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.

'Makeup Mastery' Small Group Workshop Teaser

Check out this SlideShare Presentation to get a taste of how you'll benefit from a small group makeup workshop with me - it's your own 'beautiful education'!

Make sure you look at the first slide (showing now) before clicking the play arrow.

Call me in Tauranga to book your workshop or private consultation on 07 578 4226. Or see my website fo rmore info.

'Makeup Mastery' Small Group Workshop Teaser

View more presentations from A Beautiful Education - professional makeup and lessons.

How To Avoid Embarrassment With False Eyelashes

With most models, celebrities, Michelle Obama (and even mascara ad models) wearing them on a regular basis, I bet you've been tempted (or have already tried) to apply your own false eyelashes.

I'd love to say: "Just don't do it.  Please don't 'DIY' your false lashes."  But in the true spirit of Kiwi independence, here are my top tips for avoiding the pitfalls of self-applied false eyelashes.  Seriously, get it wrong and you can ruin your whole look.  Badly applied false lashes can embarrass, distract and get you remembered for the wrong reasons.

Here are two tricks most makeup artists know but everyday women don't, about applying false eyelashes:

Tip #1: Trim the lashes.  Most bought lashes are too long for anyone's eyes.  Hold the strip lashes up to your eye.  Try to sit them on top of your natural lashes and check how far they extend past the outer corners.  It may just be a millimetre or two (often 5), but cut the excess length off from the OUTER corner (The inner lashes are usually shorter and you want to keep these).  If you find you've trimmed them too much, just make sure you place them toward the outer edge of your eyes - it's not so important to have longer/fuller lashes toward the inner corners.

Tip #2:  Secure the corners with a little extra glue.  Apply only a thin line of glue along the lashes, but add a little more at each end. It makes me cringe when I see photos of women at up-scale parties who look amazing apart from the fact their lashes have peeled from the inner corners.  This happens easily because the eye is curved and the lashes haven't been glued enough to make them curve with the eye.

Other problems you might encounter include:

• The glue that came with the bought lashes being too runny to be useful
• The glue taking a loooong time to become tacky (which is when you want to apply the lashes)
• Discovering the new glue tube is empty/dried up - happens more than you'd think!
• Using too much glue or sticking your upper and lower lashes together, i.e. gluing an eye shut
• Using the wrong type of glue (Latex glue is best here but there are other types of lash glue available. The wrong kind can sting while drying and be difficult to remove)
• The glue not drying clear or being visible on your lashes once dried
• The band of the lashes being too thick to shape to your eye, and pulling away once glued. 

Don't use your next night out as an opportunity to try applying your own false lashes.  Practice before the occasion, preferably on a bare face so if something goes wrong you don't ruin your makeup.  You can re-use the same strip lashes if you clean off the glue with makeup remover after your practice. 

If that fails, call in a professional.  I simply charge $15 to apply false lashes of any style with a makeup booking - and that includes the lashes too, whether they're bold, subtle, spiky, glittered, or even with foil inserts.  See if you can spot where I've used false eyelashes in my makeup portfolio.

5 Essentials For Special Occasions Makeup!

With the chill of WInter here (in New Zealand) and the Summer party & wedding season still months away, you'll probably find yourself with fewer special occasions to 'dress-up'. But don't despair, ball season is here! Whether it's a school ball, business awards night or Winter wedding on your calendar, use your next big social event as an excuse to shake off the cold and look your hottest ever.

I created this high fashion look for model Briar's portfolio photo shoot last month. It was created in the studio of Mount Maunganui photographer Logan Davey.  The makeup look shown here could be customised to rock the dance floor at any ball or party (perhaps minus the crystals on the lips) and has all the elements of a special occasions look:

1.  Dramatic eyes that demand attention
2.  Bold lashes that steal the show
3.  A flattering lip colour
4.  Clever contouring with bronzer
5.  And a decorative touch (in this case, the rhinestones) to add interest and intrigue

It all adds up to an unforgettable look that inspires confidence in the wearer. Can you imagine how fearless you'd feel in this makeup?!  You can enjoy professional makeup in your home when you book the services of a mobile makeup artist.   For more info on mobile, professional makeup in the BOP, visit my website.  For the daring people who wish to recreate this look themselves, I've added a list of the products used below.

