Salon Of My Dreams

Hello Everyone

You may have noticed my absence with blogging and YouTube recently and this is due to my new project taking up all my time. It's taken me 7 months of hard work but 4 weeks ago I finally opened my own salon which I have dreamed about having for years.

I wanted to do a blogpost to share with you my little journey, some photos and tell you about my new baby.

After months of searching for the right premises in March this year I found a property which needed a LOT of TLC. When I walked in the walls were falling apart, holes missing out the walls and ceilings and I was transported back to 1970 with the decor... I LOVED IT and what I knew it could be! After negtioations in April everything was finalised and the renovations began. The building has been stripped back to brick, every wall taken down, re built and re structured so every single thing you see is brand new and designed by me.

My dream was always to have a Unisex salon that caters for everyones needs both male and female and that is what I hope I have achieved.

My passion is make-up and its something I love doing and I am so proud of my work and everything I've achieved. I have an amazing team of make-up artists; @caitlinanneduffx @feature_mua @jordanaticiamakeup & @charlotte_metcalfe_mua who between us we are available for any occasion. Charlotte is also available for nails on Tuesdays & Fridays.

To compliment the make-up I have three amazing hair dressers; @callumheslophair who specialises in  barbering and THE BEST curly blow drys I've ever seen & @nataliecropper_hairmua who is a phenomenal colourist with over 10 years experience, my right hand woman for weddings and she's very handy with a makeup brush too and @francescaoslerhair who is also amazing in every way.

As you may know I am a cosmetic tattooist or semi permanent makeup consultant, both mean the same thing :) I have 2 years experience and I absolutely love what I do. I couldn't imagine ever not wanting to go to work now & I never thought tattooing peoples faces could be so rewarding but it really is. Being someone who has naturally bushy brows I never knew the problems and issues people had with their brows until 2 years ago. The difference a good eye brow makes to your face is INSANE. Makes you look younger, prettier, fresher and feel so much better. Semi permanent makeup can be done on your lips too. I don't offer eye liner services as I do my makeup to look natural, and theres nothing natural about a black winged out line on your eye and my clients are a representation of me so I choose not to do it although I am fully trained to do so. I tattoo on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays only, leaving the weekend for me to paint faces. My waiting list varies depending on the time of the year from 3/4 weeks to 8weeks in the peak of the summer so I would urge anyone who's wanting them doing to book well ahead of time.

I have two laser specialists, a male Elliot and a female Anita who are both fully trained in all laser services. Anita specialises more in female hair removal and Elliot tattoo removal and male hair removal. Additional to this we can remove unwanted freckles, thread and spider veins, pigmentation and reduce scars and birthmarks. Basically if there is anything you want removing we pretty much can do it! It takes roughly 6-8 sessions to remove most things so if you want to be hair free for summer or tattoo free for your wedding you need to get started soon. Each session has to be 4 weeks apart so you're looking at 6-8 months. For tattoo removal we've had some amazing results after just 4 sessions but of course everyones body is different. Also I know a lot of people think that laser hair removal is painful and with many machines it is but with ours it is completely PAIN FREE, I 100% guarantee it and if you don't believe me feel free to come in and have me prove it to you with a patch test.

We now offer HD brows for those ladies who have lots of hair but just need it shaping and enhancing, LVL lashes & lash extensions by my Caitlin.

Anyway thats about it for our services and our amazing team, scroll down to see my before (when stripped back, I WISH I had taken photos before the work started) and after photos.. Click on the images to make them larger.

I hope to see some of you soon

Olivia x

Charlotte Tilbury Out Of 10

Hello Again

As some of you may know I am a big CT fan!!!

I have tried and tested most of her products and thought you may find this helpful for when you are wanting to try this brand yourself.
Now she isn't cheap. This is definitely a luxury brand. Some products are very very VERY much worth it. Others I think there are better value for money products else where.
Over all CT gets a 8/10 from me.

Light Wonder 10/10

Medium Coverage. Does not come off. Dewy/Natural finish. Looks Amazing in photos. Has to be my fave foundation ever!

The Retoucher 5/10

As concealers go it isn't the best. Coverage is sheer to medium. If you are wanting to hide under eye darkness this isn't a go to product. I prefer Nars Creamy Concealers. They get 10/10 from me.

Filmstar Bronze & Glow 10/10

Absolute DREAM of a contour & highlight kit for caucasian skin to mixed race asian skins. She does a darker one for darker tones. I use it on nearly every night out and its so handy for taking out with me as its 2 in one packaging. i also LOVE her sculpting brush. i don't know what i did before it!!

