I recently had the privilege of providing makeup services for Chanel Media Talks, a distinguished corporate event hosted by the iconic French luxury house. Bringing together key speakers for a series of on-stage conversations, the event required a polished and considered beauty approach aligned with Chanel’s refined and timeless aesthetic.
Working with a heritage luxury brand such as Chanel is always an honour. Every detail matters from the overall presence of the speakers to how makeup translates under professional lighting and live audiences. My role was to prepare each key speaker before they stepped on stage, ensuring they felt confident, composed and impeccably presented.
Corporate event makeup differs significantly from bridal or campaign work. For stage environments like Chanel Media Talks, the focus shifts towards a more matte, perfected complexion. Intense stage lighting can amplify shine and texture, so the finish must be carefully balanced to appear smooth, sophisticated and camera-ready without looking flat. Skin preparation remains essential, but luminosity is controlled and strategically placed to maintain dimension while avoiding unwanted reflection.
The overall aesthetic for the event was understated luxury refined skin, subtle definition and effortless elegance. Makeup was designed to enhance natural features while maintaining a professional, modern finish consistent with Chanel’s elevated brand image.
Events of this calibre demand precision, discretion and a calm presence behind the scenes. Preparation time is often limited, and speakers require makeup that feels lightweight and comfortable while remaining flawless throughout appearances, photography and post-event engagements.
As a London-based makeup and hair artist specialising in luxury corporate events, I understand the nuances of working within high-profile brand environments. Whether preparing executives, ambassadors or guest speakers, my approach remains consistent: polished, sophisticated beauty that supports confidence and aligns seamlessly with the brand’s identity.
It was a pleasure to contribute to such a refined and inspiring event
Luxury makeup is often associated with superior quality, flawless finishes and elevated performance — but in reality, not every high-end product earns its price tag. As a professional luxury makeup artist with over seven years of experience working with high end brands such as Chanel, Faberge, JW Anderson, Carolina Herrera I’ve tested countless products in real-world conditions.
In this guide, I’m sharing the high-end makeup products that are truly worth investing in, alongside a few controversial luxury products I personally don’t believe offer good value. My goal isn’t to discredit luxury makeup but to help you spend wisely and build a refined, effective makeup collection.
This foundation is, without question, worth the investment. The formula delivers a refined, skin-like finish that enhances the complexion without ever looking heavy or overdone. What makes it exceptional s the skincare-infused formulation, powered by Augustinus Bader’s renowned technology — a genuine benefit, not just a marketing claim.
It blends seamlessly, wears beautifully throughout the day and photographs impeccably, making it a staple for both
everyday wear and professional makeup applications.
Why it’s worth it:
lightweight luxury finish, impeccable blendability and added skincare benefits.
This is one of the most versatile luxury makeup products you can own. The finely milled powders melt into the skin, creating a refined glow that never appears glittery or textured.
The palette can be used as a highlighter, eyeshadow or glow enhancer, and the four thoughtfully curated shades make it suitable all year round and across a wide range of skin tones. It’s a staple in my professional kit for good reason.
Why it’s worth it: multi-use functionality, universally flattering tones and a sophisticated glow.
This product is an absolute essential — both for professional makeup artists and for everyday use. The cream texture blends effortlessly into the skin, delivering a naturally bronzed, healthy glow with no muddy or cakey undertones.
It’s practically foolproof, making it perfect for:
The finish is fresh, luminous and refined — a perfect example of modern luxury makeup.
Why it’s worth it: effortless application, natural warmth and flawless results with minimal skill required.
There’s no denying this is a beautiful, lightweight foundation with a soft, radiant finish. However, at nearly £40, I don’t personally believe it offers enough of a difference to justify the price.
The L’Oréal True Match Foundation is an almost exact dupe in texture, finish and wear — at around £12. When comparing the two side by side, the quality difference is minimal, while the price difference is significant.
Why I’d skip it: lovely formula, but too similar to a far more affordable alternative.
I appreciate a compact eyeshadow palette for convenience and travel, and the quality of these shadows is undeniably beautiful — smooth, refined and blendable.
