MAKEUP ARTIST MELBOURNE | HAIR STYLIST MELBOURNE | Melbourne, Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Mornington PeninsulaCreating Flawless Foundation
Posted on May 14, 2019
The secret to creating a flawless foundation base firstly consists of perfect skin preparation.
Yep there I go again, talking about skin. But its 100% truth. The better the skin and the better
Skimming over your skin prep will give you an uneven foundation that won’t last, will require multiple touch-ups and will end up looking cakey. Imagine the Mona Lisa was painted on some rough dodgy surface, do you think it would still be here today?.
All of my clients must arrive with cleansed, moisturised skin. I then prepare the skin for skincare. I start with using micellar water. Micellar is a gentle non-washable cleanser.
Micellar is not your daily cleanser and it shouldn’t replace anything in your skincare regime, but that’s another blog entirely…
I analyse the skin, firstly checking to see if any gentle exfoliating gels are required, then apply toner, serums and moisturiser to suit my
I then assess the skin to see if the primer is needed. Contrary to what advertising campaign’s make you believe, not everyone’s skin needs a primer. Your
Next is the foundation. My absolute favourite method is to use a combination of brush and sponge. The foundation brush I love is the Designer Makeup Tools Rounded Synthetic Buffer Brush. This brush has a rounded top and is dense in bristle mass. Synthetic brushes are best for wet products. I like to apply a light veil of foundation with my brush all over the face using a stippling motion. Next using a damp beauty sponge, I like to pick up a little more product and bounce and roll the foundation over the entire face. By starting out light, you can build your foundation to the desired coverage.
Remember, more foundation does not mean it’s going to last longer.
Using a combination of the two techniques, gives a beautiful flawless finish, without looking thick and cakey.
Finish by concealing areas only as needed and set with your favourite powder. I love powders that are colourless or have minimal colour. Powders full of colour can change the colour of your beautiful laid foundation. I love the Nars Light Reflecting Setting Powder, RCMA & Ben Nye Colourless Powder and the Inglot Sport Stage & Studio Powder.
Bridal Beauty Timeline
Posted on March 25, 2019
With the average engagement lasting up to 2 years there’s plenty of time to get started with a solid beauty regime, and have your skin looking nothing short of amazing for your big day.
As a makeup artist, one of the biggest reasons I advise clients to book in a pre-wedding makeup trial, is to not only create their perfect look and to feel relaxed on their big day, but to also assess their skin, which skincare products are going to work best, which cosmetics are going to last the longest and if need be advising on a beauty regime to give their skin a reboot.
Remember your makeup will only look as good as the skin its sitting on.
THE TIME IS NOW!
Skincare
Now if you tell me you’re just loving your ‘supermarket skincare’ line, we can no longer be friends! Let’s face it, cosmeceutical grade skincare is a bit more pricey because it works and gives outstanding results! This doesn’t mean you’ll be using products packed with chemicals, in-fact it’s the opposite, they are loaded with antioxidants, pure natural botanicals, free from nasties and are backed by years of science. I personally love brands like CosMedix, Aspect, Skin Matrix and PCA. Everyone should be using a cleanser, toner and moisturiser at an absolute minimum. You’ll also need to throw in your vitamins – A, B & C which you’ll find in your serums, and wear a SPF daily. And when you’re a skin pro add your AHA & retinol. The best authorised skincare stockist I’ve ever come across is Skin Matrix. They are an Australian company and stock all the best brands. Skin Matrix have developed their own range of skincare, have a great loyalty program and are also up to 25% cheaper than retail.
Sign up to the newsletter and you’ll get $20 off your first order!
Hydration
Keeping your skin hydrated through water intake and skincare is key. For those working in office environments, the dry air conditioning can suck the life out of your skin. If you’re an oily skinned lass like myself, you still need hydration. DO NOT skip the moisturiser. The less hydrated your skin is the more oil it will produce to compensate. A great way to add extra hydration to your skin care regime especially if you have dry skin is to add a hyaluronic acid serum. Don’t be scared by the word acid, it’s not going to burn your face off, in fact it’s the exact opposite, a powerful moisture binding ingredient that keeps skin plump and hydrated, yes that means looking younger! H.A is super gentle and can hold 1000 times its weight in moisture. A cheaper highly effective alternative is The Ordinary, sold at Priceline. I suggest toning first, applying a layer of H.A serum, apply serums, then your moisturiser/spf.
Eat Well
Not only is eating a well-balanced healthy diet great for your general well-being, it’s great for your skin. Avoid fatty foods, excessive carbs and alcohol. Think fresh! If it’s pre-packaged how much nutrition is actually there? Probably close to zero. Skin issues can be stemmed from bad gut health.
