About This Blog

My name is Aly Hazlewood. For the past 12 years I have been a working Hair & Make Up Artist (view Aly’s portfolio), and have been blessed with not only success in my field, but a genuine love of what I do every day to earn a crust. My clients include actors, celebrities, models and musicians, and I wade in the waters of the fashion, TV and music worlds synchronously.

As a child, I was entranced by the sweet-smelling lotions and potions in the cut-glass bottles on my mothers dressing table, and this developed into a deep appreciation of how beauty products can literally brighten a woman’s world. These days, for me, it’s not just about how pretty the packaging is, but also about the ethics of beauty products and the industry as a whole. I’m particularly interested in natural and organic beauty products that have minimal impact on the environment and are gentle on the skin and try to champion these wherever possible.

This is now very easy to achieve with all the fabulous organic skin care and hair products on the market, but somewhat harder to stand by when it comes to cosmetics. My performance as a make-up artist relies on using products that really work. It’s sometimes a hard line to toe, and I try to find a balance that works for me. My aim is not to preach to you, but to provide you with information so that you can best decide on your own beauty needs. For something to be praised, it has to be deserved.

This blog is about make up trends, honest product reviews (for if everything is ‘good’, then nothing can be great), giveaways, male grooming, advice from an industry professional, ethical concerns and a more holistic approach to beauty and well-being. Furthermore, I’ve expanded the remit of Beauty to include posts on other beautiful things we like, so from time to time, we might include a video link to something interesting, drool over a piece of jewelry, admire a beautifully made piece of furniture, or rhapsodize over a work of art. You might just like some of these things too.

Update: My assistant Rosie Hope and beauty writer Hollie Kiernan will now regularly contribute to the blog to take some of the pressure off me. It has become increasingly difficult to find the time to blog daily whilst running a busy freelance career, and Rosie and Hollie are both very well placed to offer insights and reviews of the products we test. As well as being a brilliant make up assistant, Rosie is a busy mum to two toddlers and will bring a mum’s discerning perspective to Beauty. Hollie writes for the Irish beauty press and is also an experienced hair stylist.

Welcome!