WEDDING SEASON – MY FAVOURITE PRODUCTS
CAN
you believe it’s May already? Time is just whizzing by at an alarming rate. Well, for me anyway! This year is an extra busy one, as it’s a combination of weddings from 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Covid really had a crazy impact on the wedding industry and, I know it sounds a bit silly, but I haven’t counted how many weddings I have this year.
I’m taking every month as it comes and taking deep breaths. Slightly terrified? No, never! (nervous laughter in the background…)
There’s definitely over 160 weddings I’m doing myself, not to mention the other artists I have doing weddings for me also. I have done about 14 so far, so the countdown is on. Luckily for me, I absolutely adore my job, so the wedding season will go by fast (and add in two children to the mix, a Portuguese husband and an abundance supply of ironing and admin to keep me well and truly entertained – so I’m all set!)
The wedding industry here in the Algarve is one of the best in the world. We have the best wedding planners, suppliers and such a stunning coastline, with an abundance of hotels, villas and locations to choose from. Not only that, it’s a perfect location for photoshoots and movies (that I love to do when I have the time away from weddings).
I am lucky to work in a place where there is so much demand for my profession; however, you need to be both skillful and experienced.
Hard work and long hours together with working weekends and bank holidays are a given. Buying products for my kit is extremely expensive and I am always replenishing my favourite products, again and again. So, I thought, why not talk about my absolute favourite products in my kit that will work on every skin type and age?
I have started to see a trend of me purchasing products more than others, and that’s because I love them and use them on nearly every fabulous client of mine, whether a bride, an actor, model or someone who wants nice makeup for a special event. So, let’s get cracking!
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Aww, this is a little gem of mine, and the smell is one of my most favourite smells in the world. This facial mist is enriched with botanical extracts and the formula cleverly helps to refine the look of pores while combatting dullness.
I love to use on bare skin before makeup application or even as a setting spray over the makeup. It contains grape extracts for a glowing complexion, alongside rosemary essential oil, soothing orange blossom and rose extracts. Benzoin, myrrh and astringent organic mint further tone and refresh the skin, supporting a bright, radiant and refined completion.
Literally every client I spritz this on comments how beautiful the smell is and enquires about the product. I get this online from Look Fantastic and it’s €13.95 for a 30ml, which fits perfectly in my kit. However, you can buy 100ml also. Needless to say, I will go through a few bottles this summer! Plus, this is a great little gift for the man in your life; it works really well on their skin too.
Nars Blush – Orgasm
Yes, that’s really the name of this blush. And what a name! Are you blushing yet? (Get it?!).
This blush shade has won more awards than nearly any other makeup product and, it’s fair to say, I was very late to the game. I have about 20 blushes in my kit, but I was gifted this and instantly fell in love with it when I used it on a hot night out here in the Algarve. This blush is so popular that an entire collection has been built around it, with Orgasm lip gloss, illuminator and even a multiple for eyes, lips and cheeks.
This peachy-pinky blush, with its tiny gold flecks, makes everyone look good. It works for every season, whether my clients are very pale or extremely tanned. This is always on my table and I can’t imagine it not being in my kit. You can pick one up in all Sephora stores (when they’re not sold out that is) for €36.90.
Dior Backstage Glow Face Palettes
These are my little obsessions and I have three out of five of these palettes. Each palette has four shades that work on all skin types and give the most luxurious and heathy glow. I love to mix them together and even use them as eyeshadows to get my money’s worth. They are buildable and even look beautiful on the skin alone to give that healthy dewy look. It’s my secret weapon to add instant radiance to any look. They include two highlighters and a rosy or peachy blush and a bronze blush to apply to the cheekbones or a bronzer. Most of my brides will have this on this season if they want a dewy radiant look. I purchase mine at Sephora for €50.90.
Sharon Phillips is a well-known, fully qualified makeup artist from Ireland. She has been working in the makeup industry in Portugal for nearly a decade and specialises in bridal makeup, editorial photoshoots and film and television. Her passion is helping women feel and look fabulous through makeup. www.makeupalgarve.com