WEEKLY
Masks & Exfoliation
At home masks (choose one for your skin type), light exfoliation, along with a collagen gold eye mask is not only beneficial but a huge stress reliever. I love a gold eye mask. They can literally transform your under-eye area in 15 minutes. Gentle, cooling and packed with goodness to visibly reduces fine lines and reduce puffiness. So sit back on the sofa, put your feet up and drink a beautiful cup of your favourite herbal tea.
6 – 12 MONTHS OUT
Professional Treatment
Skin treatments should start at least 6 months prior. Peels, micros and LEDs are amazing and can literally turn your skin around in a very short time frame. Whether you’re dehydrated, oily or prone to breakouts, I will guarantee you won’t know yourself once you start. Don’t have any peels or micros applied at least 2 – 4 weeks before the wedding day, however you can still continue with LED light treatments. Just make sure you tell your therapist you’ll be getting married.
So, what are you waiting for? Find yourself a qualified beauty therapist and get started.
Jane xo
*** Professional skincare available through my favourite online authorised stockist – click the link Skin Matrix
To lash or not to lash, that’s the question!
Posted on March 6, 2019
Over the last 5-10 years the craze of false lashes has reached new heights. Long gone are the days you’d just wear mascara on your wedding day. With so many options available, it can get confusing as to which lashes you should choose. If you are a barely there person when it comes to makeup, then don’t feel the pressure to get lash extensions just because your BFF did.
Here are some lash options to consider for your big day:
Individual Lashes
These are my absolute favourite lashes. Applied in individual clumps, they are super light on the eyes, and can be built up to give the desired fullness. They give a natural and beautiful look and are so elegant for brides. There are different lengths and fullness to suit everybody. Individual lashes are my most used lashes. The lashes I have used in my feature image are double flare knot free individuals.
Strip Lashes
From natural to full glam, the styles are endless and can really create that extra wow factor without looking over the top. Full strip lashes can sometimes feel a little heavy on the eyes to start with and generally take about 20minutes to get used to the feeling. On the rare occasion, full strip lashes can lift in the inner and outer corners. If the lashes are a fuller heavier style then the artist should cut these into sections to avoid any lifting. You can also double stack these lashes to create extra wow factor. Strip lashes can be reused up to 5 times if they are removed with care.
Lash Lift
If you’re not into false lashes then a lash lift is a beautiful way of making your natural lashes appear longer, without applying anything false on top. Done by an experienced lash technician these can look amazing. A lash lift won’t necessarily give you fullness but will definitely make your lashes appear longer. Make sure you always test this method 6 months before your wedding day and see an experienced technician like Zoe at Tan by Zoe. I’ve had a few clients who’ve seen inexperienced technicians and had their lashes so tightly curled it’s been impossible to apply mascara and absolutely no way of applying anything false over the top. Lash lifts can last up to 12 weeks.
Lash Extensions
A costly exercise and an added expense to your wedding day as they require upkeep. Lash extensions last for approximately three weeks before needing a refill (a bit like acrylic nails). This type of lash look is definitely full. If truth be told, I’m not a fan, but each to their own. Out of the hundreds of lash extensions I’ve seen on clients, there would be less than a handful I actually like. I can generally see lash extensions coming towards me before I even see the person. They can appear very top heavy on the eyes. If you love waking up feeling like your eyes are front and centre, then these babies are for you!
Note: My wedding and special event prices include complimentary supply & application of individual or full strip lashes. Beware some artists can charge up to $30 extra for these on top of the makeup application.
Jane xo
Main Image by Phenomena Photography
Lash lift by Tan by Zoe
Wedding Day – Where should I get ready?
Posted on February 20, 2019
When you live in a beautiful city like Melbourne your option for locations are endless.
Some brides chose their own home, some the traditional location of their parents house and others a lovely Airbnb or Hotel Suite.
There’s lots of pros and cons to consider when choosing your perfect location, so I’ve compiled a list, some food for thought if you’re really unsure of the best location.
Your own home
- There’s nothing like the comfort of your own bed and that familiar place you call home. Everything you need is here. If you’re a nervous person then having your creature comforts surrounding you might help calm those nerves.
- Think about your décor, garden and general appearance indoors and out. Will your home be a good location for any bridal party photos?
- If you’re looking for a fun night, and having all your bridesmaids together the night before, will there be enough room for sleeping, and general getting ready space?
Parents home
- Some people love traditions and getting ready at your parents home, which may still be your childhood home is the perfect idea of a wedding morning. Again, another familiar place.
- A bit like your own home, think about the décor and whether there’s plenty of photo opportunities. Are your parent’s hoarders? Is the furniture looking like you’ve stepped into a 70’s nightmare?
