Welcome to my Journal. Here you can find my top tips, how-tos, get the look videos and much more.
Hello everyone,
Welcome to my journal where I share makeup tips and techniques and answer some of the questions I am asked most frequently. I’ll be featuring some of my favourite products and also show you how to use the brushes and care for them.
I have been a makeup artist for over 40 years working in film, fashion and TV as well as starting out in retail and it has been, and still is, the most wonderful career which I love. From working for Max Factor and doing weddings when I started out in the late 70s to music videos, runway shows and magazine shoots in the 80s through to major film and TV productions, it has never been boring. I have taught all over the UK and internationally and am writer of both an HND and BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA in Media makeup/Design. My book “Timeless – A Century of Iconic Looks” has been adopted as an industry bible for period makeup and hair – hair in the book is by the legendary Lou Sheppard.
I have a particular interest in the history of makeup and have a very large collection of vintage makeup and magazines from the last 100+ years.
I will share some of those posts on here from time to time relating to my collection – we can learn a lot from past history of cosmetics and trends and it is a fascinating subject for any makeup , hair and fashion professional or enthusiast.
So, where to begin…..
My brush range started as a seed of an idea many years ago and I launched it in 2006. The brushes are handmade in the UK by traditional methods , all vegan and are top quality – I am proud that they are the choice of professional makeup artists all over the world.
I thought it would be a good idea to go through the brushes one by one and show their uses. Some brushes appear in more than one section as they are multi-use.
So for the first post here we are:
Brush Guide – Foundation and Buffing Brushes
LY01 Mini Foundation Brush.
One of my original brushes in the range this traditional shaped flat foundation brush is compact and perfect for liquid and cream foundation formulas. I use a buffing brush or sponge to buff the foundation in for a flawless finish
see LY51, LY52, LY54 and LY55 buffing brushes
Also available as a short handle version.
LY02 Flat Foundation Brush
Another brush from the original range this is a larger version of the LY01. It measures 3cm across the brush head and is great for applying the product quickly and covering the area with speed. Again I use a buffing brush to thin out the edges for a natural finish.
LY34 Super Foundation Brush
One of my most popular brushes the LY34 remains a best seller.
The very large, round head bath applies and buffs the product into the skin to create a wonderful, sheer effect.
Ideal if you are in a hurry and for body makeup if you want to cover an area very quickly!
LY48 Mini Super Foundation Brush
A smaller version of the LY34, perfect for smaller faces and for areas around the nose, eyes etc.
Also available as a short handle version.
LY11 Flat Shading/ Foundation brush
Excellent for all cream and powder formulas.
A traditional flat, slim brush I use this with a sponge or buffing brush to apply liquid foundation and buff to a beautiful finish.
LY51 Small powder/buffing brush
This lovely brush can be used as a foundation brush or a buffing brush.
Great for liquid, cream or powder foundations it can also be used for cream blusher.
LY43 Mini Stipple Brush
This supersoft compact brush is ideal for stippling, blending and buffing both cream and powder products. The small head if perfect for precise application.
LY52 Soft Contour Brush
Another great brush for foundation or buffing. Ideal for liquid, cream and powder products the angled shape makes it perfect for contouring.
Also available as a short handle version.
LY54 Multi Purpose Contour/Buffing Brush.
A short handled brush, perfect for buffing or contouring.
Slightly firmer bristles than the LY51 and LY52 buffers.
LY55 Flat Buffing Brush
A flat, round short handled buffing brush this is great for buffing in and smoothing out instant tanning products!
Concealer brushes
LY19 Concealer/Eyeshadow Brush
This multi purpose brush is my most popular concealer brush. Also perfect for cream eyeshadow application.
Also available as a short handle version.
LY09 Multi Purpose Eye/Lip/Concealer brush
A great multi-purpose brush, use to apply eyeshadow, concealer or lip colour.
Also available as a short handle version
LY26 Lip/Concealer Brush
This tapered multi purpose brush is good for precise application of concealer. Also useful as a lip brush.
