As Pretty As A Picture?

Using images like this for makeup inspiration is common, but... 

A recent bride-to-be wrote this in an email after we met for a makeup trial-run:  

You do a great job, and I love what you do, but I really didn't feel comfortable with it, and as it's a daytime wedding I'd like something lighter and more natural.  Had a look through your portfolio and this is more along what I'd prefer...(Proceeds to email through photos from my portfolio of brides wearing darker makeup than I applied on her) 

My reply:   

You'll be interested to know the makeup on these ladies was - in person - slightly darker/more than the makeup we did in your trial.  This is the beauty of good photography!  And makeup looks softer and more natural on camera, partly because we're not looking as close-up as you would have been at your own photos.  If we took a photo of your after your trial like these photos, you might look the same - all creamy and natural and gorgeous.  (I proceed to explain how the makeup can be lightened for her...)

Bride's response:   

Ahaha.  Isn't it funny how we never think we look as good as somebody else...

For 95% of my bridal makeup booking, I meet the bride-to-be before her wedding day (often months in advance) for a chat and trial-run of the planned or proposed makeup look.

We discuss what makeup style she wants for her wedding, any ideas she has and what she wishes to avoid (naturally, the answer usually involves the mention of caked-on makeup and looking over-the-top).  And working around those guidelines, I tailor a look around what I think will best suit her hair/eye/skin colours, personality, planned outfit and theme or occasion.

About half my trial-run customers meet me for their trial-run with pictures in hand (or in notebook or iPad) of what they'd like their makeup to look like.  Usually the images have been found on the internet (as above) or taken from my own portfolio (honoured!).  But after the trial-run, some customers aren't comfortable with what they see in the mirror, or don't think they look quite as amazing as the pictures they've shown me.

Smokey eye inspiration board (Photo credits here)

The most obvious reason (that they don't have the same features as the models or celebrities in the photos) aside, my customers are afraid the makeup looks too obvious or think they appear 'too made up'.  This is sometimes the case even if I've taken care to ensure it looks natural, as they've requested.

Why, if they love what they've seen of my previous work, is their makeup any different?

The answer?  It's not.

My style of application is pretty methodical and consistent.  But even if I were to replicate a specific bridal look from my portfolio on a customer who thinks she wants the same makeup design, it might still look different in person.  I have done this a couple of times at a bride's request - used my notes and face charts from a previous bride to create the same look on a current customer (I have three years' worth of real-bride face charts)...but it usually still looks different to the picture.  Why?

I've deduced two main reasons for why a bride might be initially disappointed with her trial-run results, when comparing her makeup to that in a photo.  The image below hints at the first possible reason.

Now, I work hard to ensure all my brides look freakin' amazing in real life, but nothing can compete with the perfection and polish that professional lighting, photography and post-processing lends to a face.

 Most of the photos in my portfolio were taken by professional photographers, so most have been 'processed' to some degree.  Perhaps the model or bride in the photo, in person in finished makeup, didn't look quite as flawless as her photos either.

"Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford." - Cindy Crawford 

But there's another reason a customer might not look as pretty as the photos from which we've taken our inspiration:  Most photos are not taken as close as what my customer is to the mirror!

When you have your makeup applied by someone else, if your first instinct is to zoom up to the mirror to be confronted by the fine (or deep) lines around your eyes, then most likely you're not going to like what you see.

When finished applying the trial makeup, I suggest my customer stands back to see the overall 'look' we've created.  Is it glamourous enough?  Is it the 'feel' she wants?  If not sure, does she think it'll grow on her and could she end up loving it?  Then I suggest she 'zooms in' to check if anything needs 'tweaking.'  Is she confident the foundation is smooth and evenly blended?  Are the eyebrows shaped how she prefers?  Does the lipstick follow her natural lipline?

If I were to apply your makeup and have you look closely in the mirror, you too might notice tiny flaws you'd never before seen...but simply because you don't look at your face that closely under everyday circumstances.

When checking out your makeup (whether professionally or self-applied), give yourself and your inspiration photo the same playing field:  Position your face in the mirror so its a similar size to how the subject of your inspiration photo looks on paper (or on screen).  Walk closer or farther away from your reflection to achieve this, just as an experiment.

Give yourself some grace.  We all know how photoshop has changed the advertising world and what we see in commercials and magazines.  Most bridal makeup photos are no exception.  Finished, professional photos often differ to what's achievable in real life, whether it's an ad using a model or a real bride's professional photo.

Real bride Natalie Jacobs.  Makeup by Lillybeth, February 2012

Remember this when working with your makeup artist (or doing it yourself) to achieve your desired bridal look.  Acknowledge that how your makeup looks in person may differ from how it appears in the photos and it's true - you do need stronger makeup if you want it to show up on camera.  By making these small concessions and compromises between what looks good in real life and what looks amazing on camera, you'll enjoy your bridal makeup experience so much more.   And rest assured, with an on-to-it photographer, you *will* look as pretty as a picture.

