CHRISTMAS PARTY MAKE-UP - LOOK 2

Here is my second Christmas Make-up look on the stunning Emily, this time I have gone for a red lip colour and winged out eyeliner with glitter.  I had to include some glitter, as it is Christmas after all!

Make-up by Lizzie Griffiths

1. I started by applying Dr Brant pore refiner to Emily's skin to minimise any open pores
2. For the foundation I buffed Laura Mercier silk creme foundation into the skin, this gives a really flawless finish.
3. I then applied By Terry touch veloutee concealer in number to 2 to any blemished.  Emily has the most beautiful skin so hardly needed and concealer at all
4. To set the base I used Laura Mercier universal powder
5. For the eyes starting with MAC paint pot in painterly applied all over the lip
6. On top of the paint pot I applied a skin colour eye shadow - Kevyn Aucoin single eye shadow in 101 bone
7. I wanted some definition in the crease so used Ingot eye shadow in 342 which is a medium matt brown shade
8. In the outer part of the crease I blended Inglot eye shadow in 326 a dark matt brown shade and lightly underneath
9. Now to a matt black Inglot 391 - this was applied half way underneath the eyes from the outer corner to the middle as close to the lashes as possible, to define the eyes
10. Glitter time - Inglot body sparkles 54.  I first took MAC creme colour base in shell with my ring finger and lighly placed it onto the eye lid.  You don't want the glitter to go on foundation so I always place a tissue underneath the eyes.  The glitter was placed onto of the MAC base mainly in the center of the lid
11. For the liner I used Shu Uemura gel liner in M black and took it across the top lash line and winged it out
12. CODE Beautifuls CODE VLM mascara was applied to the top and bottom lashes
13. For this look I used Ardell demi wispies false lashes.  I love these lashes they look so glamerous yet natural
14. Back to my Inglot palette for the eye brows mixing eye shadow colours 342 and 326 - medium and dark matt browns
15. For this look I used my favourite highlighting and contouring duo - Kevyn Aucoins sculpting powder in medium and celestial powder in candlelight
16. For blusher I went for MAC sheertone shimmer blush in Dollymix on the apples of the cheeks
17. Finally to the lips - the liner used was Lipstick Queen red and lipstick was Laura Mercier creme smooth lip colour red amour

Red lips and winged out eye liner

A touch of glitter on the eye lids - perfect for the party season

Make-up by Lizzie Griffiths

I hope you all get some lovely make-up products for Christmas and have a lovely time!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas

Lizzie xx

www.lizziegriffiths.co.uk
@Lizziemakeup

BOTTEGA FASHION PHOTO SHOOT WITH NEANIE BELL PHOTOGRAPHY

I was very excited to be doing the hair and make-up for a photo shoot in one of my favourite stores Bottega, which is a lifestyle boutique selling clothing, jewellery, accessories, bags, home ware, candles, shoes, baby gifts, toiletries and fragrance.   The store is simply stunning, so made it the perfect location for a fashion photo shoot and has received numerous press endorsements including one of Vogue's top 100 stores outside London.  Not only an amazing location, but we were lucky enough to have Bottega's Owner / Director Sam Brightmore to do the styling and her beautiful daughter Alice was the model.

It was fabulous to work with a very old friend Neanie Bell who is a very talented photographer.  I have known Neanie since the age of three so it was amazing to work together on this collaboration.  Neanie is an available light photographer and specialises in photo journalism, natural portraiture and fashion portraiture

For the first look I wanted to keep it young and fun with the hair and make-up, so I blow dried Alice's hair with a soft wave.   For the base I used Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, secret camouflage (did not need much of this as Alice has beautiful skin)and translucent powder.  Urban Decay naked 2 palette was used for the eyes as I wanted to use soft neutrals over the lid and an intense black liner around the eyes.  The liner was around the eyes was created using Sue Uemura black gel liner smudged out with MAC carbon eye shadow.  For this look I didn't want false lashes so it had to be CODE Beautiful's CODE VLM mascara ( I love this product and our model Alice loved it too).  I went for a strong bright lipstick Nars Schiap and blusher was Kevyn Aucoin the pure powder glow in myracle applied very lightly to the apples of the cheeks.

For the second looks Sam put together IDA striped jeans with a  Wildfox long sleeve t-shirt and the most amazing shoes from Kat Maconie.  For the hair I backcombed the top section for lots of body and took the hair to the side in a fishtail plait.

