We are excited to announce that the Jo Willis Bridal Hair and Makeup Academy is now offering ‘accredited & certificated’ courses in bridal hair and makeup. Created by the multi-award winning team behind ‘Absolutely Flawless Bridal Hair & Makeup’.

With over 25 years of wedding experience, our tutors will guide you through the creative skills, product knowledge and business accumen required to kick start your career as a bridal beauty professional.

In addition, a Jo Willis BHMA qualification boasts an aftercare programme that is second to none, offering a direct pathway with job experience and work via our partnership with Absolutely Flawless Bridal Hair & Makeup. 

Interested? lovely, well let’s delve a little deeper…

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What will I learn?

Stage 1
Bridal Skills

Knowledge gained from performing 1000’s of weddings. You will learn the most up to date bridal hair and makeup techniques married with the best tried & tested products, to create flawless and long lasting styling that brides love.

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Stage 2
Wedding Trials & Consultations

Our tutors train you in proven preparation & analysis that ensures all bridal artists get the best from ‘their’ client at trial stage and wedding day.

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Stage 3
Bridal Business, Marketing & Etiquette

Customer service, bridal etiquette and business advice from 25 years experience in the wedding beauty industry.

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Stage 4
Real wedding experience

In an aftercare package second to none, you will assist award winning team Absolutely Flawless Bridal Hair & Makeup on 3 active weddings. Then join the ‘assist team’ for paid bridal work with an eventual direct path to full team membership* 

* full team membership dependant on the recruiting needs of Absolutely Flawless Bridal Hair & Makeup 

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How long is the course?

The Course duration [hair OR makeup] is 5 Days – Monday to Friday – 9.30am to 4.30pm.

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What does our Bridal Makeup course include?

• Bridal looks [natural; vintage; smokey and glam]
• Colour correction and conceal
• Bridal makeup and equipment
• Marketing your bridal business
• Bridal business tips for success

Expand to view full course >> Bridal Makeup Course

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What does our Bridal Hair course include?

• Complete guide to Updo’s
• Hollywood Waves
• Bridal makeup and equipment
• Marketing your bridal business
• Bridal business tips for success

Expand to view full course >> Bridal Hair Course

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How much does it cost?

Bridal Makeup course: £2500

Bridal Hair course: £2500

[20% DISCOUNT] WITH CODE JW-BHMA-24
if interest registered before 30.07.24

3 stage payment plan available with

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Where are you located?

Station Approach, 1 Exchange Street, Stockport, SK3 0GA

Stockport train station – [2 min walk]
NCP Car Park – [2 min walk]
Stockport bus station – [3 min walk]

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Register your interest?

TO REGISTER AN INTEREST PLEASE FILL IN THE ENQUIRY FORM BELOW

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Mobile Number (required)

Any Initial Questions? (optional)

SUBMIT

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The recent rise of the Omicron this winter and it’s potential for increased transmissibility means we will be temporarily re-introducing a few safety measures to ensure all parties are protected. The timeline and explanation of these can be found below.

 

At 8 weeks before your wedding you will receive an email reminder detailing the Covid safety measures outlined below. It is important you read and understand the measures put in place are to protect yourself, our artists and all brides who’s bookings’ could be at risk.

 

Your artist or stylist will ring you to make sure you have received, read and understood our safety email as well as to discuss whether:

• you
• or anyone in your household
• or bridal party members having hair/makeup

currently has Coronavirus symptoms or has been exposed to anyone with symptoms (as illustrated below), or isolating due to contact from Track and Trace. Your artist(s) will also confirm whether she has symptoms or has been exposed to anyone with symptoms or has been contacted by Track and Trace to isolate.

 

 

If the answer is ‘YES’:

• You will confirm that you, members of your household and/or bridal party members are getting a Coronavirus test immediately to ensure you/they are well enough in time for any treatments to take place at your trial or wedding address.
• Your artist(s) will also get a Coronavirus test to make sure they are well enough in time for your trial/wedding. If it is looking like the artist will be poorly we will use our reasonable endeavours to make arrangements with another team member to take over.