That said, for the price point, four shades simply don’t offer enough value. Many other brands provide comparable quality with double or triple the shade range, making them a more practical investment.
Why I’d skip it: excellent quality, but limited versatility for the cost.
This may be the most controversial opinion, but after more than seven years as a professional makeup artist, I’ve never seen the necessity for expensive makeup brushes.
There are outstanding, affordable brush ranges available — particularly on Amazon — that perform just as well as luxury brands such as Hourglass. The Maange brush range, for example, offers excellent quality and durability, and I’ve seen many professional artists use them regularly.
Brush performance comes down to shape, density and technique, not branding.
Why I’d skip them: exceptional affordable alternatives exist that deliver the same results.
Luxury makeup is not about price — it’s about performance, finish and reliability. Some high-end products truly elevate a makeup look and are worth every penny, while others simply don’t offer enough improvement over well-formulated, affordable alternatives.
Knowing where to invest and where to save allows you to build a curated, intelligent makeup collection that delivers professional results — whether you’re a makeup artist, a bride, or refining your everyday routine.
If you’d like personalised product recommendations, bridal-specific advice, or help building a luxury makeup kit, feel free to get in touch
Luxury bridal makeup is about enhancing your natural beauty never masking it.
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments of your life and when it comes to bridal makeup mistakes, even small missteps can affect how confident and radiant you feel. Your makeup should feel timeless, refined and effortlessly radiant. As a luxury bridal makeup artist in London and internationally, I’ve worked with countless brides and often see the same easily avoidable bridal makeup mistakes.
Ultimately, with the right preparation and professional guidance, you can avoid these pitfalls and walk down the aisle glowing, confident and feeling the best you ever have.
Timeless, camera-ready bridal makeup that still feels like you.
One of the most common bridal makeup mistakes is leaving your makeup booking until the last minute. Brides often prioritise the venue and dress first. However, they then realise too late that their preferred makeup artist is already booked.
It’s always such a shame having to say no to lovely brides who were keen to book — if you have your wedding date, secure it as soon as possible.
Luxury bridal makeup artists, particularly those working on high-end weddings, book up quickly. Booking early ensures you receive the time, attention and expertise you deserve.
Trial tip: Wear a top similar in colour and neckline to your wedding dress. This allows you to see how your makeup, complexion and hairstyle work together and how different looks complement your neckline.
For luxury bridal makeup in London and internationally, explore my wedding services here:
https://makeupbyemie.co.uk/weddings/
A refined bridal look starts with planning early and perfecting it at your trial.
It’s tempting to choose the latest makeup trend, but what looks beautiful on social media doesn’t always translate well in real life or in wedding photography.
Trends come and go, but your wedding photos are forever.
Timeless bridal makeup enhances your features rather than masking them.
Wedding planning is stressful enough, the last thing you want is a skin reaction days before your big day.
New skincare products, facials, peels or self-tanners can cause irritation, breakouts or uneven texture that makeup can’t fully correct.
If you’re looking to improve skin texture and glow safely, I recommend a consultation with Beauty Method by Bethany, a leading skin health specialist in Chelsea, London.
Healthy, calm skin is the foundation of flawless bridal makeup.
Great makeup always starts with great skin. Bridal makeup applied on dry or dehydrated skin will never look as seamless…no matter how skilled the artist.
Texture and lack of hydration affect how foundation blends, wears and photographs throughout your wedding day.
Wedding photography captures every angle, emotion and detail and makeup behaves very differently under flash, daylight and evening lighting.
Your makeup should hold up through every hug, laugh, photo and lighting change.
Your bridal makeup trial is a collaboration. It’s the time to communicate what you love, what you don’t, and refine your look with confidence.
A luxury bridal makeup experience should feel calm, personalised and empowering. Leaving you feeling like the most elevated version of yourself.
If you’re planning your wedding in London or internationally and want a bespoke, luxury bridal makeup experience, I would be honoured to bring your vision to life.
Discover my wedding makeup packages here: https://makeupbyemie.co.uk/weddings/
In September, I had the absolute pleasure of hosting an exclusive makeup masterclass focused on one of my most requested looks — my signature glam look. It was such a fun afternoon showcasing my tips and tricks on our gorgeous model Simone Powderley and teaching this soft and natural look that is always in high demand from my clients.
