Todays blog is all about my new makeup space...
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I had been thinking about creating or finding a space for my makeup trials for quite some time, i really wanted to create an experience for my brides to be- a place that feels private, luxury, and a place to have prosecco and girl chats! A place to bring mum, sisters or bridesmaids too and enjoy this step in the wedding planning process.
I feel for some brides makeup trials are just something to be ticked off the wedding to-do list, and i wanted to be able to offer a different experience for my brides, something that feels more luxurious. Creating a private space was important, not a salon or shop where people can just walk in, i wanted the space to be yours for a few hours to enjoy.
Throughout the whole planning process  i had my clients in mind, creating something that they would love, and an experience that enhances the joy and excitement  that goes into planning a wedding. 

Photo credit to my beautiful and talented friend Georgia Rachael Photography 

My first Makeup Masterclass... I had been thinking about doing a masterclass for a while, but really wanted to choose the right time to do it. I truly wanted to teach everyone that came along something new, makeup tips that can be used everyday, and wanted to create a makeup class that was suited to every ability.  Hautbois Hall was the perfect venue as I was able to use one of there beautiful cottages on site so that we could create an intimate, comfortable, and relaxed environment. It was important to me to create an intimate class, so that everyone who came could get the most from it, and feel comfortable asking questions throughout. 
Georgia was my model for the day and we created a pretty, soft glam look, using just one palette on the eyes (Huda Rose gold remastered palette). Georgia has eczema on her skin, so we prepped the skin well with skincare products before makeup application.
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Here is a before image of Georgia..

We spoke about all elements of makeup whilst i was working and everyone who came was relaxed and happy asking questions throughout, and also got involved with the makeup too!
Here is the finished makeup look we created...

I can't thank everyone enough who came to my first makeup class! It was so lovely to see familiar faces of my past brides and there friends, I am always grateful for the ongoing support that my clients give me. I hope everyone that came had a good experience and learnt lots! I would love to hear some feedback so please don't hesitate to let me know your thoughts on the day.
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Here are a few snapshots from my iphone  ...

If you would like a makeup lesson yourself, with friends, or for a hen/birthday party I am now offering group masterclasses, so do take a look here and get in contact for more information.

School Mornings for me and my little one are hard! We both love our sleep so we often find ourselves rushing to get ready, and i end up having 10 minutes to make myself look a little more awake!
Ten minutes is not long at all, and probably not long enough, but i have now found my morning Go-to Products. Makeup that will make a difference and quick, there is no time to blend out eyeshadows, or perfect a wing liner!

So here are my Top 5 products-
1- Mac Studio Fix
2- Beauty blender 
3- Mac Pink Lemonade Gloss
4- Anastacia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade
5- Benefit Bad Girl Bang Mascara

I would Love to know what your morning Go to products are? Have you perfected your school morning makeup routine yet.

This beautiful sunshine today is taking me back to this colourful styled shoot last summer. The shoot was put together by Kat from Ivy floral events, and took place at College Farm. Shot by Janie from BigPhat photo and including a great team of norfolk wedding suppliers, this shoot is definitely going to inspire your Summer weddings! 
The flower displays, the backdrop of College Farm, lhamas, cats, chickens, a boat ride and one gorgeous cake, this shoot had it all! Take a look at some of my favourite images....

Team~
www.bigphatphotos.co.uk
​http://www.ivyfloralevents.co.uk
www.gemmaholiday.com
www.leannastibbonmakeup.co.uk
Willow and pearl
https://www.frogandpencil.com
https://collegefarmweddings.co.uk​
http://bunsoffun.co.uk​

Luckily I found someone who was available on the open day to come along and have some glam with me. I created a beautiful Bridal look on my model, and for all of you brides and grooms that came to have a chat with us, thank you so much, we had a blast!
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Here are some before images of my model..

Here is the finished look we created..... 

Products used-

Huda Beauty Nude Palette
Anastacia Beverly Hills pomade 
Illamasqua black gel liner
Lashley Baker lashes in the style 'Indulge' 
Mac Studio Fix Foundation in shade NC20
Mac Pro concealer
Chanel Soleil Tan
Bobbi Brown Pale Pink
Barry M coco loco lip oil

Let me know your thought on this bridal look!

