Author Archives: Rebekah

Makeup for the mature woman…

I often come across more mature women (brides and mothers-of-the-bride) who are reluctant to have their makeup done due to past “bad experiences” and they are worried that I will cake them in makeup and make them look older.

I am forever reassuring them that I adopt the motto “Less is Best” – and that they will feel comfortable with the soft, natural look I aim to give them.

Mature skin usually has wrinkles, smile lines, and discolouration. It can also be quite dry. These features can be emphasised with heavy makeup. So……….”Less is Best”.

Here are a few tips for mature women who are wearing makeup:

• Use light concealer under the eyes, on the eyelid, and around the nose area. Sometimes a green neutraliser is required for areas that are quite red;
• Apply a good, light foundation – being sure to match the skin tone perfectly (as darker foundation can age the skin);
• Use only a light dusting of powder, particularly around the eyes;
• Remember that it is easier to ADD than to take away makeup, so start with a little, and gradually build it up;
• Keep away from shimmers and sparkly eyeshadows. Be careful using browns, pinks and burgundies as they can make the eyes look fatigued. Colours like grey, sage green, navy blue, look lovely on mature skin;
• Steer away from dark, smokey eyes. A softer smokey eye with some definition under the bottom lashes will look glamorous;
• Don’t go overboard with mascara;
• Blushes give a lovely colour to the skin – so apply soft colours to give your skin that extra ‘life’;
• Matte lipsticks are best. Do not use glossy colours or anything with a shimmer. Do not use darker lip-liners than the lipstick. Colours like peach, coral, plums and rose look great on mature skin.

I hope these tips have helped!

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Rebekah Foxe
Makeup Artistry by Rebekah
www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

What to look for in a wedding makeup artist…

Your wedding day is the most important day of your life. Every bride wants to look and feel like a princess, and your makeup plays a very important role.

Makeup is important to your overall look on your wedding day. It is important when considering your photos – which you will have as a memory for the rest of your life.

Here is a TOP TEN list of what I believe are the most important things to consider when choosing your Makeup Artist (MUA):

1. Is he/she available exclusively on your wedding day? There’s no use getting involved if the MUA is already booked on your wedding day. I would also ask if he/she takes multiple bookings – you want someone who will be available for your wedding ONLY, and not have to rush to make another job afterwards. If the makeup artist does have other bookings, make sure those times are flexible.  You want someone who is reliable and isn’t going to substitute herself with a colleague at the last minute, or leave without doing touch-ups, etc because she has to rush to another client.

2. Is he/she friendly, approachable and flexible? Personality is important. Your MUA will be with you for the majority of the morning that you are preparing for your wedding. You don’t want someone you can’t get along with. You want to have someone who is fun to be around, warm and friendly. Someone who is willing to go that extra step to make things run smoothly. Above all, you want someone who is not only passionate about makeup, but about weddings!

3. Does he/she use professional makeup? It is important that the MUA uses high quality products to ensure the makeup will stay on all day. You don’t want makeup that will fade and rub off in only a few hours. Your makeup has to last all day and night, often without touching up. Things like lipstick are expected to wear off (unless you’re not going to eat or kiss for 18 hours!!!) but other than touching up lipstick and a brief dab of powder to ward off shine, you shouldn’t have to re-apply anything. Waterproof makeup is so important, and is why I only use professional makeup like Atelier Paris, MAC and Cinema Secrets. This is why it’s a good idea to have your makeup trial in the morning or early afternoon before you go out for the evening – it’s the best test for staying power! If your makeup is still intact at 2am after a big night out, then it will definitely last on your wedding day!

4. Is he/she trained specifically in bridal and photographic makeup? You want a MUA whose main clientele are brides. Having a MUA who is trained in photographic makeup is a bonus as they know exactly how to highlight certain features so that they stand out in photographs (which will be with you forever). Wedding makeup is not just about how you look on the day, it is just as imperative that you look gorgeous in your photos.

5. Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene!!! This is probably one of the most important but most overlooked aspect of makeup artistry. At your makeup trial, take note of how your MUA applies your makeup. It is so important that disposable mascara wands are used. Mascara wands are a haven for bacteria, and you don’t want to be given conjunctivitis or any other nasty illness because your MUA hasn’t bothered to use a disposable wand.
Check that he/she isn’t “double-dipping” without first sterilising the brush. You don’t want your liquid eyeliner to be applied after the brush has been used on someone elses eyes. This is why I use a strong brush cleaner between clients – so strong that the brush dries within about 5 seconds. It takes a little more time, but at least I know my clients are being treated with sterile equipment.
Check that the makeup doesn’t go straight from palette to face. I use an intermediary – a ceramic tile – whereby the foundation or concealer is placed onto the tile, then from the tile to the face. The tile is sterilised between clients.
Also check that foundation sponges are clean, and that lipstick is NEVER applied directly from the stick but from stick to tile, then tile to face using a lip brush (which is sterilised between clients). The last thing you want is a cold sore on your wedding day!

6. Is your makeup artist listening to you? Even though MUA’s are trained professionals, the client comes first. It is important that your MUA takes on board your needs and wants, as well as offering their opinion. A pushy know-it-all MUA is not recommended. However, it is also important that the client is flexible enough to take on board the advice of the MUA. After all, he/she is the professional!
This is why a trial is so important – it’s an opportunity to openly discuss your needs and wants. A good makeup artist will not leave the trial with an unsatisfied client. I always make sure the client is happy with the result, even if it means staying a few hours, and trying a few different styles and colours. You want to know exactly what you will look like on your wedding day.

7. Is your makeup artist asking questions about your wedding day? It is important for MUA’s to know what the colour and style is of the dress you are wearing, as well as your bridesmaids dresses, flowers, theme of the wedding, venue, etc. This will help to decide on what makeup would suit your theme.

8. Is your Makeup Artist a professional? You don’t want a MUA who does makeup only as a hobby. Things to look for are business cards, an A.B.N, and most importantly a website. Ask to look at his/her portfolio – these days, the photos are usually available on the website and on facebook. Remember also that a lot of makeup salespeople at counters in department stores are just that – sales people. If you are looking for a MUA for your wedding, it’s best to go with a freelance MUA or a professional company.

9. Punctuality. It’s so important that you engage a MUA who is on time. The makeup trial is a good way to test this! You don't want your MUA running late on your wedding day – this will effect the running of everything else on your big day!

10. And last, but not least, is the Makeup Artist taking note of what makeup is being used? It is important for the MUA writes down the makeup and colours used at your trial so that in the event he/she is booked for your wedding, the look is recorded and can be reinvented on the wedding day. I always take photos of the bride once her makeup is completed at her makeup trial, as a record for the big day. The photos are then emailed to the client the next day. It’s also a good way to see how her makeup will look in photographs (even though it’s not a professional photograph). I also use a face chart app on my iPad to record the look on various parts of the face so that it can be referred to on the wedding day.

I hope these tips have helped you!

 
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hygiene

 

Rebekah Foxe
Makeup Artistry by Rebekah
www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

How long to keep your makeup before discarding…

I, like many women, find it really hard to part with my makeup. There are some items I just love, and want to continue using it until it’s empty. But the truth of the matter is, all makeup has an expiry date and this expiration date should be adhered to. So even though it might upset you to throw away your favourite Chanel Mascara or YSL Foundation, it’s best to get rid of it if it’s past it’s “used by date” and replace it with a fresh, new product. And anyway – what better excuse to indulge in some new cosmetic purchases $$$???

So the question is often asked, how long should I keep my cosmetics before I throw them out. Well the answer isn’t that simple, as it depends on the product. Some products have a longer life than others.. for instance, foundations outlive mascara.