When designing this masterclass, my aim was to go beyond simply showcasing my personal techniques and favorite products. I wanted to empower attendees with practical tips and professional insights, to elevate their everyday makeup routines and enhance their confidence. In my work with high-profile clients and brides, I often dedicate at least an hour to perfecting a look that’s flawless and camera-ready. However, I understand that most women lead busy lives and don’t always have that luxury of time. This masterclass was created to bridge that gap — to share time efficient techniques to deliver a polished, radiant result in minutes, while still creating a flawless soft glam look.
Every brushstroke, product choice, and step was carefully explained so participants could recreate the look with confidence and adapt it to their own unique features.
I began the session by walking everyone through skin preparation. Emphasising the importance of the base you create with skincare and understanding your skin before any makeup even touches the face.
Next, we moved into complexion work — my signature base of glowing ‘skin that looks like skin’. I demonstrated how to achieve that “lit from within” finish without looking overdone. The eyes were focus, created with soft neutral toned shadows and a smudged liner for definition paired with my signature natural lashes. Then paired with a neutral warm glossy lip.
One of my favorite parts of the day was actually the q&a part of the day. The questions were thoughtful and the audience was clearly very engaged and eager to learn! It was amazing to connect with the audience and really help these women learn and feel more confident with makeup.
If you missed this masterclass, don’t worry — this is just the beginning. I’ll be announcing new workshops soon, each designed to help you deepen your artistry and confidence, whether you’re a beginner or a pro looking to refine your look.
If masterclasses aren’t your thing and want a more intimate and tailored learning experience I also offer 1-1 lessons. These lessons are far more detailed to fit the exact contours, tone and texture of your specific face. You will learn the shapes, colours and products that best suit you along with a full product list to take away. I teach a day and night look to cover all aspects of your needs.
I have a special £50 off offer for this Christmas! Or if you have a friend that loves makeup or maybe needs a little confidence boost, we have e-vouchers that would make a perfect Christmas gift!
As a professional makeup artist, one of the most common questions I get asked is whether high-end products really are better than drugstore ones. The truth is, it’s not always about the price tag. Some budget-friendly gems can rival the luxury favourites, and vice versa (there are certain splurges that really are worth it). Today I’m breaking down some of my favourite drugstore and high-end products that deserve a spot in your makeup routine!
The Perfect Base
Think of your base as the foundation of your makeup. When it’s done well, everything else falls into place.
Drugstore Pick: Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation
This foundation is medium coverage, natural, and buildable, giving you that flawless finish without feeling too heavy. Truly an everyday essential, and in my opinion, one of the best drugstore foundations on the market.
High-End Pick: NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
If you want something that lasts beautifully through long events (think weddings or special occasions), this foundation delivers that seamless, radiant skin finish with just the right amount of coverage.
Concealer Must-Haves
A good concealer is like a beauty shortcut. It brightens, covers, and makes you look like you’ve had your 8 hours of beauty sleep!
Drugstore Pick: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser
Creamy, super blendable, and brilliant for under eyes. It’s been a cult favourite for years for a reason!
High-End Pick: Tarte Shape Tape
Full coverage, long-lasting, and perfect for when you need that extra confidence boost. Remember, a little goes a long way!
Blush Favourites
A bit of blush can completely lift your complexion, making you look healthier and more radiant in seconds.
Drugstore Pick: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
This blush has a peachy glow that flatters almost every skin tone, giving your cheeks a natural, luminous finish.
High-End Pick: NARS Orgasm Edge Blush
This blush is iconic for a reason; it adds the perfect pop of colour with a subtle shimmer that works beautifully on so many complexions.
Mascara Magic
If there’s one product that makes the biggest difference in a routine, it’s mascara. A few coats can instantly open up the eyes, make you look more awake, and pull together your entire makeup look.
Drugstore Pick: L’Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara
It creates length, volume, drama… everything you want from a mascara without breaking the bank! The fluffy brush makes application quick and easy, and it definitely rivals the more expensive options.
