity leave (I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl called Darcy Alice Browne) and I currently have bookings available for July on wards. Please do get in touch as soon as possible as dates tend to get booked up fairly quickly.

Please 'like' my new Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/mdrmakeup
Kindest regards,

Marissa

MDR Make Up 

All in a days work...

Fortunately for me, I get to work with some incredibly talented fellow make up artists, photographers and models. 


Recently, I was kindly asked by my friend Chip to do her make up for a photo shoot. In the industry, this is known as a test shoot where rather then getting paid to attend the shoot, you get paid in prints. This is handy for someone like me who is trying to build my portfolio and also really great for getting to meet photographers. It also gives you a 'behind the scenes look' at what goes on behind the camera. (FYI, you spend more time finding the right lighting then you do taking photos!)


Chip has a great 'pin up' type look and this was great for me as 'pin up', is one of my all time favourite looks. It mixes sexiness, glamour but also a very ladylike vibe. We shot on location at The Waterfront, Norwich, which is a local venue for gigs and themed nights and has housed many fantastic musicians etc. 
The photographer was Al Pulford (http://www.rockphotography.co.uk/) who is an exceptionally talented photographer based in Norwich. He is also the official photographer for The Waterfront so we were able to use the venue during one Saturday.


I've attached a few of the photos, but I would definitely recommend checking out Al's work. The other photos from the shoot should be with me shortly and I will update this post once I have them.


Love Marissa

Boots No 7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator

As I mentioned at the very beginning of this blog, my new years resolution of 2012 is to find a skincare routine that works. I've been fortunate as my skin is pretty low maintenance however, that doesn't mean I don't suffer with the typical skin issues that everyone else does. Blemishes, blocked pores, dry patches, oily patches and so on. 

Generally, I have combination skin. Which means that it's dry in some areas and oily in others. This means that when looking for a product for my skin, I need to make sure it ticks all the boxes for me.

I've managed to find a cleanser that I love (Liz Earle Hot cloth cleanser) however, my skin still has moments where it needs to be scrubbed and scrubbed until it's smooth. One product that has been recommend over and over (namely by my good friend Amanda Branford) is Boots No 7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator.

RRP £11.00

It's sold exclusively in Boots and retails at £11. Now, Amanda has always had amazingly radiant skin so of course I was going to try this product. 

Before reviewing the product in depth, I wanted to go into a little detail about what Micro-dermabrasion actually means and why it is so beneficial to the skin.

Micro-dermabrasion

Dermabrasion basically means 'controlled abrasion of the upper layers of skin.' In previous years, this involved a surgical procedure in which layers of the skin were 'worn away' using mechanical devices or more commonly, chemicals. This would require local anaesthetic and left the skin red and raw. The skin would then take a few months to re-produce the new skins cells.  However, companies have since realised that not such a dramatic procedure is required to remove those upper skin layers. 

Micro-dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure and not as invasive as dermabrasion. Its a combination of a deep cleansers and small crystal like particles that you literally massage into your skin. This then removes the upper layers of the skin  This in turn then allows skin care products to penetrate deeper into the skins surface and as a result, skin appears smooth, shiny and healthy.

As a make up artist, I know that skin that has had some kind of micro-dermabrasion treatment to it, is a lot easier to apply base make up to (such as foundation.) 

It creates a flawless finish and skin will immediately appear more radiant. 

Boots No 7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator

So, back to the actual product itself. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be re-purchasing this product again & again. It's absolutely fantastic. I use it twice a week and it always gives me fantastic results. My skin feels smooth, refreshed and my make up always looks better. For £11, it's a bargain and one I would recommend you checking out. 

Here's how you use it;

1. Thoroughly remove all make up from your skin.
2. Cleanse until any remaining make up or dirt has been removed. 
3. Ensure your skin is wet and apply about a 50p sized amount of the product all over your skin. 
4. Massage it in really well. I find that 4 or 5 minutes is long enough. 
5. Then carefully wash the product off you skin. Please make sure you don't get any in your eyes or mouth! 
6. I then cleanse again, use toner on my skin and finish with a moisturiser. (I'm currently using Liz Earle cleanser, toner and moisturiser.
7. Voila. You're all done.

You will immediately notice the difference and your skin will feel very smooth. I probably wouldn't recommend this for sensitive skin as it may cause some harsh redness. My skin does tend to quite red just after but the toner and moisturiser helps calms this down.

I hope you enjoyed this blog, happy scrubbing! 

Love Marissa xoxo