My style makeover with BAFTA at the Corinthia Hotel

A few weeks ago, I received a very exciting e-mail from a lovely lady from BAFTA. With the BAFTA TV Awards due to take centre stage on Sunday 12th May, the organisation toyed with the idea of arranging a makeover session based on characters from TV programmes nominated for an award, for members of the press. My contact from BAFTA got in touch to see whether I would be interested in getting involved, and of course I delightfully said yes. The opportunity to be pampered by the very best make-up artists and stylists proved to be too irresistible to turn down. The BAFTA Style Suites is set up for BAFTA nominees who may want to come over and prepare for the BAFTA Awards day. It was a chance for me to experience what it is like to be a nominee!

There was a mock up Style Suites day for BAFTA’s partners House of Fraser, Mark Hill, MAC cosmetics and St Tropez at the extremely beautiful Corinthia Hotel. My makeover was based on Freddie from BBC drama series, The Hour.

There were many rooms inside the Style Suites, and one of them were converted into a large space for House of Fraser. It was decorated with beautiful luxurious gowns, heels and jewellery. There was a gentlemen’s wardrobe too, with gorgeous tuxedos hanging on the rail, including a velvet one. I could not resist the temptation to try it on. The charming PR ladies from the department store were there to greet me and kindly supply the clothes, shoes and accessories required for my look. These included a beautiful pair of slip-ons from Dune, a red satin polka-dot tie by New and Lingwood, a lovely knitted fair isle tank top by Howick and a pair of grey flannel trousers from New & Lingwood. I loved them all!

There was also a MAC studio inside the Style Suites where I had my make-up done by MAC’s Senior Artist Pablo Rodriguez. He was was quite a gentleman. Pablo used MAC’s Fast Response Eye Cream to soften the skin around my eyes and used the Select Cover Up Concealer when I voiced my concerns about the dark circles that magically appears from nowhere when photos are taken of me. To my annoyance, my cheeks tend to shine after a short period of time. Pablo provided the perfect remedy through using the blot powder. Finally, he finished off by applying some lip conditioner to repair my dried lips and lock in the moisture.

There was an option to go for a full all over body spray tan done as the team from St. Tropez were there too but I passed up on it. I do wish I had take it up though – purely to see how I would have looked!

The hair stylists from Mark Hill were looking after the hair. We discussed trying a slick back hair look on me but then eventually decided against the idea. I have a rather large big forehead and for that reason we had all agreed I would look better leaving my hair just as it was, with the side fringe. So rather than change my hair, I watched leading hair stylist Penny Oliver work her creativity on a model – transforming her long straight hair into something much more glamorous in matter of minutes, using the Mark Hill curling wand and hair products. I was amazed by just how quickly the look could be achieved. The model’s hair looked ready for the red carpet!

My BAFTA makeover experience is one to remember. I really had a wonderful time and wish to convey my gratitude to BAFTA, House of Fraser, MAC Cosmetics, St. Tropez and Mark Hill for making my day thoroughly enjoyable!

The Arqiva British Academy Television Awards will take place on Sunday 12th May, and you will be able watch them on BBC One and BBC One HD. Don’t miss it!