Wedding Vendor Interview: Sabrina Walsh Makeup Artistry
Recently I interviewed the lovely Sabrina Walsh at Sabrina Walsh Makeup Artistry, to find out why she’s so passionate about makeup, and what truly goes into the production and creation of her business. Sabrina has been working as a makeup artist for the past six years, and is well versed with the ins and outs of the industry. Based in Kallangur, Brisbane, she is dedicated to achieving timeless looks, and only provides the best products and services to her clients.
How long have you been a makeup artist and how did you start in the industry?
My makeup journey began six years ago. It’s not one of those stories where I knew all along that I wanted to become a makeup artist until I had immersed myself into it. It’s more along the lines of something that sprung up unexpectedly and totally transformed my life.
One of my friends asked if I would be so kind as to sit as a model in her makeup class, because at the time she was studying at makeup school. That was the day that changed my life forever. I was exposed to the world of makeup for the first time and wholeheartedly fell in love with it. The curiosity for makeup had sparked a new chapter without me even realising it had begun. I’ve always been creative, yet never able to find that one thing that sparked joy. Going home that day after getting my makeup done, I couldn’t stop telling my family and friends how much I enjoyed myself. They knew better than I did at the time that I had found something worth trying and so they pushed me in the direction of the school. I applied and that’s exactly where my makeup journey began.
What preparation goes into planning for a wedding day?
Wedding day prep is different for every single couple. My priorities are simple, listen to your requests and always strive to meet them, big or small. I recommend brides reaching out to me, one to one and a half years in advance. I have an online bridal request form and all bridal packages transparently listed on my website. This is especially helpful for planners to see a cost figure beside what they’ll be receiving, before requesting my services.
Depending on the package, I offer services that include bridal trials, touch ups, international or domestic travel; the list goes on. Grandparents, parents and others who would like to be included on the day are always welcome. It’s a delight being able to do their makeup, it makes it all the more special.
Bridal trials will allow for the bride and me to plan and test out the vision, especially if there is more than one look in mind. At this time, we also discuss the bridal parties’ makeup look. We’ll determine whether there’s a little more flexibility with their choices or if the look needs to be cohesive with the bride.
Efficiency is one of my highest priorities, especially the morning of the wedding. I often help schedule in advance exactly who needs to be sitting in the makeup chair at what time. When my gold or silver bridal package has been purchased, it means I know exactly what look I’m doing prior to my arrival. This makes everything run even more seamlessly on the day — no time is wasted.
What does a typical wedding day look like for you?
Depending on how many clients and the location, my workday can range from five hours to 10+ hours. There’s always one common denominator and that is oat lattes, usually as many as I can get my hands on. There’s always a bit of a drive involved, if not a drive, there’s a flight. My bookings are always open for any interstate and international weddings. Once I’m set up, it’s usually one after another, clients back to back on the hour. A little tip I like to tell all of my brides, allocate more buffer time than you think you will need (you’ll thank me later).
My most popular package, the Gold Bridal Package, allows me to stick around providing touch ups. This is especially helpful for those early morning starts, where half of the bridal party have been sitting in their makeup for hours. It’s also a nice touch to have everyone walking into the ceremony with a fresh face, especially amongst all the tears, kisses, and hugs. By purchasing the Gold Bridal Package, the entire bridal party is entitled to unlimited touch ups.
What are your most recommended go-to products for a bride?
These are three of my favourite, ride or die bridal products, that never fail to deliver every time and always seem to impress my brides. Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation, serving a fresh, glowing, breathable, long-lasting base. It wouldn’t be my signature bridal look, without Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask for plump, hydrated, glossy lips. Finally Nude Stix Tiger Lily Queen blush, for a beautiful pop of colour on the cheeks.
Any skin care tips for a bride leading up to her wedding day?
My number one recommendation is to not try anything new leading up to your wedding day. It’s super important to use products and services you trust in the lead up, if you want to avoid any potential irritation. Stay hydrated with 2 L of water each day, this will encourage supple, juicy lips and skin. Any facials or brow shaping should be done no less than five days prior to your wedding for best results. Makeup doesn’t attach to skin as well after a facial or a brow wax. As some facials may result in redness, breakouts and pilling of the skin, it’s best to leave a one week gap between these services and the wedding date.
What’s next for your business? What do you most look forward to for Sabrina Walsh Makeup Artistry?
I endeavour to continue my work in the bridal industry, along with expanding what I’m currently offering, to further educate and share my skills. A new service is coming soon, where I help people get the results of a makeup artist, without having me do the make up. Stay up to date @sabrinawalsh_mua on Instagram for launch updates.
Your Special Day
The perfect makeup artist can truly make a difference to how you feel on your special day. If you’re planning your wedding and are interested in Sabrina’s services, you can find out more on her website or Instagram!