Makeup Artist

Friday, 4 September 2026

"Getting married soon? These 3 things will make your bridal makeup last SO much longer"

Your bridal makeup should look beautiful AND last through the happy tears, hugs, photos and dancing. 🤍



Here are 3 simple things that can make a huge difference:

✨ Prep your skin properly 💧

Makeup lasts better when your skin is hydrated - but don't overload it with skincare right before your makeup.

✨ 2. Less is more ✨️

Heavy layers don't automatically mean longer lasting makeup. Thin, well blended layers are your best friend!

✨ 3. Set only where you need 👰🏻

Powder where you naturally get oily, then finish with setting spray to lock everything in.

And remember — long-lasting makeup isn’t about piling on more product. It’s about using the right products, in the right order, for your skin. For more skincare tips for your wedding day, check out my book -  The Bridal Skincare Bible. I promise you'll love it! ❤️




Beautiful pics of my gorgeous bride, Katherine at the stunning Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare, Co.Kerry. Big love to White Cat Studio for these unbelievable shots! Thank you 😘

Save this for your wedding day & send it to a bride-to-be! 👰🏻‍♀️🤍
Annette




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Thursday, 3 September 2026

What concealer should I use for mature skin?

 As we age, our skin becomes drier due to loss the of collagen and elastin, so an eye cream is an absolute must as your first product to apply before concealer. Once you get the under eye hydrated, it will help the concealer to work correctly and it will make the placement so much easier. It will help with the lasting powder of your concealer too.




Once your eye cream is applied, choose the concealer to suit. For mature skin, make sure to  apply the concealer very lightly and always go for a cream or a liquid one. 
Do not apply all across the under eye, this is too much product. Keep the placement to one dot under the inner eye and one dot under the outer part of the eye. Using a brush, gently connect the two dots. When doing my own concealer, I use the warmth of my fingers (ring finger) to blend in that product. This helps with creasing and it is quite soothing on that area rather than a brush.

If you have discolouration or darkness underneath the eye, you need to choose a concealer that is a little brighter than your skin tone. I love Sculpted By Aimee - Brighten Up Concealer. A go-to in my kit if you need an extra little brightening for the eyes and the consistency is light but it has a great coverage.


If you need some hydration & concealing, the Number 7 Lift and Illuminate Triple Action concealer is a lovely option for mature skin. It has a serum-style approach and provides a brightening coverage too.

For a gorgeous creamy concealer, the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish is a must. It has a rich buttery, blendable cream formula. I use this on clients aged 50+.



If you just can't win with concealer and it is just too drying and cakey, I have a great tip for you. Follow these steps and it will help you to have a blurred under eye concealer in a few mins:
1. Apply your eye cream. Let this set for 5 minutes.
2. Apply concealer, one dot on inner, one dot on outer. Wait for 2 minutes to leave it set.
3. Apply Setting Spray on your finger. Blend out the concealer underneath the eye. (I always use Charlotte Tilbury Settling Spray for this)
4. Apply a light dusting of setting powder on the area. 

I have a quick tutorial done on this on my Instagram, if you would like to have a look click HERE. It really creates an airbrush effect under the eye.

My final tip, don't put foundation directly underneath the eye. Use your concealer and blend this into the foundation underneath. Be careful with setting the undereye - a light setting powder or translucent powder only. If you are very dry, don't add any powder over the concealer.

Let me know your thoughts on concealers and which one is your favourite??

Annette x

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Wednesday, 22 October 2025

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








 

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Monday, 13 January 2025

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

 






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Friday, 1 November 2024

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.
 


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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
Wedding planner Waterlily weddings
Florals & styling Frog prince weddings

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Wednesday, 18 January 2023

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
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Snow days in Killarney, Co. Kerry


The beautiful National Park in Killarney.



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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


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Thursday, 11 November 2021

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 



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Stop lipstick smudging on your mask



 

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

                                                                              A x

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AYU A/W21 Collection


 

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Friday, 7 May 2021

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:
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 

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Tuesday, 23 March 2021

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




 

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Thursday, 11 March 2021

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.



 

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Tuesday, 2 March 2021

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
 

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