- Unfortunately for some they may not get along with their parents like happy families. If you think your mum or dad are going to put any undue stress into the morning, or you’ll feel uncomfortable in their home then maybe rethink this location.
- Lots of parents love to take care of their kids, and will always make sure everyone is well fed and hydrated on the day. One less thing to think about…you may also score breakfast in bed.
Airbnb or Hotel Suite
- There’s so many beautiful locations in Melbourne that we truly are spoilt for choice. Opting for this type of accommodation means you can select a spacious modern location and you’ll have beautiful pre-wedding shots.
- If choosing a hotel, make sure the room is big enough to house everyone – bridal party, hair & makeup team and photographer. Those amazing internet pictures can be deceiving and rooms are generally a lot smaller in real life.
- Just remember, you’ll need a thorough checklist of what to take with you and a big list of “just in case items”. You don’t want to be in a mad panic as you’ve forgotten something important.
- Select a location within 15mins travel to your ceremony. The closer you are, the bigger the sleep in and less rushing you have. And no fear of being caught in busy Melbourne traffic!
- Consider the lighting, some secluded BnB’s and hotel rooms are designed for romance, and unfortunately can be quite dark and not ideal for hair, makeup or photography.
Any don’t forget wherever you decide to get ready just consider how far away it is from your ceremony? If its 45mins or more, that’s just extra time in your “getting ready schedule” and potentially sitting in crazy Melbourne traffic.
No one wants to see the Groom sweating…
Jane xo
Image | Clarte Photography
Makeup | Ava Jane Makeup Artistry
Makeup is NOT photoshop!
Posted on January 30, 2019
Don’t be fooled into thinking that everyone on social media has amazing flawless skin!
Unfortunately, it’s becoming ‘the norm’ to edit photos. From removing wrinkles, smoothing skin texture, changing eye colour, the list is endless.
Have you ever seen a before and after photo where the clients scars, raised acne, wrinkles and fine lines have miraculously disappeared in the after shot? Believe me, this is not the work of a makeup brush or the artists mad skills, but more like “ALAKAZAM’ some great iPhone app skills.
The constant editing of images is building unrealistic expectations from our clients (of all ages) and it saddens me that there are so many artists heavily editing their work and misleading potential clients into what is achievable.
Dark under eyes, pigmentation, non- raised skin marks and discolouration can be corrected and disguised, but any texture on the skin will not just disappear into thin air. Skin texture cannot be removed.
Whilst makeup can still create amazing before and after results, I tell all of my clients that your makeup will only be as good as the skin its sitting on top of. If you struggle to even wash your face, remove your makeup at night, and use supermarket grade skin care, then please don’t expect that the makeup artists brush will have some crazy Harry Potter wizardry.
If you want to see real unedited work, then follow makeup artists who don’t use these filtering tools on their photos. Once you’ve seen the editing you won’t be able to unsee it! Signs of edited work are ultra-smooth skin with zero pores, no lines, insanely good before & after photos, fuzziness or shadowing, areas of the face blending into others, blurriness in the eyeshadow and brows, and every single person’s face looking exactly like the last one posted!
If you want your makeup to look amazing then please do yourself a favour, invest in quality professional skincare with active ingredients. Have regular skin treatments, use SPF daily and stay out of the sun. AND always take your selfies in great light, it really does work!
Please don’t put crazy high expectations upon your makeup artist. We go into every job with the very best of intentions, and that’s to make our clients look and feel beautiful.
Have you ever heard anyone say “I really regret looking after my skin”?…
Brides guide to creating a stress-free wedding morning
Posted on January 22, 2019
You’ve no doubt been scouring Pinterest and getting lost for hours in the images of happy carefree bridal parties in their robes. I too have been a bride and it was many (many) years before the craze of social media took hold. The things I stressed about just paled in significance to the magical day I had. Brides put so much pressure on having ‘the perfect day’ that sometimes they can forget to relax and take in the moment.
Here are my 12 top tips to help you create a calm, stress free wedding morning:
CATCH THOSE ZZZZ
Get to bed early! I know it’s tempting to stay up all night with your bridal party chatting over a few wines, but the last thing you want is to be tired or hungover. Jump into bed early with some beautiful fresh linen and a nice cup of herbal tea.
TIMING IS KEY
Ensure you have a running schedule from your hair & makeup artist and from your photographer. Your suppliers have been working weddings for many years and they always include some extra buffer time just in case a problem arises. Each and every step should be relaxed, not rushed. If you think your day is starting out a bit earlier than what you had thought, please just trust your wedding suppliers.
BOOGIE
Prepare a Spotify playlist of your favourite tunes. Music is a wonderful destressing tool. It’s also a nice way to break any silence and to get everyone in the mood for the fun day ahead.