Cheek to Chic 7/10

these blushers are really nice but the colour range is poor. I'm sure she will bring some more shades out. they look lovely on the skin, easy to apply but are all quite pinky even those that aren't meant to be. i like more peachy shades and warm tones but that just my preference.

Full Fat Lashes 4/10

it could just be my lashes but this mascara isn't for me. gives very little drama and requires a lot of layers to achieve very little. not the worst I've ever used but equally not the best either. i would use mac in extreme dimension over this and its cheaper too.

Magic Foundation 8/10

this is a good coverage, satin finish, long wearing foundation that makes you look very flawless, yet to try it out in photos properly but looks ok in my selfies haha. she's brought out a better colour range in this too which is good.

Eyes To Mesmorize 8/10

nice cream bases, good colour range, don't crease too much, long wearing.

Rock n Kohl 5/10

these liners aren't great on the water line and come off very easily. they're ok to smudge to make a smokey eye or use as a base. i love the nude colour but it just doesn't last. i much prefer mac ones they are better longer wearing and cheaper.

Wonder Glow 4/10

It is a nice hydrator to add radiance to the skin but I've used others that are far better. strobe liquid from mac is better and they are bringing out the gold one again for xmas which is my ultimate favourite.

Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder 9/10

i love this powder as it has oil in so its great for drier skins. it is great when you want a dewy look but still need to add powder to parts. they are in 3 shades, not totally translucent but don't add much colour. i wouldn't wear alone though. the only powder that beats this for me in mineralise skin finish by mac.

Colour Chameleons 8/10

these are nice chubby pencils for eyes, can use as a base or alone.

Luxury Eyeshadow Quads 9/10

i think the colours are beautiful and very pigmented and i love glitters. however there are no matte blending colours in there aside from the sophisticate one, i think there should be the odd one in some of the palettes which i think they lack. i think they aren't badly priced at all though, works out like £9 a shadow.

Lip Cheats 10/10

i LOVE the lip pencils, especially the lip cheats in iconic nude and pillow talk. they are extremely waxy, great for re shaping the lips and don't come off.

Lip Sticks 10/10

i equally LOVE the lip sticks, i have quite a few shades of which all of them i love. they are long lasting and don't dry out your lips. Penelope Pink is my fave!

Skincare 10/10

i use a lot of her skincare every day i think its worth every penny however it is VERY expensive.
the magic cream is my fave, the cleanser, the mask & eye makeup remover.


You may notice a few products I've left out and this is simply because I've not tried them yet as they haven't appealed to me.

I hope you find this helpful for your next makeup shopping trip.

Olivia x

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

Hello

Here's some of my favourite highlighters: 

Becca Cosmetics: 

Moonstone 

Opal 

Champagne Pop 

(I like both the pressed and poured highlighters) 

Laura Mercier: 

Baked Highlighter 01 

LE- Indiscretion 

Nars - Albatross 

The Balm - Mary Lou-minizer 

Charlotte Tilbury - Bronze & Glow 

🌟

Lash Secrets

Hello

So I'm currently away and I've not worn lashes once in Vegas as I haven't needed them. Wanted to share my secrets to getting great lashes. 

1. It's all about the curl

Now I've got horrendously straight lashes. I can only think I come from the descent of camels. They're that straight they point downwards. So if you have naturally curly lashes then great for you (bitches). For those of you who don't you have 2 options. 1. Those of you with short lashes I would recommend LVL lashes. This lifts the lashes from the root into a flat bend so your lashes point upwards and open up your eye. This isn't a curl but gives more dramatic effect. 2. For those of you with medium - long lashes then I would recommend getting them permed. I go to blink at Selfridges in the Trafford centre and will only use a lovely lady called Hema. Now BE CAREFUL when picking someone to perm or LVL your lashes. It can go wrong!!! If someone uses the incorrect rod your lashes can literally fold back on themselves (trust me it's happened to me twice). If you're fair then get them tinted too. I average I would say I get mine permed every 8 weeks. 

If you have a natural curl. Or you are going to have then permed you will still need lash curlers if you want it super dramatic for nights out. If you get LVL you won't need them until the new lashes start to grow through. 

2. More hair the better 

The secret to long thick lashes that don't fall out is "Rapid Lash" you can buy this from boots it's around £40 and lasts forever. You just apply it once a day at night. It stops your lashes falling out and creates thick long beautiful lashes. Be aware though. If you stop using it they will go back to normal. Think of lash serum as moisturiser for your lashes. You wouldn't stop moisturising your skin just coz it was looking nice. So the same with your lashes. 

