Our very own Chrissie Kidd has been shortlisted for Northern Ireland's first ever make-up excellence awards. Chrissie fought off steep competition to qualify for the top six and the winner is to be announced at the prestigious Magners Light Spring into Summer Event at St George's Market on Tuesday, March 24th.

The awards, which have been created by critically acclaimed make-up artist Oonagh Boman, also from Lisburn, recognise the wealth of talented student make-up artists who have attended her Make-Up School of Excellence in 2008. Before completing the Fashion and Photographic Make-up Diploma with Oonagh, Chrissie, 21 had successfully studied Beauty Therapy at Belfast College and has been working at Claire McKinney Make Up and Beauty in Hillsborough for the last 2 years.

Chrissie commented, 'as this is the first competition I had entered, I am extremely pleased and proud of myself for getting into the final and excited to keep going and see what happens. If I were to win the competition I would be thrilled, I think it would give me an extra push of confidence and hopefully give me more opportunities in the near future.'

Should Chrissie win the overall title, she will walk away with thousands of pounds worth of prizes, to include make-up from brand leader MAC, brushes from Oonagh Boman's new make-up range, a portfolio from top fashion photographer Jim Crone, a specially commissioned trophy and a fashion spread in leading bridal magazine Ulster Bride.