A Dreamy Irish Elopement

Emily & Niall's Wedding in Kerry

One of my favourite parts of being a makeup artist in Kerry is meeting couples who travel from all over the world to elope in our beautiful corner of Ireland. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Emily, a radiant bride who chose the stunning Blasket Centre for her intimate ceremony before heading off for breathtaking photos around the Dingle Peninsula.

The wonderful team at Twin Flames Elopements planned every detail of Emily and her partner’s elopement — creating a relaxed, romantic experience that felt so authentically Irish. Tommy, their talented photographer, captured the magic of the day perfectly, from quiet moments in Ballinskelligs to windswept cliffs in Dingle.

Emily didn’t have a makeup trial before her wedding — she completely trusted me with her vision for the day. I wanted her look to reflect the natural beauty of Kerry: soft, timeless, and effortlessly elegant.

Tricia O’Sullivan created the most beautiful hairstyle to complement Emily’s look — together, we made sure every detail felt relaxed yet polished. Emily was absolutely glowing, and seeing her joy as she looked in the mirror was such a special moment.

It’s always such an honour to be part of a day like this. For couples coming to Ireland to elope, I offer a tailored bridal makeup service that makes the process seamless — no stress, no fuss, just professional, camera-ready makeup that lasts from ceremony to windswept Dingle cliffs!

If you’re planning an elopement in Killarney or anywhere in Kerry, I’d love to help you feel your absolute best on your special day.

 

Congratulations again Emily & Niall - thank you for having me as part of your very special day.

All photo's credited: Twin Flames Elopements

A x

 

Liz at The Maryborough Hotel, Cork

Meet the beautiful Liz who got married at The Maryborough Hotel, Cork. 

Hair Christine O Sullivan

Flowers Mary and Kates Flowers

Photographer John Sexton

Videographer Uray Weddings

Bridal Gown Made With Love from Bella Bleu Vintage

Makeup product detail:

Base - 

Charlotte Tilbury Hydrating Mist

Charlotte Tilbury Eye Revival Patches

Poco Beauty Universal Glow

PLouise Eye Base

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin mixed with Airbrush Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Presser Powder

Laura Mercier Translucent Powder (to Bake)

SoSu Cream Contour

SoSu Liquid Blush Rose Radiance

Mac Soft & Gentle Highlighter

Brows - 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Fix

Refy Brów Gel

Eyes - 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Sultry Eye Palette

Charlotte Tilbury Exaggerating-Eyes Mascara

Sarah Keary Eyeliner - Heads Will Roll

Tatti Individual Lashes

Lips - 

Mac Whirl Lipliner

Mac Modesty Lipstick

Bobbi Brown Lipgloss

Wishing you all the best for your new life together Liz & Jerry,

A x

 

The Bridal Skincare Bible

I have spent a long time gathering all my notes and putting pen to paper and I finally published my very own book titled "The Bridal Skincare Bible ". 

I am a luxury bridal makeup with over 19 years of experience in the beauty and makeup industry. I have expertise in training as a beauty therapist and skin specialist, making skincare a significant aspect of my profession.

Throughout my career, I've had the pleasure of working with numerous brides who are so unsure about skincare and beauty and don't know where to begin. This is when I came up with the idea.

The Bridal Skincare Bible is not just for brides. I have expert advice on skincare regimens for everyone, advising on my favourite facials, skincare products etc. It includes tips for the best skincare of your life, a bridal beauty timeline and lots of tips for the wedding morning. I have the best contributors to the book, Dr Clodagh O'Shea, Beacon Clinic, Dr Doireann O Leary, Jenny McCarthy Photographer, Olivia Buckley Wedding Planner.

If you wish to purchase for yourself or maybe as an engagement gift, you can do so through my website here. (available on a ebook or physical book.)

 It is also available in select stores, Easons Killarney, Eason's Listowel and Kerr's Bookshop Clonakilty, Co Cork.

 

Laurence & Ben - Ballyfin Demesne, Co Laois

 

  

I was thrilled to be the makeup artist for Laurence at Ballyfin Demesne, Co Laois. What a gorgeous venue and what a gorgeous wedding. 