BLUEBERRIES

Anti-aging 
Blueberries contain even more antioxidants than Green tea!
Antioxidants neutralise the effects of free radicals which damage skin cells, and speeds along skin ageing.
Prevents Acne 
Blueberries contain hormone-balancing properties which helps to clear hormonal breakouts and acne. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties which helps with redness and inflammation of the skin.
Detox 
Rich In fibre which helps to help clear out toxins. 

NUTS

Anti-aging
Full of Vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant.
Prevent Breakouts
​Nuts contain Zinc which helps with the proper functioning of our oil glands, and therefore helps to prevent breakouts. Cashew nuts especially are known for there acne-fighting nutrients.
Defend the skin
Containing vitamin E, Almonds keep the blood vessels dilated and therefore keeps the skin hydrated and defends the skin against dark spots, acne and eczema.

AVOCADO

​Anti-aging
​Anioxidant rich with Vitamins C & E
Moisturising
Healthy fats in Avocados are great for moisturising your skin.
Glowing skin
Containing Vitamin E and rich in essential oils which is a great all round skin booster. Many people use avocados in there face masks and apply it topically on to the skin.

TOMATOES

Anti-aging
Rich in Vitamin A which promotes the production of Colllagen. Contains Lycopene which also defends our skin from UV Radiation.
​Restore your skins glow
Rich in potassium and Vitamin C which helps restores a healthy glow to your skin, and evens out the complexion.
Protection against Sun Damage
High levels of lycopene can help protect against UV Rays- You will still need your sunscreen though!
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ORANGES

Anti-aging
Oranges contain Vitamin C, an important antioxidant
Prevents Breakouts and scarring
Vitamin A found in oranges speeds up the healing of wounds, prevents scarring and breakouts.
Drys out Acne
The high content of citric acid aids in skin exfoliation and drys out acne.

Are you getting married this year? If so then huge congratulations! Planning your wedding day is always so much fun, and I am here to let all you fashion forward Brides who like to stay ahead of the trends know what's set to be popular this year...

Smokey Liner-
Eyeliner has always been a favourite of mine, and this year a lot of catwalks have seen a sultry smudged liner that looks elegant, glamorous, and is perfect for brides off all ages. I think we will be seeing a lot of this in 2019.

Metallic Eyeshadows-
Metallic eyeshadows look absolutely gorgeous. They can be applied to look bold and dramatic or toned back and subtle. metallic eyes are gorgeous on camera as they really pick up the light and draws your attention to the eyes. Perfect for brides wanting a little more glam and sparkle.

Nude Lips and Eyes-
Nude lips were super popular amongst brides last year and for good reason, nude lips suit everyone and look so beautifully elegant that women of all ages can look amazing wearing a nude lip. This year is set to be about nude lips and nude eyeshadows too...

Whats your favourite makeup trend prediction for 2019, and which would you choose for your wedding day? I'd love to know!

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2018 has been quite a year for me.. It has been my busiest and one of my most enjoyable years to date. This year I have taken part in 6 photoshoots with other suppliers, and also arranged my first ever bridal shoot at Hautbois Hall. I have been a part of so many beautiful wedding days at some of the most incredible wedding venues, I have laughed a lot and met some amazing women, and now have some incredible memories to look back on. 
I don't normally blog my highlights of the year but I have decided this year to start! I want to remember all the gorgeous faces I have met and all the beautiful days I have been honoured to share with you all, and also I thought it would be nice for all my past and future brides to take a look at too, maybe even provide some of my brides to be with some wedding inspiration,  because I have seriously had some pretty amazing weddings this year!
So here it is, enjoy and let me know your thoughts....

Christmas is my favourite time of year so when planning my first ever bridal shoot I knew it had to be a Christmas theme. Wanting to create a more glamorous Christmas feel, we created lots of warm lighting, gorgeous flower arrangements and our two beautiful models wore white dresses teamed with luxe hair and makeup, and the most beautiful accessories. We wanted this shoot to inspire all future brides planning a Christmas wedding and wanted the whole shoot to be pinterest-worthy!
I have been lucky enough to work with lots of amazing suppliers in the wedding industry and had in mind from the beginning who I wanted involved, and fortunately for me they were all just as excited as I was to shoot this. I know from planning my own wedding that if you get the right suppliers who are amazing at what they do it takes the stress away and I was happy enough to let all these awesome suppliers use there skills and creativity to do what they do best and create something special....

