Makeup Artist Brisbane

Julie and I met many years ago whilst working at ‘Aussie Auto’ at  Alderley’ where we quickly became good friends. Although we had very different interests (Julie loved cars and doing up her old Wolsley whereas I loved everything girly and make-up) we still clicked. I have many fond memories of us working together and our long conversations with Al (the car part guru who had worked there for 50 years and was a part of the furniture.)  Julie eventually left to pursue her career elsewhere and as friends do, we both got busy with our own lives and slowly drifted apart.

Many years later, to my surprise I heard through my old work Julie was trying to contact me! We decided to meet up for a drink at the Paddo Bar and as old friends do, we chatted away like no time had passed. To my excitement she told me that she was engaged and I was honoured when she asked me to do her wedding makeup!

Whilst at our trial makeup run, I asked Julie what type of makeup look she wanted. True to her relaxed, laid-back personality she replied ‘Your the expert, whatever you think.’ Julie has lovely big features so I created a subtle smokey eye in Pewter & brown to accentuate. I also applied soft pink/nude lips as her wedding dress had an apricot/baby pink waist belt.

Julie and Brendan’s wedding was held at Somerset Dam. After a scenic but long drive I was happy to see Julie’s smiling face. She seemed very relaxed but excited to be marrying the man of her dreams. Julie’s bridesmaids wore the cutest country dresses in grey with big pockets at the front. Their makeup was also very natural and fresh to suit the theme and surrounds of the wedding.

Family and friends gathered at a historic country hall which had been transformed into a wedding wonderland. A large tree decorated with fairy lights and adorable little bags was a delight for all to see. Julie looked stunning as she walked down the isle with her elegant Staples wedding dress. It was obvious to everyone in the room how crazy in love the pair where and they were a couple who ‘were meant to be.’

I think your wedding reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple. All the details from the ceremony to the dresses and the makeup were relaxed and natural and fun – it was truly a celebration of their love for each other and God. I wish them both all the best for their exciting future together!!

One of the most important lessons I have learnt about wedding makeup is how to make your wedding day make-up compatible with your Wedding photography. Your wedding make-up must be flattering yet subtle. Delicate and not too harsh for the camera. Not all makeup is photogenic and the camera magnifies what it sees. A camera captures light and color slightly different than our eyes. When it comes to your wedding day make-up, your safest bet is to choose an experienced make up artist with the right make-up products for the entire bridal party. This includes the mothers of the bride and sometimes even groom. By doing this, you will create continuity for all faces in the wedding photos.

Here are some make-up techniques I swear by to ensure you will get the best photos possible:

Contouring – Without contouring your face, your wedding make-up in photographs will look flat. Contouring make-up gives your face a 3-dimentional look – Adding a low shimmer bronzer to certain parts of your face will give your face depth where you need it. This make-up technique can enhance your best features and even make you look slimmer and more toned. Highlights are also important for your wedding day make-up and photos – I love Napoleon shimmer dust in Sand Beige. A little on your cheek bones and above your eyelid will project these areas and make them look more prominent in the photographs.

Sparkles – While gorgeous in real life, sparkly makeup and powders will show up in photographs as small white specks on your skin. Whilst most shimmer dusts are fine, glitter reflects so I always avoid it and recommend against it. Shimmer can look brilliant on your cheeks, cleavage and eyes. Most “shimmery” eye shadows photograph well in your wedding photos as long as they do not contain glitter.

Eyes – I always use a light hand when lining your lower lashes. A heavy line is not flattering and I don’t want it to smudge as this would create shadows and darkness under your eyes. I like to use a flat diagonal brush and feather the shadow gradually. This gives the most natural results with just the right amount of enhancement. I always use a waterproof mascara that matches your hair and complexion and the rest of your wedding make-up on your wedding day. I like to use a clean mascara that I am familiar so that the lashes do not become clumpy. Clumps will show in close up pictures and are extremely difficult for the photographers to fix digitally.

Powder – Powder is a must have make-up item on your wedding day. I always advise my clients to get their Bridesmaids to carry a powder in their clutch to prevent shiny skin reflected in flash photos. Lightly dusting your face with translucent or camera finish powder will set your make-up and give it a professional finish. If you have oily skin there are better ways to deal with shine than to bring powder along and continually applying it. I advise against this because adding layer upon layer of powder to your face will make it look “cakey” and unnatural. You don’t want your wedding make-up to look made-up. It is best to purchase inexpensive oil-blotting sheets.

Lips – Color on your lips is very important part of your wedding make-up look, but stay away from dark (or almost black) reds, it is much easier to digitally add color in your photos than it is to take it away. You do not want matte lips; you want them to look soft and shiny but not too glossy. High gloss will not photograph well. I like using a gloss and then blotting it using the oil absorbing sheets (the same as what you use to soak up any excess oil on your skin above.)

When talking to my clients at their wedding trial, the same famous re-occurring words come up when explaining exactly what they want; Fresh, clean, photo friendly, flawless, glowing, vibrant healthy skin – not overdone.

Women want the flawless complexions of the many famous faces gracing the covers of today’s magazines for their wedding day.  Although magazines are known for their airbrushing touch-ups, the flawless skin look can be achieved not only with proper makeup techniques, but the way you take care of your skin leading up to your wedding day. Preparing your skin is crucial to helping you achieve the perfect wedding make-up look.

One face that comes to mind as inspiration for great skin is Aussie Actress Cate Blanchett. After reading up on her skin regime I was amazed at how simple her skin routine is and how easily it can be achieved for you wedding day. Can you believe she uses Sorbolene cream to restore moisture to her face? Make sure you moisturise the days leading up to your wedding too. If you are staying in a hotel room the night before the wedding, remember the air conditioning can dry your skin. Also don’t forget the number one rule. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your skin so that it doesn’t become discolored or dehydrated.

Cate Blanchett also recommends facials and eye masks for exhausted skin. Good habits are the key to beautiful skin – keep cleansing and moisturizing no matter what. Give yourself a gentle facial a couple of days before your wedding and use products you are familiar with or sensitive skin products. Give your skin time to settle.

Looking after your lips is essential – One of the most memorable moments of your wedding day is the big kiss! You want your lips to be lovely and soft for your first kiss as man and wife. Another famous Australian product Cate swears by is Lucas’ Pawpaw Ointment. This product is amazing for chapped lips. Use this every day in the week leading up to your wedding. Napoleon Lip Primer is also a favorite of mine. These products prepare your lips beautifully so when it comes to applying your lipstick on your wedding day, it will glide on with ease.

Lastly, the star is religious about removing her make-up and finds Organic Aloe Vera Gel a must in her beauty routine. The months leading up to your wedding are full of fun and it can be stressful on your skin. Hens nights, dinners etc means late nights. Keep some baby wipes or cleansing wipes next to your bed or you may regret it the next day. Alcohol is not great for your skin either (as we all know) so let your skin breathe, even if it is the last thing you feel like doing when you get home.

By following these simple, inexpensive tips you can prepare your skin for your wedding day makeup.