LY08 Small Detail Brush
I have included this in the concealer section as well as the eye section as it is perfect for pin point concealing where you need to be very accurate in placement such as in the centre of deep scars, under eyes. In these areas if you misplace concealer you can easily make things look worse so accuracy is key.
LY25 Standard Eyeliner Brush
I have included this in the concealer section as it is perfect for pin point concealing where you need to be very accurate such as deep scars. In these areas if you misplace the concealer you can make things look worse so accuracy is key.
Powder and Blusher brushes
LY04 Classic powder/blusher brush
A classic in the range this brush is one of my most popular. Supersoft, vegan hair makes it is ideal for blusher, pressed powder or a light dusting of loose powder.
Also available in a short handle version for travel or the handbag/setbag.
LY05 Large Powder/Bronzer brush
A large luxurious brush this one is great for applying bronzer and block powder – and dusting off excess loose powder after its application.
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LY07 Super Powder brush
Large luxury brush ideal for powder or bronzer application. The super soft vegan hair makes this brush ideal for even distribution of product and also removal of any excess powder. The shorter handle is ideal for travel/makeup bags.
LY20 Super Fan Brush
A real favourite with customers this brush is ideal for removing excess powder and any fallout of eyeshadow from under the eye for a clean, professional finish.
LY41 Soft Tapered Blending Brush
A newer addition to the range this brush is great for cream blusher – it has a smaller head allowing a delicate application. Also perfect for buffing and blending concealer and general tidying up on the makeup.
LY42 Supersoft tapered blending brush
A really versatile brush – the same shape as the LY41 but softer hair, ideal for precise application of loose and block powder such as around the ye area. Perfect for eye shadow blending and application of base shadow on the eye makeup.
Also available in a short handled version.
One of my favourites!
LY49 Deluxe tapered powder brush
This is a real favourite with makeup artists! A smaller head allows for precise application of blusher or powder and the super soft vegan hair delivers just the right amount of product to the face.
LY51 Small powder/buffing brush
This lovely brush can be used as a foundation brush, buffing brush and also it is great for cream blusher.
Great for liquid, cream or powder products – a very versatile brush!
LY52 Soft contour brush
Another great brush for foundation, contouring or buffing. The angled shape makes it perfect for easy application of contour – especially cream contour products.
Ideal for liquid, cream and powder products.
Also available as a short handle version.
Eyebrow, eyeshadow and lining brushes
LY08 Small Detail Brush
Perfect for detail work, this brush can be used for applying/blending eyeliner and shadow around the eyes. Also useful for pinpoint concealer application.
LY09 Multi Purpose Eye/Lip/Concealer brush
A great multi-purpose brush, use to apply eyeshadow, concealer or lip colour.
Also available as a short handle version
LY10 Flat shadow brush
This flat eyeshadow brush is great for applying your base eyeshadow colour, or blending edges for a diffused effect.
LY11 Large Shading Brush
This large flat brush allows for a quick and easy application of colour – especially good for water colours/aqua paints for quick application in larger areas of the face.. this brush is also perfect for applying and blending foundation to create a professional finish to any make-up look.
LY13 The Mini Socket Brush
This best selling brush is great for creating defined eye looks. Use to apply and blend shadow along the lash line or create a definite socket line.
Also available as a short handle version.
LY14 Socket brush
The tapered shape of this brush allows for quick and easy defining of the eye socket area.
LY16 Mini Smudge brush
The firm, compact bristles of this eyeshadow brush is perfect for applying make-up to the upper and lower lash lines.
LY17 Midi Smudge brush
Apply, blend and smudge eyeshadow with the Midi Smudge Brush. A great all-rounder for creating detail on any make-up look.
LY18 Classic Eye Shadow brush
This Classic Shadow Brush is ideal for the application of eyeshadow, cream or powder.
LY19 Concealer/Eyeshadow Brush
This multi purpose brush is great for applying cream eyeshadow. Also perfect for concealer application.