If at any time within 11 days of your trial or wedding:

• you
• or anyone in your household
• or bridal party members having hair/makeup

develops Coronavirus symptoms or becomes exposed to anyone with symptoms or is requested to isolate due to contact with a positive result OR Track and Trace, then…

…For the trial

• If a bridal party member is affected and they are not part of the same household as the bride then the bridal trial can proceed.
• If the bride is affected the trial cannot proceed and your artist/stylist will endeavour to re-schedule your trial to the next earliest date available.

…For the wedding

• If a bridal party member is affected and they are not part of the same household as the bride then the wedding booking can proceed.
• If the bride is affected we cannot proceed with the booking and our cancellation terms and conditions will apply.

 

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OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU…

Absolutely Flawless Bridal Hair & Makeup are Government Covid-19 Compliant, we have conducted our own internal risk assessment to ensure both clients and team members are working in a safe, sanitary environment. All our team have also completed the Barbicide Covid-19 Compliant Course.

The following measures outline our Covid-19 compliant working practices and how that will look on your trial and big day.

HYGIENE GUARANTEE

• All equipment and products used to carry out your treatment will be sanitised before and after each use and in between each client with products conforming to BS EN standards. With deep cleans of all equipment at the end of each day.

 

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ON THE DAY [TRIAL & WEDDING]

 

 

1. Before your artist(s) enters your house/hotel room they will run through a ‘Doorstep Disclosure Form’. The form covers all Absolutely Flawless clients and anyone present in the house/hotel room.

   

   The form will record the following:

   • confirmation that the bride/bridal party has no symptoms
   • confirmation that the artist(s) has no symptoms
   • record the current temperature of the bride/bridal party and artist(s) with a thermometer used by the artist(s)

   You can see a copy of the Doorstep Disclosure Form here

2. Extra time will be allocated to each booking to allow for rigorous cleaning of equipment and surfaces between bridal party members. Your artist(s) will adjust your current timings to allow for this and confirm with you directly.

   

3. Extra time will be allocated to each booking to allow Hair Stylists and Makeup artists to have fresh air breaks when they require them.

   

4. PPE will be worn for the duration of the booking by all team members.

   

5. Both makeup artists and hair stylists will be washing/sanitising hands at regular intervals.

 

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ASSURANCES WE REQUIRE FROM YOU…

ON THE DAY [TRIAL AND WEDDING]

 

 

1. Before your artist(s) enter your house/hotel room they will run through a ‘Doorstep Disclosure Form’.

   

   The form will cover all Absolutely Flawless clients present in the house/hotel room.

   You can see a copy of the Doorstep Disclosure Form here

2. On the day of your trial/wedding, the room provided must be large enough for a good circulation of air with all windows and to remain open for the duration of the treatment(s).

   

3. You must provide a sanitised room, free of obstructions with an area for the artist/stylist to place their equipment.

   

4. As a courtesy if you can keep the number of people present in the room where the bride and artist is to a minimum it would be appreciated.

   

5. If more than one artist/stylist is needed either from Absolutely Flawless or another supplier they must be enabled to work at least 2 metres apart or enabled to work in a different room in the home/hotel room.

   

6. All bridal party members must wash their hands using soap and water or sanitiser gel before their treatment starts.

   

7. Until the current Omicron variant circulating this winter has eased, we require all brides and bridal party members present in the room to wear a facemask whilst your hair stylist is styling your hair. Those have a Makeup service are exempt (whilst service is undertaken only) as it is not possible to carry out the service.

   

8. At trial stage we will require the full names and phone numbers for all members of your bridal party having treatments with Absolutely Flawless on the wedding day. This is to adhere to the governments track and trace guidelines.

   

 

The recent lifting of government restrictions has meant we have had to revisit our wedding safety measures and risk assessment to see where some things can now be relaxed, and where it is appropriate for them to remain.

Some measures are mandated, and some are now requested purely as a courtesy.

 

At 8 weeks before your wedding you will receive an email detailing our Covid safety measures for after the governments 19th July lifting of restrictions. It is important you read and understand the measures put in place are to protect yourself, our artists and all brides who’s bookings’ could be at risk.