All photographs credited to Garth from Lima Conlon.

Supplier details: 

Photographer Lima conlon

Videographer Dreamcatcher productions

Hair Upstyle Junkie

Wedding planner Waterlily weddings

Florals & styling Frog prince weddings

Harrington's Pharmacy, Clonakilty, Co Cork.

 To celebrate the launch of the new online store at Harringtons Pharmacy of Clonakilty, West Cork, I was kindly #gifted some products to use for a tutorial. I was lucky enough to pick out some amazing beauty products they have in store. They deliver nationwide and offer free delivery for orders over €39!

Head to www.harringtonspharmacy.ie to check out the vast choice of beauty, tan, hair and nail products available.

based my tutorial on a fresh Summer skin and got to use so much Sculpted by Aimee if you haven't used it already, you need to! Wait until you see The Full Edit Palette, the perfect full face palette for my handbag.

I

A x

Snow days in Killarney, Co. Kerry

The beautiful National Park in Killarney.

 

Afternoon Tea at Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney

 

I was delighted to be invited to The Tea Room at Muckross Park Hotel to sample the luxurious Afternoon  Tea experience. Think Veuve Clicquot Champagne, blush pink ostrich feathers, soft velvet sofa seats and an array of opulent sweet treats topped off with the warmest of welcomes and service. 

A choice of 20 loose teas Ronnefeldt are available, complete with your own timer to make sure you get that perfect cuppa.

 

 

Thank you again for the invite and we loved every minute of it. We'll be back!

#gifted

A x

Helen - The Europe Hotel, Killarney.

When your Bride asks for a natural and fresh makeup ❤️

What a doll! Helen thanks for asking me to beautify you on your very special day. So great to be with you and both families on the day. Wishing you and Darragh a lifetime of happiness.

Hair Laura Lou Hair

Location The Europe Hotel

Flowers Tie The Knot

Photographer Tara O Donoghue 

 

Stop lipstick smudging on your mask

 

                                Here's an easy tip to stop smudging lipstick on your mask.

                                                                              A x

AYU A/W21 Collection

 

Pieta House Fundraiser

Darkness Into Light in aid of Pieta House, is taking place on the 8th May 2021. Last year, using my makeup skills, I raised €2400.00. I am thrilled to announce that this year I will be doing so again!

I will showcase an in-depth makeup tutorial of 2021 makeup techniques to help "lift" and give the skin a "glow". I'll teach you the correct way to use your brushes plus tell you all about my favourite products to use for every type of skin.

Along with my tutorial, you can avail of a fantastic hair tutorial from Audrey of Upstyle Junkie. Audrey will showcase two tutorials, an easy upstyle and an easy half up, half down style .Plus, she will talk you through some tips to get us through the end of this lockdown. Sherna Malone, skincare guru, will chat about her favourite skincare products and what we should be doing to get our skin Summer ready.

All you do is donate €15 and the full amount goes to Pieta House. All three tutorials will be pre recorded and on a group together for you to access easily.

So, if you would love to see these tutorials and support Pieta House at the same time:

1. Click this link & donate €15 https://www.idonate.ie/.../11403042_annette-o-brien-s...

2. DM ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS (this is a very important step, as I need this to add you to the group).

3. You will have full access to this group on Friday 7th May. You can view all three videos for as long as you want.

Let's make as much as we can for this amazing charity.

Thank you,

Annette 

AYU Cosmetics - Perfect Skin Foundation

The wonderful Irish company

AYU

have just launched two amazing foundations to the market. In this tutorial, I am using the Perfect Skin Foundation. A liquid foundation with a matte finish. Super lightweight on the skin(you really don't even know you have foundation on) and it is so long wearing. This is a medium to full coverage foundation for normal to oily skins.

I am giving away THREE of these foundations, one for you and two for your best pals. 