I wanted the eyes more dramatic for this look so ran By Terry ombre blackstar in black matte from the top lash line to the crease with MAC carbon eye shadow over the top.  I then blended Laura Mercier coffee ground eye shadow in the crease to add some warmth and also used it to define the eyebrows.  For underneath the eye I used Kevyn Aucoin eye pencil in basic black and also used it to line the top and bottom waterlines for some intensity.  Back to MAC carbon eyeshadow to smudge the bottom lash line.  Another coat of CODE VLM mascara to the bottom lashes and some dramatic Illamasqua false lashes applied to the top lashes.  I decided to add a pop on colour to the eyes in the centre of the eyelid, I wanted this to really show up so I used a web brush to apply MAC parfait amour eye shadow.  Now to one of my favourite highlighters Kevyn Aucoin celestial powder in candlelight to the cheekbones.  For the lips I used Laura Mercier  lip pencil in naked and By Terry rouge terrybly lipstick in 100 terrybly nude and MAC pink swoon blusher on the cheeks.

This stunning jacket is the Loren Cocoon Coat - Queen B by IDA

The next look was 70s hippy with a hat by Christys hats and t-shirt by Evil Twin.  I curled the hair with a curling wand from halfway down to the bottom.  To keep with the 70s hippy theme I added some sequins to Alice's cheek.

The Final look - a jumper by Gestuz and jewellery by Wish Jewellery.  I removed the sequins and then contoured the cheekbones with Kevyn Aucoin sculpting powder in medium and added Laura Mercier lipgloss in bare pink to the lips.

Hair & Make-up - Lizzie Griffiths

Photography - Neanie Bell

Stylist - Sam Brightmore

Clothing & Accessories supplied by Bottega

Model - Alice Brightmore

CHRISTMAS PARTY MAKE-UP - LOOK 1

This time of year I get asked what make-up would look good for Christmas parties, so I have done a look on the lovely Penny that would be perfect for the festive season!  

Smokey eyes and nude lips
Make-up by Lizzie Griffiths

If you have similar products to the ones I have used, they will look just as good and if you feel that maybe you would prefer a more subtle smokey eyes, follow the same steps and use lighter shades.

Urban Decay - Vice 2 Palette

1. When I do strong eye make-up I always start with the eyes so I can wipe away any fallout. Firstly I took By Terry's hyaluronic eye primer in number one all over the eyelid to stop any creasing.  Eye primer is essential for a smokey eye!
2. Now to the Urban Decay vice 2 palette!  If you haven't already go this palette, get it on your Christmas list, such a brilliant selection of colours. The colour dope was applied as a highlighter to the inner eye corner and the brow bone
3. Then to smokeout which was applied to the eyelid and underneath the eye
4. Rewind was then used to blend smokeout
5. Next colour was lovesick a glittery black, which I took in the outer part of the eye and a third into the crease.  Back to rewind to blend lovesick out
6. Kevyn Aucoin eye pencil in basic black was then used to line the top and bottom waterline, going right into the inner corner.  This pencil is true black and really stays put
7. Back to lovesick underneath the eyes
8. For liner on the top lash line I used Laura Mercier creme eye liner in noir
9. Now to my favourite mascara CODE Beautiful's CODE VLM mascara to the top and bottom lashes.  This mascara gives so much length and volume without going clumpy that the smokey eyes would look great without false lashes
10. Eylure naturalites false lashes 107 were applied to the top - this is completely optional
11. For the skin I started by applying hourglass mineral primer.  This product is amazing, smooths out open pores and fine lines.  I find with this primer my base lasts all day!
12. Followed by Laura Mercier creme smooth foundation in warm ivory.  I love the texture of this foundation and it so easily buffs into the skin.
13. Laura Mercier secret camouflage concealer in SC2 was applied to any blemises
14. The base was then set with Laura Mercier transleucent powder
15. Back to the Urban Decay vice 2 palette with the matt colour rewind, which was a perfect coloud to define Penny's eye brows
16. To brighten the under eyes I used By Terry touch expert advanced in fair
17. I went for a cream product to contour underneath the cheekbones Nars multiple in Rapa nui
18. To highlight the cheekbones and bridge of the nose I used Nars illuminator in Copacabana.  You get the most beautiful sheen with this product.
19. For blush Illamasqua naked rose blush was applied to the apples of the cheeks
20. Then to lips, which were lined with Laura Mercier lip liner in naked. The perfect nude lip liner
21. For the lip colour I used Laura Mercier Creme smooth lip colour in 60's pink and Kevyn Aucoin lipgloss in Tulapina