3. Black & Bold 

Mascara ! And lots of it. So there's a few different mascaras I like. I will list them in a minute. One thing I will say is just because I like a mascara. Does not mean you will: Tarte Cosmetics Lights Camera Action is an amazing mascara!

I buy this from America but you'll be able to order online.

Last but not least we need to discuss removers. The AMOUNT of my clients that come in and il give them some makeup remover and they literally attack their eyes. I'm like woooooaaaaah stop right there. Your eyes are THE MOST delicate part of your body. The skin is 50% thinner and the elasticity there is the first to go, this is why people age there first. You need to be using gentle cleansers and wipes to remove your makeup. Don't pull and rub. Gently soften the mascara with cleanser on a pad then massage off. Try to use your fingers to massage off your lashes rather than vigorously rubbing your entire eyes. Removers with oils in will usually condition lashes too but not everyone can use them due to contacts etc. 

Hope you find this helpful. Do let me know if you find in a few months this has worked for you ( it will take 4-8 weeks to see an improvement in lashes with the serum )

Olivia x

My Fave Nudes

Hey

So I always get asked about what's my favourite lip shades so here's a quick blog of my top lippies and liners. 

I personally wear different hues of nude. I don't really like colour on me that much and always like to wear the safe options. 

Liners - 

Charlotte Tilbury - Iconic Nude, Pillow Talk 

Too Faced - Perfect Spice

Kiko Precision Liners - 502 504

Lipsticks -

Charlotte Tilbury - Penelope Pink, Nude Kate 

Gerard Cosmetics - Nude, The 1995, Buttercup 

Too Faced - Melted Nude, Melted Chihuahua 

Hope these help when you're next picking a new nude 

Olivia x

Strobing

Hey everyone 

Sorry I've been absent on my blog. I've been so so busy and starting my YouTube channel that I just don't have enough time in the day for everything. 

That being said I wanted to do a quick blog for you on "STROBING" (YouTube video to follow) 

What is it? You ask.... 

It's basically highlighting.... Which you all know how to do. But just taking it to another level and dropping the contour. 

Some product recommendations for strobing -

Strobe Liquid by mac

Lustre Drops by mac

The liquid illuminators by Nars 

Cream highlighters - Hush Luna or Pearl by Mac 

Powder Highlighters- Becca Cosmetics - Opal, Moonstone, Champagne Pop 

What you want to do is use as MANY of the above as possible. 

Start with a liquid and apply under your makeup as a primer or mix into your foundation to add light. 

Use cream highlighters on your cheek bone, down your nose, Cupid's bow, chin, forehead, above your brow and below. 

Then set that cream with a powder highlighter and apply in the tear ducts also. 

Instead of using a contour allow the light to pull out the high points of your face so a natural shadow occurs. Then add some of your favourite blush to give your cheeks a flush of colour. 

Let me know how you get on strobing your way through the summer. I will be doing a YouTube tutorial very soon for you to demonstrate these techniques. 

Olivia x

Conceal & Correct

I've had a few requests for a concealer post so here it is. 

First things first you need to be very aware of colour and correction. 

If you have loads of blue under your eyes and put a concealer on that matches your skin tone or worse lighter to highlight you are going to achieve very little other than look somewhat grey on that area. 

Under your eyes you need to be looking for blue and purple. These can be easily confused and you might find you need a bit of trial and error before you get it right.

Blue is corrected with Orange/Peach

Purple is corrected with Yellow. 

This is basic colour theory so incase if you forget save a colour wheel in your phone I will attach a photo. 

An affordable colour corrector is the Morphe brushes palette which has a range of shades of concealer and coloured correctors. It's around £10. 

Colours to be aware of on the face is Red/Pink and Yellow. 

Red and Pink is corrected with green and yellow

Yellow sallow skin is corrected with purple

(I know you might be thinking how does yellow correct both purple and pink? Yellow is directly opposite from purple of the colour wheel so cancels it out. But equally pink is a warm colour and yellow is cool so yellow cancels the pink out that way too if the pink isn't too strong) 

Pink you will see a lot in Caucasian skin 

Yellow you will see more in asian skins

It's really important that you colour correct a face before concealing as your makeup just won't look as good without it. 

My fave concealers: 

Full coverage: 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Concealer is great.

Medium coverage: 

Nars creamy concealer I love. It's good coverage and comes with a stick to apply on yourself, better for dry skins. 