*Head to my INSTAGRAM page 

* Tag two friends (you can enter as many times as you wish)

* Share the post to your story

For an extra chance to win head over to my Facebook page (Annette O Brien Makeup Artist) to enter the competition too. 
Winner will be announced at the weekend. Good luck 

A x

 

AYU Fresh Skin Foundation

I am thrilled to introduce the new, must-have foundation on the market,

AYU

Fresh Skin Foundation. You are going to LOVE it - super lightweight on the skin, so hydrating, radiant and perfect for a day time makeup. I have been wearing this with the last few weeks and I am totally converted. As you know, I love my coverage and this is unbelievable. Covering the redness on my cheeks and any discolouration around my eyes. It has the best lasting power and is suitable for normal to dry skins.

This tutorial covers all my favourite AYU products, an Irish brand you really will have to try and wont be disappointed. Congrats again Suzie, another amazing product to add to your list and I am delighted to be involved in the launch of these fantastic products.

#gifted

 

UP Cosmetic's Tutorial

A beautiful, sparkly, night time makeup for you to try UP Cosmetics from Pippa O'Connor

If you haven't tried these products already, do! They are super pigmented, long lasting and so easy to use. Check out the gorgeous highlighter in the video 

All products listed in the video.

Enjoy 

A x

 

LUNA by Lisa Jordan

Luna Holiday Collection by Lisa Jordan

Everything about this collection is EXTRA 

The shimmer, the glow and the gloss, everything you need to make you sparkle during the festive season 

Check out my turorial using the Eye Catcher, Glow Vault and Lip Vault Collection. 

#gifted #lunabylisa #holiday2020 LUNA by Lisa Jordan

A x

Soft winged liner tutorial for beginners

A makeup tutorial for beginners, smudging out a soft winged eyeliner. If you have any questions on this look, leave them below 

 

Maura

 The beautiful Maura 

Photo by the very talented  

Sosac Photography

Hair 

Honeybee hair and beauty

Hyaluronic Acid

One of my favourite skincare products - HYALURONIC ACID

What is it?
Hyaluronic acid sounds like a severe product but it actually holds the key to smooth, flawless and hydrated skin. It is naturally produced in our own skin to maintain moisture levels. Hyaluronic acid has the ability to draw and hold water in our skin cells. However, this declines as we age.

The benefits
Keeps skin hydrated, plump and healthy.
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles making it a very important anti aging product.
Non irratating which can be used on all skin types including sensitive.

Hyaluronic acid is one of my go-to products that I use daily. It is best applied on cleansed, damp skin. Use moisturiser or night cream after.

My favourite serums are:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%
Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum.

A x

 

AYU Makeup Tutorial

A gorgeous, dewy makeup tutorial using

AYU

products and brushes. I was thrilled to try these really great products. Easy to use, especially if time isn't on your side, long lasting and great for all skin types. 

Plus, it's great to support Irish

These products are going straight in my makeup kit to use on my clients.

AYU was founded by renowned Irish makeup artist and tutor, Suzie O'Neill.

A fresh, bright makeup look for you to try.

A x

 

Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Tutorial

I am thrilled to tell you that I am working with Charlotte Tilbury Makeup to offer you all a DISCOUNT CODE of 15% off ANY PRODUCTS ON HER WEBSITE!! You know how much I love her products so I have been bursting to tell you this news!

I am launching this offer with a full

Charlotte Tilbury

tutorial for you all, but especially for my beautiful brides during this lockdown. I have done a step-by-step makeup tutorial for you to do on your wedding day, a guidance to help you along and help you choose the right makeup products for your special day.

To avail of the 15% off, you must be a new customer of CT( you don't have to be a bride) Apply this code at the checkout: MMSIE00x99Ny , And that's it!! (if you have ordered from them already, you can use another email address).

During this tutorial I use

Sarah Keary Make Up

Brushes which are amazing!! Sarah is a well know MUA and you may have seen her work on Pippa O'Connor's social media. She's one of her go- to makeup artists. I have been gifted these brushes and I have a 10% discount code: ANNETTE10

Lots of good news this evening and I am so happy to hopefully help some brides out there and also to be able to give you all a discount code for some amazing CT products.

Thank you all so much for your support during this time. As always I have the most amazing clients and friends.

Love,

Annette x