Emily Dodds: Founder of Willow & Rose Make-up
When did you discover your passion for becoming a Make-up Artist?
I’ve always loved makeup from a very early age, I used to do my mums makeup when I was 10! It’s only when my friends started asking me to do their makeup for big events and their weddings that I thought I should take it all a bit more seriously and decided to train at one of the top LONDON bridal makeup school’s with Kristina Gasperas. This was three years ago and I’ve not looked back.
What made you launch your business?
What is more special than helping someone get ready for one of the best days of their lives? I wanted to offer a makeup service for weddings and special occasions that made people feel at ease from start, whether that be the trial or initial briefing, right up to the big day. I wanted to be able to share my makeup and skincare knowledge and experience with people and help them look and feel the best they have ever felt!
What services do you offer? and locations?
I offer makeup for weddings, special occasions, red carpet events, photoshoots and videos. I also offer personal makeup shopping experiences whereby I take people shopping for makeup, testing out different products on them as we go! These are very popular. I work all over the UK - this summer I’ll be doing weddings as far away as Cornwall! I tend to focus my work in London and Kent though as I have bases in Richmond and Tonbridge.
Any particular specialty?
I specialise in natural makeup. Makeup that blends so seamlessly into the skin that you can hardly detect it. You just think oh wow that person looks amazing. Makeup that enhances people’s natural beauty rather than masks it. Makeup that makes people feel like the very best version of themselves - and that they still recognise themselves when they look in the mirror. I also specialise in colour theory - carefully choosing colours which complement and enhance people’s faces rather than looking out of place. I love creating fresh and glowy skin - the kind you’d get if you went out for a long walk in the countryside! And so perfect for brides...
What in your opinion is the “must-have” products for every woman? ( moisturiser, foundation etc...)
A great moisturiser which can also act as a primer for makeup.... you don’t always need both! An eye cream, as makeup just wont sit well underneath eyes without it. A good foundation or tinted moisturiser, concealer for under eye circles with peach tones in it, cream blusher to suit your skin tone, powder and an excellent mascara, then you are good to go!! (You can use the cream blush as an eye shadow and lipstick did you know?!)
You may view Emily’s work and business website here: http://willowandrosemakeup.co.uk/
Front cover photo credit: Sarah Legge Photography.