Here is the final look - I think smokey eyes and nude lips is always a winning look for the party season

I hope you have lots of fun trying this look out and going to your christmas parties!  Look out for my second Christmas party look coming soon

Lizzie xxx

www.lizziegriffiths.co.uk

@Lizziemakeup

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE BOTTEGA FASHION PHOTO SHOOT

Last month I worked on a fashion photo shoot doing the hair and make-up at the beautiful Bottega a lifestyle boutique in Tarporley!  The very talented photographer Neanie Bell captured some lovely behind the scenes images of our lovely model Alice Brightmore.   Bottega's Owner / Director Sam Brightmore did the styling puting together pieces from evil twin, christys' hats, twist and tango, gestuz, wildfox, Kat Maconie, Ida and Wish Jewellery.

Hair & Make-up - Lizzie Griffiths

Photography - Neanie Bell

Stylist - Sam Brightmore

Model - Alice Brightmore

Location - Bottega, Tarporley

CODE VLM Review

Everyone probably knows that I love the CODE VLM mascara, so after four months of using it and onto my second one I decided to do another blog on it this time with images of me wearing it.  I think this is the best way for me to show you what an amazing product CODE Beautiful have.

Before and After 2 coats of CODE VLM

Applying CODE VLM to a model at a recent photo shoot in the amazing Bottega in Tarporley with Neanie Bell Photography

This was the real test for me to how good this mascara is as I need a mascara for my work as a make-up artist and for me personally that isn't going to look lost with dramatic eye make-up.  I think this picture of my eye speaks for itself that with just three coats the mascara still makes the lashes stand out with very strong eye make-up!

Applying CODE VLM to a lovely bride

If you would like to purchase one of these fabulous mascaras go to www.code-beautiful.co.uk

Make-up by Lizzie Griffiths
www.lizziegriffiths.co.uk

THE SUNDAY TIMES STYLE MAGAZINE PHOTOSHOOT - BEHIND THE SCENES

Last week I did the make-up for a photo shoot at the fabulous Bottega in Tarpoley and the image will appear in the Sunday Times Style magazine

Here I am doing the make-up for Bottega's Owner / Director Sam Brightmore
Bottega is a beautiful store in Tarporley and has been named by Vogue as one of the top 100 stores outside London

Here is Sam's final make-up look

One of Bottega's cutomers Amanda Samane Blackham

Holly Taylor runs Holly Alexandra an events and lifestyle management company

A close up of Holly's eye make-up

Sam, Holly and Amanda - three very stylish ladies

Make-up by Lizzie Griffiths

www.lizziegriffiths.co.uk

CODE Beautiful - CODE VLM Volumising Lengthening Mascara

CODE Beautiful all started by two lovely ladies Sarah and Kirsty, who went out to find the perfect mascara and couldn’t, so created their own – CODE VLM!

Look how CODE VLM mascara separates, lengthens and thickens lashes beautifully!

Photographer - Mat Wright
Make-up - Lizzie Griffiths

I first got the chance to use CODE VLM mascara at the photo shoot for the product, where I did the make-up.   The brush was great, just enough mascara on it making it to easy to apply to the models lashes and the brush enabled me to get really close to the roots.  I loved how it separated the lashes beautifully, while making them look longer and fuller.  Perfect for close up photography as you can see from the images.

Smoky Eyes with CODE VLM Mascara

Make-up - Lizzie Griffiths

I was very giddy after the shoot when little package arrived for me, my very own CODE VLM mascara!  Well it did not disappoint at all when I used it on myself, anyone who know me, knows I tend to wear a smoky eye on a daily basis, so if I don’t wear false lashes I need a mascara that has lots of volume.  CODE VLM certainly does have volume and length, it is also buildable too without going clumpy.  What I also loved out it is that it didn’t run underneath my eyes or flake like some mascaras can on me.  There are also some added extras, it is paraben free, not tested on animals and has lash growth ingredients.   CODE VLM is also in my bridal make-up kit as the brides love the effect it gives and is tear proof.