 

Your artist or stylist will ring you to make sure you have received, read and understood our safety email as well as to discuss whether:

• you
• or anyone in your household
• or bridal party members having hair/makeup

currently has Coronavirus symptoms or has been exposed to anyone with symptoms, or isolating due to contact from Track and Trace. Your artist(s) will also confirm whether she has symptoms or has been exposed to anyone with symptoms or has been contacted by Track and Trace to isolate.

 

 

If the answer is ‘YES’:

• You will confirm that you, members of your household and/or bridal party members are getting a Coronavirus test immediately to ensure you/they are well enough in time for any treatments to take place at your trial or wedding address.
• Your artist(s) will also get a Coronavirus test to make sure they are well enough in time for your trial/wedding. If it is looking like the artist will be poorly we will use our reasonable endeavours to make arrangements with another team member to take over.

If at any time within 11 days of your trial or wedding:

• you
• or anyone in your household
• or bridal party members having hair/makeup

develops Coronavirus symptoms or becomes exposed to anyone with symptoms or is requested to isolate due to contact from Track and Trace, then…

…For the trial

• If a bridal party member is affected and they are not part of the same household as the bride then the bridal trial can proceed.
• If the bride is affected the trial cannot proceed and your artist/stylist will endeavour to re-schedule your trial to the next earliest date available.

…For the wedding

• If a bridal party member is affected and they are not part of the same household as the bride then the wedding booking can proceed.
• If the bride is affected we cannot proceed with the booking and our cancellation terms and conditions will apply.

 

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OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU…

Absolutely Flawless Bridal Hair & Makeup are Government Covid-19 Compliant, we have conducted our own internal risk assessment to ensure both clients and team members are working in a safe, sanitary environment. All our team have also completed the Barbicide Covid-19 Compliant Course.

The following measures outline our Covid-19 compliant working practices and how that will look on your trial and big day.

HYGIENE GUARANTEE

• All equipment and products used to carry out your treatment will be sanitised before and after each use and in between each client with products conforming to BS EN standards. With deep cleans of all equipment at the end of each day.

 

---

 

ON THE DAY [TRIAL & WEDDING]

 

 

1. Before your artist(s) enters your house/hotel room they will run through a ‘Doorstep Disclosure Form’. The form covers all Absolutely Flawless clients and anyone present in the house/hotel room.

   

   The form will record the following:

   • confirmation that the bride/bridal party has no symptoms
   • confirmation that the artist(s) has no symptoms
   • record the current temperature of the bride/bridal party and artist(s) with a thermometer used by the artist(s)

   You can see a copy of the Doorstep Disclosure Form here

2. Extra time will be allocated to each booking to allow for rigorous cleaning of equipment and surfaces between bridal party members. Your artist(s) will adjust your current timings to allow for this and confirm with you directly.

   

3. Extra time will be allocated to each booking to allow Hair Stylists and Makeup artists to have fresh air breaks when they require them.

   

4. PPE will be worn for the duration of the booking by all team members.

   

5. Both makeup artists and hair stylists will be washing/sanitising hands at regular intervals.

 

---

 

ASSURANCES WE REQUIRE FROM YOU…

ON THE DAY [TRIAL AND WEDDING]

 

 

1. Before your artist(s) enter your house/hotel room they will run through a ‘Doorstep Disclosure Form’.

   

   The form will cover all Absolutely Flawless clients present in the house/hotel room.

   You can see a copy of the Doorstep Disclosure Form here

2. On the day of your trial/wedding, the room provided must be large enough for a good circulation of air with all windows and to remain open for the duration of the treatment(s).

   

3. You must provide a sanitised room, free of obstructions with an area for the artist/stylist to place their equipment.

   

4. As a courtesy if you can keep the number of people present in the room where the bride and artist is to a minimum it would be appreciated.

   

5. If more than one artist/stylist is needed either from Absolutely Flawless or another supplier they must be enabled to work at least 2 metres apart or enabled to work in a different room in the home/hotel room.