High-End Pick: Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara
This mascara is luxurious, buildable, and perfect for creating lashes that stay full and fluttery all day. Its formula doesn’t clump or flake, making it a brilliant choice for weddings or long events.
Lips That Last
Lip products are a staple, whether you want something soft and natural or bold and glamorous. The right formula doesn’t just add colour, but it can hydrate, define, and make you feel more put together.
Drugstore Pick: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
This is lightweight, comfortable, and available in so many shades. It’s perfect for everyday wear and a great way to try out different colours without spending a fortune.
High-End Pick: Dior Addict Lip Glow
A luxurious balm that enhances your natural lip tone while keeping lips nourished. It’s the kind of product you’ll find yourself reaching for every day because it’s so effortless and chic.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, makeup is about finding what works for you. Some products are worth investing in for their longevity, finish, or luxury experience, while others prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to get stunning results.
Whether you’re looking to refine your everyday routine or glam up for a big event, I love helping my clients discover products that suit their skin, style, and budget. If you’ve got an upcoming special occasion, why not book an appointment with me? Together we can create a look that feels flawless, effortless, and completely you. Make a booking today!
Whilst we love the warmer weather, when it comes to having to wear makeup in the heat it can sometimes be a disaster. When you face feels sticky and your once flawless base feels like its melting into your collar, it can sometimes feel like a losing battle. Whether its office commutes, rooftop cocktails, or even a holiday somewhere warm, here are some of my tried and tested tips to keep your makeup fresh, and far from cakey no matter how hot it gets.
The key difference between melt-proof and meltdown makeup starts with the prep. In the warmer weather you need to say goodbye to heavy creams and say hello to a lightweight moisturiser (hydration without grease). Products including the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat provides the perfect shine-controlling base, or the TATCHA The Dewy Skin Cream which is hydrating but not too heavy for the summer.
Summer is not the time for heavy duty coverage, it’s all about letting your skin breathe. Think skin tints, BB creams with SPF or even tinted moisturisers. Not only are these more comfortable, they allow your skins natural skin to shine through. I recommend the NYX buttermelt glaze soft glow skin tint.
Apply mattifying primer only where you need it, this is typically the T-zone, and follow with light layers of foundation or concealer. A translucent powder after cream products in thin layers helps to ensure your makeup stays locked in place.
Cream blushes, bronzers and highlighters will be your best friend in warm weather, they blend nicely into the skin and give a natural finish. They are also less likely to go patchy or cakey throughout the day. I always recommend the Charlotte Tilbury sun-kissed glow bronzer.
SPF doesn’t just belong in your beach bag; it is an everyday essential. If you are worried about reapplying over makeup, reach for a spray on SPF such as the Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup UV face mist. It gives your skin the protection it needs without messing up your makeup.
Summer makeup doesn’t mean you have to pile on the powder products or just abandon your look entirely. With a few smart changes, you can beat the heat without having to sacrifice the perfect makeup look. If you have an upcoming event this summer and need your makeup to last all day I would love to be part of your day, view my makeup portfolio today or book an appointment!
Before creating any makeup look, no matter the occasion, it is important to prep your skin. With the correct skincare any makeup look can look glowy and smoother looking.
Skin prep as a makeup artist means the skincare steps I will complete before applying makeup. This is similar to your everyday skincare routine however the main goal is to prepare the skin for makeup. Skin prep focuses on using skincare to help it look smoother, plumper, and more radiant. Serums, moisturisers and face masks can help hydrate the skin and smooth out any texture, once complete makeup can apply and blend more seamlessly.
To best prep your skin I always recommend starting with a gentle face cleanser and finishing with a moisturiser. I aim to reach for products that contain key ingredients such as vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, this will help add moisture to the skin and give it a glow that shines from underneath makeup. When working with clients I always ensure to ask them about their skin type and any skin concerns they may have, this helps me determine the best products to use.
Cleansing is a vital part of any skincare routine, not just prep. Forgetting to use a gentle face cleanser can result in unwanted irritation and inflammation, especially if the makeup look is full coverage and will be worn for a longer period of time.