CODE VLM Mascara available at www.code-beautiful.com 

CODE VLM Mascara

Make-up - Lizzie Griffiths

If you would like to purchase a CODE VLM mascara, visit the CODE Beautiful website

www.code-beautiful.com

Make-up by Lizzie Griffiths 

www.lizziegriffiths.co.uk

MY FAVOURITE FACIAL EXFOLIATING PRODUCTS

Exfoliating is an important part of your skincare routine as it removes the oldest skin cells from the surface so your skin will look more fresh, healthy and radiant.  The skin does naturally loses dead skin cells from the top layer, so exfoliating will accelerate this.  Your skincare products, such as serums, moisturisers, oils and masks will be more effective with exfoliating as they penetrate easier into the skin

You should never exfoliate two days on the run, generally go for once or twice a week, unless you have dry or sensitive skin as the skin is thinner.  There are some great grain free exfoliators that would be lovely for dry or sensitive skin.  Exfoliating is not recommended for highly sensitive, pustular or blemished skin.

Malin + Goetz - Jojoba Facial Scrub
My skin feels super clean after using this scrub, if you like a scrub that has exfoliating particles, this maybe the scrub for you.  This can be used up to three times a week to help purify and balance the skin.  This is great for men too.

Elemental Herbology - Facial Glow
I have been a fan of this product since it launched in Space NK in 2008.  If your skin feels like it needs some TLC this is great as your skin will feel so healthy after using it due to the vitamins, enzymes and skin-brightening botanicals that help to exfoliate the skin.  Cleanse your face then apply this all over the skin, leave for four minutes, rinse off with warm water and your done.  It does say you have no need to scrub, but when I use it after the four minutes I do gently buff it round the t-zone area,which does work well for me.

Collin Resultime - Grain free Soft Scrub
I am addicted to this one at the moment as  my skin feels so soft and looks radiant the next day.    This is great for every skin type even sensitive and delicate as it is free from particles, instead it uses enzymes to exfoliate the skin.  It is very gentle, but that does not mean in anyway that it is not as effective.  I found it very effective and as I have slightly sensitive skin I can break out after exfoliating, with this one I didn't.

I hope this has helped you if you are looking for a new exfoliating facial product or to add it to your current skin care regime.  These are my personal favourites that I find work for me.  

Thanks for reading and enjoy your week

Lizzie xxx

www.lizziegriffiths.co.uk

NEW YORK MAKE-UP PURCHASES

I got back from a week in New York with my Mum last week and had the most amazing time, shopping, sightseeing, fabulous musicals and lots of cup cakes.  As you can imagine I bought a lot of make-up there, I shopped in Sephora, Saks, Macy's, Bloomingdales, Inglot and of course Space NK's lovely Soho Store.

Outside Sephora's flagship store in Times Square

 Here are my five favourite products.

Lorac Unzipped Eye Shadow Palette

This is a gorgeous eye shadow palette containing four matte and six shimmer eye shadows in various natural shades.  These shadows just glide on, are highly pigmented and are of excellent quality.  What I love about this palette is you can create any eye look from a very natural sweep of colour to a full on smoky eye.  The set also comes with a small eye primer which is very good, it holds the shadow in place and is a lovely light matte texture.




Smashbox Soft Lights Shimmer

This powder highlighter is a soft silk like texture and is perfect for the cheekbones.  It is a nude pinky shade and would compliment the majority of blusher shades.  As well as the cheekbones it looks pretty on the bridge of the nose, brow bone and tear duct.










Make-up Forever Uplight

This is a face luminizer gel that comes in eight shades, I got the dewy pink beigh shade that was perfect for my pale skin.  The gel contains reflecting pigments which capture and difuse light.  It can be used in many ways, on its own, underneath fountation, mixed with foundation or ontop of foundation.  I like to to wear it underneath, buff my foundation on top, then mix some with a tiny bot of foundation and buff onto my cheekbones.












Bare Escentuals Buxon Big and Healthy Lipgloss

This lipgloss creates fuller looking lips and has a slightly tingling sensation which I don't mind as it feels lik its working.  It contains vitamin A and E which help keep the lips soft and smooth and is long lasting for a gloss.  I went for the colour Sandy which is a pinky nude - perfect to go with my smoky eyes on a night out.  There are 25 shades in the range.












Anastasia Brow Wiz
I had to get this brow pencil as beauty bloggers and you tube stars Pixiwoo are always saying how amazing it is and they are right.  The ultra fine pencil top mimics the apperance of small hairs.  It also comes with a brush on the other end and you never need to sharpen it as it is a mechanical lead.  I went for the lightest colour ash blonde, there are six shades all together so one for everyone.




I hope you have found this helpful!  Have a good week everyone!

Lizzie xxx