NOURISH
It’s a good idea to have some pre-made platters and nibbles. Nothing greasy or messy. Fruit, sushi and finger sandwiches are always devoured. Also drink lots of water, hydration is key!
SPICK, SPAN AND READY TO GO…
If you’re getting ready at your home then make sure its spick and span. You’ll be surprised, but this can save time for when the artists and photographers arrive. The last thing you want to be doing is vacuuming or tidying up. Also have someone designated (Dads are always a good option) to tidying up any mess created throughout the day and preparing any bags to be taken to the ceremony/venue.
ARE WE THERE YET?
If your home is 45 minutes away or more from your venue then consider booking accommodation close by. This way you won’t be worried about being stuck in traffic and you won’t be up as early in the morning. Just be sure to write yourself a checklist of what to take with you.
IF THE DRESS FITS
Make sure everyone in the bridal party tries on their dress a few days before the big day. You don’t need any unexpected zipper malfunctions.
READ THE FINE PRINT
Please read all of the information your hair & makeup team provides on skin and hair preparation. Don’t go and have any last-minute waxing or buy some new beauty product you’ve never used. The last thing you want is a reaction!
ALLOW EXTRA TIME
Don’t wait to the last minute to get dressed. Surprisingly this can take time. Bridesmaids should all be dressed before the Bride. Also, if the brides dress has a button down back, take note of how long it takes to do this up. Some buttons can be fiddly, and can take much longer than you think.
WEATHER CHECK
Check the weather forecast, if its looking like rain, then think about purchasing a few clear umbrella’s. They’ll keep you dry and look amazing in your photos too.
DELIVERIES
Make sure important things like flowers, cakes etc. are being delivered exactly where you need them to go. Who wants to be rushing around picking up orders, or worse be the person responsible for holding the cake!
ENJOY BEING PAMPERED
Put down your phone and relax while your hair & makeup team are pampering you. Having a mobile service is a luxury, so sit back and enjoy every moment, as it doesn’t happen every day.
Your wedding morning is what you make of it. It’s a fun time, so relax, get pampered and enjoy quality time with your bridal party.
Jane xo
Avalon Castle Styled Wedding Shoot 7.12.16
Posted on December 20, 2016
When I was invited back by Wedding Services Melbourne to do hair and makeup for another styled shoot, I of course jumped at the opportunity. I was super excited when the location was revealed. Avalon Castle in Cockatoo, Victoria.
Who knew a Castle only an hour or so from Melbourne’s CBD even existed.
As I was driving through the beautiful hills of Emerald into Cockatoo, I knew it was going to be a great day. The sun was shining and I was working at a Castle (like who does that!!) with other amazing wedding suppliers.
The estate Avalon Castle is situated on is just breathtaking. It truly was a Castle, tucked away in Melbourne’s beautiful South East. The Castle boasts medieval styled architecture, a chapel with stained glass windows, grassed tiered outdoor amphitheatre, luxurious dining area, and stunning accommodation for the bride and groom.
I worked with some familiar faces again, and also a few new ones. Everyone on the shoot was so friendly and down to earth and having the upmost professionalism and dedication to their craft.
Location | Avalon Castle
Hair + Makeup | Ava Jane Hair & Makeup Artistry
Photography | Amanda Kilbourn Photography
Dress | Thafnis Dress Making & Alterations
Shoot Organiser | Wedding Services Melbourne
DJ | Matt Jefferies Entertainment
Jewellery | Valerene Bespoke Jewellery
Flowers | Floral by Design
Videography | Post Film Productions
Cake | Langfords Patisserie
Celebrant | Sharon Kershaw – Civil Celebrant
A few highlights on the day were seeing our stunning faux bride emerging in her handmade princess gown by Thafnis Dress Making. Also to our event organiser Matt Jefferies of Wedding Services Melbourne who bought along a dry ice machine. Watching the smoke pour from the machine onto the dance floor, surrounding our bride and groom was mesmerising.
For this shoot I kept the makeup natural, fresh and glowing, bringing out all of our models best features. Our beautiful bride Nola has the most amazing skin, so why cover that up! We used soft purple and grey tones on her eyes and a one of my favourite lip colours MAC Viva Glam V. For Nola’s hair, I curled it all first to create body and texture. Then it was put up into an elegant chignon, allowing the backless gown to shine. One of the products I used in Nola’s hair was Batiste Oomph My Locks XXL Volume Spray. It adds volume to limp hair and creates a gritty texture on the hair shaft, allowing you to create beautiful full styles.
A huge thank you to Matt once again for organising such an amazing day, and an extra special thank you to Amanda Kilbourn Photography. The amount of work Amanda puts into each and every photo is amazing. It’s always exiting receiving a file filled with stunning photos.
Jane xoxo
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