   

6. All bridal party members must wash their hands using soap and water or sanitiser gel before their treatment starts.

   

7. As a courtesy if you could wear a facemask whilst your hair stylist is styling your hair. Makeup is exempt as it is not possible to carry out the service.

   

8. At trial stage we will require the full names and phone numbers for all members of your bridal party having treatments with Absolutely Flawless on the wedding day. This is to adhere to the governments track and trace guidelines.

   

Pulling a look together

Being a bride-to-be or planning for a special event, you probably have a million things going around in your head which can often lead to decision making becoming quite difficult and ‘the little things’ going unnoticed.

In this blog, we wanted to take some of that stress away and help you to think about how to co-ordinate your aesthetic for your wedding day or special event.

Firstly, it is worth spending time looking through the four main makeup looks:

GLAMOUR:
“Too glam to give a damn”  A mixture of a smokey eye and bold lips to give more of a dramatic look on your big day.

VINTAGE:
“I’m ready for my close up” Think intense lipstick in reds and pinks paired with dramatic winged eyeliner.

NATURAL:
“Sometimes less is more”. This look is more natural with subtle eyes and lips. Think soft pinks, neutrals and pales.

SMOKEY:
“Eyes are the window to the soul”. This one is for those of you who like a dark smokey eye but subtle lips. We’re talking greys and browns paired with peachy pinks.

 

Almost every makeup look is based off these four looks and they can be individualised to be just as unique as you!

Once you’ve decided which look fits your style best, it’s time to start gathering some pictures. (We regularly post different looks and mood boards on our bridal page so keep checking in for suggestions.)
We would strongly suggest searching for makeup looks and hair styles which are on models that have the same skin tone, eye colour, hair colour and face shape as you -this way you can get an idea of how things will suit you.
For example, blue eyes are complimented by bronze/brown tones as it the perfect contrast to make the eyes pop whereas brown eyes look amazing with plums and mauves and green eyes really stand out with greys and silvers.

Another thing to consider is your style of dress (after all, we are going for a HtoT (head to toe) look here!)
If you have a lacy, vintage style dress you may be more interested in a vintage or smokey style makeup whereas a satin more understated dress can lend itself nicely to a glamour or natural style of makeup.

If you’re having bridesmaids, it may be useful to have a trial together to ensure that their makeup compliments yours and each other’s – as well as their dresses.

Of course, the choice is completely yours and we are here merely to support and guide you to ensure that you are ‘the best version of you’ on your wedding day or special event.

We look forward to seeing your scrap books and mood boards at your consultations!!

Joanne x

Bride’s perspective – Why I chose Absolutely Flawless

Choosing any supplier for your wedding day can be a daunting task – after all, you probably have an idea of how you want things to look and a vision of how you see yourself looking on your big day.
I know I was particularly worried about getting the right suppliers for my wedding -especially the right makeup artist as I was quite nervous about having all those photographs taken and worrying I wouldn’t look ‘right’ in them!!

I researched and spoke to several different makeup artists around Cheshire and the North West but what stood out about Jo was not only the amazing ‘before and after’ transformations she had on the website but how much time she spent listening to my ideas and wishes from the first phone call. I instantly felt that she was going to work WITH me rather than just AT me.

I have to admit, I wasn’t 100% sure on what kind of wedding makeup would suit me as I usually don’t wear eyeshadow or much lipstick so it was really useful to spend some time at the trial consultation discussing my preferences and blending that with Jo’s expertise and advice (I learnt loads!!).

Most of my bridal party also had a trial and I think it helped to put our minds at ease (there were a few worries from some that had had bad experiences with other makeup artists we were all going to end up looking like clowns or not feeling like ourselves) so I’d really recommend having a trial!

It was only at my trial that I realised I didn’t actual like the colours I thought would suit me and Jo was so patient trying out different colours and styles (I don’t know how she didn’t lose her patience with my indecisiveness!).

My beautiful bridesmaids were all unique with different face shapes, colourings and preferences. I wanted to make sure that they all felt gorgeous and special on the day and knew this would take someone who could listen and adapt the makeup to suit each individual; Jo and the team definitely did that!

