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As an only child who spent half of my teenage years on the phone and the other half reading every issue of Vogue from cover to cover (although come to think of it, what’s changed?), this beautiful make up inspiration study by Brides Up North Featured Supplier Make Up By Jo really caught my attention. Based on Chanel’s Spring 2013 Couture Collection, striking black lace appliques may not be at the top of my recommended bridal beauty looks, but if you normally rock a strong make up look, why feel that you have to tone it down to say I do?
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Here, Jo and her North East wedding industry colleagues explore a strong yet pretty look, from which the more fashion forward brides might seek inspiration.
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Chanel Couture Spring 2013 Inspired Make-up
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Face
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
Ariane Poole Tinted Primer in Light
Ariane Poole Conceal and Contour Palette
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Eyes
Elizabeth Arden Eye Fix Primer
Ariane Poole Illuminator Pen in Light
Ariane Poole Eyeshadow/Eye liner in Black Diamond
Ariane Poole Superwear Gel Eyeliner in Black
Max Factor False Lash effect in Black
Benefit Brow Zings in Light
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Cheeks
Rimmel London Blusher in Spring Flower
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Lips
Lucas Paw Paw Ointment
Rimmel London Kate Moss lipstick in 07
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Chanel Spring 2013 Couture Collection images from Style.com – see the full set by clicking here.
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Jo of Make Up By Jo says: The inspiration behind the shoot came from the latest catwalk from one of the quintessential fashion houses: Chanel. Chanel’s Couture Spring 2013 collection was based on a “neo classical” woodland in the Grand Palais in Paris. The hair and make-up featured dark smoky eyes with feathery effects of lace as if the models were birds in the woods.
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I wanted a small collaboration of talented suppliers in the North East to bring together a more fashion forward look for brides to consider on their wedding day. Mood boards were set up on Pinterest and discussions were set for a date in the studio with GASP Photography.
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I had lengthy discussions with accessories designer What Katy Did Next to make sure that headpieces and leather necklaces representing feathers and leaves in various shades of black and silver would enhance the overall look for the final images.
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I wanted to really show the eyes as the strongest feature with soft smoky eye make up. The skin was to have a fresh but flawless look with a minimal amount of eyebrow enhancement. The application of the eyeshadow was a continuous method – blending the black eyeshadow to give the soft hue. The dark eyeliner was applied and eyeshadow was smudged to soften the hard line of kohl pencil. A pink shade was chosen for lipstick and cheeks to give the overall look a softer feminine edge with such strong black eyeshadow.
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The lace feather effect was created by cutting tiny sections of lace and using eyelash glue on each individual piece to apply to the face for the final look.
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Little Black Book
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Make-up Artist: Jo Leversuch of Make Up by Jo
Photographer: Jade Angus of GASP Photography
Hairdresser: Vicki Murray of Poppy Hairdressing Stockton
Hair Pieces & Feather Necklaces: Katy Howieson of What Katy Did Next
Flowers: Kirsty Johnson of Darling & Green
Other jewellery: Jewellery By
Scarf: Andrea Freeman at Redana
Model: Alexandra Ellis
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 Make Up By Jo, GASP Photography, Style.com
Make Up By Jo is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
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Look after your skin, and stick to a skin care routine leading up to the wedding
Skin primers for face and possible eyes and lips
Waterproof mascara and eyeliners
Good foundation 
Lipstick that suits you as a person
Fake tan on the evening before or morning of the wedding
Not blending or choosing the wrong shade of foundation
Wearing the wrong shade of lipstick that makes you look washed out
Wearing a facemask on the morning of the wedding
Fake tan not applied correctly on the hands
Spring is a time of natural renewal – so do the same for your skin and invest in a fine polishing product to get rid of dead skin cells – smooth radiant skin looks tons better in digital photos. Try: Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Kit available at 
Spring light can be very white – use a pink or peach primer first to make the skin sparkle before applying foundations. Try: L’Oreal Studio Secrets Anti Dull Skin Primer at 
Foundations need to have some sticking power for weddings and most likely it’s going to be a long, emotional day for you. Even if you are not a girl who wears make-up – make this the day you wear a proper foundation. It doesn’t need to be heavy, but it does need to have a matte or semi matte finish. If you have anything with sparkles or sheen it will make you look sweaty in the photos or will slip during the day.
Apply your foundation with a proper brush. it gives you a much better finish and allows you to build up layers easily. I love Daniel Sandler “Base brush” at 
Invest in a new style fluid blusher which will plump up the cheeks and won’t look powdery or dry on your wedding day. Try: Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in “Cherub” or “Blush”. It’s a silicone base which means it will last all day and night. 
New eye shadow colours for the new season! If you are DIY’ing your bridal make-up, try soft corals, champagnes and browny lilacs for this time of year. Remember to buy your make-up a couple of weeks in advance and practice your look at least a couple of times before the wedding. You don’t want any surprises on the day! Try: Nars Eyeshadow Trios (limited editions) in “Douce France” or “Calanque” at 
There are loads of options for lashes – not just mascara. Long lasting lash extensions are becoming increasingly popular for brides (ask your therapist for a full but natural set – and avoid the dreaded “spider” lashes) or if you have a couple of months you might want to consider investing in “Revitalash” serum. This is an amazing product developed by a Doctor whose wife had lost her eyelashes due to chemotherapy. It works! I used it for my wedding last year and can heartily recommend it. Try: Revitalash available from QVC at 
Peach lips are a favourite of mine – get the right peach for you and it immediately lifts and brightens your face. Illamasqua at 
Teeth will be on show so consider some dental whitening. Rather than laser whitening which although is fast and speedy can be unpredictable in terms of how white you go, consider getting a tray set made at your dentist. That way you can control the degree of whitening so you get the right white for you and your skin. I recommend 
Finally a tip which won’t cost you anything… whatever you end up doing with your make-up, when you are all dressed and ready to walk down that aisle – don’t forget to smile!
Look after your skin, drink plenty of water and try to ease up on alcohol in the lead up to the wedding – alcohol dries out the skin and leads to puffiness under the eyes or dark circles.
Easier said than done – but try not to stress when things don’t go right with the planning – stress usually results in the skin bearing the brunt of it: spots or flakiness.
Trial a spray tan well ahead of the wedding – don’t leave it to chance and get it done just before the wedding. I have seen so many problems with spray tans on the wedding day that I have had ………..
Those paper powder books are ideal to mop up any oiliness or shine on the skin – and small enough to fit in a purse.
If you are going to cry – remember to use the corner of the tissue to absorb the tears – don’t rub eyes!
If you are wearing white – a dark tan will look way too dark – go for a nice light glow – make-up can add more colour which will look nice and natural.
Talons with French manicures look false – a mid length nail will look so more flattering and pretty with a French manicure.
Don’t have your brows or any other facial waxing the day before the wedding – the skin will be too sensitive and will look pink on the day. 