Cleansers are also great to eliminate poor-clogging bacteria, meaning you have fresh skin for the rest of your essentials. However, it is important to avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol and sulfates, as these can strip the skin of natural oils.
Exofliant’s are a good way to help make skin look smoother and healthier. Applying an exfoliator will help remove dead skin cells from the surface and reveal new skin with a natural glow.
Similar to cleanser when exfoliating the skin it is important to check the ingredients and avoid any with harsh alcohols that can strip the skin of natural oils.
A moisturiser is a pre-makeup must for clear, smooth skin! It also helps with easy makeup application and blending out foundation. Applying a moisturiser before starting makeup with help retain makeup looks for a longer period of time.
Skin prep is the ultimate key to a perfect long lasting makeup look. By following our simple skin prep for makeup routine, you’ll be amazed at how flawless your foundation looks, and how long your eye makeup will last without smudging or fading. If you are planning an event and would like your makeup to last all day I would love to be part of your day, view my makeup portfolio today or make an appointment!
I have been fortunate enough to glam brides far and wide in the last few years. From stunning English rural locations to very glam London venues, each wedding has been an unforgettable experience.
However, there is nothing better than waking up to the beach and sunshine before work. To do some amazing international weddings in breathtaking locations such as Malta, Portugal, and Menorca has been a dream come true for me!
From working on these incredible international weddings, I have definitely I learned a thing or two about how the heat and humidity can affect makeup and hair. So I thought I would share some of my top tips and tricks to help destination brides stay flawless all day long.
There is a fine line between a glowy radiant finish and looking shiny, especially when in tropical climates! Every bride wants to look radiant on their special day but not wanting to look sweaty/shiny.
For international weddings in warmer destinations, I always recommend using a matte primer alongside a water-based moisturiser. This helps to control sweat and oil without compromising that stunning bridal glow.
My Top Picks:
NYX Pore Filler – Ideal for oilier skin types to keep shine at bay.
NARS Matte Primer – Perfect for those who are less prone to oil but still want their makeup to last.
As someone who personally has to tackle the frizz on a daily basis, I completely understand the struggle! Whilst I love the heat, my hair doesn’t share the same enthusiasm. For my international brides – especially those opting for a down do – I would blowdry in Colour Wow Dreamcoat, this helps to smooth the hair and keep frizz under control.
For extra control, after styling I would use the Living Proof anti frizz spray and serum.
For brides who are more prone to sweating, controlling the shine will be essential. Instead of layering on the powder, which can quickly look cakey, I recommend using either blotting papers or a powder puff. Both of these are a great way to absorb sweat/oils without disturbing the makeup, keeping your bridal look fresh from “I Do” to the last dance.
International weddings are magical, but they can come with their own beauty challenges. By prepping your skin and hair correctly, you can ensure your bridal look stays flawless no matter the temperature. If you’re planning a destination wedding and want expert, heat-proof glam, I’d love to be part of your big day, view my wedding makeup portfolio today or make a booking!
The festive season has arrived, bringing plenty of opportunities to dress up, sparkle, and enjoy a glass of bubbly. Whether you will be attending a work do, family gathering, or festive night out with friends, here are some Christmas party makeup tips that will help you look and feel fabulous:
Nothing says Christmas like a little shimmer. Elevate your usual soft glam by simply adding a hint of silver or gold glitter to your eyelids. It’s a subtle yet festive way to transform your look into something extra for the season.
A bold red lip is a Christmas classic! Whilst many of my clients typically prefer a softer shade, I always recommend trying something a bit brighter in the festive season. Pairing a simple, clean makeup base with a bold red lip can create a timeless elegant look. It’s the perfect way to bring a little holiday magic to your style.
Summer may be the season for bronzed gold and warm tones, but Christmas is the perfect time to embrace cool shades. Think silvers, icy blues, and soft pinks, paired with a pinkier blush for that wintery glow. Channel your inner 90s supermodel!
Want to feel fabulous at your next Christmas party? Let me help you achieve a stunning festive look that will complement your outfit and make you feel amazing. For all Christmas part makeup bookings, please email me at makeupbyemie@gmail.com
MAKEUPBYEMIE™