Carmen Weddings

Wedding. Make Up. Hair. Now this is one popular topic when it comes to my email inbox.

I receive regular emails from brides asking for my opinion when it comes to their make up for a Chinese wedding or where to begin their search for an artist who has experience applying make-up for brides with East-Asian skin tone. Well first of all there is one thing I really believe in – an experienced and professional artist can work with all skin tones and eye shape {something I get asked a lot about!} and my opinion is you need to find that very artist who is experienced and has an amazing kit! But you must also communicate very clearly to the artist the look you would like to achieve… and please have a trial if you can! Collect images online or from magazines to help you illustrate your point. Bridal hair and make-up in the UK can be slightly different to the looks in Hong Kong but I feel brides in Hong Kong are edging towards the natural look. Which is a big Yay from me! However, if a bride is wearing a traditional Kwa, you can get away with  stronger colours to complement the rich and elaborate dress.

For some time I’ve been wanting to share more with my Hong Kong readers and with brides who are planning a Hong Kong Destination Wedding. For this reason, over the next few weeks you will see more posts on vendors who are based in Hong Kong and today I would like to introduce to you make-up artist, Sara of She Make Up Studio. I worked alongside Sara while I was in the city on a styled shoot and she’s fantastic.

 

Hello and welcome to Five Minutes With She make Up Studio.

 

Hi Sara, so lovely to meet again! Please tell us a little about who you are and what you do.

I was born in Hong Kong but studied in Australia.  I went to a make-up school at the same time when I was at University doing my Bachelor of Communication. After I graduated I worked in the PR industry full-time and as a freelance make-up artist, but gradually I turned my make-up career as a lifetime job.

Where are you based?

Hong Kong, but I’m available for destination weddings too.

Brilliant! So, do you work with international clients?

Yes, sometimes I have a bride travel from overseas who are hosting their wedding in Hong Kong. I’m in a lucky position where most brides book me based on my portfolio on my website.

Please tell us about what you did before you launched She Make Up Studio?

I was in PR for a Thai cosmetics brand called Giffarine and also for La Mer. I was also freelancing for bridal, commercial and studio shoots in hair and makeup.

Most brides want something a little different and I find at times the bridal make-up look in Hong Kong is quite different to here in the UK. Is there a particular look you are asked to create more of?

Personally I think Hong Kong bridal hair and make-up is a little heavier, even in terms of service time. I usually get booked for 8 – 12 hours a day where I have to be on standby to help them change their hair and make-up – a natural day time look then to the evening red carpet glamour. However I still believe natural elegant hair and makeup is timeless, so I will consider my style to be in-between the Western and Chinese look.

 

 

Many of my readers are Chinese brides who are wearing a Kwa or Qipao on her wedding day – do you have any make-up style tips for them?

Always have your hair up for Chinese gown since it already has a mandarin collar which covers your neck. Lighter shadow but red lips match red Chinese gowns perfectly.

What advice would you give a bride-to-be when looking for her perfect make up artist?

Think about what sort of style or look you are aiming for, look at the artists’ job reference and see who matches what you like. Never just take recommendations from friends without looking at the work yourself, because you may find the referral from your friend is not really doing exactly the style that you actually want.

Is there a trend you’re seeing right now?

Even though I’ve mentioned that the Hong Kong bridal makeup are with more colors, I see more brides now prefer to go with natural and timeless. They understand how they don’t want any regrets when looking at the photos 10 years later!

If you wasn’t based in Hong Kong – where in the world would you like to be?

I always want to go back to Australia, I miss everything there! My fiancé’s an Aussie too, so perhaps we might move to Australia some years later, no plans yet of course! If I can work around I would be so happy to work in UK too

And so I hear you’re getting married next month – so excited for you! Do share with us your top wedding planning tip!

Thank you! My advice is don’t ask for too many opinions from other, regarding things like the dress, make-up, decoration, venue etc. Opinions will just lead you to confusion.

Tea or Coffee? And how would you like it?!

Just water please! I need to keep me teeth white for my wedding  :)

 

Thank you so much Sara! Below you can find the details for She Make Up Studio if you wish to get in touch.

 

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www.shemakeupstudio.com | facebook www.facebook.com/shemakeupstudio | email – info@shemakeupstudio.com