Style File for The Bristol Magazine, behind the scenes

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes on a photoshoot? My blog takes you into the unseen world of the hard working people you don't see in front of the camera. For the Bristol Magazine Style File it was a different kettle of fish as I became the model.  Thankfully, years of watching models at work gave me an ounce of hope. 

We had a great time shooting the looks for the style file at The Strawberry Thief, an elegant beer bar on Small Street in Bristol

photo Anthony Jolliffe

photo Anthony Jolliffe

Here I am with Shari Knowles, our incredible makeup artist, getting ready for the January look. You can read all about Shari's techniques and chosen products in the magazine, but just in case you aren't local, here's how she achieved this look

"I wanted to define the features without trying too hard to make a statement with makeup. 

I prepped the skin with Oilatum natural repair face cream. I used Bobbi brown foundation stick in porcelain to give a satin finish to the skin. To reduce under eye darkness I used a Bobbi brown tinted eye brightener in bisque and a Bobbi brown concealer in porcelain. To keep skin fresh, I only powdered the T zone. 

I mixed a mid brown and an ash coloured eyeshadow and ran this through the brows with an angled brush. Using an eyeshadow is much softer than a pencil. 

On the eyes, I used a neutral eyeshadow from mac with a satin finish. I used a soft brown eyeshadow in the socket to define the eye shape. I lined the eyes with Bobbi brown gel liner on a fine brush in the colour caviar ink. It's slightly softer than black. Always end with black mascara, it will make the whites of the eyes look brighter! 

To keep the skin fresh, I used a cream blush in the colour something special from mac. It works so well over a creamy foundation. 

Finally the lips have a hint of coral and a clear gloss on top."

Shari Knowles

photo Anthony Jolliffe

 Amanda Thomas was shooting and Ella Hawkey of Atelier Clifton did wonders with my hair!

'With Harriets's hair we first worked a soft set,  pin curled the nape to accentuate the A- line shape, then blasted the curls out with Label M's Sea Salt spray. This creates maximum texture and a contemporary take on vintage waves.'

Ella Hawke

photo Anthony Jolliffe

What I'm wearing for this January shot 

• Snood Amber Hards knitwear leather fringe from recycled leather jacket 
• Vero Moda Banita cable knit jumper £25 Amulet Boutique 
• Ingenue CeCe Trousers in Chocolate Snake Print - £54.00 Amulet Boutique 
• Boots stylist’s own

photo Anthony Jolliffe

l-r Harriet, Shari, Ella, Amanda

leaning in to getting a look at the shot

It took a fair amount of makeup to get me looking good!

photo Anthony Jolliffe

Posing up a storm in the Strawberry Thief bar

Here is the finished look, complete with liberty print covered heels, which you can find out how to make here

photo Amanda Thomas