It is also important to remember that sharing makeup should not be encouraged… this is not only unhygienic, but effects the longevity of your makeup. Contamination can occur at any time as makeup usually comes into contact with areas prone to germs, like your eyes and lips. Sharpen your pencils regularly to get rid of germs, and try not to double-dip into things like cream shadows and foundations. Store makeup in a dry, cool place, preferably away from the bathroom.

So how can you tell it’s time to throw away your makeup?

As a general rule, throw away any makeup that has a bad smell or has changed in consistency. Also, if you can’t remember when you bought it, it’s best to just throw it out!!

Follow this general table as a guideline (NB: this is only a guide):

– Cleanser and Moisturisers – 6 months;
– Liquid Foundation – up to 12 months (but ensure you don’t insert your fingers into the bottle. Use an applicator or sponge instead, and wash them after every use). A tip is to write the date you opened the foundation on the bottom of the bottle in permanent marker… that way you’ll know exactly when to throw it out! Another tip to keep foundation fresh and to increase its longevity is store it in the fridge;
– Creme or compact foundation – up to 18 months;
– Mascara – toss after 3 months. Mascara’s are notorious breeding grounds for bacteria, so it's so important to replace them regularly;
– Stick products like concealer, blush sticks and lipsticks – 6-12 months. For hygiene (and therefore to increase longevity) do not apply directly to lip or skin – use an applicator wand, wash after every use, and don’t double-dip!!;
– Powders, eyeshadows, non-stick concealers, blush, bronzers, lip gloss – up to 2 years;
– Lip liner and eyeliner – 2 years (remember to sharpen regularly);
– Liquid eyeliner – 3-6 months;
– Nail polish – 12 months.

It is also important to remember that if you are using natural and/or organic cosmetics, they should be discarded sooner as they don’t contain the same preservatives as regular cosmetics.

Hope these tips help!!

 

Rebekah Foxe
Makeup Artistry by Rebekah
www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

About Rebekah…

I am a freelance and mobile Sydney Makeup Artist who caters to the Sydney Metropolitan Area and outer Sydney regions. From Palm Beach to Wollongong, The Blue Mountains to Cronulla, Campbelltown to Randwick – I travel to you.

I am a lawyer and a mother, who temporarily left the legal world to focus on my passion of makeup. Qualified as a professional bridal, glamour and photographic makeup artist, I offer a professional service and use only the highest quality professional products such as Atelier Paris Professional Makeup Range, MAC and Cinema Secrets. I have trained with the professional school of makeup – Making Faces Makeup Studio in Sydney.

So what makes Me different?

My reputation is built on my friendly, approachable and flexible nature. I am passionate about makeup and I am passionate about weddings. I want nothing more than to make you look beautiful on your wedding day, or whatever occasion it is that you are celebrating. I am all about helping you achieve that glamorous, flawless look whether it be the natural look, Hollywood glamour, smokey eyes, or 1950’s glamour – the minor details are important. False lashes are included free of charge in your makeup application as I am adamant that each and every client feels like a Hollywood celebrity!

If you are booking your wedding with me, expect to feel that 5 star treatment. I will travel to your house, hair salon, hotel room – wherever it is that you are more comfortable preparing for your special day. All brides receive an information booklet on how to prepare their skin for their wedding day, and I guarantee to be available for any beauty-related enquiries you may have. It’s not just about the wedding day – the lead-up is just as important. For that extra touch, I also offer a “touch up service” where I will travel to the reception to do touch up makeup for all ladies in the bridal party! You really will have your own personal makeup artist for your big day!

I have experience with clients from many different cultural backgrounds – Caucasian, Indian, Asian, European, Middle Eastern, Indigenous Australian – I can do it all. You can rest assured that I will cater your makeup to compliment your features.