Left Your Search for a Makeup Artist Too Late?

Makeup by Kym Tapsell for bride Ihipera Ulu of Auckland, for her Mount Maunganui wedding (November 2011)

Now you don't have to stress if Lillybeth's already booked on your wedding date! Due to growing demand for dedicated bridal makeup with easy booking and communication, Lillybeth now has two approved makeup artists working under the 'Lillybeth' brand.  That means even if Lillybeth herself if already booked or unavailable on your date, you can enjoy the talents of one of her team while still dealing with Lillybeth for all your beauty-related communication.

Introducing makeup artists Julie Eagle and Kym Tapsell:

Julie uses Wendy Hill brand makeup and has a background in beauty therapy. She trained in Auckland with Joyce Blok natural skin care. Kym trained in Sydney, uses a variety of professional brands such as MAC and Kryolan and, until returning to freelancing with Lillybeth, tutored bridal makeup for four years at a high level.

LATEST FEEDBACK:

ON JULIE: "I had my makeup trial this morning and am absolutely stoked with it! Julie did a fantastic job, I honestly couldn't be more thrilled. Thank you so much for all your help and expert advice while planning this, it has made organising this part of the day really easy and stress free. I will definitely recommend you to friends and family in the area (and I dont say that to everyone! Haha)"

ON KYM: "Kym was absolutely fantastic! Our make up lasted all day....even with the many tears of joy that flowed! The day couldn't have been better and we all had such a blast. :-) Thank you so much for all your assistance in making the whole process so easy and to Kym for her cheerfulness and amazing talent."

Both Julie and Kym are available to book through Lillybeth now if your date with Lillybeth has already gone. To check Lillybeth's availability, use the booking form on the website.

P.S.  Request a copy of '7 Steps To a Stress-Free Wedding' on CD.  When you successfully book your wedding makeup with Lillybeth or one of her team, Lillybeth will post it out to you on CD, no charge.

Nicky White on TV3's TARGET & 5 Reasons I'll Show Up on Your Wedding Day

The latest episode of TARGET, a consumer information and hidden camera show, recently featured the business disaster that was Nicky White makeup artist.  Nicky received deposits from many brides and ball-goers for their professional makeup, but didn't show up on the day to do the job.  TARGET tells two of these stories, but I've heard many more.

Watch the episode here.

To avoid getting stung by a mobile makeup artist that doesn't turn up on your wedding day, TARGET advises to: Get word-of-mouth referrals/good references, only pay 10% deposit and get a written contract.  

But I require a 50% non-refundable deposit with the balance in full before the booking.  Why?  Because I value my work and only want to deal with brides who also value my services and are committed to keeping their booking on that date.  Asking for 50% as a deposit means I'm not forever changing my schedule due to cancelled bookings, or attracting customers for whom professional makeup is not a priority.  TARGET suggests your makeup artist needs money as a reason to turn up to a booking - to collect the balance owed on the day.  But as per my terms, my brides pay in full before I arrive with my makeup kit.  Obviously, money's not the only reason to show up.  Keep reading for the 5 reasons I honour my bookings, even when payment has already been received.

I also don't give a written contract.  I know myself I have incentive to follow every booking through to completion and there are many reviews and testimonials available as social proof.  

Here are 5 (rather personal) reasons I'll show up on your wedding day and do what I've said I will:

• Pride in myself.  If I do a sub-standard job or let down a customer, I am most disappointed in myself.  I'm a dedicated makeup artist.  Career-wise, this is all I do.  I pride myself on delivering a good service, a great result and feel I'm only as good as my last makeup.  When you're happy, I'm happy. :-)

• Love of the work.  When you apply makeup (in the right way), it makes you look healthier, fresher, more attractive.  It can subtly enhance or completely transform.  When I work, I get to see that transformation take place (often many times each booking) right in front of my eyes.  And I get paid to do it - what's not to love!?

• A reputation to honour.  As an active part of the Bay of Plenty business community, there are business people out there putting their own credibility on the line as they vouch for me, give out my card and refer to me their friends, family and customers.  I'm a current member of Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, Venus Clubs (Seaside club) and the prestigious BOP Wedding Network.  That gives me another hundred or more reasons to fulfil the verbal agreement I make with each bride.  In each business dealing, regardless of whether my bridal customer came from a referral or not, I'm motivated to do my colleagues proud.

• Something to brag about!  A successful bridal booking means more photos for my portfolio (with permission), another potential review or testimonial and more 'faces' on the Makeup Faces counter on the front page of my website.  The counter is updated regularly for potential customers to see how many 'faces' I've made up that year.  A larger number shows I'm not just a makeup 'hobbyist' or part-timer.  Having that number made public increases my sense of progress and kicks in my competitive spirit as my goal is to beat the number of faces I did the year before.  My aim in 2011 is to have that counter hit 300.  Every booking I fulfill gets me closer to that goal!

