“Harriette Gordon, I just adore her romantic & modern style.” Annabella of By Annabella on the brand she’d love to collaborate with most.
Bristol-based makeup artist, Annabella of By Annabella brings with her not only a set of highly-honed skills and 12 years of experience working across the UK and other spots around the globe, but the ability – as she puts in her own words – “to create an effortlessly gorgeous look that feels just like you — on a really good day.” For this makeup brush-wielding creative, “there’s nothing more inspiring for me than empowering women to become their best, most confident selves.” And BOY do we love this approach. Having worked with the likes of global makeup giants, MAC Cosmetics in New Zealand, but since returned to the UK to build her brand, there’s nothing more this artist likes than working with a bride (or a brand – she does editorial too) to hone and craft that dream bridal look for the aisle. I caught up with Annabella to get the lowdown on her lockdown 3.0…
#1 We’ve just gone into Lockdown 3. In three words, describe how you are currently feeling…
No.1 “Challenged.”
No.2 “Optimistic.”
No.3 “Mindful.”
#2 Talk to us about your usual daily routine for your business and how this will change in lockdown…
“I love working to a schedule and being organised in my working life. During lockdown I felt a little lost at first but now enjoying being proactive and positive with daily exercise and showing tips and tricks on social.”
#3 How will/does lockdown impact your business, and how can people (brides/the wedding industry) support you throughout?
“Can’t work full stop! Unfortunately, I’m unable to work, but we can support one another by sharing each other’s businesses on social media. Writing reviews also can really help small businesses too.”
#4 Name three small businesses on Instagram you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1 “@ecrufloral”
No.2 “@wholelottaknots“
No.3 “@amberhards“
#5 Favourite lockdown snack? Has this evolved from lockdown 1? (I, for instance, have developed a strong love for Itsu pot noodles and prawns and maintained this throughout…somehow)…
“Popcorn.”
#6 What’s your most recommended lockdown pick-me-up when you’re feeling down during lockdown? What’s getting you through the days?
“Exercise and mindfulness.”
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dreamt continuously about) during lockdown?
“I can’t say I have!”
#8 Name a dinner/meal or beverage choice you feel might bring someone joy to their lockdown life…
“Margarita!”
#9 Talk us through what’s new at your brand…
“Fresh new studio space.”
#10 What’s your lockdown outfit most days? Have you, say, developed an unhealthy attachment to the elasticated waists of your leggings like myself?
“Knitwear and joggers.”
#11 What series have you now completed on Netflix/Amazon Prime etc.? Any recommendations?
“Queens Gambit and The Crown.”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“My Mum.”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated during lockdown?
“A beautiful note from a darling friend that encouraged me to keep being creative over lockdown.”
#14 For a little Instagram-escapism and positivity, what account would you recommend?
“I’ve been enjoying using their meditation series for my bedtime routine to relax me – @wildsourceskincare.”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for
No.1 “Family.”
No.2 “Nature.”
No.3 “Having my own business.”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted again?
“Soo many to choose from! I do have a weakness for tapas – probably because I can’t ever choose off the menu so I need a little of everything.”
#17 What would be your five film recommendations to watch during lockdown…
No.1 “Coco Before Chanel.”
No.2 “A Goodyear.”
No.3 “La Vie En Rose.”
No.4 “Pretty Woman.”
No.5 “Flashdance.”
#18 What book would be top of your lockdown book list?
“Can I have two? Skincare by Carloline Hirons and The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle.”
#19 Name an odd purchase you’ve made during lockdown…
“Hungarian Goose pillows.”
#20 The best gift you received this festive period?
“My beautiful necklace from my husband by Missoma.”
#21 Name a brand you would love to collaborate with…
“Harriette Gordon, I just adore her romantic & modern style.”
#22 What’s your advice to lockdown brides?
“Be kind to yourself, lockdown is out of our control. Take time for yourself, try and get into a good skincare routine to get your skin prepped and ready for you big day.”
#23 Your favourite drink?
“Margaritas.”
#24 And finally, name your favourite magazine to curl up with…
“Vogue and Red Magazine.”
For more alluring bridal makeup ideas and inspiration, or to book an appointment with Annabella, head to makeup artist By Annabella’s website.
Want to read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite bridal brands, boutiques and designers? Head on over to the Bridal Editor WFH Diary page.
