Annette O'Brien

A Dreamy Irish Elopement

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:56:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 09:52:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:34:00 +0000

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.

Thank you so much for all the support,

A x

Laurence & Ben - Ballyfin Demesne, Co Laois

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:55:00 +0000

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.

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 16:57:00 +0000

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.

A x

Snow days in Killarney, Co. Kerry

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 16:49:00 +0000

The beautiful National Park in Killarney.

Afternoon Tea at Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 16:45:00 +0000

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.

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 15:21:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 15:02:00 +0000

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

A x

AYU A/W21 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 14:58:00 +0000

Pieta House Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Fri, 07 May 2021 12:49:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 13:37:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 11:52:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 13:33:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:52:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:44:00 +0000

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

Maura

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:29:00 +0000

The beautiful Maura

Photo by the very talented

Sosac Photography

Hair

Honeybee hair and beauty

Hyaluronic Acid

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:16:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 17:58:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 17:48:00 +0000

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 

Acne Mechanica from face masks

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 17:06:00 +0000

Wearing face masks have now become part of our daily life. And more than likely you're getting a few blemishes that you may never got before. I have found that after a few hours of wearing a mask, I break out along where my mask has been. More so, if I am wearing makeup. So back I went to my beauty therapy bible from collage and found out a little more information.

WHAT IS IT?

Acne Mechanica is a skin condition we get from wearing our masks. It is caused from heat, abrasion and friction. It is also quite common with sports players who wear head bands or helmets too. Heat causes pores to dilate, leaving them open for any debris to accumulate. Continued friction from our masks irritates the skin and the pressure seals in warmth, debris and dead skin against the skins surface. The three of these together cause a build up of bacteria, resulting in pustules and papule on the skin.

WHAT TO DO?

Keep your skin as clean as possible. Double cleanse the skin every night and try use an oil based cleanser to dissolve any makeup and oil that have built up during the day. You could also use an anti inflammatory product with tea tree oil as the main ingredient. If using a tea tree oil on its own be sure to mix with a carrier cream, as it can damage the skin when used neat. Use a warm face cloth or flannel to remove the cleanser. Keep the skin hydrated with serum and moisturiser.

HOW TO TREAT IT?

Salicylic Acid: This works deep in to the pores to break up the dead skin and will prevent a build up of product on the skins surface. The most effective way to use this is through a cleanser 2/3 times a week. Try La Roche-Posay Effacer Micro-Peeling Gel Wash €22.95

Glycolic Acid: This is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and is found in a lot of our skin products at present. You may also find this as a key product in chemical peels. It is effective in reducing existing blemishes. Use this once a day, preferably at night time. Try The Ordinary Glycol Acid 7% Toning Solution €9.99

Benzoyl Peroxide: This product works by increasing the skin cell turnover rate and clearing dead skin cells, bacteria and oil from the pores. You can pick this up in pharmacies over the counter in a gel like form.

Retinol: Start by applying this product once a week. It speeds up the process of shedding dead skin cells but be careful as it can also irritate the skin. An effective product that can be used to reduce inflammation and minimise oil on the skin. Try The Inkey List Retinol Serum €11.99

MASKS

Opt for fabrics such as cotton or linen which will allow the skin to breathe and sweat to evaporate. Be sure to wash it after every use.

If you have found any products that have helped you with blemishes or you have any skin questions, let me know in the comments below.

A x

Angela ~ Gougane Barra Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:50:00 +0000

Beautiful Angela from Wedding Storytellers recently got married at Gougane Barra. The most gorgeous day and I am so excited to share these snaps from Gareth Lima-Conlon with you.

The amazing Carolina from Hair Passion, Cork.

FACE

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter
Benefit Pore Primer

Mac Studio Fix Fluid mixed with Mac Face & Body Foundation

Mac Mineralize Skin Finish - Cheeky Bronze

BLUSH: Mac Desert Rose & Fleur Power blush

HIGHLIGHT: Mac Soft & Gentle

CONTOUR: Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow.

EYES:
Anastasia Beverly Hills: Fudge, Birkin, Gold Bar.

