There is something both exciting and slightly nerve-racking about writing the very first post for a brand-new business, but here we are!
Welcome to Laura Donnelly Makeup Artistry.
After completing my professional makeup artistry training with the renowned Natalie Jones Bridal Artist & Educator, I'm so excited to officially begin this new chapter and start welcoming clients into my chair.
If you've found your way here, I'd love to tell you a little about me, the kind of makeup I love to create and, most importantly, what you can expect when you book an appointment with me.
Makeup That Still Feels Like You
My approach to makeup is actually very simple: I want you to look in the mirror and still see you.
I'm not interested in masking beautiful skin or creating the same makeup look on every person who sits in my chair. Faces are wonderfully individual, and I believe makeup should be too.
My signature style is soft glam: beautifully prepared, radiant skin, softly defined eyes, flattering tones and all those little details that make you feel polished without feeling overdone.
Sometimes that might mean keeping things incredibly soft and natural. Other times, we might add a little more definition or glamour. It's always about finding the balance that feels right for you.
Because ultimately, the best makeup isn't the makeup everyone else notices first.
It's the makeup that makes you feel amazing.
For Weddings, Parties, Proms... and Just Because
Although bridal makeup is going to be an important part of my work, Laura Donnelly Makeup Artistry isn't exclusively a bridal business.
I'm here for all the moments when you want to feel that little bit extra special.
That could be your wedding morning, of course, but it could also be a prom, a day at the races, a milestone birthday, an anniversary, a black-tie event, a wedding you're attending as a guest or simply a night out you've been looking forward to for months.
And quite frankly, I don't think you need a particularly grand reason to have your makeup professionally done either.
Sometimes wanting to look and feel fabulous is reason enough.
More Than Simply Having Your Makeup Done
One thing that was really important to me when creating this business was the experience around the makeup.
I don't want you to arrive, have some products applied to your face and leave.
I want your appointment to feel like a little bit of time that's entirely for you.
That's why every appointment begins with careful skin preparation. I'll use a milky toner, moisturiser, eye cream and lip mask, combined with slow, relaxing facial techniques to prepare your skin and give you a moment to switch off.
Not only does beautifully prepared skin help makeup sit and wear better, but I want sitting in my chair to feel relaxing.
For brides in particular, wedding mornings can be wonderfully exciting—but also incredibly busy. If your time with me gives you an opportunity to sit still, relax and enjoy being looked after for a while, then that's part of my job too.
What's in My Kit?
I have to admit, building my professional makeup kit has been one of the particularly enjoyable parts of becoming a Makeup Artist.
I've carefully selected products based on performance rather than simply filling my kit with one brand.
You'll find favourites from Charlotte Tilbury, Dior, YSL Beauty, Morphe, Laura Mercier and e.l.f. Cosmetics alongside other professional products I've chosen because I genuinely love the way they perform.
For me, "premium" doesn't necessarily mean having the most expensive product in every category. It's about knowing which products work beautifully, how they work together and which will give the best result for the person sitting in front of me.
Your makeup will always be tailored to your skin, your features and the finish we're trying to achieve.
Training With Natalie Jones
Starting this business with the right professional training was incredibly important to me.
I completed my training with renowned Bridal Makeup Artist and Educator Natalie Jones, learning and refining the professional techniques needed to create beautiful, modern and long-lasting makeup.
Being able to work on different faces during my training was invaluable. Makeup artistry isn't about learning one beautiful look and repeating it; it's about understanding skin, face and eye shapes, colour, product placement and how to adapt techniques for the individual person in front of you.
And while my formal training has now finished, I don't think learning ever really stops in this industry.
There will always be new techniques to master, new products to discover and new ways to develop my artistry, and I'm genuinely excited about that.
Based in Lincolnshire, Available Further Afield
I'm based in Lincolnshire and currently offer mobile appointments, meaning I can bring the makeup experience to you at your home, wedding venue or chosen location.
There's also something rather exciting in the pipeline...
My own makeup studio is coming soon.
I'll be sharing more of that journey as it develops, and I can't wait to eventually have a beautiful space where I can welcome clients for appointments and makeup lessons.
While Lincolnshire is home, I'm also available to travel throughout the UK and internationally for weddings, events and other bookings.
So whether your special occasion is here in Lincolnshire, elsewhere in the UK or somewhere considerably sunnier, please don't be afraid to ask.
What's Coming to The Journal?
I don't want this Journal to simply become somewhere I occasionally post photographs of makeup I've done.
I want it to be genuinely useful.
I'll be sharing professional makeup advice, skincare preparation tips, bridal beauty guidance, product favourites, behind-the-scenes moments and plenty of soft-glam inspiration.
We'll talk about things like how to prepare your skin before an important event, what actually makes makeup last all day, how to choose a bridal makeup look that won't date and the products I genuinely think are worth having in your own makeup bag.
I'll also take you behind the scenes as Laura Donnelly Makeup Artistry grows.
I'm right at the beginning of this journey, and there's something quite lovely about being able to share it from day one.
And So It Begins...
If you've made it all the way to the end of my first Journal post, thank you.
Whether you're already thinking about booking an appointment, you've followed me over from Instagram or Facebook, or you've simply stumbled across my website while looking for a Makeup Artist in Lincolnshire, I'm so pleased you're here.
I want Laura Donnelly Makeup Artist to become known not only for beautiful soft-glam makeup, but for the way you feel while you're in my chair, and when you leave it.
Relaxed. Looked after. Confident.
And still completely yourself.
I can't wait to see where this new chapter takes me, and hopefully meet some of you along the way.
Laura x