• A personal connection.  I'm human.  I love people, no matter how different to me.  I care how a bride's makeup looks and lasts.  I've custom designed her makeup based on her best features and colours.  We've emailed or talked.  She's trusted me with her face, confidence and money.  I would never intentionally ruin or disrupt her wedding day by not turning up to play my part in the day's success.  It should go without saying.

See reviews on WeddingWise.  Reviews on Facebook.  Testimonials on A Beautiful Education's website.

Wedding Makeup: D.I.Y. or 'Go Pro'?

You have two choices when it comes to your bridal makeup:

1) Use a professional makeup artist 

2) Do It Yourself (DIY).

If you're thinking of doing your own wedding makeup to save money, think again. 

Many brides who go DIY with their bridal party's makeup spend the same amount of money or more buying the foundations, finding lipstick colours and wasting money on unsuitable beauty products they can't return, in the process.  Plus they have to spend extra time researching what look they want, plus more time spent practicing. 

And if they’ve not booked a makeup artist for their bridal party, the bridesmaids will also have to do their own makeup on the day, or the bride might try to do the bridal party's makeup herself.  That’s a huge responsibility, especially on your wedding day!  

If you have the time to learn, patience to practice and the time on the day to do it yourself, then going DIY with your makeup due to a tight budget is an option...but I don't recommend it.  However, there are other benefits (apart from possibly saving money) to doing your own makeup:

• You have full control of the finished look
• You can be proud of having done it yourself
• You can enjoy the tradition of getting yourself ready on the day of your wedding

Those are great reasons to take your bridal beauty into your own hands.  But there's also a way to get professional-style results when applying your own makeup:  Get professional guidance.  Upgrade your beauty skills with a private lesson with a makeup artist.  You’ll get all the credit of self-applying your bridal look and your guests don't have to know you had 'inside help'.  

Some makeup artists offer lessons where you get the experience of applying the makeup yourself, with their guidance, and learn your best makeup colour and techniques along the way.  This is a great option if you want to apply your own bridal look on your wedding day, but need to know the best colours and perhaps products to use.  And if group lessons are available, invite your bridesmaids and enjoy a workshop together.  It’s the perfect excuse enjoy some quality ‘girly’ time together, and your bridesmaids can practise applying their own makeup in advance of the wedding day. 


Beware, though, of makeup 'lessons' where the makeup artist does all the work.  Just watching them apply your makeup with not give you the skills to be able to recreate that professional look.  You need the tools and brushes in your hands to experience a true makeup lesson.  Most makeup artists are great at applying makeup but lack the words or motivation to describe and teach how a technique should be done.  It also takes time to explain the 'why' or principle behind the action.  A face chart can only explain so much.  Without hands-on learning, you'll have little hope of being able to recreate the artist's work when they're not around.  

My tip: If you book a makeup lesson, or a trial-run with a makeup artist (If going Pro), make this appointment on the day of your hen’s night or when you have something special planned afterwards so you have somewhere to show off and enjoy your polished look. 

If you've chosen to go fully Pro, good on you!  Booking a professional makeup artist saves you the time, money and energy you might spend researching, practising and experimenting with makeup before the day if going DIY.  

If you've not yet booked a professional makeup artist and have been meaning to - do it now. Find out the deposit requirements and availability of your preferred makeup artist now, and check it off your list. It's probably not too early.  Most makeup artists take bookings up to 12 months in advance, if not more and it’s best to have a trial (if possible) then secure your preferred makeup artist before someone else does.  

There are makeup artists who will listen to you and collaborate with your ideas to create a look you love.  Go get ‘em!

Visit my website to see photos, testimonials and prices of my work.  Click on the bride in the centre of the page for details of my mobile special occasions makeup.


Regardless of the makeup artist you choose, read 'How To Avoid A Makeup Meltdown' (also on this blog) to avoid disappointment with your makeup and get the most from your makeup artist.

For your beautiful education,

Lillybeth Melmoth

www.abeautifuleducation.co.nz

How To Avoid A Makeup Meltdown!

If you're considering using a makeup artist for a special event in your life, whether you're wanting professional makeup for a wedding, ball, reunion, special date, corporate event or job interview, here are some tips to how to avoid "makeup meltdown"!

Makeup Meltdown: That HORRIBLE realisation you booked the *wrong person* to do your makeup...when it's too late and you're stuck with bad or dated, old school makeup or a look that is so-not-you.

Three must-do's to avoid a makeup meltdown:

1. When researching a makeup artist to book for your big event, check if they have an online makeup portfolio or pictures of their work on their website.


