and fashion Q&A

Expert tips from local suppliers

Celebrity Style

How can I achieve the make-up that television personality Jamie Laing's new wife Sophie Habboo wore on her big day?

Meet the expert: Emma Beavers is a bridal and occasion make-up artist based in Wiltshire covering the South West.

Emma says: Sophie Habboo’s wedding make-up was the perfect bridal look, flawless yet still appearing like herself, just a more enhanced version. With wedding season in full swing, I know this will be the image of the year that brides use as their inspiration, so how do you achieve it?

There's a widespread misconception between natural makeup and neutral make-up. The difference is that natural make-up is where very little is applied to the skin so that the skin shines through and everything else on the face is minimal. Neutral make-up is generally full-coverage make-up where neutral colours are used to create a desired polished look.

Sophie's radiant make-up is a neutral make-up look and one that we can all create. Sophie built up her base by using two products, the first being a tinted moisturiser (try the DayWear Multi-Protection moisturiser with SPF15 by Estée Lauder) followed by a foundation (try the Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup by Estée Lauder). By layering these two products, you're hydrating, brightening and improving the appearance of the skin, while adding coverage.

Delicate Details

We’re newly engaged and shopping for our engagement ring together. It needs to be sustainably sourced, can you help?

Meet the expert: Hannah Brown Jewellery is an award-winning, sustainably focused contemporary fine jewellery brand based in Wiltshire specialising in bespoke remodelled pieces to create sustainable, one-of-a-kind items.

Claire Ridley, Fashion editor across the County Wedding Magazines brand says: I adore the exquisite pieces created by Hannah who is open for commissions, perfect for engaged couples. Here is a selection of my favourite wedding-worthy pieces!

Hannah Brown Jewellery | https://hannahbrownjewellery.co.uk | www.facebook.com/hannahbrownjewellery | www.instagram.com/hannahbrownjewellery

For the eyes, soft pink tones were used across the lids, blending slightly up towards the brow bone and into the socket of the eye. This gives the eyelids a natural contour which is finished with a soft blend under the lower lash line and some black mascara.

Sophie softly contoured her cheeks, nose, forehead and jawline. The trick to this is not to go too dark with your chosen contour shade (you only need two to four shades darker than your skin tone). You want to create soft subtle shadows, not lines. This can be finished off with a touch of highlighter blush.

Brows can make or break a look! Sophie has groomed brows and this is a must for any bride. They are gently filled in for definition and brushed through.

Sophie's lips are slightly overlined to give her a fuller-looking lip, you can finish this off with sheer lipstick or a tinted lip balm.

Makeup by Emma, https://mymakeupbyemma.co.uk; www.facebook.com/mymakeupbyemma; www.instagram.com/my_makeup_by_emma

High Brow Beauty

Nikkie Tutorials swears by Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Genius, and what’s good enough for Nikkie is good enough for me! This multi-benefit brow serum that noticeably improves hair texture, manageability and encourages the appearance of fullerlooking brows, blends six rejuvenating ingredients that work now and later to create a look you’ll love. Think a smoother, softer, tamer, fullerlooking brow ready to frame your gorgeous eyes as your new spouse gazes into them and says ‘I do’. Find it on the company’s website www.anastasiabeverlyhills.co.uk for £61.

A Love Letter To Your Skin

I recently attended a masterclass with Super Facialist’s resident skincare expert, Charlotte Connoley, which posed the question: do we really know our skin type? If like me your answer is somewhat hesitant, it may interest you to know that there’s an easy way to find out. Charlotte suggests simply splashing your face with water and leaving it for 20-25 minutes. If it feels prickly afterwards, you have sensitive skin; if the water’s gone, then it’s dry; if the skin is tight, it’s dehydrated; and if it feels perfectly comfortable you’re blessed with a normal skin type. Whatever you discover, Super Facialist has a range of products specifically tailored to each type, recognising this can change throughout the year. This allows you to affordably create your own individual skincare routine to support your skin throughout the seasons.

Having learned that my skin is dehydrated, I tried the divine Rosehip Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser (£9, www.lookfantastic.com) and my annoying dry patches have been banished!

SUN-KISSED BRIDE

A multi-use bronzer, blusher and highlighter, ICONIC London’s new Kissed By The Sun is an all-in-one cheek glow product allowing us all to harness the mystical power of the sun! Available in five different shades its pearlescent pigments disperse a wash of radiant shine, while its hybrid powder-meets-cream texture sits beautifully on the skin. Find it for £26 online at www.iconiclondoninc.com