This gorgeous shoot was also featured on Norfolk Brides if you'd like to see more!
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Suppliers Involved-
Makeup by Leanna Stibbon Makeup
Photography by Georgia Rachael Photography
Hair - Gemma Holiday Hair
Venue- Hautbois Hall
Styling- Little Gem Weddings
Flowers- Ivy Floral Events
Flower wall- Prestige events and weddings
Cake- Sugar button Cakes
Models- Annabell & Chloe
Wedding Dresses- Adella Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses- Willow and Pearl
Hair Accessories and Jewellery- Botias Accesories
Stationary- Sam Wood Wedding Stationary

Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life, and choosing the right suppliers will ensure that your day runs perfectly.
Experienced and skilled Bridal Makeup artists have so many tips and tricks to ensure you will look glowing, radiant and beautiful from day to night. Makeup artists are creatives, and they will look at you and instantly know how to bring out your best features, and there attention to detail will ensure you have no beauty blunders- because no one wants to look back at there wedding day pictures and see there strip lash poking up at the ends, smudged mascara marks or blotchy skin!

Choosing a makeup artist can be difficult, especially when there is so many of us! so ive decided to give you my 5 top tips (which was hard to narrow down) to help you choose the right MUA for you.

1- Choose someone you connect with on a personal level
This may not be the first thought for many, but it is super important! Your makeup artist is going to be spending a lot of time with you on your wedding morning, so you really want to choose someone you feel comfortable with. If your makeup artist feels like a friend, your morning will be spent with lots of chatter and laughter, after all we are seeing all those intimate and emotional moments with you- your girls seeing you dressed as a bride, your dad seeing you just before you walk down the aisle together, and even the moments where you just want to sit on the makeup chair and feel some calmness.
Moreover if you feel comfortable with someone you are more likely going to feel confident saying, 'no, or a little more of this', on your bridal trial, being able to connect and work together like this will ensure you have the bridal look you want, and you won't feel worried, or guilty for telling your makeup artist if you don't like something.

 2- Ask for Recommendations
With so many great makeup artists around, it can be overwhelming knowing who to choose! Ask friends and family who they used for makeup on their wedding day, ask your current suppliers for recommendations, facebook and website reviews from previous brides are also important. All of this should give you a starting point and narrow down your search. Also don't forget to read the 'About' section on a  makeup artists website, this will give you an insight in to who they are, there experience, and also the style of makeup they tend to do most of.

3- Know your style
Take time to think about how you wear your makeup daily and on a night out, and then think about how much makeup you would feel comfortable wearing on your wedding day. Every makeup artist has a style, and should be capable to adapt and change the style of makeup to suit you, however it can help to choose someone who's overall style is something that your looking for. Social media is great for looking at work- instagram is only pictures, so therefore it makes scrolling through someones account super easy and you can quickly get a feel for there style. Does the makeup artist have a photo of a similar style of makeup that you're looking for? try to look at the photos in this way, and look for closeups images too. We tend to just see a picture of a pretty model and think someones work looks amazing, so try to look more at the makeup than the actual person.

4- Professionalism
Its so important to ask your MUA questions! Theres so many things you should be asking; Do i get a makeup contract, how many people can you make up in the morning, Do you send me a timing schedule for the morning. All these questions will ensure that your makeup artist is professional and will be super organised on your wedding day. Ensuring the bride is stress-free and relaxed in the morning is really important. Find the right suppliers with experience in the wedding industry, and you won't need to be worried about the time, as your suppliers will be on top of your schedule for you.