For me, it was extremely important that I connected with the person who I would be spending the morning of my wedding with (and I held this in mind when choosing all of my suppliers).

I was anticipating that I might be a little anxious and so it was a big plus that Jo and Natassja (our makeup artists) were so friendly, calm and in control as they were so professional and bubbly that it made us all feel at ease.

From someone who doesn’t usually like how they photograph, Jo and Natassja helped to make me actually like the way I looked (not an easy task, I can tell you!) and I am so happy with how my wedding makeup turned out.

Thank you so much ladies – I honestly can’t thank you enough!

– Becci

(photos by Richard Milnes Photography)

 Hello everyone and welcome to our new look website

We have just launched our sparkly new website along with our new team and are so excited to share it with you all so we thought we would take this opportunity to tell you a little bit more about us…

So, what’s different about Absolutely Flawless and why should you chose us?

Well, Absolutely Flawless is now a team of fully qualified and experienced make-up artists and hair stylists who all work together to cover the North West England area.

The team is overseen by Joanne Pearson (founder and senior makeup artist with over 20 years experience of working in the industry) and all artists and stylists are interviewed and observed by Joanne before joining the team.

All of the make-up team are then given further training and supervision to ensure that they adhere to the high standard Absolutely Flawless is known for (we’ve had celebrities requesting our services don’t you know!!).

What this means for you, our dear customers, is that you can book hair or makeup for your wedding with confidence; knowing that you are going to receive a fully bespoke and dedicated customer service from highly experienced, talented (and very friendly!) staff.

Once you have decided you want to book with us, we will match you with a member of the team who will be in touch to discuss the next steps. .. it really is that easy!

A big part of our process is getting to know you – what you like and don’t like, your makeup/hair quirks, what your personality is like and exactly how you want to look for your special occasion. No two customers are the same and we love that! We want to embrace your differences and help you feel like a million dollars!!

We know how important building a rapport with your artist/stylist is and we want to get to know our previous and future clients a little bit more too; so, over the next few months we are going to be blogging about different things such as our favourite beauty buys, top tips, staff profiles and features of previous clients.

If there is anything you would like us to feature (either your photos or questions/topics you would like us to discuss) please get in touch via email and we will do our best to accommodate.

I’d just like to add a special thank you to the highly talented Lee Brown Photography and Mike Langley of Satin Pictures who provided photography and videography respectively for the website, and the immense help from web designer Andrew Whittle of Whittle Design Studio for his skill and patience producing the site, along with copywriter Sue Lister at Tresil copywriting services for her super talented way with words.

We hope you’re going to find these blogs useful and we can’t wait to share our stories with you!

Until next time…

– The AF team

Do you want to look like “Bride of the Year” Michelle Keegan? then check out my ‘how to guide’ to re-create this glowing make-up. Your skin will be perfected in minutes leaving more time to bag your own Mr Wright!

Primer
Prep like a celeb with Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow £38.50 (for a more dewy finish) then add Smashbox Oil Free Photo Finish Primer £25 to oily areas to conceal open pores and keep skin shine free.

Foundation
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation £36.50 is one of Michelle’s favourite foundations as it gives a luminous finish to the skin when applied with a stippling brush.

Concealer
Apply in a triangular shape under the eyes and forehead towards the nose. Michelle loves MAC Prolong Wear Concealer £17, select 2 shades lighter than your foundation.

Bronze & Glow
Bronze the hollows of the cheek area; under the chin; sides of the nose and over the eyes using Sleek Makeup Face Form £9.99, then highlight the cheek bones and centre of the nose, finishing with a touch of peach to give that natural flush.

Lips
Michelle selects lip colours with natural ‘barely there’ tones which are on trend for this summer, so try MAC Lipstick in Coral Bliss £15.50 or a nude tone to suit your complexion.

Lashes
The look wouldn’t be complete without big lashes, apply your favourite mascara along with Eylure Cheryl Lashes, £5.25.