Also available as a short handle version.
LY22 Brow/Mascara brush
An essential in any make-up kit; use to comb through brows, apply mascara and separate any clumps for a perfected look.
Also available as a short handle version.
LY23 Filbert Eyeliner Brush
A great everyday eyeliner brush to use with liquid, cake or gel eyeliner. The tapered shape allows for optimum control.
LY24 Fine Eyeliner Brush
The Fine Eyeliner Brush is perfect for precision work with liquid, cake or gel eyeliner.
Also available as a short handle version.
LY24A Superfine Eyeliner Brush
A superfine eyeliner brush creates fine lines and can be used to give the illusion of thicker lashes by painting lashes between actual lashes.
LY24B Ultrafine Eyeliner Brush
The slimmest eyeliner brush in our range. Creates the very finest eyelines, perfect for detail work and lining very close to the roots of the lashes.
LY25 Standard Eyeliner brush
The Standard Eyeliner Brush allows for quick and easy application of liquid, cake or gel eyeliner. Use to define eyes or for pin-point concealing.
LY31 Angled Brow Brush
Perfect brows made easy – this brush creates glamorous, groomed eyebrows in an instant. Use with eyeshadow or brow powder to create your ideal shape. Can also be used to apply liner.
LY37 Fine Angled Brow Brush
A fine, angled brow brush for precise application of eyelshadow or brow powder. Use to imitate individual brow hairs. Can also be used to apply liner.
Also available as a short handle version.
LY38 Tapered Eye Shadow Brush
A make-up bag must have; this soft, tapered brush is great for applying and blending eyeshadow. Use in the socket area to define and lift the eye.
LY38A Medium Tapered Eye Shadow Brush
A medium-sized, tapered brush ideal for creating a defined eye make-up look. Use in the socket area to define and lift the eye.
Also available as a short handled version which fits perfectly into your make-up or set bag and is ideal for travel.
LY38B Slim Tapered Eye Shadow Brush
This slim, tapered brush works well on smaller eyes or to create a defined eye make-up look. Use to apply and blend eyeshadow to the socket area and lashlines. Use in the socket area to define and lift the eye.
LY39 Domed Eye Shadow Brush
A great universal brush for applying and blending eyeshadow. Also available as a short handle version.
LY40 Precision Crease Eye Shadow Brush
A pointed brush ideal for defining the eye with precision. This brush has been hand cut and holds it’s shape to ensure shadow is placed exactly where you want it. Use in the socket area to define and lift the eye. Please note: this brush is dressed to a point which will soften slightly when first used.
LY46 Super Eye Shadow Blender Brush
A soft, luxurious blending brush ideal for eyeshadow. Buff away any edges for a seamless, professional finish.
LY53 Eyelash Fan brush
This small fan brush is perfect for applying mascara and creating a full and defined lash look.
It gets right to the roots of the lashes and makes applying mascara to bottom lashes easier.
Lip brushes
LY27 Filbert Lip Brush
My most popular lip brush this one is the go- to brush of many makeup artists – often called a “game changer”! The tapered shape allows precise applications of lipstick. A bestseller and one of my favourite brushes.
Also available as a short handle version and a retractable version
LY27R Retractable Lip Brush
My bestselling lip brush in a retractable case! Perfect for travel and the makeup bag or set bag.See image below as well.
LY27R Retractable Lip Brush
This image shows how the top casing of the brush fits onto the brush handle ready for lip colour application.
Elegant and practical – a must have!
LY26 Lip/Concealer Brush
This multi purpose brush is great as a lip brush and also for precise application of concealer.
LY09 Lip/Eye/Concealer Brush
Another bestseller this multi-use brush can be used as a lip brush and is equally good for shadow or concealer. A makeup kit must have.
Also available as a short handle version.
LY28 Flat Lip Brush
For those that prefer a flat lip brush this one does the job. Just the right firmness in the bristles allows for precise application of lip products. Also good for concealer!