5- Start looking early!
Many makeup artists are booked for weddings up to a year in advance, especially for weekend weddings in the summer months! Do your research early on and start sending out emails to see if your artist is available, I would recommend to start your search for your bridal makeup artist as soon as you have the date booked.
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I hope all this informations helps your decision making! If you would like to know more about my style of work, or get some tips and tricks for your own makeup I am holding a makeup masterclass at the beautiful Hautbois hall soon! For more info and bookings -
​https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/leanna-stibbon-makeup

One of the many things i love about my work is collaborating with other talented wedding suppliers, and this shoot had so many amazing suppliers involved..... so if you are still planning your wedding, grab a cuppa and enjoy looking through these beautiful images filled with wedding inspo!
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This shoot was at the beautiful Pentney Abbey, I was truly blown away when i walked into the Bridal Prep room as the space and setting for bridal prep was so beautiful, and i would highly recommend this venue.

My model was Georgia who is an amazing model to work with, always  happy and bubbly.
Here she is straight off my iPhone after her glam with me......
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The Makeup

I wanted to make Georgias young, beautiful skin super dewy so used mac cosmetics strobe cream underneath a cream foundation by RCMA. I also used some Iconic London highlighting drops to really make Georgia skin glow. 
I kept Georgias lips pretty and natural by using 'Angel' from mac cosmetics with a lip oil on top 



Here are some of my favourite images from this shoot.......

Venue- Pentney Abbey
Photographer- Nathan Neeve 
Makeup- Leanna Stibbon Makeup 
Hair- Lisa Frost
Model- @Georgiegieve
Flowers- Bridgets Flowers
Stationary- Sam Wood
Styling- Little Jem
Cake- Buns of Fun

'ElliceLydia is a handmade, made-to-order, intimate apparel label for all sizes .Every piece is lovingly made in our studio in Norfolk, England. We believe whatever your shape or size, your body should be graced with our beautiful underwear.​'
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I was delighted to work on this photoshoot with Ellice Lydia recently for her new Winter collection. The theme for the shoot was Christmas and the setting was picture perfect, with a roaring fire, christmas music playing, faux fur blankets and yummy homemade chocolates...it wasn't a bad day at the office!
​The hair and makeup was in keeping with the theme, we created loose curls in our models hair and for makeup i created fresh dewy skin, with warm tones on the eyes,  and of course a touch of glitter as its christmas!
I used Jouer Papaya on my models lips which is a warm metallic peach for the first set of photos and then changed the lip to glitter lips uk in red to really add a christmassy feel!
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Here are some before images of my beautiful model..

And here are a few favourites from the final images..

Shop the Ellice Lydia Christmas collection here- www.ellicelydia.com
Model- Jovita 
​Photographer- Elizabeth Cates
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Makeup by Leanna Stibbon Makeup
Photography by Katherine Mackintosh 
Bouquets and Flower Crowns by Flowers by Jasmine
Hair by Boho Beauty Box
Dresses by Maisie May Bridal
chair covers by Epic chair covers and Venue Decoration
Back drop and table drapes by Classic event chair covers ltd
Meringues and Macaroons by The Meringue Lady

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When I was invited to be part of Charlottes photoshoot for 'Stanley and Maud' Personalised Jewellery, I couldn't be more excited! Its so much fun working with a lovely girly team and of course having beautiful jewellery to browse through and admire.

The feel of this shoot was very relaxed, which fitted perfectly with Lowestoft beach as the backdrop. Makeup was of course done by myself and i wanted to create  flawless glowing skin on all my beautiful models, but also keep the feel of the makeup relaxed to match in with the rest of the shoot. 
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Here is a before and after of one of my lovely models. 

As you can see we created an even flawless base and also a new brow shape. No heavy contouring or strong colours, everything was kept soft and pretty.

I was lucky enough to work with these two beautiful ladies on this shoot..

Charlotte of Stanley and Maud- www.Stanleyandmaud.com
Georgia Rachael - www.georgiarachael.com
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Here are my 5 top tips on how to prepare for your makeup trial...

1- Think about what you want
This may seem obvious but its really important. When you have an idea in your mind about the makeup style that you would like for your wedding day, then finding the right makeup artist for you will become easier. 
​Consider how much makeup you wear on a daily basis to determine how much makeup you will feel comfortable with on your wedding day. If you don't normally wear much makeup then you may be shocked at how that full glam makeup look that you've pinned a thousand times looks on you. Discuss with your MUA how you normally have your makeup, do you like a heavy coverage or more sheer, do you prefer dramatic eyes or a bold lip? Your wedding day is not a time to try something drastically different.