PRODUCTS USED
SKIN: Mary Kay (MK) Full Coverage Liquid Foundation in Beige 400. MK Mineral Loose Powder, Beige 1. MK Bronzing Powder, Sandstone. CHEEKS: MK Mineral Cheek Colour Pink Petals & Cheek Palette in Soft Sable. EYES: MK Mineral Eye Colour in Spun Silk, Granite, Iris & Sweet Plum. MK Eyeliner, Black. Maybelline Define-A-Lash Waterproof Mascara, Brownish Black. MK Eye Colour as a brow shadow, Hazelnut. Fairy-style False Eyelashes, Black. Purple rhinestones. LIPS: MK Creme Lipstick, Frosted Rose. Pink rhinestones.

Merivale Primary School Girls' Camp

I had some fun with some senior girls from Merivale School today.  Today was the second day of their overnight camp at Poututerangi Marae in Te Puna.  My good friend and youth worker Lizzie Macrae (Merivale Community Centre) invited me to facilitate an interactive session on makeup before the girls' afternoon fashion parade.

I demonstrated dress-up makeup on one girl before the others created their own looks with sparkle eye glitters, cheek colours, lip glosses and body shimmers.

Organisers were Julie (social worker), Sherie (Teacher) and Lizzie (Rangatahi worker).  Also helping were 3 fun girls from Tauranga Girls' College.  A colourful few hours playing with makeup, hair, clothes styling and beads culminated in the energetic scenes below!

Face Painting Photos from the ITM 400 Roadshow

The face painting today at the ITM 400 Roadshow was my first corporate face painting booking.  Previously I've done not-for-profit events where the customers paid $3 for a cheek design and $6 for a full face painted.  Today was a little different as the customer was Oregon ITM Mount branch so it was free for the punters!

There was a good atmosphere in the Oregon ITM building where, surrounded by stacks of timber and building supplies, locals got to see a V8 supercar up close, get their posters signed by a ITM 400 driver, enter a nailing competition (fastest time was 1.9 seconds), drive the V8 simulator and get their face branded with their preferred car logo.

Ford or Holden? Show your allegiance at the ITM 400 Roadshow

As the official face painter for the Oregon ITM 400 at Oregon's Mount branch on January 24, I'll be helping the punters express their passion for their favourite team by branding them with the logo of either Ford or Holden...

Add to that flames, embellishments and whatever else they might request, and I think there'll be some very sweet examples of my face painting walking around tomorrow at the Mount!

Come catch me from 10am to 12pm at Oregon ITM, Owens Place, Mt. Maunganui.
ABOUT The ITM 400 Roadshow: "The road show will feature an authentic V8 Supercar for fans get the feel that the driver experiences. There’s a driving simulator – and fans can see if they can beat the times set by Murph and Fabian. There are also displays, video footage, merchandise, tickets for the event, prizes and competitions, the magnificent Mark Porter Trophy for the winner of the ITM 400 as well as a poster signing session with either Greg or Fabian. The two drivers are super keen as they both approach very exciting times for the 2010 V8 Supercar season." Read more on the ITM400 homepage. And see the article on Sun Live!

Join Me on Facebook

See photos of my latest makeup work, join in on the discussions, ask your beauty Q's and rub shoulders with a professional makeup artist online! Join me and fellow makeup-lovers here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52502018836&ref=ts

Foundation: Are You Clueless, Angelic or Converted?

When it comes to foundation,are you clueless, angelic or converted? Some people ask me, "Should I wear foundation?" or "What's foundation for?"

 There are 3 types of people when it comes to foundation. Which one are you?

 • The Clueless - who've never really tried foundation
 • The Angelic - who've got almost perfect skin are completely blemish-free
 • The Converted - who love and wear foundation

 The people who ask me this question are always Clueless or Angelic. If the people in the first category had worn foundation before, they wouldn’t be asking the question - they’d fully understand how essential foundation is.

 But those in the second group are right to be confused because they don't have a need for foundation, since foundation is used to cover blemishes and even out the skin tone.

 Which group are you in? Me? I'm definitely in that last category. I have been a total foundation convert for almost 20 years. I started wearing foundation when I was 10 not because I wanted to be beautiful, but because I had crappy skin. At 12 I started wearing it everyday to school. It wasn't until this year that I finally discovered how to clear up my skin and even now I still use foundation whenever I wear makeup.

Using concealer or foundations etc is not about vanity. Foundation is a basic tool anyone can use to conceal what they don't want themselves or others to see.

  Above: Most models are total foundation Converts. Supermodel Cindy Crawford once said, "Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford."