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Rebekah Foxe
Makeup Artistry by Rebekah
www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

Getting a fake tan for your wedding…

The majority of my clients are brides. Most of them come to me for advice on various beauty-related topics – how do I get rid of my pimples by my wedding day? How can I erase pigmentation? etc etc. But the most frequent queries relate to fake and/or spray tanning – “To spray tan, or not to spray tan?: That is the question”!

I am not a lover of spray tanning, or any fake tan (even bottled tanning products), to be honest. Unless it is done perfectly and through a highly reputable company, they can look extremely fake, often giving off that orange hue…. it’s a tough task for us makeup artists trying to match a yellow coloured face to an orange decolletage!

When I try to convince the bride to “look herself on her wedding day” some indicate they just want to have that “sunkissed” look. Perhaps it’s the fact we live in "the land down under" and the “bronzed Aussie” skin is expected and admired? My advice for those brides is to SHOP AROUND VERY CAREFULLY. A spray tan gone wrong can have devastating effects on your overall look on the big day.

Go with a reputable company, one that uses state of the art equipment. Always have a trial run AT LEAST a few months before your wedding, and try to attend your makeup trial “wearing” the skin colour you desire for your big day.

Follow the tips given to you by the salon on how to look after your spray tan: tips like exfoliation before your spray tan appointment; waxing at least one or two days beforehand; and not showering for at least 12 hours after your spray tan application. There is a reason why they give you these tips – to ensure that you get the most from your spray tanning session!!! You are paying decent money to get this tan, so do it properly!!!

For those brides who chose to go a la naturale, I commend them… the porcelain look is gorgeous, and pale skin has definitely made a comeback. Some people even say that “Pale skin equals class”! You only need to look at celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman – true alabaster beauties, whose look would be totally different if they were tanned and "sunkissed".

Visualise this look – pale skin, blonde hair, soft smokey eyes, rosey blush, false long lashes, and glossy lips….

Or for the brunettes – pale skin, extended liner, false long lashes, rosey blush, deep red lips… Beautiful!

I will leave you with some photo’s of one of my favourite alabaster clients – “Pale beauties”…

I hope these tips have assisted you. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me on info@makeupbyrebekah.com.au

Rebekah Foxe
Makeup Artistry by Rebekah
www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

 
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Makeup tips for your wedding day…

Your wedding day is one of the single most important days of your life. Your photos will last forever, so it’s important to look “picture perfect” on your special day!

A huge contribution to looking “perfect” is your makeup. Makeup enhances your features and is important for that finishing touch.

Here are a few pointers to ensure you look extra beautiful on your wedding day.

    Use a professional makeup artist

It is extremely important to use a professional makeup artist, like myself, on your wedding day. Choose one that specialises in bridal makeup or who at least has had training in bridal makeup.

Using a professional is important as we usually know the ‘tricks of the trade’ – for example, that pink tones are accentuated in flash photography, so it is better to use a yellow-based foundation.

I use professional photographic makeup to ensure that your makeup stays on all day and night, as well as ensuring you look radiant in photos. It’s so important that your makeup artist doesn’t use everyday makeup – your wedding is NOT an everyday event! It’s not every day that you are being photographed constantly!

Organise your makeup trial to take place well in advance of your wedding. It’s a good idea to bring with you some magazine cut outs of makeup ideas you have in mind. Perhaps you could even have your hair styled in the same or similar way that you will have it on your wedding day – although I know this is not always possible. It is important to bring with you a fabric swatch of your wedding dress, or at least a photograph of it, so that colours can be finalised. Your makeup colours can often depend on the colour of your dress. Bringing a swatch of your bridesmaids dresses is also suggested, so that the colours for their makeup can be finalised as well, especially if you want their makeup to somehow tie in with your look.

    Keeping it simple

You don’t want to look ‘overdone’ on your wedding day… so keep it simple and natural-looking. If you’re not comfortable wearing heavy shadows, then don’t. Heavy shadows and liners can make your eyes look smaller, so if your eyes are already small your makeup artist will most likely use lighter colours and special blending techniques to make your eyes appear larger.

