Get to know me

the face behind the brush!

I am based in The Cotswolds, West Oxfordshire, UK. I studied IHBC Beauty Therapy and Make-up at Oxford College, Oxfordshire in 1996. After the arrival of my first son in 2004 I decided to update my qualifications within the make-up and beauty industry and returned to study through evening classes at Aylesbury College, Buckinghamshire. Later studying further to advance my training and qualifications at The Beauty Academy, Milton Keynes before setting up my beauty business, The Beauty Barn, Oving in 2012.

Since 2020 I have attended training at The Bath Academy of Media Make-up, Somerset, founded by the multi award winning Make-up Designer Peter Swords King. I regularly attend training days at the highly regarded and world renowned Kristina Gasparas Make-up Academy in London, which I am endorsed by and a recommended supplier Make-up Artist of theirs.

I discovered a love for airbrush make-up when I trained with Airbase, UK Airbrush Make-up over 15 years ago. I knew from that moment that this incredible high definition, high performance make-up is the only option for brides. The lightweight finish on the skin is second to non and the application and specialist ingredients of the foundation mean it is super durable, once dried becomes waterproof, and lasts all day and night.

Over the past 20 years I have had the pleasure of working with many brides, providing their beautiful make-up for their special day. It really is the best job in the world!

Keep scrolling down to find out more!

Contact me

WHERE I'M FROM

WHAT I'M READING

Oxfordshire

England

Fearless
Trinny Woodall

MY COFFEE ORDER

Oat Flat White

My Passion

Make-up, Make-up, Make-up!

I know it sounds really cliché and cheesy but honestly, I really have known that from as young as I can remember I wanted to be doing something with make-up. I think I was probably about 8 when I discovered my mum's box of make-up, which would have been in the mid 80’s, those electric blues, vibrant greens and pinks! Literally a kid in a sweet shop!

I have always found make-up incredibly empowering, and loved how it makes me feel. I want to pass on this feeling to other women, whether it's for your wedding day, a special occasion or teaching skills to understand how to apply make-up to suit your face. Make-up should enhance natural beauty, become harmonious with your face and leave you feeling utterly amazing!

Through further training I have developed my knowledge and skill for colour theory with make-up. This is a fundamental element to make-up. Choosing the right tone and colour is vital and unique to every individual. This is something I help clients with during make-up lessons.

In recent years I have become much more aware and troubled by how the cosmetic industry impacts our planet. With shocking statistics of the catastrophic amount of cosmetic plastic waste going to landfill, this really can't be ignored. I believe a lot of this waste can be prevented by making more conscious efforts to use refillable packaging options and disposing of cosmetic waste in a more environmentally conscious way. By choosing me as your Make-up Artist, together we can create a positive impact on our beautiful planet.

Choosing cruelty-free make-up has been at the forefront of my business for many years now. Unbelievably so many make-up and cosmetic brands still test their ingredient's on animals. It is so unnecessary for animals to suffer in this way for the sake of beauty. You can be assured that my professional make-up and skincare kit only contain cruelty-free products with many of them being vegan too. There are so many wonderful brands with this ethos, some of my favourites are- Hourglass, Victoria Beckham, Delilah, Makeup by Mario, Daniel Sandler, Tropic, Charlotte Tilbury, Lisa Eldridge.