 Some models have 'Angelic' skin, but all models will admit that foundation makes a positive difference. Why? Because: Apart from covering specific blemishes, spots, birthmarks or scars, foundation exists because most people‘s faces are more than one colour. For example, it is not unusual for a naturally beige-skinned woman to have flushed cheeks (red), dark circles under the eyes (blue or purple) and patches of hyperpigmentation on her forehead (darker brown). Take a look at your bare face in the mirror. What colours or shades do you see? Chances are, there are more than one.

  Above: Before. The inside cover of 'Makeup Makeovers' by makeup artist Robert Jones shows everyday women, his sisters and some professional models before he has applied professional makeup.

 A patchy or uneven skintone can undermine the effort you put into applying colour cosmetics because it clutters up what could be a clear ‘canvas’. For example, on a bare face, applying even the most gorgeous berry lipstick can be a mistake, as it will draw attention to other areas of redness you may have. And beautifully applied eye makeup can't attract attention to your eyes, if dark under-eye circles or blemishes are taking centre-stage. Beauty is about harmony, simplicity and balance. Foundation is the first step to achieving this in your makeup look.
  Above: After. The same women, after professional makeup (and hair, lighting etc).

 When you choose and apply your best foundation in the right way, you’ll appear healthier, younger and fresher. And it will be obvious to you why foundation is not to be missed.

 Are you benefitting from wearing your perfect foundation? What shade best suits your skin tone? What formula will last on you the day? Which format is the best fit for your lifestyle? It's not necessary to go trawling through the testers at your local department store. And there's no point to getting sucked in to buying the most expensive foundation by a salesgirl who's only trying to achieve her sales targets.

So how can discovering your perfect foundation match can be pain-free? And take minutes, instead of years? If you're in Tauranga and are yet to meet your perfect foundation match, come meet me in the mini-salon near Bayfair Mall for a no-charge foundation matching.  I'll test a few foundation from the Mary Kay Cosmetics range which I use in all my professional makeup work (Along with many other brands).  Mary Kay can only be accessed through their 'beauty consultants'. After a few quick questions, I'll introduce you to your best foundation options. You'll benefit from an experienced makeup artist's opinion that you can use to your advantage e v e r y d a y .

I'll be at the "Tempt, Taste and Treat" Christmas Fair (Tauranga)

Meet me in Tauranga at... The HER Business Tauranga network is hosting the "Tempt, Taste and Treat" Christmas Fair. It's a one-night-only inspired and sensual and retail experience open to everyone, but aimed at women with good taste. Come be tempted and have your fill of sweet Christmas shopping in a fun and happening atmosphere. Local retailers and experts in the foodie, beauty and luxurious living industries will be all in the one location, giving you a peak at their latest products, local services and unique Christmas gift-ideas. ***Photography - Art - Food & Drink - Soft Furnishings - Natural Therapy - Makeup & Beauty - Exercise & Health - Crafts - Personal Services - Lingerie - and more*** Come see me and my 'A Beautiful Education' display to experience my professional makeup services and see how makeup lessons can give you the smarts to update YOUR look like a pro. I'll have my brushes and kit out for on-the-spot 5-minute makeovers and will be happy to answer your beauty and makeup questions in person. Entry is FREE. 5pm-8pm Thursday December 3. Sebel Trinity Wharf, Dive Crescent Tauranga. Details for the event are also on facebook, so if you have a facebook account, go RSVP for the Christmas Fair here: Taste, Tempt and Treat Christmas Fair on facebook - See you there! Any questions about the Christmas fair, call Susan Northey from HER Business on 07 571 3200.

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

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(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.)

Makeup Workshop in Katikati

This is so cheap I'm almost embarrassed. Katikati Resource Centre is hosting me for a small group makeup workshop in August. It's run through their Adult Community Education (ACE) program where they offer a whole heap of exciting and informational weekly courses, night schools and one-off workshops. In the DIY Professional Makeup workshop, I'll be teaching customised, professional makeup application. It'll be hands-on! You'll give yourself a professional makeup makeover while watching as I demonstrate on a model. As we go, you'll discover your BEST makeup colours and why they look so good on you, how to find the perfect match in your foundation, what goes where when it comes to the eyes, customised application techniques that best balance your face shape, eye shape etc - actually, everything I cover in a regular 'A Beautiful Education' small group workshop! But check out the price. My regular workshops are only $60 per person with 4 - 8 women. This one is limited to 8 women also and is at a subsidised price of only $35!! As I said at the start, it's so cheap I'm almost embarrassed. ;-) And each participant still receives a customised beauty profile info-swatch as seen on my website. Details on how to book your spot HERE.