Sexy smokey eyes is something we would all love to recreate but for most its like trying to bag Bradley Cooper, impossible right? well here’s 7 easy steps to creating an easy stress free smokey eye which will definitely turn heads in your little black dress.

1. After concealing the eye, slick on some eye primer over the whole eye area, this will create the perfect oil free base for your eye shadow to cling to and will prevent creasing.
2. With a large fluffy eye shadow brush apply the base colour to the whole eye area, this should be a nude tone close to your natural skin colour.
3. With a crease brush apply a bronze shadow to the socket line (to locate, press with your finger to find the bit that dips in under your brow bone) then apply to the under eye close to the lash line.
4. Sculpt those smokey eyes with a small angled eye shadow brush. Apply a deep chocolate brown underneath, tight in to the lash line winging it outwards, then shade half way across the socket and blend any harsh lines.
5. Give your eyes that sultry look by lining both top and bottom lid with a gel liner applied with a brush, ensuring you apply in the water line to the lower lashes.
6. Have the full lashes you’ve always dreamt of by applying a lash primer to the lashes before mascara. Apply in thin strokes like you would apply your normal mascara.
7. Finish the look with a false lash effect mascara applied in a zig zag motion pulling the lashes upwards to give them that extra lift.

Hair and makeup are one of the most important aspects of your special day to get right. Check out these tops tips for hair and makeup to ensure you are perfectly polished and camera ready for your wedding day.

Book it – Book your hair and makeup as soon as you know the wedding date as most professional hair and makeup artists get booked a year or more in advance.

Plan it – Plan a date for your hair and make-up trial six months before your wedding, arranging a date for around 6-8 weeks before your wedding so it can then be tied in with your hen night or dress fitting.

Find your style – Research images of hair and make-up that you love and bring them with you to the trial. Top Tip: opt for images that are similar to your hair and skin tone, identifying what you like about each image.

The little extras – If you are considering a tan, lash extensions, new hair cut or colour, it is best to have these done before the trial date, this will show you how your hair and make-up will look on the day with any
added extras.

Skin prep – Another big bonus to getting your bridal trial done well in advance is it will give you time to implement any advice given at the trial to get your skin in tip top condition.

Prep it – If you are having brows shaped for the day also consider getting them groomed for the trial, that way you will have a clear picture of how it will look on the day.

Bring it – Bring your make-up bag to show the make-up artist what you currently wear, this will give them a good guide to the level of make-up you feel comfortable wearing.

Hair prep – Wash your hair the night before the wedding, this will ensure the style will hold and give volume. Avoid using styling products or straightening irons on the day as styling products can limit shine and straightening can prevent effective curling and volume.

Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life so how important is it to use a professional makeup artist?

As a bride to be it is a dilemma, you have so many things to think about from the dress to the jewellery and not to mention the flowers, favors or photographer, the lists goes on.

However, when it comes to the big day and you are finally caught on camera the focus is on how you look, your hair and your dress, the designer shoes or seductive underwear simply don’t get a look in.

Although your make-up looks good enough in everyday life it is a different story when captured by a professional photographer. There is a fine balance to ensure your make-up is camera ready yet naturally polished when greeting your guests face to face, that’s where a professional makeup artist can help to get it just right.

By booking a professional makeup artist you will initially receive a comprehensive consultation including a full skin analysis, advice on how to get your skin in tip top condition, discussing your ideas in detail ensuring the make-up perfectly fits your personality, colouring and style, whether it be vintage, contemporary, classical or natural.

The next stage is a full trial run, expertly performed to see how the make-up will look on the big day with every little detail noted, so on your wedding day you can relax and enjoy being pampered to perfection in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.

Your chosen make-up artist will have spent many years in her field gaining experience in the latest techniques to enhance your features and ensure your make-up will last and stay shine free, by using the highest quality products personally tailored for your skin type and tone, specially selected for their waterproof and HD camera ready qualities.

Rest assure your make-up will look picture perfect, guaranteed to last the whole day through so all you have to do it sit back and enjoy the best day of your life.

Written by Joanne Pearson