A smokey eye is breathtaking for night weddings to give that dramatic, striking look.

For a day wedding, natural, neutral tones are appropriate. Makeup artists like myself will know which colours suit you.

It is so important that you leave your makeup trial completely happy with your look – it’s called a ‘trial’ for a reason… if you want something changed, then ask!! I know that I am more than happy to make changes when a client requests it. They are paying for my service and need to be 100% satisfied. It’s also so much better and less stressful to get the desired look right at the trial, so that things can run smoothly on the wedding day.

False lashes are a glamorous way to bring out your eyes. I use individual lashes, and natural human hair strip lashes in various styles. These are usually applied with a latex glue that is extremely easy to remove (or latex-free if you have an allergy). False lashes make SUCH a difference – which is why I include them free of charge to my clients – I just don’t want anyone to miss out!

Neutral, beige and pale lip colours tend to make you look washed out in photographs, so I would recommend choosing a lipstick that’s one to two shades brighter than what you normally wear (even if you hate wearing lipstick). Pinks, roses and plums are great choices for brides.

It is also important to remember that you must place the emphasis on either the eyes OR the lips (never both). So if you are going for a smokey eye look, choose a pale lipstick, like a light pink or rose gloss. If you have chosen a red lipstick, go for a natural light eye with defined liner and accentuated lashes.

Weddings are emotional and sensitive days for all involved, especially the bride. This is why I will ensure that your makeup is waterproof and smudge-proof, including your mascara. This is particularly important for the mother of the bride or groom – where tears often start before they’ve left the house!

Keep in mind that your makeup on your wedding day will always be a tad heavier than your everyday makeup. It is your wedding day, you don’t want to look ‘everyday’! Also, it is important to have ‘that little bit extra’ for photographs (which will last forever). It is often said that photography takes away 50% of your makeup – so expect to wear a little more than usual. Also, once your makeup is applied, give it an hour or two to ‘set’. Bear this in mind if you get a little surprised at how much makeup you have on!

    What to pack in your handbag

I highly recommend you take a touch-up lipstick with you for re-application throughout the day. Weddings are long days, and no lipstick will stay on for 12 hours plus! Usually, the lipstick colour is decided at the trial, and I can purchase the touch-up lipstick on your behalf.

It might also be an idea to reapply powder throughout the day, to reduce unwanted shine – especially for summer/spring weddings. Pack a small retractable travel brush filled with translucent powder (I can provide these at a small cost), or instead you can purchase a powder compact (I can also purchase these on your behalf).

    Photographs

Take a photo of yourself in different lighting after your makeup trial. This will help you get an idea of how your makeup will look in your wedding photos. Have a look at your makeup indoors, as well as outside in the sunshine.

I make a habit of bringing my camera to all my client’s makeup trials to ensure photos are taken. The photos will then be emailed to the client for them to refer to.

I hope these makeup tips have assisted you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me on info@makeupbyrebekah.com.au

Rebekah Foxe
Makeup Artistry by Rebekah
www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

How to prepare your skin for your wedding day

It is important to prepare your skin for the big day, so here are a few tips on how you can achieve this.

One of the most important things you can do in the lead up to your wedding day is to prepare your skin. Every bride wants to look beautiful, and although I can definitely hide those blemishes, nothing beats having beautiful, glamorous looking skin for the big day. There are many ways to achieve this, but it is important to start thinking about your skin at least 4 or 5 months in advance of your wedding.

Eat healthy foods

Eating healthy food makes a huge difference. Eating loads of fruits and vegetables, and foods which are high in anti-oxidants – like berries, nuts and legumes – help to repair your skin. Avoid foods high in salt and sugar, as well as alcohol (making an exception for your hen's night, or course!). It is also a good idea to take vitamins on a daily basis.

Drink lots of Water

This is the most important thing you can do. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Water cleans your skin improving its texture and quality, and eliminates blemishes and imperfections.

