August Adventures

Me and Zoe  had a free day and we really wanted to get out and do something. The weather has been so Jekyll & Hyde recently so it's difficult to choose what to do, where to go and what to wear. We checked the weather forecast today and with sun but strong wind we decided to head to the train station for an adventure!

We decided once we got the the train station our destination and opted for a train ticket to Hexham in Northumberland. The train had already arrived by the time we got to the station.... good timing us! We set off and on the train we discussed where we should hop off the train and opted for Corbridge. 

We really had no plan, and just let the day happen so we headed out of the station and headed for the town centre.... The houses are literally country side goals. Stunning country houses nestled in the Northumberland countryside with the sun breaking through the clouds. We spent alot of time swooning at the houses and the views....

We popped into some of the little shops for a mooch, and discovered a little independent bakery. The produce looked so good, that we couldn't not go in for a peak. The Lemon Curd French Meringues were calling our names, so needless to say we couldn't resist! Shortcake, quiche, beer bread.... Mmm. They are literally the size of my head and can't wait to tuck in to some with my family after lunch with whipped cream.

Tea & Tipple saved us from a little rain shower when we dove in for a coffee and a scone. This was so nice for a little sit down and to chill. The staff were lovely and the jam is delicious!

After the treats, we headed back to the train station and even though we had to wait about 30 minutes for our train, the wait in the sun (and wind) was so enjoyable. I really do think we could all do this more, living in a world where we our tied to our phones and technology - getting the chance to get out in the countryside and breathe in some country air really has been refreshing for me.

Until next time... 

The Original Redhead 

X 

Tan Lines & Protection

So as most of you will probably know, I am currently travelling. As a blogger there is a few important 'must haves' on my list, but as a redhead the most important has to be my sun cream.

 

 

 

 

As a redhead who also had sensitive skin Simple sun cream has always looked after my milky complexion! 

 

I know when we're young we think we're unstoppable and we'll live forever. That eating vegetables really doesn't do anything and wearing sun cream isn't important. But as I have got older and travelling to numerous destinations, I cant stress enough how important it is to look after your skin while you're young!

 

When I was in my teens I experienced 1st hands the effects of too much sun can have on your body with an unpleasant trip to a hospital abroad. I did wear sun cream, did wear a hat, did keep hydrated but sometimes too much is just too much. I'd spent a day on the beach in intense Mediterranean summer sunshine and paid the price.

 

My mam has always drilled in me to wear sun cream and protect myself but I obviously underestimated how strong the heat was. So here are some tips to stay cool and look after your precious skin...

 

1) Wear a high factor sun cream/sun block. Even if you 'tan easily' wearing nothing can still damage your skin.

 

2) Stay hydrated. Drink a lot! When you're on holiday, the heat will probably be more intense than your body is used to. Sweating in hot temps obviously means losing moisture and hydration from your body.

 

3) Protect you head - wear a hat. I know its a cliché mum saying but protecting your head and preventing sun stoke & headaches is really important.

 

4) After a long day in the sun, around the pool or enjoying the sights make sun you have a lovely cool shower, wash off any products onto your skin to prevent prickly heat (obviously reapply if you're heading back out into the sun) and apply after sun or moisturiser to lock in moisture you may have lost during the day.

 

5) Only do as long as you feel you can sitting in the sun. As a Briton, I have seen many fellow Britans take far too much advantage of the sun abroad. As a redhead it is sometimes frustrating for me to see others so dark skinned and enjoying the sun but I have learned the hard way to be safe and only do what I feel comfortable, sun bathing wise. Don't give in to pier pressure of baking in the sun if you're clearly burning and doing damage.

 

I hope this little post will be of use to you and help you be afe in the sunshine! Try to have fun but look after yourselves too.

 

Until next time...

 

The Original Redhead

 

X

Scotland adventures

About a month ago I was contacted by make up artist, Josephine Birkett. I have worked with Josephine on numerous photo shoots and events. Her talent, skill and knowledge is impeccable and I love working with her lovely self! When she contacted I was happy to know that she was asking me to accompany her to a day in Glasgow. Jo works for global cosmetic company Mac. They go through extensive training and they have to take certs. There is different levels and Josephine asked me to be her model for her Advanced Certs.

 

 

 

 

In this level the make up artists have to compete a series of techniques. They are literally given a look on the day in which they have to complete to their best ability to look like the visual they are supplied with dl have certain time frames to complete each one.

We were up super early and headed to the train station. Mac decide who is they think is ready so there I always a few girls from each store travelling together. We got he train from Newcastle to Edinburgh, then a connection from Edinburgh to Glasgow. I absolutely adore Scotland so I was excited and thoroughly enjoyed travelling with the girls and seeing beautiful views from the train window! Spending summers driving through Scotland with family when I was young has most certainly stuck with me....

 

Anyway, we got to Glasgow and I was starry eyed being in this stunning city. We walked down the main street and entered Frasers where the Mac seems so much more like essential centre piece of the store rather than just a concession. We made it to the room where the certs were being held and all the artists set up their kit. Legendary Cher Webb was supposed to attend - for anyone who doesn't know, Cher does a lot of London shows and works on the make up looks for a lot of runways. No pressure then! She was poorly so another assessor had to judge on her own whilst photographing everyone's looks in which her and Cher could make a fair unanimous decision between themselves over the weekend.

 

The atmosphere was kind o relaxed but obviously all of the artists were tense and a little nervous. The looks included brows, skin, lashes, highlight and contour, lips and eyeliner.

 

 

 

 

 The skin look was a flawless matte effect with a no make up effect. The highlight and contour look was also very natural.

 

 

The brow was a very specific shape, quite a high rounded arch with a long tail.

 

 

 

 

The next look was the eyeliner. The visual was quite difficult to see from but it was quite dramatic with very straight flicks at each side. It was almost a straight line from the inner, under the eye to the outer flick. But obviously this will vary depending on the shape of the models eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

We then took a break for lunch. I totally rocked this eyeliner around the streets of Glasgow while we got a bite to eat! The next look after lunch was lashes. The look was a very 60's inspired look with sections missing so some were longer than others. Very Twiggy I thought!

 

 

 

 

The lip was next...  It was a super straight lip with a shallow cupid bow and very full on the bottom. For these looks they mark based on colour match, colour, texture and shape. The visual was a very vibrant red...

 

 

 

 

There was another technique they had to complete after tis which was tattoo coverage. Since I have no tattoos I sat this one out but was good to watch them all at work...

 

 

 

 

All finished!

Every time Josephine does my make up it literally lasts for hours after! Here's some snaps of it once I as hoe. My lips are literally perfect and I was so in love that it took my ages to get the courage to remove it all! *sadface*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I actually love these lashes applied in this style. I think they are 2's by Mac and applied in sections. Jo cut the full strip in to smaller pieces and applied, I kind of look like a doll but I'm totally cool with that. I think I could even wear this on a night out. Madly in love with this look!



Wearing my Miss Taylors Belted Coat. Read the full blog about Miss Taylors HERE.


Don't forget to check out Josephine's Facebook Page, website and other social media! I cannot recommend her any more that I already do. She takes bookings for photo shoots, weddings/trials, events, birthday/weekend looks, face painting (she is CRB checked.) Take a peak at her work!