Get the Cover Look

MEET THE EXPERTS WHO CREATED THE FRONT COVER LOOK

MAKE-UP

Classic, timeless and effortless are the three words that describe this makeup look.

As a bridal makeup artist, I feel like makeup that makes you look like yourself only better is the most sought after look. To create this look I used the Bperfect x Ellie Kelly Born Ready Palette on the eyes as the colours are stunning and it is such a versatile palette which will suit any day to night, light to dark, natural to glam bridal look. I paired this eye look with LMD Cosmetics LM01 Lash, the perfect feline effect lash, going from smaller in the inner corner to fanning out slightly longer to the outer corner of the eye. For brows I used a small amount of Plouise Brow Paint in the shade Mochaccino just to naturally define the brow. To create a flawless, glowy skin base, I first used LMD Cosmetics Dusk to Dawn setting spray to prep my skin. Then I used Weleda Skin Food Light which leaves a gorgeous silk finish to prep the skin for the next step. I chose to use Jcat Skinsurance Foundation as it is a satin finish and delivers a luminous, natural glow, leaving the skin feel silky and smooth. I paired this with Jcat Staysurance Concealer, a lightweight yet long lasting concealer that combats dark circles, redness and any imperfection for a flawless look. The foundation and concealer is then set with LMD Cosmetics Loose Setting Powder, which contains blurring agents to create that flawless finish. To add definition and structure to the face I used Milani Baked Bronzer on the temples, cheekbones and along the jawline. On the cheeks I used Milani Rose D’Oro Baked Blush to add a pop of colour. I then applied LMD Cosmetics Highlighter Duo on the cheekbones, tips of the nose and cupids bow to give a beautiful radiant glow. For lips I used La Girl Lipliner in the shade Blushing then blended Tickle lipstick from Oh My Glam for that beautiful ombre effect and finished it off with Angel Floss From LMD Cosmetics to give a stunning glossy finish.

MAKEUP: Louise McDonnell, LMD Makeup, Magherafelt, tel: 028 7932 8120

HAIR

I prepped Louise’s hair by crimping her roots to achieve lift and body. I then sprayed with Alfaparf Dry Shampoo and a light dusting with texturising powder. I used Velcro rollers at the front and crown area to create volume and pin-curled her weave, leaving to set for 30 minutes.

Once set, I brushed it all out and styled it into a soft relaxed wave with plenty of texture in the root area to hold her veil and headpieces secure. This kind of style will never date and also lasts for days, making it ideal for any bride on the day after.

HAIR: Karen McCullough Hair, Ballymena, tel: 077 0852 0798

FLOWERS

We are passionate about flowers and provide luxury faux floral arrangements and flower walls to create the perfect backdrop. Services include wedding planning and styling.

FLOWERS: Rose Avenue, Dungannon, tel: 075 4528 6466

PHOTOGRAPHER

Spring time is my favourite time for photographs. The flowers bloom, colours ignite and the rise in temperatures bring with it an optimism unlike any other season. When The magazine asked could we shoot the front cover for the spring/summer edition we jumped at the chance. I used natural light entirely for the shoot, with Brownlow House the perfect setting for an indoor shoot. The huge windows allow a lovely soft, flattering light to fall on the model. It was a pleasure working with Louise. She grew in confidence as the shoot went along and showed off the princess dresses to perfection.

With Karen’s expertise on hair, Louise’s makeup skills, the only thing left to focus on was the style and this was brought in abundance by Perfect Day. The atmosphere at a shoot is always important; we try our best to create a fun, relaxed ambience and with the Louise, Karen, Dawn and Bernie, the craic was ninety and put everyone at ease.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Simon O’Neill at Ciaran O’Neill Photography, Lurgan, tel: 028 3834 4100

MODEL: Louise McDonnell