Exercise

Daily exercise is really important. The increase in circulation keeps your skin looking radiant (not to mention your body in shape!)

Sleep well

Your skin rejuvenates while you sleep. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, it will show on your skin! Try to get between 6 and 8 hours of sleep a night, if at all possible.

Develop a strict skin care regime

It is so important to cleanse, tone, and moisturise twice daily (in the morning, and in the evening). You don’t have to use expensive products. Supermarket brands such as  Garnier and Loreal can be just as effective as the more expensive brands (and are better than nothing!). The main thing is that your skin is clean. Never go to bed with makeup still on your face!!! This is a big no-no! Your skin needs to breath, particularly when you sleep, so even if you are extremely tired, wipe off that eye-makeup and cleanse the skin before bed. If you really have no energy, invest in a packet of makeup remover towelettes from the supermarket and use those to clean your face after a late night. Again, it's better than nothing!

It is important to GENTLY remove your eye makeup. You can use an eye-makeup remover for this, although, a cheap and effective way is to wet the eye and remove the makeup with sorbolene crème on a cotton makeup pad. Use gentle upward and downward strokes. You will be surprised how easy it comes off.

Exfoliate at least twice a week

It is important to exfoliate at least once or twice a week. Micro-dermabrasion is very effective, and these days you can buy at-home kits relatively cheap, like the Nutrimetics Micro-dermabrasion kit (which is about $90)… I have personally used this product and noticed the effects almost instantly!  Remember to always do a patch test first and always follow with a good moisturiser.  If you have a bit more money to spend, professional micro-dermabrasion might be a good idea.

Use an eye crème

It is important to use an eye crème with your daily skin care regime. For those with puffy eyes, try using an eye gel.

Acne

It is so much better to flush out your skin of acne, rather than suppress it. Exfoliate regularly, and start months before your wedding to allow your skin to repair itself in time for the big day. If you are using Acne products like Clearasil or Pro-activ, make sure you do a patch test first, and start using the product at least a few months before your wedding in case you have any reactions. These products are really strong, and it's important to take these precautions.

If your acne is severe, see a dermatologist at least 6 months before your wedding to enable time to treat the problem.

Facials

If you are steadfast about getting a facial before your wedding, remember this….. the purpose of a facial is to draw out impurities… and often lead to break outs. If you have never had a facial before, please schedule one in at least a few months before your wedding, and get them done regularly right up until the wedding. Do not take a risk by getting a facial done for the first time a week or two before the wedding. Chances are it will not go as planned and you’ll end up with skin you would rather not have on your wedding day! Some people react terribly to facials (especially those with acne problems). However, then there are some people who say the results are fantastic!

 

Use a sunscreen

Apply sunscreen to your face and neck daily. Many moisturisers and day crèmes come with an in-built sunscreen, which is useful.

Sun exposure can be harmful to your skin, so avoid long periods in the sun unprotected, and als0 avoid tanning. If you are using a fake tan or spray on tan it is important to have a ‘trial’ at least a few months before your wedding. You will be shocked how many brides end up looking ‘orange’ on their wedding day! Not a good look.

There’s nothing wrong with going ‘natural’… Healthy, fresh, pale, fair skin is very fashionable these days!

Good luck with your skin preparation, and remember if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Rebekah Foxe

Makeup Artistry by Rebekah
www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

 

Welcome to My Blog

Welcome to my blog at Make Up Artistry by Rebekah.

The purpose of this blog is to share my passion for makeup and weddings. It’s a place for my clients, and future clients, to read more about myself, my work, and my passion. It is a forum where I can give beauty, skin care, and makeup advice and tips to anyone who is interested.

If you have any questions – please don’t hesitate to email me at info@makeupbyrebekah.com.au.

I hope you enjoy reading my articles as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Rebekah Foxe

Sydney Makeup Artist

Makeup Artistry by Rebekah

www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au