Hair and Makeup artist blog...

I've always been fascinated by abandoned spaces. There is something incredibly beautiful about the textures, history and atmosphere they hold. Whilst nature slowly reclaims them and time leaves its mark, they develop a unique character that simply can't be recreated in a studio environment.

One of the things I love most about working as a hair and makeup artist is the variety that comes with the job. One day I might be creating bridal hair for a Norfolk wedding, the next I could be standing on a windswept beach working on a fashion shoot.

Some productions stay with you long after filming ends. The Herring Girls is one of those projects. Storyline: Annag is abandoned during a fishing season to grow up on the Norfolk coast. The Herring Girls, a group of women who work alongside fishermen following the herring from Scotland to Norfolk, witness her spiritual and supernatural awakening. Written and directed by one of my closest friends, this Norfolk-made short film was a truly extraordinary project to be part of. W

Working on commercial film productions always offers a slightly different pace to my usual editorial and photography work. This project for Blooming Artificial was a fantastic experience from start to finish and, honestly, the products themselves completely blew me away. The artificial plants were so realistic that it was difficult to believe they weren't the real thing. Filmed locally in Norfolk, the production focused on creating tutorial content for Blooming Artificial's c

Creating a portfolio for your business that truly reflects your passion. I thoroughly recommend test shoots to those looking to grow their brand, create marketing materials and network with creatives. It's been a hell of a long time since I've done any test work now.

Regencycore is having a major moment, and it's no surprise why. With the runaway success of Bridgerton, the elegance of the Regency era has captured imaginations everywhere.

The 1960s were all about bold expressions, playful elegance, and statement-making beauty. Recently, I had the opportunity to bring this iconic era to life with a modern twist—a dreamy blend of classic and contemporary that’s perfect for today’s style-savvy brides and trendsetters. For this look, I channeled the signature 60s vibe with softly drawn lower lashes, giving that unmistakable wide-eyed allure. The makeup is all about balance—subtle yet striking, romantic yet playful

Recently I was asked to provide hair and makeup for a commercial photoshoot with Lotus Cars, showcasing their latest branded clothing collection. It turned out to be one of those jobs that reminds me exactly why I love what I do. The team were fantastic from start to finish, and having the opportunity to spend time at the Lotus facility in Hethel was genuinely fascinating. We were given access to various areas across the site, including workshops where the incredible craftsma

This Victorian-inspired book cover photoshoot focused on portraying everyday life rather than the wealth and glamour often associated with the era. Photographed by Rekha Garton, the project has already seen two covers published, which is always exciting to see. It is incredibly rewarding to watch characters and stories come to life after months of creative planning and styling. For the hair and makeup, simplicity was key. The brief called for an authentic lower-class Victoria

When photographer Rekha Garton calls with a new brief, I know I'm usually in for an interesting day. This particular book cover project certainly didn't disappoint. We were granted access to an aviation museum, where four models — including myself — helped bring a story of strength, resilience, and determination to life amongst the historic aircraft. As well as stepping in front of the camera, I was responsible for all hair and makeup throughout the shoot. The styling took in

I've had the pleasure of working with Tyler on several occasions now, and she never fails to completely transform into whichever character she is portraying. For this Georgian-inspired editorial photoshoot, photographed by Rekha Garton, we created a look that balanced historical influence with photographic beauty. Having worked together for many years, Rekha and I have developed a wonderful creative partnership, allowing us to bring ideas to life with ease. The makeup was kep

There is something wonderfully exciting about working on a book cover when you know very little about the story itself. This vintage-inspired editorial photoshoot was created for a French mystery novel, giving all of us plenty of opportunity to imagine our own versions of the plot while we worked. The result was a fun, creative day filled with laughter, storytelling, and more than a few questionable French accents. Photographed by Rekha Garton, the shoot featured three fantas

As a hair and makeup artist, I thrive on bringing unique looks to life across a variety of mediums. Whether it’s for film, photoshoots, or weddings, I’m passionate about creating beauty that resonates. Recently, I had the chance to work on a project that was all about recreating the iconic 1940s Landgirl look—a blend of timeless beauty and hardworking spirit. On set, my focus was all about the details. The Landgirl aesthetic is characterized by practical hairstyles, like vict

One of the things I love most about being a hair and makeup artist is that no two days are ever the same. This beautiful Georgian-inspired book cover photoshoot was created for Archangel Images alongside the incredibly talented photographer Rekha Garton, who is always a joy to work with. While 1920s and 1940s-inspired imagery has remained hugely popular in recent years, this project offered something a little different. The elegant Georgian styling brought a softness and roma

The 1940s continue to be one of the most requested eras in editorial photography and book cover work, and it's easy to see why. The fashion, strength, and character of the period provide endless inspiration. As someone who specialises in vintage hair styling and period makeup, I always enjoy working within historical themes. However, I rarely aim to recreate the exact styles everyone has seen before. Instead, I prefer to take inspiration from the textures, techniques, and ove

Recently I've had the pleasure of working on a number of dance-focused photoshoots alongside Norwich photographer Nic Donovan. These projects have ranged from portfolio sessions and headshots through to commercial work featuring dancewear and performance clothing, with dancers modelling everything from Porselli leotards to full tutus. What always fascinates me is the incredible control, strength and artistry that dancers bring to a shoot. The ability to create beautiful lines

The latest instalment of our ongoing creative series, Eclipse, brought together dark beauty, dramatic styling, and a wonderfully talented team. Photographed by Rekha Garton and featuring model Harriet Howard, this Norwich-based photoshoot continued the gothic aesthetic we have been developing throughout the project. Accessories were supplied by Samantha Walden, adding the perfect finishing touches to the final imagery. For the hair, I combined Dutch braids with soft curls to

My second creative shoot of the year arrived with very little warning and an exceptionally loose brief: "Ice Queen." Sometimes those are the best projects. With less than 24 hours to prepare, a talented team assembled, sleeves rolled up, and ideas quickly began to take shape. Photography: Rekha Garton Hair & Makeup: Ria Yvonne Model: Bernadette Lemon What I love most about creative editorial work is the freedom to explore ideas that don't necessarily belong in everyday life.