Summer Series 2012 : Makeup and Hair

When I began thinking who’s opinion I wanted to seek out for the Summer Series when it came to makeup and hair, I looked no further than Lisa Chester. It was one of my first few weddings when I came upon Lisa and adored her style in being able to enhance a bride’s natural beauty without distracting you. Having photographed her brides a few times now (see how beautiful Von and Maria were on their wedding days), I can vouch first hand that her brides makeup remains flawless all day and their hair is a perfect match.

From a photographers perspective good hair and makeup can do wonders. I often recommend my brides trial their makeup during their engagement session so they can see first hand how it looks on them and then make any tweaks before the wedding comes around. Finding a good makeup artist is something that can’t be compromised.

As a bride, I did discover that like most things in life, the preparation for hair and makeup are just as important as finding a great makeup artist. It wasn’t hard to talk myself into monthly facials or hair treatments.

All images by Angela Higgins

How long have you been working in the hair and makeup industry and in particular working with Brides?

I have been in the hair and make up industry for 17 years now, specialising in bridal for the past 14 years.

How do you keep things fresh and relevant when you are working with Brides?

I find my best inspiration from the brides themselves. Often my brides have a keen sense of how they want to look on the day and so they give me new ideas and thoughts on how to achieve it. I also find inspiration from red carpet events. They usually reveal how the new season is unfolding and what trends to look out for.

What trends do you see for the 2011/12 wedding season for hair and makeup on Brides and bridesmaids here in Australia?

Make up seems to be keeping to the natural glowing face but with more colour on the lips [such as] watermelons, clear reds and fuchsias. Cheeks are still luminescent with eyes clean but utilising black liquid eyeliners for a 40’s sharp, clean eye.

Hair is going higher but without the 80’s look thankfully. High, loose buns are popular with less loose pieces around the face while side “do’s” are still very popular but keeping messy almost “do it yourself” looseness about the style. Braids are still going strong but not as a crown braid but again loose and soft.

Hair extensions are now more hairpieces to use in buns to build thickness in styles rather than to add length. These are easy to attach, reusable and quick. “Donuts” are also a great way to build the perfect, easy high bun, side bun or low bun at the back of the head without all the fuss. I can see girls using them for everyday use.

How soon before a wedding should a bride contact and book you?

I find a minimum of 12 months is great. People like myself are a one-man operation so when I am booked, I’m booked. I rarely have time to do more than one wedding a day. My advice is as soon as you have your venue you should book your make up artist. Its never too early and prevents disappointment.

How important are the ceremony décor and dress when it comes to deciding on the style of makeup for a bride and her bridesmaids?

Very. I think all brides have a clear idea of the look and feel they want their wedding to emulate. It carries through from venue décor, bridesmaids outfits, wedding dress, flowers, even music. The make up and hair is like the cherry on top.

What sort of products and techniques do you generally use on your clients to ensure they have a classically beautiful look that is not overdone?

I use whatever products do the job and can be relied upon for staying power. Caking make-up on the skin is unnecessary these days as you can find state of the art products to serve the particular purpose for the day. I have my own line of cosmetics, “Sheer”, which is a professional line from America. I have been using it for 15 years and love how I can depend on it, whatever the job or situation. Of course, I also use MAC and Nars. Anything that is intelligent in its application and delicious!

What are your tips for brides in developing a skincare routine before their wedding?

Don’t change anything the month before the wedding. You don’t want to risk breakouts, allergies or dryness. If you can afford monthly facials and find they really help your skin great but realistically research your products.

There is a great book called “Don’t Go To The Cosmetic Counter Without Me” by Paula Begoun. This is my bible and I feel armed with information from it.

Overall though, polished skin is best. Any dryness can be problematic on the day, more so than oily skin. Exfoliants are the best way to achieve that.

What should a bride bring with her to her final trial with you for hair and makeup? IE, veil, hairpieces, lipstick/gloss

All of the above including photos of hair and make up styles they like. I also suggest the bride wear a white singlet style top to get an overall idea of how she will look on the day.

Do you have any tips for Australian brides for ensuring their makeup stays put on a warm day?

I recommend a pressed powder for the day. After blotting away sweat and oil, pad a pressed powder over the t-zone to keep matte. The rest of the face can stay dewy looking. After around 4pm or 5pm when the sun is lower, any excess oil on the skin is fine. You tend to look just dewy rather than oily. Before that it is important to stay fairly matte while the sun is high.

Do you have any tips for brides and their bridesmaids in ensuring they have great skin ready for you to work your magic on?

Executive Stress Vitamin B is always good for those brides who find they get breakouts around the chin and jawline. Exfoliants are wonderful (I use Paulas Choice AHA/BHA acids) as they remove the dead layers which sit on the surface until removed.

What are your preparation tips to ensure a bride’s hairstyle holds for the entire day?

I prefer brides to have clean hair on the day; I couldn’t stand to have an oily dull scalp on my wedding day. Also oily hair doesn’t hold a curl.

No straightening irons beforehand because if you want to curl the hair it simply won’t hold. Be realistic. If your hair doesn’t hold a curl and you want to wear it down it probably wont hold the curl for the day. Pick a down style that if it drops it still looks good and “in the style”. Of course also pack a travel size professional hairspray with you for the day to top up with if necessary.

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Thank you so much Lisa for taking the time to share some of your tips for a flawless face! Stay tuned for the next installment of the Summer Series. Its all about the planning!