In terms of powdering concealers under your eyes it just depends on your skin. If you have dry skin or lines then no don't. If you don't and want to seal under your eyes then use something with a natural finish or that is made for dry skin or highlighting under the eyes.

When colour correcting on the face I would recommend correcting the colour, apply foundation, then conceal more if needed in own skin tone. Powder in between foundation and concealer or it won't stick the same. Then once happy powder again and then do your contour and highlight. 

Tools for concealing 

Beauty blenders are essential. Use them wet NOT dry or they absorb the product and that's not what you want. You want to blend the seams and the product. 

Another thing I want to add. If you are purchasing the products that are correct for your skin and it's still not looking how you want I recommend booking a lesson either with myself if you are local or someone reputable closer to home. 9 times out of 10 people have all the best products and it's the application they can't get right. Spending 1 on 1 time with a REAL professional that has knowledge is the best thing you can do. Rather than keep spending on more products when the ones you have are probably fine and then the artist can recommend genuinely what you need. Don't go to a mac counter or any other makeup counter as they are sales targeted and just want your money. 

Olivia x

My Love For Lashes

I thought I would do a post on some of my fave lashes. I like fluffy lashes that are fluttery and pretty. Natural hair is always preferred but some synthetic ones are ok. There's just nothing worse than a shiny black lash on pics you want them looking natural and to frame your eyes and make-up they are NOT the feature!!! 

Lashes I use on my clients are Eldora. The reason I use these is because they are based in the UK, their lashes are very durable and can be worn many times so after my clients leave me it means they can re use them again and again afterwards which is absolute value for money. They also do discount for MUAs so naturally, given the amount of clients I see every week this is important to me. They do natural hair and synthetic. I use the natural which are the ones that begin with a "h" the ones that begin with a "b" are synthetic. I also use the "m"s a LOT, they are the double layered ones, I think these are natural hair too I could be mistaken but either way they are fab.

Ones to order: 

H151

H160 

H153

H125 

M101

M102

M103

M104

I don't personally like m105 and I occasionally use m106 but they're a bit too big for me. 

Ardell Lashes are lovely too. Purely based on the price I don't buy these often. As far as I'm aware you can't get mua discount on these but I do get them marginally cheaper from the wholesalers (salon services). The wispies and Demi wispies are my fave I buy them for my own personal use. Also with these you can wear them again and again. They also do double layered ones but I haven't used them myself. 

Huda Beauty Lashes I have so much love for! 

Samantha and Giselle are exactly what I love about lashes. Soft and fluffy. Samantha is fuller than giselle. Now with these they come from Dubai. So you have to pay postage and customs. If you are a makeup artist and buy in bulk it doesn't work out too bad at around £12 per set, however if it is for personal use and you wouldn't want to buy 5+ then there is an English seller on Instagram who sells them for £20 a pair (making a massive profit of nearly £8 a lash). I simply could never afford to use these on my clients unless I charged more, I get these purely for myself. 

Lilly Lashes are another fab brand from America. You again have to pay postage and she has a broad range of lashes. I love them ALL you want to get the human hair ones they are all so pretty and fluffy, they work out at about £8 a lash so again I just keep these for me. 

House of lashes are from America and again you need to pay postage and customs on these. They took AGES to come so if you are in a rush don't go for this option. The thing I love about this brand is the bottom lashes as not many brands do bottom lashes well. I have noir fairy, siren, iconic and pixie. They are all quite fluffy and dramatic except for siren which is like a curly version of mac 35s if anyone knows what they are. If not check them out they some of my faves too. 

Red cherry lashes are a brand I have once tried by accident. I think the number was 43 and I bloody LOVED them. I just have never got round to ordering any but they are really affordable and English so easy to order. I need to check out what other styles from this brand I would like. 

Glues: 

Nowadays you don't often get glue with lashes. The reason for this is usually to get you to buy their own separately, it's usually crap glue anyway and lots of places have their own which are far better. 

Duo glue is an amazing brand I like the classic white one the best! They recently brought out a new one which comes with a handy little bottle that has a brush applicator (which is amazing) but the glue formula is different and I don't like it. It's not as long wearing as the original and ironically stays sticky even after its dried which I imagine they did this so it continues to stick after dried but it still lifts but it's just a nightmare!! 

Huda glue is like a dark grey/black and I love this glue coz its waterproof but the problem with black glues is if it goes anywhere other than on the lash line you get black in places your really didn't want. Even as a professional I still manage to get it on eyelids especially if my client blinks when applying. If you've done a dark smokey eye however then this wouldn't really matter. 

Olivia x