Look at the pictures and ask: Does the makeup look evenly applied? Does it suit each woman? Is it the makeup that's dominant, or has the natural beauty of the model been enhanced and highlighted? Does the colour of the face seamlessly match the neck or is it a ghostly couple of shades lighter? Do they show variety, ie. can they can do more than one 'cookie-cutter' makeup look...or is every face the same?




2. Book a makeup consultation & trial-run before the day.

If you're makeup artist's a goodie, you'll get a great look without a formal consultation & trial before the day. However, a trial will ensure you're both on the same page when it comes to the makeup look you want. On the day itself, time can be pressured and there's often no time for tweaking the makeup and making changes if it's not exactly how you want it. With a trial beforehand there'll be no 'surprises' on the day and application of the makeup will actually take less time (when it matters most)!


There are two timing options for when to have the makeup trial.

Option 1: Have your trial way ahead of the event, before you pay a deposit, so you can see whether you'll like the makeup artist get the makeup you desire. If you like the makeup artist's work and book them, then you'll have peace of mind that the makeup is 'sorted' and you can tick it off your list of things to do. Otherwise, the hunt for a good makeup artist is still on!

Option 2: Have your trial closer to your big event, perhaps just a couple of weeks out so your makeup artist can see what you look like (hair colour, skin condition) closer to the day. Your skin changes more than you realise and your skin's condition and type can dictate the makeup used. Let the artist know if you're planning to dramatically colour your hair for the event. Having the trial closer to the day is probably more important if you have problem skin or your skin is undergoing massive change, like recovering from surgery, scars healing etc. In this case, what the makeup artist sees is more like how you'll look on the day, but you'll have less time to find a different makeup artist if you need to and you may have already paid a non-refundable deposit to secure your date.

If you've heard great thing from friends about this makeup artist and liked what you saw in their makeup portfolio - go ahead and book them by paying a deposit (or whatever's required) before your trial - your date may not be available if you leave it any longer! But do still have a trial for all the awesome benefits mentioned above.

3. Finally, hold your makeup artist to the look you both agreed on at your trial!

You might think a great makeup artist should be able to apply your chosen look from memory on your wedding day, but a busy makeup artist can have up to 30 wedding bookings a season. Each bride will have different needs and require a slightly different (or dramatically different!) makeup design. If, on the day, your makeup artist doesn't refer to notes of some kind or a makeup design sketch, chances are you'll end up with makeup that's not what you agreed on OR is the same as everyone else's - which is awful if you agreed on something quite special or specific.


At the makeup trial, take note whether your makeup artist takes notes! If so, you're headed for bridal brilliance on your big day.

All the best for the rest of your planning!

-Lillybeth Melmoth
www.abeautifuleducation.co.nz

**************************************************************************
Be sure to visit my official website, and if you want free makeup advice and beauty insider insights, subscribe to my beauty bulletin.
**************************************************************************

(This is badly applied bridal makeup. If you were to zoom in, you'd see the lipline is crooked, the liner is a different colour to the lipstick and it generally lacks that polished, complete look all professional makeup should have. Unfortunately this photo is of an American bride on her wedding day last year. Family suspect the makeup artist was on drugs while she was working. :-( It's not all bad. This woman is naturally pretty and I bet if she were smiling in this picture she'd look a lot better. I hate to use a real person as a warning, but it reminded me that bad makeup artists do exist - who either lack the skills or the professionalism to do a bride proud on her big day.)

Bridal Makeup That's Far From 'Blah'

Thinking you want a natural makeup look for your wedding day?

So many women, in the quest for 'natural' wedding day makeup get their photos back only to be disappointed. Why? Because in the end, their natural-look makeup was nothing special - it lacked the impact in the photos they'd expected. Natural makeup is nice, but this is your wedding day! Yes, of course you want your groom to recognise you as you walk down the aisle, but a little glam goes a long way.

Make your bridal makeup special. Make it customised and get a look created JUST for you!

If you're looking for a fab makeup artist who can do more than 'blah', 'cookie cutter' bridal makeup - you've found one. Go HERE to see why my bridal and special occasions makeup application is so special.

You'll find a link there to my online makeup portfolio. Browse. Evaluate. Dream. Then fill out the nifty contact form and let's create something special for your special day.

Bridal Fashion Show & Mini-Expo Charity Event in Hamilton!

This Saturday May 16th, I'll be here: Bridal Fashion Show, Mini Bridal Expo, Entertainment and more! Saturday, May 16th 8pm - 11:30pm Hillcrest Baptist Church Auditorium, Hamilton To book tickets call Paula on 07 848-1046 Tickets only $7.50 each, children under 12 free. $5 from each ticket sold goes to Canteen to help teenagers with Cancer in Hamilton! To book tickets call Paula on 07 848-1046