2- Bring photos
Some images on social media these days have been edited too such an extent that skin close up, no longer looks like skin, and this isn't real life. Photos can be a great help but only if you can pin-point exactly what you like about the image i.e. the strong wing liner, the natural coverage, etc. Do remember your MUA is probably meeting you for the first time on your trial, so have no idea how you usually wear your makeup. If there is something that you always do, such as wear a black eyeliner then do say so, as you will want to feel like you on your wedding day. Keep an open mind and don't stress if you can't find any images of makeup that you like, as once you have chosen an MUA who's work you love, then leave it to us to do what we do best! 
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​3- Wear your hair in a similar style to your wedding day.
When you have your makeup trial remember that your makeup will be out of context. No doubt you won't be wearing your wedding dress or having your hairdresser work her magic before you have your trial, so bring any earrings/jewellery or wear your hair in a similar style, all these thing will help you to visualise better how your makeup will look on the day.

4-Prep, Prep, prep!
Schedule appointments for facials in the lead up to your wedding day, get your eyebrows shaped by a professional, drink lots of water and nourish your skin. Give yourself plenty of time, the last thing you want to do is spontaneously book that spray tan you've been thinking about a few days before the wedding and regret it!
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​5- Enjoy!
Remember Makeup on your wedding day isn't going to be your typical 'day at the office' makeup and you may have never had your makeup done professionally before, so do embrace the experience. Try a lip colour that you wouldn't normally wear and have fun. If you and your makeup artist get on well, you should feel comfortable with telling them what you do or don't like about your makeup, which will ensure that after your trial you will feel totally reassured and excited for your wedding day!

Beautiful Bridal makeup starts with good skin. As an MUA I often get asked by my clients for skin care advise, so i have put together Some of my top tips on how you can prep your skin for a flawless makeup application.

1. Hydrate
Increasing your Water intake, aiming for around 2 litres a day is key to keeping your skin healthy. When your skin is hydrated it looks plump, radiant and smooth whereas skin lacking hydration can have texture, like fine lines and wrinkles. 

2. Swap for Green Tea
Drinking Green tea daily has many benefits for the skin, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it great for brightening our complexions and reducing acne. 

3. Don't pick!
This may seem obvious but as a makeup artist i have been asked many times, 'what can I do if i get a spot on the day?' Firstly do not pick, as most breakouts can be covered but not if they are cracked, sore and weeping! I would suggest to dab some benzoyl Peroxide gel directly on the blemish overnight, this will help to dry it out. Redness from blemishes is easily covered so try not to stress.
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4. Exfoliation
Exfoliation is key to flawless makeup application! Removing dead skin cells creates the prefect canvas and whether your skin is oily, dry or sensitive there will be an amazing exfoliation product out there for you that will work with your skin. Exfoliating your skin around twice a week in the months leading up to your wedding day will also help all your other skincare products to be absorbed in to your skin and therefore give you the best benefits from all your other products. 

5- Lip Balm
Don't forget your lips in the lead up to your big day especially if you are opting for a bold lip colour. Apply a lip balm throughout the day to keep lips hydrated and exfoliate your lips also to take away the dead skin- just using your toothbrush for this will work. 

6-Moisturise
moisturising your skin will really help in achieving a bridal glow. Don't forget to  moisturise your body and hands too.

7- Power food
Diet always plays a huge part in our skin and to glow on the outside you have to make sure you are feeding your body well, here are some key foods that will help achieve a bridal glow-
Avocados- Superhydrating superfood when it comes to skin!
Broccoli- full of antioxidants and high in Omega-3
Tomatoes- antioxidant
Eggs- Protein helps repair cells that have suffered free radical damage
walnuts- Rich source of Omega 3 for shiny hair and smooth skin
Berries- Helps to heal and prevent broken capillaries 

I hope you find these skincare tips helpful! read how to prep for your bridal makeup trial here.