Mac: Bronze.

Mac: Lowlights eyeliner

Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara: Black

Lashes - Penney's Individual lashes in medium & short

BROWS:

Anastasia Beverly Hills - Dipdown Pomade - Medium Brown

LIPS:

Lip Liner - Mac Whirl

Lipstick - Mac Cosmo

Other Wedding Suppliers:

Wedding Dress: Wed2Be

Angelas earrings: Crystal Dust Designs

Calligraphy by Laura

The Wedding Artisans

Best wishes Angela & Alex. I was thrilled to be part of your special day.

A x

Ibiza ~ Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 20:47:00 +0000

Day 2 was spent at Nikki Beach. White sand, plush sun loungers, sun-kissed tunes with a live sax player... it was another totally relaxing day for us.

We reserved the "Ladies First" day which is held every Tuesday. For €59 you get 5 glass of champagne or 5 mojitos and some light bites including sushi per person.

Check out some amazing Nikki Beach videos including an amazing one with the sax player, on my Instagram (you'll find my whole Ibiza trip on my highlights).

That evening we went from chilled mode to party mode and headed to Ushuaia to see David Guetta perform. Tickets were €70 and we bought these on the day. You can buy these tickets at kiosks on the street. Such an experience and he has residency there weekly every year. Definitely check out which DJ's are playing, it is such an experience.

Again lots more videos on Instagram of our night, be sure to check it out here.

If you have any questions about Ibiza leave me a comment or contact me on Instagram. Part 3 is coming soon!

A x

Irish beauty blog awards

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 20:42:00 +0000

It is the fifth year of The Irish Beauty Blog Awards and I was absolutely thrilled to hear that I was nominated for the "Makeup Influencer Of The Year". I had been nominated for these National awards a few years back and it was such a great night being among the best in the business - Suzanne Jackson, Pippa and Rosie Connolly to name a few.

This award is based on public vote so I was amazed to hear I went on to be longlisted, then shortlisted and then to the finals!!

The awards night were held in House, Dublin last week and one of my best friends Aine, was my plus one.

I didn't bring home an award but had the best night, meeting familiar faces and also some new faces. Thank you to every single person who voted for me. I really have the best clients and followers and wouldn't be where I am without you. I have made so many friends through my work in the last few years and can't wait to make so many more.

Here are a few pics from the night..

Some dinner and bubbles at Cliff Townhouse before heading to House for the ceremony.

The last time I met Lucy Kennedy was in 2013 when I did her makeup for a shoot. So good to catch up again with her, such a fabulous lady.

And of course Louis Walsh had to get in the selfie action too!

A night cap at The Shelbourne Hotel to finish off the best night.

And of course meeting Mr Greg O Shea from Love Island at the airport was such a highlight too!

Thank you again for all the votes, your support means so much to me.

Love, Annette x

Ibiza ~ Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Annette O Brien) — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 17:03:00 +0000

A girlie trip to a beautiful Island for 3 days...

We wanted a sunny trip away, a place we had never visited and a quick flight. Ibiza ticked all those boxes for us. We flew from Shannon, direct to Ibiza with Ryanair which took less than three hours.

I did a lot of research before I went and we jam packed as much as we could into our three days.

We stayed in Old Ibiza Town (the opposite side to the party area) where there was also plenty atmosphere, amazing restaurants and lots to do.

On Monday morning we made our way to meet Manuel, our skipper on our boat trip. I pre booked this the week before, with Charter Alia Boat and they were just fantastic. We hired the boat for a half day and enjoyed a lazy morning swimming and snorkelling around Ibiza's best hidden beaches.

Lots of good music, food and prosecco for the trip.

If you visit Ibiza, this trip is definitely worth it, a great start to the holidays!

That evening we headed into Dalt Vila, the medieval part of the city and it is also a world heritage site. A beautiful part that you could spend hours strolling around.

We had dinner at S'escalinata, how cute is the seating area and a great spot for a cocktail and people watching!

With our bellies full, we strolled back to the hotel to get ready for the adventures the following day.

A x